Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, December 15, 1993 TAG: 9312150248
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: DAVID M. POOLE STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
The debate was sparked by a Richmond developer's request to finance a 120-unit apartment complex off Peters Creek Road through the Virginia Housing Development Authority.
A staff report claimed the apartments would be for "low-income" residents, but some supervisors said the term did not fit a development where units would rent for $550 a month.
Hollins District Supervisor Bob Johnson said the development authority has a reputation for financing some pricey rental projects that are beyond the means of low-income people.
"It's an embarrassment. . . . It has nothing to do with affordable housing," he said.
Johnson, who is president of HCMF Real Estate, also noted that the developers could proceed with the authority's financing even if the Board of Supervisors went on record against it.
But some supervisors wondered if the county, by opposing the project, would give fuel to Roanoke officials who accuse the county of ignoring the critical need for low-income housing.
"I think we're sending a wrong message to the community," said Lee Eddy, Windsor Hills supervisor.
The authority's rental program does not offer direct rent subsidies to tenants, but provides financing and tax incentives that allow developers to rent at below market rates, according to Roanoke County Planning Director Terry Harrington.
Castle Development Corp. of Midlothian is seeking financing of an apartment complex on 14 acres behind Burlington Elementary School. Most of the units would rent for $550, while about 20 percent would rent in the $460-$480 range, Harrington said.
The land - zoned for multifamily use - is in Johnson's district.
Johnson said his opinion of the authority's program is based in part on his experience in managing rental property financed through the state.
"You need to gain that experience. It's an eye-opening one," he said.
The supervisors voted 3-2 to support Johnson's motion to take no action on the authority's request for comments.
Supervisors Ed Kohinke, Fuzzy Minnix and Johnson supported the motion. Supervisors Harry Nickens and Eddy were opposed.
Johnson said the board should use its upcoming retreat, scheduled Jan. 7, to discuss real ways to promote affordable housing.
"It's time to put up or shut up," he said.
In other action, the supervisors said they wanted to take a firm stand for keeping alcoholic beverages out of county parks - even during festivals or special events.
County Administrator Elmer Hodge asked for the board's direction in replying to requests from several groups, including Festival in the Park of Roanoke Inc., which wanted to sponsor a Shrimp Fest at Green Hill Park near Salem.
Nickens said it would be "hypocritical" for the county to grant exceptions to the no-drinking policy.
One exception is the annual Polo Match, a fund-raiser for the Roanoke Symphony held at Green Hill Park.
The county granted the symphony a 10-year contract to use the park after the symphony agreed to spend $100,000 to upgrade a field for polo.
"Sometimes, you sell your soul for the benefit of someone else's dollars," Nickens said.
Nickens said the Board of Supervisors did not realize that drinking would be allowed at the polo match when it approved the contract several years ago. The contract will expire in seven years.
Hodge said the symphony has taken steps to control the consumption of alcohol by spectators. "It's almost nonexistent," he said.
by CNB