Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, December 15, 1993 TAG: 9312150249
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
A federal official confirmed Tuesday that the city no longer would be eligible for funds for subsidized housing and other services for the economically disadvantaged unless it submits an acceptable plan by Dec. 31.
"If we don't have a plan, they can't get any more [funds]," said Alwyn Jennings, acting director of community planning and development for the Richmond office of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Mayor David Bowers objects to the housing plan, saying it perpetuates racial and economic segregation in the Roanoke Valley.
The plan should be a regional document that requires other valley localities to provide subsidized housing and other services for low-income people, Bowers said.
Jennings said HUD encourages regional cooperation. But there is no requirement for other valley localities to prepare a plan, she said, because they are not receiving federal funds for housing.
"We would hope there would be cooperation," Jennings said, "but we can't require it."
Meanwhile, some council members seemed to be backing away Tuesday from a fight with the federal government over the issue.
Councilman Delvis "Mac" McCadden said Tuesday he believes council should send a strong message to the federal government, but it should not jeopardize the funds.
"The valley needs to make a conscious effort to be more diverse racially and economically," McCadden said. "The other localities need to accept some responsibility for housing and other services.
"If it comes down to the money," McCadden said, "I would have to vote to approve the plan."
Councilman William White said council probably will have to comply with the requirement, because it can't risk losing the money.
Jennings said the state is required to have a statewide affordable-housing plan, which could relieve part of the burden on the city.
Council is scheduled to vote next week on the plan, which includes strategies for providing affordable housing for low-income people and special groups, such as the mentally ill and homeless. City officials briefed council on the plan this week.
One city official said council members apparently were trying to make a point, but they likely will approve the plan next week.
by CNB