Minutes 10/09/1990 - Laserfiche WebLink

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designed to meet the goals and objectives of thespian. Itis my feeling that a strong effort has been made over the years to address the various issues and concerns identified in the Com- prehensive Plan and as .referred to in the Editorial and Rating Guide. I would point out, .however, as I did in a previous report, there were many elements used in the Rating Guide over which Martinsville has no control, such as temperature extremes, snowfall, etc. I wish to comment as briefly as possible on major elements of the Comprehensive Plan and actions that have been or are being taken to fulfill the objectives of the Plan. These comments will also serve as a general response to the matters referred to in the Editorial and Rating Guide and in some cases extend beyond the subjects discussed in the Editorial and Guide. POPULATION AND HOUSING The current Comprehensive Plan notes that the State projected a drop in population in Martinsville for the years 1970-1980 from 19,653 to 18,149 and a further projected drop in population from 1980-1990 to 17,300. The preliminary census figures indicate that our population was actually placed at 16,034 for 1990. However, it seems to me that the latest census figures are pos- sibly flawed and at some time in the near future a check should be made to determine our actual population which is needed in connection with future planning for the City. We were hopeful that, with the increase of approximately 300 housing units from 1980 to 1990, our population would have stablized around 18,000. However, there is a possibility of a loss in population for the last ten years for the same reasons that are cited in the Comprehensive Plan with respect to the population loss from 1970-80, which was attributed primarily to growth in the number of elderly persons and the decline in the number of married couples and families with children. There were. other reasons for the projected population loss as cited in the Comprehensive Plan, such as migration of people to areas outside of the City, the conversion of housing stock to other uses, along-with the removal of housing in connection with highway projects. Recognizing the relationship between available and affordable housing and population loss, the City responded first by prepar- ing and implementing a housing program involving the rehabilita- tion of deteriorated housing and the provision of new affordable housing for low and moderate income persons. The plan also pro- vided incentives to encourage the development of new market-rate housing in the City. Sizeable rehabilitation projects were im- plemented in the Southside, Northside and West End of the City as a part of the housing program. The purpose of this effort was to upgrade and stabilize neighborhoods to prevent further deterioration which could, if allowed to continue, result in substantial housing loss with a probable resultant loss of popu- lation. This program has, in our opinion, been very effective and has served its purpose well. This is an ongoing program 2