Minutes 02/14/1989 - Laserfiche WebLink

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TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1989 In consideration of the available funds for rehabilitation of owner occupied and rental property for low and moderate income people, the vehicle is in place to upgrade the City's existing housing stock as needed and to insure that such units are properly maintained in the future. It is, there- fore, recommended that our current rehabilitation efforts, both private and public, be continued, subject to any program or funding changes by the various agencies. The Rental Assistance Program that was enacted by the City in cooperation with Henry County has been very successful in meeting the housing needs of low-income families. Currently there are 211 persons participating in the regular Rental Assistance Program, with 91 residing in the mod rehab units, making a total of 302 living units. All housing units involved in this program must be improved and brought to Federal Section 8 Standards before they can be rented under the assistance program. In addition, frequent inspections are required and made to insure that these units are maintained to acceptable standards. The program is popular both in Martinsville and Henry County and is now being used in Patrick County. As of the present we have a waiting list of 500-600. The rent that is paid by those in the program depends upon their income and family size. The rental rates for mod rehab units are set by VHDA with the rent for the regular rental assistance units being established on a basis of reasonableness which is predicated upon comparative rental rates in the area. This program is very effective and should be 'continued to meet the housing needs of the very low and low income citizens. In summary, it is difficult to develop a housing policy and program that will completely satisfy everyone in the community; yet, I believe that the above addresses, in an appropriate manner, the role that the City and private enterprise should play in attempting to meet the current and future housing needs of the City. It should be recognized, however, that the lack of land that can be easily and economically developed in the City has some negative effect on the construction of new housing in the City. The inability to expand the City's corporate boundary under State statutes is a real impediment to the expansion of housing in the City. Meanwhile, legislation now under consideration by the General Assembly having to do with restructuring local government is very vital to the City. Even though I prefer for Martinsville to retain its Independent City status, the inability to grow is a real impediment to the City's well-being. Thus, unless the annexation immunity provisions of the State statutes are repealed (which is very unlikely), I believe that serious consideration should be given to the support of legislation that would reclassify cities such as Martinsville to a Tier City status (a City in the County). A current proposal, to reclassify certain size cities to Tier City status, would allow Martinsville to consider annexation of additional territory every five years. There is a real need for Martinsville to have suitable land for growth and development in order to maintain a sound economic base, therefore, we should promote and support any reasonable legislative effort to make this possible.