2008-02-04 - Laserfiche WebLink

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5 Ms. Latita Owens, a resident of public housing, said she aspires to own her own home. She said housing in Charlottesville is not affordable and she asked Council to pass the ordinance. Ms. Melinda Whitehurst said she works for the Infant Development Project and supports the proposal. She said Council needs to make a real commitment to affordable housing. She said she works with families, many of whom are transient. Mr. Justin Connor, 404 Berwick Court, said that one day he hopes to be able to live in the City. Mr. Tom Twomey, 2268 Stargate Lane, said that IMPACT is working with both the City and the County. He said dedicated funds are needed. He said if Councilors vote against the ordinance he hopes they will explain how that is compatible with their vision statement. Mr. Travis Harris said that IMPACT is composed of 28 area congregations. He said IMPACT members want a dedicated revenue stream. He said he was transient as a child. Mr. Greg Wichelns said the impact of poverty is loaded on the shoulders of children. He said affordable housing is a good first step toward stability at home, and he supports the ordinance. Mr. Peter Loach, 1620 Rose Hill Drive, said he has spent many years working on housing issues. He said there are fewer State dollars for housing and higher demand. He said housing is a lucrative investment. He said City funds can leverage State and federal funds. Mr. Ian Sole, 1141 Kingsway Road, Afton, referred to a pyramid model that shows that food, water and shelter are our most basic needs, and people cannot progress unless they have those. He supported the ordinance. Mr. Robert Johnson, Executive Director of Region Ten Community Services Board, said he thinks the proposal is an excellent idea and he supports it. He said Region Ten has 6,000 consumers each year, and they have a waiting list for housing vouchers. He said he applauds the initiative. Ms. Ayuko White, 832 Ridge Street, said she worked as a housing counselor at the Salvation Army and federal funds would always run out after a few months. She urged Council to vote for the ordinance. Ms. Colette Hall, 101 Robertson Lane, said that her taxes have risen 500%. She said she would prefer not to have the funds dedicated by ordinance unless it affects all citizens. Mr. Joe Szakos, 1132 Otter Street, said he is lucky to own a modest home. He said the people he works with cannot afford to live in the City, and the environment is being ruined because people have to travel long distances to work. He said many middle income people cannot afford to live in the City. He expressed concern about the lack of creativity with the City Manager’s budget. Ms. Naomi Roberts, 1140 St. Clair Avenue, said there is a problem with affordable housing because of greed. She said she is against her tax money going for this. She said there should be other ways to address the problem without taking money from taxpayers. Ms. Myra Anderson, 2517 Hydraulic Road, Apt. 63, said the primary source of her income is social security disability. She said she has a housing subsidy from Region Ten. She asked Council to pass the ordinance and send a message that Charlottesville is a good place to live for all residents. She said people deserve simple decent housing.