10-17-88 Personnel & Finance and Residential Neighborhoods

Home Browse Search

Joint Meeting of the Personnel and Finance and Residential Neighborhoods Committees 10-17-88 Page 3 program. He also confirmed that he received a letter stating that approximately 4 million dollars would be received for maintenance needs. He stated that home ownership now has approximately 50 units remaining in it. Councilman Duda questioned that if 10 million dollars did not address the maintenance needs how much money would actually be needed. Mr. Watson stated that the problem arose because of major deferred maintenance needs which made up the majority of the 10 million dollar amount. He did not see this happening again. Mr. Watson also noted that currently there is a better funding mechanism to modernize units than before. He also stated that he believed the current system is much more fair than previous years. He noted that 23 billion dollars is needed nationwide to bring all units up to standard. A study is currently going on to determine how much money will be needed to be set aside in a fund. He stated that this will require a battle with Congress for such funds to be established. Mr. Watson then stated that applicants for the program need to show substantial progress in the following areas: credit checks, checks with current employers, current or previous employer checks, police checks, and inspections of current residences. He also highlighted that public housing takes on many definitions. For some in the past it was viewed as the "housing of last resort". Now, however, housing authorities are acting just like any other landlord which have established guidelines which must be addressed and adhered to. The shift is now from moderate income to lower income with 80% to 50% of the median being the majority. The rent-income ratio has been increased from 25% to 30% thus rent is increased and enforces many role models out of such facilities. He also noted that many of the residents are being transferred out of public housing units and those on a waiting list are being used for the 50 new homes which are currently being purchased. Councilman Niezgodski questioned whether local funds for maintenance are actually needed in light of funds available through the Federal government. Mr. Watson stated that the South Bend Housing Authority would accept whatever the "City fathers established". He stated that if the Federal government becomes derelict in its duty, then such funds which would be established by the City, would be used. He further stated that he did not believe that these funds would be utilized because of mismanagement and only in the case where the Federal government failed to address a funding problem. Councilman Niezgodski added that he oppossed money being set aside for this purpose. He further stated that be believed the Council was not giving the City Administration the opportunity to act or react to the