Box 5, Folder 2, Document 36

Box 5, Folder 2, Document 36

DRAFT
Mr. Cecil A. Alexander, Chairman
Housing Resources Committee
Finch, Alexander, Barnes, Rothschild and Paschal
10th Floor Standard Federal Building
44 Broad Street, N.W.
Atlanta, Georgia 30303
Dear Cecil:

It is with regret that I was unable to attend the Second Annual
Meeting of the Housing Resources Committee on December 12, 1968.
However, I have received and read with interest the Committee's report
and wish to thank the Housing Resources Committee for a job well done.

I note that eithourk our initial replacement goals of low and
medium income housing are in the pipeline, those figures do not take
into consideration interim growth of the City, formation of new families
and any in-migration which may occur. These factors will undoubtedly
increase our requirements in the low-income housing field. Also, it
is necessary to follow through after units get in the "pipeline" to
insure completion when they are most needed.

I note in the "FUTURE DIRECTION" portion of the Committee's report
that you request consideration by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the
proposals numerated therein and a revised statement of mission for the
Committee.

It is my understanding that copies of the Committee's report have
been provided all members of the Board of Aldermen and I feel sure will
receive sympathetic consideration.

With respect to revised mission, as we are all sadly aware, in spite
of our efforts and accomplishments to date in the low-income housing
field, there still exist. several sizable slum pockets in the City.
Until these can be eliminated, through the Neighborhood Development
Program, or otherwise by private enterprise, I want the Committte to
remain in tact and work aggressively toward our ultimate goal of
providing a decent, safe and sanitary dwelling unit for all of our
citizens, To this end I suggest that your Committee concentrate on
the following;

1. Endeavor to get low-income housing developed
near sources of employment for the occupants,
2. Encourage and cooperate in development of
low and medium income housing in unincorporated

areas of adjoining Counties.
Mr. Cecil A.

Page 2
January

3.

Alexander

Stive for elimination of slum pockets within

the City, through inclusion of such areas in future
annual increments of the Neighborhood Development
Program and or by other means,

Assist, where feasible, in rehabilitation of
appropriate structures in all areas of the

City, especially in the gray areas approaching
decay.

Encourage development of medium and high priced
housing within the City.

Continue to encourage the development of advanced
building methods in the areas of low income housing.
Direct your attention to the social problems
involved in low income families and neighborhoods

in changing patterns.

In addition, I suggest that a joint study of the housing needs of

the City be conducted by the Atlanta Housing Authority, the City Planning

Department and the Housing Resources Committee to determine the true

extent of Atlanta's needs. It is my understanding that A.R.M.P.C. is

conducting a survey of housing needs in the metropolitan area and it

is suggested that you call upon them for assistance.

Sincerely,

Ivan Allen, Jr.
Mayor