Dublin Core
Title
Box 18, Folder 11, Document 20
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Text
DRAFT
June 6, 1967
The Honorable John J. Sparkman
The Honorable Wright Patman
The Honorable William A. Barrett
Gentlemen:
This letter is to call to your attention my serious concern with a
problem facing the enforcement of housing codes in Atlanta and I am
certain in all the nation's cities.
In accordance with the emphasis placed on housing code enforcement
sought by Secretary Weaver and our own desires, we have moved ahead vigorously
with the housing code provisions in Atlanta. As you know, in those
areas where an urban renewal project or a code enforcement concentra-
tion area exists, home owners in need may qualify for grants and low
interest loans.
However, there are many areas of Atlanta where we seek to prevent
further deterioration by code enforcement that are as yet not covered
by either of the above programs. Home owners in these areas are with-
out recourse and are in the unhappy situation of having their homes
condemned unless they can produce the necessary funds.
It seems to me that these persons are entitled to relief. In effect
they are in an area covered by U. S. Government action since the re-
quired workable program covers the entire city. They should not be
unduly penalized. To continue to do so creates an unfair situation
which will undermine the entire effort of cities to enforce their codes.
I therefore suggest that action be taken to alleviate this situation.
We suggest two possible courses.
1. As a minimum approach the F.H.A. should ease up on their re-
quirements under 203K and make loans under this program easily avail-
able for financially deprived persons who are subjected to code en-
forcement expenditures.
2. Much more could be accomplished if the benefits of the $1500
grants and the 3% loan were extended to all persons without resources
who are faced with rehabilitation requirements under code enforcement.
As stated above the Workable Program is, in effect, a Federal require-
June 6, 1967
Page 2 - The Honorable John J. Sparkman
The Honorable Wright Patman
The Honorable William A. Barrett
ment, for the entire city. It seems possible that the law allowing
grants and loans could be extended to cover all citizens under a
workable program.
2 aa ae
fay hatesyor e this problem your most earnest considerationf
Sincerely,
Ivan Allen, Jr.
Mayor
cc: The Honorable Richard J. Daley, Mayor
Chicago, Illinois
The Honorable Jerome P. Cavanaugh, Mayor
Detroit, Michigan |
The Honorable John V. Lindsay, Mayor
Neéw :York, New York
The Honorable John B. Collins, Mayor
Boston, Mass.
Mr. John Gunther, Executive Director
U. S. Conference of Mayors
Mr. Patrick Healey, Executive Director
National League of Cities
June 6, 1967
The Honorable John J. Sparkman
The Honorable Wright Patman
The Honorable William A. Barrett
Gentlemen:
This letter is to call to your attention my serious concern with a
problem facing the enforcement of housing codes in Atlanta and I am
certain in all the nation's cities.
In accordance with the emphasis placed on housing code enforcement
sought by Secretary Weaver and our own desires, we have moved ahead vigorously
with the housing code provisions in Atlanta. As you know, in those
areas where an urban renewal project or a code enforcement concentra-
tion area exists, home owners in need may qualify for grants and low
interest loans.
However, there are many areas of Atlanta where we seek to prevent
further deterioration by code enforcement that are as yet not covered
by either of the above programs. Home owners in these areas are with-
out recourse and are in the unhappy situation of having their homes
condemned unless they can produce the necessary funds.
It seems to me that these persons are entitled to relief. In effect
they are in an area covered by U. S. Government action since the re-
quired workable program covers the entire city. They should not be
unduly penalized. To continue to do so creates an unfair situation
which will undermine the entire effort of cities to enforce their codes.
I therefore suggest that action be taken to alleviate this situation.
We suggest two possible courses.
1. As a minimum approach the F.H.A. should ease up on their re-
quirements under 203K and make loans under this program easily avail-
able for financially deprived persons who are subjected to code en-
forcement expenditures.
2. Much more could be accomplished if the benefits of the $1500
grants and the 3% loan were extended to all persons without resources
who are faced with rehabilitation requirements under code enforcement.
As stated above the Workable Program is, in effect, a Federal require-
June 6, 1967
Page 2 - The Honorable John J. Sparkman
The Honorable Wright Patman
The Honorable William A. Barrett
ment, for the entire city. It seems possible that the law allowing
grants and loans could be extended to cover all citizens under a
workable program.
2 aa ae
fay hatesyor e this problem your most earnest considerationf
Sincerely,
Ivan Allen, Jr.
Mayor
cc: The Honorable Richard J. Daley, Mayor
Chicago, Illinois
The Honorable Jerome P. Cavanaugh, Mayor
Detroit, Michigan |
The Honorable John V. Lindsay, Mayor
Neéw :York, New York
The Honorable John B. Collins, Mayor
Boston, Mass.
Mr. John Gunther, Executive Director
U. S. Conference of Mayors
Mr. Patrick Healey, Executive Director
National League of Cities
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