Milford chronicle., 1934-08-03
Total 4 8 2 / / 1

AANhOu6n lhC NaSdhIACo 0RRC6A "
be available at low rentals. the ex-
PLANTATION of this probably lies in the
fact that the great percentage of the
vacancies we're reported as in less
than fair condition. The result is
that homes apparently available at
low prices are actually high priced
in view of the accommodations ac-
tually offered.
The absence of a proper supply of
homes is distinct detTiment to the
community. Low vacancies result in
high rentals which keep prospective
newcomers from entering the COM
munity and discourage residents
from remaining. Urban communities
have suffered severely in recent
years by a movement to adjoining
suburban areas. This trend can only
be stopped by the provision of am
pie and attractive accommodations
within the community
Sheriff's Sales
Home ownership appears to have
been very stable in Milford for the
last several years. Less than 139o OF
the properties have passed through
the Sheriff's hands per year. The
peak was reached in 1888. which has
also been true in other communities
in the State. This was doubtless
caused by the continued financial
stress of the depression. If new
construction is undertaken at prices
within the real capacity of the pur-
chaser to pay. this stable condition
of ownership can be maintained. II,
on the other hand. new homes are
priced above this capacity. any re-
curing stress will cause a rise in
distress sales of property.
New Construction
Only five homes were found under
construction during the time of the
survey. 1t would appear that the
construction of another 25 homes
would be justified at the present
time As a matter of fact, the con-
struction of many more than this
would be iustifable if accompanied
by the destruction of the many
dwellings found to be actually un-
tenantable or in a condition beyond
repair.
New housing should be of the
low-cost type to sell for less than
$4,000 or to rent from $50 down.
Four-fifths of the wage earners of
the State should not pay more than
these figures.
Rehabilitation
The need for rehabilitation work |
in Milford stands out above other !
facts gathered during the survey. !
Ten per cent of the dwellings were
recorded as being in poor condition
land another 1919 were worst than
that). but susceptible of repairing I
and rebuilding. 1t is proposed under
the National Housing Act to bring /
out of private lending sources
money for rehabilitation of homes.
In connection with this program
there exists the opportunity for an
active campaign in Milford for the
repair. modernization and rebuild
ing of this appreciable percentage
Of its homes adjudged poor"
Slum Problems and Remedies
1t was quite surprising to find
hat in addition to the 1919 of homes
Iound to be in poor" condition, a
Iurther 1879 we're labelled very
poor" or mot tenantable." This lat
er 1919 were spread over the city
With concentrations in the first and )
ourth wards. In most cases rows
" dilapidated structurally unsOund
dwellings, we're found together. with
nearby blocks in excellent condi-
ion.
These same rows of broken-down
louses were supported by rows of
'utdoor toilets. The novels and the
oilets should disappear together.
iany of these conditions could be
DIRECTED or removed by utilizing
III the powers of the city adminis-
ration.
The demolition of the worst rows
( dwellings can possibly be
rought about through the activities
( the Housing Division of the Pub
c Works Administration. Further
tudies will be made by the State
ioard of Housing to determine If
he areas can be cleared through CO.
peration with the Federal author
les. Such clearance would be fol-
owed by the construction of new
,w-cost dwellings, operated under
he State Housing and Housing Au-
lOrities Acts.
Disease
The coincidence of disease and
ad housing is strikingly shown.
wo definite areas have developed. I
nd 1t is these areas which should
, attacked first in an endeavor to {
ipe out the bad housing and bring
bout a decrease in disease and y
saths.
OnelusiORs and Recommendations I
II is recommended that the Board Z
Health require the prompt re-: a
,rting of all disease cases; that d
ese cases be located on a map to ?
low any concentration or repeti- o
1n of diseases in particular areas. Z
that prompt remedial and preven- b
We measures may be taken. a
Continuation OF the. permit sys- h
m for new construction is recon-