The Ypsilanti daily press. (Ypsilanti, Mich.) 1928-1962, 1941-11-04
DEFENSE HOusING

II you dislike reading ABOUT CON
OCCASIONAL controversies as much as
We dislike writing about them. you
arc really tired OF them You nave
the advantage. however. for We are
compelled to tell you about what is
happening That l., what our SUD
s.-.aers pay for-lnformation. Blu
you don't have 10 read this kind 10
stU II you don't wan, 10.
Tile issue just now seems 10 be
defense Housing Like every big
program, no matter how Il is han
dlel mere Is sure 20 be complaint
and l.ssatisfactiou. The capital Is
huzzi1s with charges OF confusion
in government housing circles.
overlapping functions OF agencies,
and resulting loss OF efficiency,
One Of the most oiten-heard
forecasts is the prediction that
Fedora works Agency Aiminihtra-
TOY JOHN VI. Carmody will be re-
p.eced by Col Philip Fleming. and
tie FWA elevated TO the dominant
role ID re construction OF defense
housing
support for this thesis IS found
among several members OF the
House Public Building and Grounds
committee. IN hearings on the Adj
minisrauoa request for an sddi-
tional S451900 600 for defense hous-
fug and facilities.
Rep. Boykin ID Ala. chairman
OF a subcommittee which has Just
completed = nationwide inspection
tour. announces that ais group
approves the additional appropria-
tinn- hui tn request does not face
smooth sailing before the full com
mittee
With widespread demands preYa-
lent for governmental economy,
there is opposition TO blank check
e .0u ions Autocratic bureau
cracy" is assaiied with charges that
government housing agencies are
falling 10 cooperate with local au-
tLorities
Rep. Boykin says the defense
housing program is Just about 80
per cent successful, while other
members o. the subcommittee ad-
vance the more cautious view that
II was generally successful.
criticism voiced by a minority
member is hat government housing
agencies are asking local authori-
ties How much 90 YOU want?" not
What do you need? He condemns
the alleged practice OF eXerting
pressure 10 sell .ousing develop
men,s without regard 10 require
ments.
Other criticisms pertain to tech
nical matters. such as materials
employed and the selection OF sites.
Committee member, also express
the view that the government
should not en- er into. he business OF
constructing houses Taerever COM
mercial or private capital will, or
can be enticed into beng used for
this purpose. Boykin would extend
the use OF government priority IA
cilities for the benefit o. any such
commercial developm He alsa
recommends discon'inua1ce OF the
practice OF setting aside IL per cen.
OF defense housing rents 20 be paid
70 the various cities 10 lieu Of taxes,
IN favor OF system whereby each
case will be considered Oh its mer'
It's and the payment 1Xei IN rela-
ton 10 a fair taxable value.
During his visit here Rep Boykin
was tayorably impressed With the
progress made In housing about
Ypeilanu He and his committee Wis
tied the Ford factories a11 were
well entertained In De,ro during
their stay. His. support may be ex-
pected for housing project in this
area II government aid il consid-
cred necessary. but there r. 10 in
formation available as ye =zard-
ing that immediate need
Much will depend upon the River
Rouge plant and the number Of
men employed there. II Gs.snse
orders FOR held equipment taxes Up
the slack IN automobile proil .lon.
there viii be several Thousand 1ew
jobs for new workers in ai- 'ain-
ity, which will mean mans Wv
homes. Indications now are Il at
direction.