Evening star., 1946-12-15
$4,000 Sales Ceilings
For New Homes
Are Removed
(Tert OF Presidents statement on
Page A-6.)
By Joseph A. Fox

ASoAASAV ~ NxA1da loloO 4tlSllt
lifted, with few exceptions,
Government building controls to
spur the housing program.
In a series Of major moves, the
President voided the restriction
which has confined home building
for personal occupancy to veterans;
wiped out the housing priorities
system; removed the $4,000 sales
ceiling on new homes, and modified
the order limiting .nonresidenttal
construction.
While any one now may build a
home for his own occupancy, the
President prescribed that builders
obtain Federal permits. and set up
certain other requirements to curb
luxury-type housing.
Veterans continue to get prefer
ence for every dwelling unit con-
structed for sale or rent, but rent
ceilings were rescaled. An aver
age" monthly rental Of $50 for all
units in any new housing project
now will be permitted. Heretofore,
the individual unit ceiling was $50.
Program to Continue.
IT am determined that vigorous
housing program will continue to
be carried out in 1947," the Presi-
dent said in a 1,500-word state
ment outlining the new program.
"The techniques we will use are
those that will work today. I am
interested in results and I am con-
vinced that this 1947 program will
produce results" He stressed that
"the veterans need remains ex-
tremely urgent"
The new plan was shaped in a
series of White House conferences
in which the President went over
the problem with housing officials,
Cabinet members and representa-
tives of the Reconstruction Finance
Corp, after Wilson Wyatt, housing
expediter, quit in a dispute with
other agency heads whom he
charged with blocking his program.
The new plan follows in large
part the recommendations of real
estate and construction industry
leaders who contended that more
homes would be built without Gov
ernment restrictions than with
them. Every control removed by
Mr.. Truman represented a reversal
of the Wyatt program.
Rental Housing Stressed.
'~The main point Of emphasis for
1947 is rental housing the Presi-
dent said. within the total num-
ber Of homes to- be built, it Is OF
major Importance that q maximum
number of rental units be provided.
We are planning financing and
other aids that viii encourage build
ers to produce units for rent
Certain special measures also are
to be continued, he added, listing
apprentice training in the building
trades to Stave of a shortage of
rnanpower; technical research, land
above all, steps to reduce perma-
nently the, cost of housing, most no.
tably by aiding manufacturers of
new materials and factory built
homes"
The President expressed the opin-
ion that the overall housing sup
ply will be increased, and in many
instances additional accommoda-
tions will be made available for vet
Grams, under the decision to throw
home building for personal occu-
pancy open to all.
School Need Cited.
In explanation of the iberalizing
of restrictions on nonresidential
construction, Mr.. Truman said
there is increasing need for schools
and stores and other community
facilities in connection with new
housing developments, and for Ger
tain essential industrial and re-
search projects"
Fortunately, we can safely per-
init some increase in nonhouSing
construction because of the greatly
increased volume Of building mate
rials," he added.
Three checks were imposed on
home builders:
/. The proposed dwelling must be
designed for year-round occupancy.
2. Total floor area will be re-
stricted.
" 8. The maximum $50 average
rental for project units. This will
be exclusive of charges for services.
Rent ceilings also will be established
for individual houses built to rent.
System Called Simple.
1.-THE permit system will be simple.
It will not be necessary to have sales
prices set, or to meet the standards
and inspection requirements of the
present priority system" the Pres
ident's statement said.
In wiping out priorities, Mr.. Tru-
man said that these ratings were
necessary this year, when materials
were In critical short supply, but that