Evening star., 1946-12-15

:. DEcEMBER IS. ,sA6.
II Text Of I run1d
/ FOLLOWING is the tert OF Presi-
dent Trum1n's housing program
as issued last night BY the White
House.
In my recent statement on hous-
ing I made 1t clear that there would
be no major notifications In the
objective of rapidly and adequately
housing our veterans. At the same
time ] emphasized the great need
to stimulate rental housing for vet
Grams and pointed out that the
overall program must be within
the framework of the Governments
announced policy OF relaxing con-
trofs. Z
I am determined that vigorous
housing program will continue to be
carried out In 1947.
The techniques we will use are
those that will work today. / am
interested In results and am con-
vinced that this l947 program will
produce results.
The main point of emphasis for
1947 is rental housing. Within the
total number OF homes to be built,
| 1t is of major Importance that a
maximum number of rental units be
provided. We are planning financing
and other aids that will encourage
builders to produce units for rent.
In 1947 we will continue. at least
for some months, the basic limita-
ton order on nonresidential con-.
struction and the ALLEGATION Of cer-
tain raw materials for the produc-
ton Of housing items. But these
will be relaxed or dropped as rapid
ly as the situation permits. The
priority rating system for builders
and individuals is being discon-s
tinued.
We are also planning to carry
through on certain special programs
already underway: Apprentice
training: technical research; and
above all steps to reduce perma-
nently the cost of housing, most
notably by aiding manufacturers of
new materials and factory built
homes.
THE PROGRAM.
Restrictions on NonresidentiaI
Construction.
The completion of homes must
constitute on an increasing scale.
The most important governmental
order which enables us to accom-
plish this purpose is the order limit
ing nonresidential construction.
This must be continued. However,
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 permit some increase in nom
housing construction because OF the
greatly increased volume of build
ing materials As the supply i'm
proves, the order can be relaxed to
allow more nonresidential construc-
ton.
Permission to Build Homes.
During 1916, the large volume OF
dwelling units has been put under
construction and the completion
rate of these homes has been in
creasing from month to month.
Nevertheless, the veterans need re-
mains extremely urgent and we rec
ognize this by continuing to give
veterans preference for every dwell
ing unit constructed for sale or rent.
However, from now on any person
who wishes to build home for his
personal occupancy will be permitted
to do so, subject to certain reStric-
tions. This will increase the overall
housing supply and, in many IN
stances, make additional homes
available for veterans.
The construction of housing will
be authorized by. Federal permits.
The major restrictions will be i'm
posed are:
l. The proposed dwelling must be
designed for year -round occupancy.
2. The total floor area will be re-
stricted.
3. In the case of rental housing
projects, maximum rents, excluding
charges for services, will be set, at
project average not exceeding $50
per unit. Rentals will also be estab-
lished for individual houses built Tor
rental purposes.
The permit system will be simple.
Tt will not be necessary to have
sales prices set, or to meet the
standards and inspection require
ments of the present priority sys-
tenn.
PriOrities.
Priority ratings were necessary In
1946 while building materials were
in critically short supply, but the
increasing production of building
materials coupled with the limita-
ton on nonresidential construction
and a continued postponement Of
luxury type housing make the prior
ity system no longer necessary.
Outstanding priorities with their
attendant obligations will be hon.
ored, but the issuance of any ad-
ditional priorities to builders or
manufacturers Of homes will be dis
continued as soon as the permit sys-
tenn gets into operation.
ALLEGATION Of Materials.
| The production of critical build
ing materials will require the con-
tinued ALLEGATION of few raw ma
terials during the first quarter OF
1947. If present high levels of pro-
duction are maintained, 1t should
be possible to discontinue raw ma
terials ALLEGATION at that time.
Premium Payments.
/ During 1916, premium payments
have been successfully used for in
creasing the production of. many
building materials. However, pres
ent conditions require critical re-
view of each of these plans and the
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