The Tribune. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1951-19??, 1954-03-27
ChariOtteSUiIIe's Public HOUSING
Pot Starts To Simmer
By Randolph l.. White

AS the Charlottesville Housing Referendum nears
the April Is date of it's resovemen by the local
press that the pot has started to simmer.
First there appeared be some persons who charg-
ed that the Mayors Housing Information Committee was
issuing biased information the subject However,
nothing could be further from the truth If there any
bias appearing in the materials by that committee
have been unable to detect it after number of perusas
More recently, local taxpayer has expressed him
self in print being fearful of the establishment of
Public Housing and Redeveopment Authority because
commitments that have known end" he seems be-
lieve such authority make.
We attended several meetings and listened to var
Gus persons officially connected with public housing
redevelopment in Virginia, and time
we heard OF such authority having the to make
limitess commitments On the contrary provided by
Virginia law local governing bodies have adequate con-
trolls over such authorities.
When Charlottesville's slum areas were thoroughly
surveyed 1880 the survey disclosed that there were
77bocks inspected and SIT dwellings found to be
uninhabtable and declared needing demolition.
Yet, there seems to be among persons who clamor
for further study of the problem. Already than
five have been used up studying arguing this
veXlng problem, which, in my opinion should have
quired no than few days insofar determining
the need is concerned Just walk drive through the
cyS SUM sections all that should have been necessary
to convince any famnded taxpayer of the crying
to clean such in Charlottesville Certainly only
the most naive person could conclude otherwise.
In the Mayors Housing Referendum Committees
folder containing unbiased" information for Charottes-
vile taxpayers concerning the establishment of Hous
ing Authority in Charlottesville, the following sugges-
tiOns offered Don't make a quick hurried de-
cison to whether you will vote for against the
Establishment of Housing Authority in Charlottesville"
Don't let anyone make this decision for you. Under
form of government you have the right and the
spOnsibilty to make your decision"
CRY to get all of the important facts that bear
the problem to weigh these, to clarity your ideas about
Characteristics responsibility to it's citizens and only
then decide what you think is best for the families that
would be affected directly, and for the community
whole In getting information which to act visit the
sections of the city that have been declared sum
by the Health Department report and other studies and
observe housing conditions If possible talk with the
cupants of of the houses that obviously in bad
condition with respect to light heat and sanitary faci
tiles With the families permssons inspect the inside
well the exterior of some of the houses"
Thus writes Mayors Housing Referendum Com
Imttee In view of the committees suggestions this
writer for refers all those persons clamoring for
more information the subject to do just what the
mttee has suggesedgo take looksee for themselves,
then follow the dictates of their consciences