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Sune 7, 1967
The Honorable John J. Sparkman
The Honorable Wright Patman
The Honorable William A. Barrett
Gentlemen:
This letter ia to call to your attention my serious concern with a problem
facing the enforcement of housing codes in Atlanta and I am certain in
all the nation's cities.
In accordance with the emphasis placed on housing code enforcement
sought by Secretary Weaver and our own desires, we have moved ahead
vigorously with the housing code provisions in Atlanta. As you know, in
those areas where an urban renewal project or a code enforcement con-
centration area exists, home owners in need may qualify for grants and
low interest loans.
However, there are many areas of Atlanta where we seek to prevent
further deterioration by code enforcement that are as yet not covered
by either of the above programs. Home owners in these areas are with-
out recourse and are in the unhappy situation of having their homes
condemned unless they can produce the necessary funds.
It seems to me that these persons are entitled to relief. In effect they
are in an area covered by U. S. Government action since the required
workable program covers the entire city. They should not be unduly
penalized. To continue to do so creates an unfair situation which will
dndermine the entire effort of cities to enforce their codes.
I, therefore, suggest that action be taken to alleviate this situation. We
suggest two possible courses.
1. As &@ minimum approach the F.H. A. should ease up on their
requirements under 203K and make loans under this program easily
available for financially deprived persons who are subjected to code en-
forcement expenditures.
2. Much more could be accomplished if the benefits of the $1500
grants and the 3% loan were extended to all persons without resources whe
June 7, 1967
Page 2 + The Honorable John J. Sparkman
The Honorable Wright Patman
The Honorable William A. Barrett
are faced with rehabilitation requirements under code enforcement. As
stated above the Workable Program is, in effect, a Federal requirement
for the entire city. It seems possible that the law allowing grants and
loans could be extended to cover all citizens under a workable program.
I would appreciate your giving this problem your most earnest consider-
ation.
Sincerely,
Ivan Allen, Jr.
Mayor
The Honorable Richard J. Daley, Mayor
Chicago, Illinois
The Honorable Jerome P. Cavanaugh, Mayor
Detroit, Michigan
The Honorable John V. Lindsay, Mayor
New York, New York
The Honorable John B. Collins, Mayor
Boston, Massachusetts
Mr. John Gunther, Executive Director
U. S. Conference of Mayors _
Mr. Patrick Healey, Executive Director
National Léague of Cities