Wednesday, September 21, 2011

PRESERVING AFFORDABLE RENTAL HOUSING -- part 10


PRESERVING AFFORDABLE RENTAL HOUSING

As National Church Residences continues to expand beyond its traditional portfolio of affordable housing for elderly and disabled people and tackles more diversified projects for all ages and populations, Senior Vice President of Acquisitions and Development Michelle Norris sees a need for more flexibility from HUD.

“HUD headquarters must help steer the deal through the complicated old regulations that seem to want to trip up every deal and expedite the timing. Preservation often takes longer to do than new construction which means we aren't reaching as many communities as we should quick enough.” Norris said.

“Preservation is complicated, often frustrating and hard to execute with excellence,” she continued. “However, when it is done right, it is absolutely the right thing to do. It is more economical than building new, it is inherently green, it allows residents to stay in their communities and it creates partnership and great pride in all who are involved in saving the housing.”

Wright frequently writes about smart growth and sustainable communities. He and his wife live in a restored historic home in the heart of Miami’s Little Havana. Contact him at: stevewright64@yahoo.com

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