Mr. Mann's Pulse article and subsequent postings are so rife with error and misinterpretation it's hard to know where to begin. But some facts: (apologies for the length)
The Hollman Consent Decree required the MPHA to replace 770 public housing units, not 900 as Mr. Mann states (minor point, I realize) The relocation process for the families who resided at Sumner-Olson, Glenwood-Lyndale categorically did not produce a corresponding increase in homelessness for people eligible for public housing. All residents were relocated in accordance with federal law, some purchased homes, others moved to other public housing, some chose to use a Section 8 voucher to move elsewhere in the Twin Cities or other areas of the country. No one ended up displaced from public housing to no housing. The original consent decree deadline for replacement of the 770 units was not November 2002. It is October 1, 2004. The November 2002 date corresponds to the date that the court oversight of the defendants activities was to end. The defendants, however were still on the hook to finish the housing by the 2004 deadline. And in fact it was the City's and MPHA's decision to ask the court to continue the oversight of the decree until the housing was completed. The federal court agreed to this request. Mr. Mann states that the City and MPHA predicted that it would take until 2007 or 2008 to finish the housing. That year relates to the for-sale housing that is to be built at Heritage Park. The for-sale housing is outside the 770 public housing units that are to be replaced under the Decree, which, as stated above, are to be completed by October 2004. It is true that the City has informed the plaintiffs that the last 38 public housing units (out of a total of 770 or less than 5 percent) would not be finished by October 1, 2004, but would in fact would be under construction at that time and would be ready for occupancy by March 2005 or a delay of 6 months. The reason for the delay was the geotechnical issues at Heritage Pa rk (not polluted soils mind you), the need for additional funding, and the general complexity of developing a 73 acre site with new infrastructure, streets, and housing. Due to HUD reneging on previous funding commitments, there is a $7.5 million gap to finish the last 38 units. This issue is being brought in front of Judge Rosenbaum in October. Even if the City/MPHA loses its argument, it is still on the hook to complete the units. MPHA would have to come up with the money from other sources -- the lack of money does not excuse it from meeting the terms of the consent decree. Look for a resolution to the funding issue soon and the last 38 replacement units built and occupied with only the 6 month delay. Furthermore MPHA did not "lose" or squander the money. HUD gave one lump sum to MPHA to build all the housing in 1995 with no provisions for inflation or increased housing values. Image someone giving you money in 1995 to buy a house in 2003. Also image that in 1995 you needed a two-bedroom home but since then your family size has increased and now you need a 4-bedroom house. Given the fact of home price increases since 1995 do you think you would have enough money to buy house now? That's the situation facing MPHA with the settlement dollars. Also HUD limits how much money can be spent on a unit and every dollar spent is highly regulated and audited on an annual basis. MPHA and the City can account for every single dollar spent with the settlement dollars, and they can produce the voluminous audits to back it up. Regarding McCormack Baron and the settlement dollars. Remember the settlement dollars only pay for the public housing units at Heritage Park and public housing only comprises 45 percent of the housing built. McCormack Baron has millions of dollars of private investments, and other MCDA and MHFA funds to pay for the other affordable units. If you gotten this far congratulations. It should be pointed out that the Hollman Consent Decree is but one such deconcentration lawsuit that was filed in the 1990's throughout the country. Minneapolis is the only one that is being implemented successfully with 472 of the units being replaced in suburban communities. To date nearly 550 units are occupied by public housing residents with another 80 or so to be completed by the end of the year. Besides the last 38 units at Heritage Park, all other units will be completed and occupied by October 1, 2004 as required by the Consent Decree. Naysayers can howl and rant all they want but the fact is they've been wrong every step of the way. They were wrong when they stated that the former residents would never be allowed back at Heritage Park, they were wrong when they said that the suburbs would never take replacement units, they were wrong when they said that the employment goals for minorities and women would never be met, they were wrong when they said the ground water was polluted, and they are wrong now. All the conspiracy theories, unsubstantiated accusations, and poorly researched newspaper articles can't change those facts. Dean E. Carlson East Harriet, Ward 10 REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
