News & Events
Housing Virginia Newsletter
August Issue
(RECAP:
Housing Virginia
makes the case for increasing the supply of affordable housing options
across the state by providing local leaders with up-to-date housing
research, proven approaches and effective community education
strategies. Stay up to date with news, approaches and solid information
to use in your region.)
‘Affordable housing' Must be Quantified Before it Can be Solved
Culpeper Star-Exponent, August 8
(RECAP: The idea of “affordable” housing can,
and has been, quantified by the all levels of government economists.
Some base it on the percentage of median household income going to pay
the rent or mortgage, others look at a certain income demographic and
determine how many within it can afford to rent or own. But “affordable”
means different things to different people at different income levels.)
Housing Virginia Announces the "Connecting Your Message" Awards
(RECAP:
The "Connecting Your Message" Awards spotlight the
effective use of traditional and emerging forms of communication to deliver the
housing affordability message.
Submission deadline: October 1st)
Housing Virginia Newsletter
July Issue
(RECAP:
Housing Virginia
makes the case for increasing the supply of affordable housing options
across the state by providing local leaders with up-to-date housing
research, proven approaches and effective community education
strategies. Stay up to date with news, approaches and solid information
to use in your region.)
Blue-collar Set Pinched as Local Trailer Parks Vanish
The Virginian-Pilot, July 19th
(RECAP: Virginia's trailer park residents fear choosing between substandard housing options and relocation as lucrative land-redevelopment deals are on the rise.)
Creative Living at Lorton's Laurel Hill
The Washington Examiner, July 1
(RECAP:
The prison Teddy Roosevelt envisioned building in Lorton , Va. , in the
early 1900s was quite innovative for its day. The prison was closed in
1994, and the county acquired the property in July 2002. As part of
that process, the county stressed the need for affordable housing for
families.)
Housing Virginia … Start Here!
June Issue
(RECAP:
Housing Virginia
makes the case for increasing the supply of affordable housing options
across the state by providing local leaders with up-to-date housing
research, proven approaches and effective community education
strategies. Stay up to date with news, approaches and solid information
to use in your region.)
Steering Committee Calls for Change in Proffer System
Chesterfield Observer, June 30
(RECAP:
A philosophical debate over proffers broke out during last week's
steering committee meeting on the comprehensive plan, and no one
endorsed the current proffer policy. Renaissance Planning Group, the
consultant that's developing the county's comprehensive plan, is
proposing “a tiered approach” that includes existing infrastructure,
number of bedrooms in new homes and lends itself to affordable
housing.)
Project FAITH Leader Gets Award : Fronce Wardlaw, director of nonprofit agency in King George County , earns leadership award from state housing coalition
The Free Lance-Star, June 26
(RECAP:
Fronce Wardlaw, director of Project FAITH in King George County ,
received a leadership award at the annual Virginia Housing Coalition
awards dinner last week in Richmond .)
Mortgage Interest Deduction Reform Assessed for Different Populations
NLIHC's Memo to Members, June 25
(RECAP: A new report estimating the effects of various reforms to the
Mortgage Interest Deduction, including those recently proposed by the
Admin istration, by income level, race/ethnicity, and geographical
area, concludes that modifications to the program could allow low to
middle-income groups to gain from this policy.)
PTFA Changes, NSP Funding in Financial Reform Agreement
NLIHC's Memo to Members, June 25
(RECAP:
The conference committee on H.R. 4173, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street
Reform and Consumer Protection Act, completed work on a final
conference report June 25. While the main purpose of the bill is to
reform the nation's financial regulatory system, the bill also includes
several provisions of interest to housing advocates.)
Tax Credits to Support Renovation of Columbia Pike Apartment Complex
Sun Gazette, June 25
(RECAP:
The Virginia Housing Development Authority has approved low-income
housing tax credits to fund renovation of the 111-unit Buchanan Garden
apartments on South Buchanan Street in the Columbia Pike corridor.)
Arlington , Alexandria Briefs
The Washington Post, June 24
(RECAP:
The East Falls Church Plan, which sets out a vision for residential and
retail redevelopment around the East Falls Church Metro station, was
unanimously moved forward by the Arlington County Board last week. The
Virginia Housing Development Authority has approved low-income housing
tax credits to fund renovation of the 111-unit Buchanan Gardens
Apartments in Arlington County .)
Supervisors to Vote on Tysons Corner Transformation
News Channel 8, June 17
(RECAP:
Plans to transform the Tysons Corner area in McLean could be approved
next week. The first signs that Tysons is becoming a huge suburban
village are already taking shape. Four Metro stations will anchor the
transformation of the corporate canyon into a walkable, livable
community. And the plan might become a model for the nation.)
Virginia Housing Coalition Honors Affordable Housing Leaders: Bob Sledd Delivers Keynote Address
Press Release, June 24
(RECAP:
The Virginia Housing Coalition held its annual awards dinner to
celebrate the achievements of some of the leaders of Virginia 's
affordable housing community at the Omni Richmond Hotel on June 17th.)
Fairfax County Board Approves Tysons Corner Plan, DC
The Free Lance Star, June 23
(RECAP:
Fairfax County officials have approved a plan to transform the
traffic-clogged Tysons Corner area into a walkable, urban environment.)
Alexandria Ranks Fifth in Fastest-Growing U.S. Cities
The Washington Examiner, June 23
(RECAP:
Alexandria is the fifth-fastest-growing city in the nation, according
to U.S. census figures released Tuesday. Alexandria's population grew
3.8 percent from July 1, 2008, to July 1, 2009 -- adding about 5,500
people to the city of 150,000 six miles south of downtown Washington.)
Freddie Mac Announces Forbearances for Borrowers with Single Family Homes Affected by Problem Drywall
Financial News USA , June 21
(RECAP:
Freddie Mac today announced that servicers may grant forbearances on a
case-by-case basis to borrowers with Freddie Mac-owned mortgages
secured by single family homes that contain problem drywall.)
Houses Passes Revised Small Business Jobs Bill Without 4% LIHTC Provision
NLIHC's Memo to Members, June 18
(RECAP:
The House passed H.R. 5486, the Small Business Jobs Tax Relief Act of
2010, on June 15. Unlike a similar bill passed by the House on March 24
that now appears unlikely to move forward, H.R. 5486 does not include
an exchange program for the 4% Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC), a
provision sought by housing advocates.)
HUD Announces Requirements for Compliance with State, Local Laws Prohibiting Source of Income Discrimination
NLIHC's Memo to Members, June 18
(RECAP:
HUD issued a news release dated June 11 that emphasizes that the
“general section” of the agency's FY10 Notice of Fund Availability for
competitive grants will require applicants to comply with state and
local laws that protect people from being denied housing based on their
source of income, such as a housing voucher.)
HUD Stresses Public Accountability in NSP Program
NLIHC's Memo to Members, June 18
(RECAP:
HUD sent a follow-up email to recipients of the Neighborhood
Stabilization Program on June 14, reminding them of the requirement to
post their Quarterly Performance Reports on their websites at the same
time a QPR is sent to HUD. The email follows one with a similar message
sent in May.)
National Housing Trust Fund: Another Week Passes, Still No Bill
NLIHC Memo to Members, June 18
(RECAP:
After another week of “slimming” and trimming H.R. 4213, the Senate
leadership still had not garnered the 60 votes needed to pass the bill
by week's end. The good news is that the $1.065 billion for the
National Housing Trust Fund remained after the second round of cuts, as
did the two LIHTC provisions that NLIHC is tracking.)
NLIHC Announces PETRA Watch in Memo, on Website
NLIHC's Memo to Members, June 18
(RECAP:
HUD's Preservation, Enhancement and Transformation of Rental Assistance
proposal, which the agency presented as part of its FY11 budget request
to Congress, represents a major shift in how HUD rental housing would
be subsidized and preserved in the future, and as such is of
significant interest to all HUD stakeholders. PETRA has become the
subject of considerable debate among tenants and housing advocates.)
NLIHC 2010 Advocates' Guide Available for Order
NLIHC's Memo to Members, June 18
(RECAP:
NLIHC's 2010 Advocates' Guide to Housing and Community Development is
now online and available for purchase in book form. The Guide contains
updated chapters on 70 housing and housing-related programs and issues,
from the National Housing Trust Fund and the Housing Choice Voucher
program to the mortgage interest deduction and the Federal Housing
Administration.)
Out of Reach 2010 Updated and Available for Purchase
NLIHC's Memo to Members, June 18
(RECAP:
NLIHC's publication Out of Reach 2010 has been updated to include HUD's
official FY10 Area Median Incomes (. The original release of Out of
Reach on April 21 included estimated AMIs because HUD had not yet
published the FY10 AMIs.)
Smart Growth for the Pike: residential, transportation changes highlighted.
Arlington Connection, June 16
(RECAP:
Residents along the Columbia Pike corridor are beginning to see the
transformation created by years of planning and public-private
partnerships. The Columbia Pike Revitalization Organization and the
Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing recently hosted a walking
tour led by Christopher Zimmerman, vice chairman of the Arlington
County Board and a resident of the neighborhood.)
Mortgage Scams in VA and How to Avoid Them
Public News Service, June 16
(RECAP:
They come by email, telephone and TV, and sometimes right to the front
door. They are offers for homeowners to refinance mortgages or get
assistance with loan modifications, all for an up-front fee and with
"guaranteed results.")
Preliminary Rounds Now Over in East Falls Church Development Controversy
Sun Gazette, June 16
(RECAP:
Battle lines are drawn for a July showdown over the scope of future
development in East Falls Church . Those who think a county government
task force's recommendations go too far, and those who think they don't
go far enough, sparred June 15 in a preliminary round that will resume
July 10, when the County Board formally takes up the task force's
proposal.)
Chesapeake Axes Plan but Doesn't Save Mobile Park
The Virginian-Pilot, June 16
(RECAP:
The City Council on Tuesday unanimously rejected a developer's proposal
to build multi-family homes at a South Military Highway mobile home
park. But a representative for the developer, KZ Properties Inc., said
the Providence Mobile Court will still be sold within four months and
redeveloped into condo units, resulting in the displacement of more
than 100 mostly low-income families.)
New Homeless Facility Receives Tax Credits; SRO Construction Slated to Begin this Fall Charlottesville Tomorrow, June 15
(RECAP:
A project to provide housing for the homeless in downtown
Charlottesville has moved one step closer to reality. On Friday,
officials with Virginia Supportive Housing announced that a proposed 60
unit single room occupancy facility has been awarded low-income housing
tax credits by the Virginia Housing Development Authority.)
Housing Inventory is Up, but Can You Afford It?
The Daily Press, June 14
(RECAP:
Marshá Smith thinks she can afford a home priced at up to $150,000. "If
I don't qualify for how much I want, I'll keep pursuing it, maybe
getting rid of some debt that I have that will eliminate extra money
that I'm spending out," the 36-year-old Hampton resident said.)
Caroline Project Draws Support, Skepticism
Richmond Times-Dispatch, June 14
(RECAP:
The development, called Carmel Church Station, is among the most
ambitious ever proposed in the Richmond area. It would bring more than
8,500 residential units to a swath of now-rural land along Interstate
95 in southern Caroline and potentially double the county's population
of roughly 28,000.)
Some Mary Street Houses Getting Facelift Thanks to People Incorporated
Bristol Herald Courier, June 12
(RECAP:
Several houses along Mary Street are getting a facelift. People
Incorporated, an Abingdon-based nonprofit community service agency, has
been granted more than $800,000 from the state to rehabilitate half a
dozen homes along East and West Mary Street . The agency bought six
foreclosed homes in bulk from a bank, and, once renovated, the homes
will represent 11 housing units.)
City Homeless Facility Awarded Tax Credits
Charlottesville Daily Progress, June 11
(RECAP:
Charlottesville 's first studio-style apartment building for the
homeless has been awarded hundreds of thousands in low-income housing
tax credits that will translate into millions of dollars for the novel
project.)
Northern Virginia's Crystal City Gets New Life
Housing Watch. June 11
(RECAP:
In a county known for attracting young professionals to neighborhoods
with its vibrant development on Washington D.C. 's Metro corridors,
Arlington , Va. planners are hoping a facelift will help a 40-year-old,
mixed-use development known as Crystal City compete with the upstarts.)
Homeless Housing Gets Tax Credit Boost
NBC29.com, June 11
(RECAP: The future of housing Charlottesville 's homeless got a major boost Friday from VHDA. )
Defining 'Homeowner' Not So Simple
Fox News, June 10
(RECAP: When does a homeowner become a renter without changing
residence? When the Federal Reserve Bank of New York says so, suggests
a new research report from three economists at the New York Fed. )
Mortgage Delinquencies Decline, but What Does It Mean?
HousingWatch.com, June 10
(RECAP: Stricter lending rules have helped curb the number of mortgage
delinquencies. Agencies from the FHA to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are
reporting a decreasing number of people who are behind on mortgage
payments. )
Congress to Consider FHA Reform, Mortgage Insurance Hike
N2PQ.com, June 10
(RECAP: The bill, which establishes a handful of new Federal Housing
Administration (FHA) regulations and authorities, is already stirring
the response of mortgage finance industry players who warn pieces of
the reform could harm lenders' business and make homeownership
unaffordable to some. )
Delegate Scott's Richmond Report
Falls Church News Press, June 9
(RECAP:
Reducing homelessness depends on preserving affordable housing. The
Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments reports annually on the
extent of homelessness in the region. In my view, one important reason
for the decreases, at least in Northern Virginia , was the regional
focus on the preservation of existing affordable housing.)
Baker: Turn Fannie, Freddie Into Government-Owned Corporations
Foreclosure Nightmare, June 9
(RECAP: Want an easy, simple solution to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac?
Take the mortgage-finance giants, which have been effectively
nationalized, and turn them into government-owned corporations. )
A Renter's Market
Richmond BizSense, June 8
(RECAP: The vacancy rate for apartment units in Metro Richmond in the
first quarter of 2010 was the highest it has been in five years,
reports the real estate research firm Reis Inc. )
Apartment Rents Climb as Vacancies fall
Virginia Daily Press, June 8
(RECAP: Rents in the region are creeping up and the vacancy rate is
falling, according to a new report. About 6.4 percent of Hampton Roads
apartments are vacant, according to Real Data. )
So, You Want to Build More Affordable Housing? Here's How….
Bacon's Rebellion, June 9
(RECAP:
Governor McDonnell recently announced the formation of a Housing Policy
Advisory Committee, led by Senior Economic Advisor Bob Sledd, to help
develop the McDonnell Admin istration's housing policy. This is a good
idea for several reasons.)
Sheila C. Bair to the Housing Association of Non-Profit Developers Annual Meeting
LoanSafe.org, June 7
(RECAP:
Remarks by Chairman Sheila C. Bair to the Housing Association of
Non-Profit Developers Annual Meeting; Tysons Corner , Virginia June 7,
2010.)
Project Could Double Caroline's Population in 20 Years
Richmond Times-Dispatch, June 7
(RECAP:
Two Richmond brothers who have dabbled in real estate development are
proposing a 1,059-acre transit-oriented community with dense housing
and commercial space that could double the population of Caroline
County within 20 years.)
Local Housing Market Remains Jittery
Star Exponent, June 6
(RECAP:
Foreclosures and other distressed properties continue to comprise the
largest share of real estate transactions in Culpeper County , and the
market, though not stagnant, is weaker than last year.)
Project Seeks to Rejuvenate Neighborhood
Progress-Index.com, June 5
(RECAP:
The program, called Battersea Rising, is led by Pathways. The
Petersburg-based nonprofit is hiring staff and working with residents
to create a detailed neighborhood plan to implement.)
Battle Weary
Fredericksburg Star, June 4
(RECAP:
The Burkholders are giving up the fight and will accept the $2.2
million a jury decided the land was worth. Ironically, Carilion now
says it doesn't want the plot.)
Senate Plans Hearing on Livable Communities
NLIHC's Memo to Members, June 4
(RECAP:
The Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs will hold a
June 9 hearing titled, “Local Perspectives on the Livable Communities
Act.”)
Woodbridge Man Sentenced 46 Months for Mortgage Fraud
Virginia RealEstateRama, June 4
(RECAP:
Ahmad Z. Abbasi, 36, of Woodbridge , Va. , was sentenced today to 46
months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and
ordered to pay $1,637,412 in restitution. Abbasi pled guilty on March
3, 2010, to conspiracy to commit mail fraud for recruiting unqualified
buyers who provided false information to obtain multiple mortgage
loans, which were ultimately foreclosed.)
HUD Awards Funding to 3 Virginia Public Housing Agencies to Help Homeless Veterans WTVR.com, June 4
(RECAP: Three public housing agencies in Virginia are getting federal funding to help homeless veterans.)
July Vote Eyed For Kincora Village
Leesburg Today, , June 3
(RECAP:
At full build out, Kincora Village would include up to 2,722,200 square
feet of office space, 398,825 square feet of commercial, 575,000 square
feet of hotel space, equal to 720 rooms, 1,400 multi-family units,
including 88 Affordable Dwelling Units and workforce housing units, and
277,000 square feet of civic uses.)
Worried About Real Estate? Henry Cisneros Says the Future Is Bright
MoneyWatch.com, June 3
(RECAP:
Former HUD Secretary Henry Cisneros says the future for all types of
real estate development is bright - it just might take a few years to
get there.)
Embrace Home Loans Opens in Virginia
DSNews.com, June 2
(RECAP:
Embrace Home Loans said Wednesday that it has officially opened a new
branch in Lynchburg , Virginia . The mortgage firm is a direct lender
for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, approved by the Federal Housing Admin
istration (FHA) and Veterans Affairs (VA), and is an issuer for Ginnie
Mae.)
Virginia Tech Unveils New Visionary Plan for 'Waterfront' in Falls Church
Falls Church News-Press, June 2
(RECAP:
The "West Jefferson Conceptual Plan" proposes the total redevelopment
of nine acres on the east side of West Jefferson Street bordering
Arlington County . It calls for cleaning out all the old storefronts
and parking lots in the area, and replacing them with a green roof
office building of up to nine stories, retail, residential and a park
with amphitheater that fronts a totally-opened and landscaped Four Mile
Run.)
Washington , D.C. Housing Inventory Down
Housing Watch, June 2
(RECAP:
The Post's Dina ElBoghdady tells us that inventory is down, and prices
are up in the D.C. area, and this is a sign of a recovering market.)
Through VIDA, Family Realizes Dream of Homeownership
Virginia RealEstateRama, June 1
(RECAP:
During National Homeownership Month, recognized each June, the Virginia
Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) encourages
individuals or families thinking of homeownership to consider enrolling
in the Virginia Individual Development Accounts (VIDA) program.)
Want to Know What it Takes to Buy a Home? Take a Class.
Real Estate Blog, May 28
(RECAP: The Virginia Housing Development Authority announced several homeownership education classes coming up.)
F.C. Remains Way Behind in Affordable Housing
Falls Church News-Press, May 12
(RECAP: Letter to the Editor.)