Once-blighted Newport News area marks new life

[MsObservant]

uglo wrote:

Well, I don't want to dampen the mood but have you changed the heads of the "say, 14 to 21 year olds". Have they all decided to be good young people and not sell drugs? Have all the daddies returned to lead their households? Without fathers, and most families have overbearing mothers, these children have little chance. My daughter is a prime example (girls seem to be affected a lot without a father) of what happens when father leaves. They have children out of wedlock and their chances of good jobs drop significantly because many quit school, and so on. I do hope all will be well with Madison Ave. Maybe we'll look back at it in 2018 and see.

are you saying that you are a Deadbeat Dad and your Daughter got knocked up, dropped out of school and now she can't find a job?

[uglo]

That about says it all - but Mom (overbearing, remember) not dad. The dad left and it is probably a good thing. She does have a job but not the kind she would like to have. Surely hope you're not one of those deadbeat dads (or moms).

[HITS Man]

Not Buying It wrote:

I agree with the sentiment HITS, but, wouldn't you agree that taking the young people out of that environment and sending them somewhere that would provide them with a solid foundation--not only in academics, but giving them life and social skills as well, would be the way to help the east end out of its plight? Wouldn't a yound man or women sent out of an area of rampant crime and poverty to grow up flourish in a diverse environment that taught respect for all people and how to manage time and talents? Think of the trun around that would happen. There would no longer be a need to talk about cleaning up blight in ANY neighborhood if the cycle of poverty could be broken. Heck, I would personally sponsor one of the children to help out.

NBI.. please let me first say thank you to you and everyone who has joined in this discussion. Above all I truly feel that we can accomplish much more in the way of understanding by having civil dialogue like this.

Now to respond to your comment.. I think your idea has great merrit, just not for all. I believe that their are some children that go wit the flow so to speak just for the sake of not being picked on or deemed an outcast in an environment thats all they know. For a fact I know many of these kids act tough but when presented with the real prospect of juvenile detention or jail, their true fear is exposed.

Again I would say, kids are nothing without parents that give a damn. If parents dont care the kids will not give a damn either. We have to get parents to understand they are the most important influence in the lives of their children. Maybe we should send bad parents to boot camp and let them earn the right to call themselves parents again. And for those parents that try to raise their kids correctly and the child resist.. yes indeed, military school is just what they need in their lives.

[Mr Presley]

My point is that I thought the City was in a budget crunch? But now we seem to have money to build houses for welfare bums? I wonder who will pay for the maint and upkeep? Who I wonder will pay the utility bills when they claim they cant? Why not build nice rental type units? Why a house? Why attached garages? Why grass? you know it wont get cut! "unless the City Farm does it". A person who works all their life and pay and maintain a home for 29 years,get sick and niss a few mortgage payments. They will be in the street. But be a welfare scumbag "Black or White" and get it all. People eventually will wake up and grow tired of this crap.

[HITS Man]

I know we havent all agreed on this one but I really wish people like us could organize and help give people ideas and hope of taking back their communities and learning to truly live together as one. You all are great! Sometime I leave these forums feeling as if I have somehow been judged worthless or that my words were not cast out as unimportant. Today this brief interaction gives me hope for so much more.

Hampton Roads can be the blueprint for America will one day be. I truly believe in that and I truly believe in us all.

[Herman King]

Will these good homes change the behavior patterns of the people who roam the streets, especially at night? NO. Unless the neighborhood is changed back to the way it was before the 60s.

[HITS Man]

Mr Presley wrote:

My point is that I thought the City was in a budget crunch? But now we seem to have money to build houses for welfare bums? I wonder who will pay for the maint and upkeep? Who I wonder will pay the utility bills when they claim they cant? Why not build nice rental type units? Why a house? Why attached garages? Why grass? you know it wont get cut! "unless the City Farm does it". A person who works all their life and pay and maintain a home for 29 years,get sick and niss a few mortgage payments. They will be in the street. But be a welfare scumbag "Black or White" and get it all. People eventually will wake up and grow tired of this crap.

Actually Mr. P, in those areas where they have revitalized the residence do a great job of taking care of the home inside and out. The city chooses carefully who they will put in those homes and from what i have seen they chose well. Another misconception is that each home was not purchased by the occupant. Not true. The idea behind the the program is a lot like what NYC did to Harlem. Right now Harlem is being hailed as one of NYC's greatest areas after revitalizing a few areas here and there, making it cheaper for businesses and upscale home purchases in an effort to move in the good and thus force out the bad.

Hopefully the East end of NN can achieve a similar standard one day. But I do understand your reasoning as well Mr. Presley. Unless this project was paid for prior to our financial distress.. who has the key to the garden with the money tree in NN?

[Mr Presley]

Another thing! Why dont all the people who are for this take time and help repair homes of the elderly who are unable? Or build house for the elderly or handicapped or disabled veterans? No they wont! Why? because you cant get the publicity you do when you do it for the entitled ones! Contractors are in it for the $ and publicity. Its the popular thing to do now,to be accepted by their peers. Most weak minded people follow the herd. Thats a fact. Just dont ever come here and have the nerve to bitch about your taxes.

[MsObservant]

uglo wrote:

That about says it all - but Mom (overbearing, remember) not dad. The dad left and it is probably a good thing. She does have a job but not the kind she would like to have. Surely hope you're not one of those deadbeat dads (or moms).

I am a Mom, and I very good one.
My Mother was a single Mother, and she still put me through College. You don't need a Father to finish School and get a good job.

I didn't have a father growing up and I continued my Education at my own expense and now have a Master's Degree.

As a Mother you should encourage your daughter to go back to school and finish her education, it doesn't matter how old she is, it's never too late. She owes it to herself and her child to get her education and to get a CAREER, not just a job.
If you are going to be overbearing, try to be POSITIVE and not so negative.

Just like the residents of East End, they need to be surrounded by Mentors and Positive Energy. Tell someone they will amount to nothing... and don't expect much. Tell someone they can achieve anything regardless of their environment... and you will be surprised at the Outcome.

[Islander native]

East Ender wrote:

<quoted text>
Depending on who negotiated your purchase it is common place to have Sellers pay closing cost in Hampton Roads, with the exception during the last boom in Real Estate.

True but those closing costs aren't funded by taxpayers!

East Ender wrote:

<quoted text>The income limits for the purchase of city constructed homes were 32K , the purchase price at the begining of the program were averaging 75 to 85K, I wouldn't say they were giving homes away. The cost of building a 15 to 18K square foot home in 1997 was about $55.00 a foot. The purchase price of the lots during that time averaged about $4K dollars in that community.
In the latest round the purchase price averaged 168K for City Constructed homes. Private developers have built a number of homes selling the homes from 175 to 210K in the same community.
I can say noone in those homes are poor or where given anything, these are stable residents in reliable careers in Hampton Roads.
Many individuals who live downtown couldn't get city constructed homes because their income exceeds program limits.

You may want to re-read the article. Here's a few quotes to focus on:

"In 1993, the Newport News Redevelopment and Housing Authority — with the help of city, state and federal dollars — started razing the most blighted homes around Madison Avenue"

"So far, the state housing authority has provided about $18 million in mortgage loans with lower-than-market interest rates to homeowners at Madison Heights."

"Some of the state and federal money for Madison Heights was used for down payments, closing-costs assistance and property purchases."

[East End]

Mr Presley wrote:

My point is that I thought the City was in a budget crunch? But now we seem to have money to build houses for welfare bums? I wonder who will pay for the maint and upkeep? Who I wonder will pay the utility bills when they claim they cant? Why not build nice rental type units? Why a house? Why attached garages? Why grass? you know it wont get cut! "unless the City Farm does it". A person who works all their life and pay and maintain a home for 29 years,get sick and niss a few mortgage payments. They will be in the street. But be a welfare scumbag "Black or White" and get it all. People eventually will wake up and grow tired of this crap.

So you actually believe that everyone in the East End of Newport News is on welfare?

Do you believe that Banks are writing mortgages for people on Welfare.

What home that is owned by a citizen in Virginia does the local government pay to maintain?

Some of you people are real serious with your comments... I can't believe you don't know much about finances and life.... you know absolutely nothing about the local governmental policies where you live.

There are a lot of opinions from individuals who know absolutely nothing about the subject they are speaking about. When no private developers were building homes downtown the city of newport news built homes and "SOLD" them to qualified individuals.... Newport News gave nothing to noone, today Private Developers are building homes for sale and are making good money on the homes downtown.

How do people come up with the idea that Newport News is giving something to someone for nothing.... Is it that hard to believe that hard working people in nice new homes live downtown newport new? What are you going to think about the fact that white residents live in Downtown Newport News?

Racism is for the ignorant and know nothing people of the world...

[East End]

Islander native wrote:

<quoted text>
True but those closing costs aren't funded by taxpayers!
<quoted text>
You may want to re-read the article. Here's a few quotes to focus on:
"In 1993, the Newport News Redevelopment and Housing Authority — with the help of city, state and federal dollars — started razing the most blighted homes around Madison Avenue"
"So far, the state housing authority has provided about $18 million in mortgage loans with lower-than-market interest rates to homeowners at Madison Heights."
"Some of the state and federal money for Madison Heights was used for down payments, closing-costs assistance and property purchases."

The State housing authority is VHDA.... They are in the business of providing below market mortgages to residents, not only in Downtown Newport News but in Kiln Creek, and other communities in Hampton Roads.

Those were private lots the City purchased from individuals when noone wanted to purchase those properties, now everybody wants to purchase run down properties downtown and tear down building to rebuild....

The city and state didn't loose a dime on these homes they sold to residents.

I built a home in 2000 in upper Newport News, 1500 sqft, for a total output of 72K, I sold that home for 150k. To build these home cost the city no more than 60K a home in 1993 that would have included the purchase price of the lots in that area. Now those properties are producing good tax revenues to the city. Prior many owners here simply abandoning the properties. 18 Million in mortgage loans for what used to be blighted and unproductive assets is a huge turn around. What's not to like about the tax revenue on 18 Million in property values in Newport News?

Federal Money came from HUD, the stipulation on money from HUD is that State and Local government has to match funds to a certain percentage to promote homeowners ship in low and moderate income communities.... It was HUD Money the City provided to the developers to fund Oyster Point... research how much HUD money came back to Newport News after HUD found out the money was spent on commercial investment outside of the poverish community......

[Islander native]

East End wrote:

<quoted text>
The State housing authority is VHDA.... They are in the business of providing below market mortgages to residents, not only in Downtown Newport News but in Kiln Creek, and other communities in Hampton Roads.

I don't care if they provide mortgages for oceanfront property - don't use my tax dollars to do it.

East End wrote:

<quoted text>Those were private lots the City purchased from individuals when noone wanted to purchase those properties, now everybody wants to purchase run down properties downtown and tear down building to rebuild....
The city and state didn't loose a dime on these homes they sold to residents.

Doesn't mattter who wants the property. It's still tax dollars being used to subsidize private mortgages.

East End wrote:

<quoted text>I built a home in 2000 in upper Newport News, 1500 sqft, for a total output of 72K, I sold that home for 150k. To build these home cost the city no more than 60K a home in 1993 that would have included the purchase price of the lots in that area. Now those properties are producing good tax revenues to the city. Prior many owners here simply abandoning the properties..

That doesn't justify spending tax money on private homes.

East End wrote:

<quoted text> 18 Million in mortgage loans for what used to be blighted and unproductive assets is a huge turn around. What's not to like about the tax revenue on 18 Million in property values in Newport News?

What's not to like? How about the use of my oney to finance private homes? Tax revenue doesn't come close to re-paying my tax bill.

East End wrote:

<quoted text> Federal Money came from HUD, the stipulation on money from HUD is that State and Local government has to match funds to a certain percentage to promote homeowners ship in low and moderate income communities.... It was HUD Money the City provided to the developers to fund Oyster Point... research how much HUD money came back to Newport News after HUD found out the money was spent on commercial investment outside of the poverish community......

You understand that HUD and ALL Federal money is tax dollars right? The government doesn't just print money. For those of us that pay taxes, we understand where "federal money" comes from. It comes from my private wallet.

[East Ender]

Islander native wrote:

<quoted text>
I don't care if they provide mortgages for oceanfront property - don't use my tax dollars to do it.
<quoted text>
Doesn't mattter who wants the property. It's still tax dollars being used to subsidize private mortgages.
<quoted text>
That doesn't justify spending tax money on private homes.
<quoted text>
What's not to like? How about the use of my oney to finance private homes? Tax revenue doesn't come close to re-paying my tax bill.
<quoted text>
You understand that HUD and ALL Federal money is tax dollars right? The government doesn't just print money. For those of us that pay taxes, we understand where "federal money" comes from. It comes from my private wallet.

Guess the Government doesn't
really care, they go about their business to stimulate the economy and invest those tax dollars where they best get a return, this project provided them a great return.

HUD got there funds back with the sale of the properties to the residents, the Private Banks, which VHDA negotiated the rate with are on the hook for the mortgages.

I guess the government figures if they can subsidise oil companies, and farmers they can invest in blighted communities and reap the rewards on the returns. Every blighted program should provide the tax payers with returns as this one provided.

Good luck in getting your congressmen to introduce a bill to eliminate the HUD Program.

[East Ender]

Actually the government does just print money "the stimulas checks", "Just Printing Money"

[Angela]

As a resident of Newport News, and a mother of 5, I spent some time living in downtown N.N. I worked very hard to get my kids out, and into a suburban neighborhood. There are several blocks that these new homes are in, and some lucky people who got to get into them, and help with closing costs, and down payments. How many blocks do 100 homes fit on? If you think about it, not many. The rest of Downtown N.N.suffers. No local jobs for people. The businesses that do survive, need to be torn down, and cleaned up, trash everywhere in the streets. My children (some teens) are not allowed to go to the East end of N.N. at all, It is sad, that we have lost it, sad that the city let it go for so long, and stuck so many poor people down there, and left them for so long to fend for themselves, nice effort in the recovery, but there will be a lot that has to be down before it will become what it use to be. I remember going downtown to the park, and fishing with my grandfather when I was little. My kids wont have those memories. It's really all to sad. What would happen if we all went down there to make a difference? After all, it is the heart of N.N. and we ALL left it to fend for its self.

[Islander native]

East Ender wrote:

<quoted text>
Guess the Government doesn't
really care, they go about their business to stimulate the economy and invest those tax dollars where they best get a return, this project provided them a great return.
HUD got there funds back with the sale of the properties to the residents, the Private Banks, which VHDA negotiated the rate with are on the hook for the mortgages.
I guess the government figures if they can subsidise oil companies, and farmers they can invest in blighted communities and reap the rewards on the returns. Every blighted program should provide the tax payers with returns as this one provided.
Good luck in getting your congressmen to introduce a bill to eliminate the HUD Program.

I can see the "government will take care of me" mantra has been engrained in you for too long. Let me know how that works out for you.

[Islander native]

East Ender wrote:

Actually the government does just print money "the stimulas checks", "Just Printing Money"

You should seriously consider taking a couple classes in economics and government. You might be surprised to learn the stimulus checks aren't government money. It's taxpayer money. Of course I didn't get one even though I paid an enormous amount of taxes.

[obamalamadingdon g]

East Ender wrote:

<quoted text>
If that makes you feel better, so be it...
I am not going to get drawn into a long discussion on government and economics. Bottom line, this is one of the rare progrems that have benefited the various parts of the government for their investments in the end producing tax revenue and eliminating blight along with a gain on the investment.Removing these properties from the cities responsibilities of maintance and further expenditures allows for tax dollars to be spent on other needs of the city without any tax increases passed to the residents.

East Ender? If I ever want to bullet proof my house I'll know whom to talk with.

[NN Representer]

I LOVE reading your posts!! You sound like a natural teacher. I admire your efforts to reach the ignorant. Even though I was judged poorly by the post I still agree the efforts and I commend the city for doing such an excellent job.

East Ender wrote:

<quoted text>
You are in over your head discussing this. Your comments are racially motivated which eliminates any ability of intelligent dialouge . This was an excellent economic decision that worked out perfectly for the Tax Payers, even those to ignorant to understand home values and property appreactions and wealth generation.
You are assuming welfare people where given something, your comments are so far off of what this article and program is about you would need a flashlite at high noon to find your way into the light.
You don't have the capabilities to research the public information concerning this program, so you will always comment with an opinion that demonstrates your ignorance to public matters.
Summary for the blind, dumb and stupid posting:
federal tax money provided, some local and state tax money for program staff and promotion.
Homes sold to "QUALIFIED RESIDENTS", State via their Housing Agency arranged for below market financing rates... City manages program solicitation of Bids and Contractors.
Build homes, sell homes, profit from sale used to offset money from tax payers, no need for city to spend money to maintain blighted properties, Blighted properties with homeowerer now are producing revenue via tax payments on the property.
This is rather elementary, it's not that people can't understand that and find the facts with a little research it's that you don't want to understand how this program primed that community and spured private investment.
That is economic development at it's finest.
The end results are this didn't cost Tax Payer nothing, and spured private investment in the area.