Friday, December 28, 2007
No one has given up on Day Avenue
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Joseph Lee
Lee is chairman of the Roanoke Redevelopment and Housing Authority.
Recently the development efforts of the Roanoke Redevelopment and Housing Authority have resulted in dividends for the citizens of the city of Roanoke with the unveiling of the much-anticipated Carilion medical and education complex in South Roanoke and the burgeoning downtown condo and apartment market.
It was the authority, in partnership with the city, that several years ago spearheaded the investment and development of both the South Roanoke development plan and Eight Jefferson Place in key areas of the city.
In addition to the authority's U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-mandated responsibility to provide safe and affordable housing to the residents of our managed properties, we have exercised our enumerated authority to provide development efforts to improve and enhance the neighborhoods and communities of Roanoke.
The development portfolio includes recent grand openings of Park Square Apartments on Loudon Avenue and Hillcrest Heights Townhouse Apartments in Southeast Roanoke.
Despite the authority's development track record and long-standing commitment to improving Roanoke neighborhoods, it was with dismay and concern that I read a recent article ("Construction on Day Avenue homes halts for evaluation," Dec. 19) and an editorial ("Finish out the Day," Dec. 24) that called into question our efforts in the 400 block of Day Avenue.
In 2005, the authority purchased 17 houses on Day Avenue that prior to our involvement had been subdivided into multiple apartment units. The goal of the Miller's Hill project has been to restore these homes to single-family homes, provide a unique downtown living opportunity, significantly increase property values and spur further investment in revitalization of the neighborhood.
These homes are being completely renovated and restored, combining a high degree of commitment to restoring design features of the era in which these homes were originally constructed with modern building features, including Energy Star certification.
As the developer, RRHA has worked with our realtor agent, construction management and investors to balance the realities of the housing market with our commitment to bringing the Miller's Hill project to fruition.
Currently, as with the previously detailed development projects of the past, the authority's board and staff are resolutely prepared to bring Miller's Hill into the forefront as a neighborhood that will attract families and additional investments in this area.
Any cessation in construction activities is temporary and no reflection on the authority's overall commitment.
All of the current homeowners have been contacted and advised of the business reasons for the temporary suspension of construction, and in fact understood that it in no way reflected on the authority's long-standing commitment to the Miller's Hill project.
The authority will continue to work closely with the current homeowners on Miller's Hill and concerned neighbors to address any issues arising from this temporary cessation.
