HUD OFFICIALS TO HOLD CHICAGO MEETING

WASHINGTON - Housing and Urban Development Secretary Andrew Cuomo today announced that a team of senior HUD officials will visit Chicago in early April to hold an open discussion about housing issues. Some community groups have expressed concern about the potential demolition of Chicago's most dangerous and dilapidated public housing units and relocation of residents.

Until the concerns are heard, Cuomo said no action will be taken on a review of preliminary demolition and revitalization plans for certain units that failed to meet Congressionally set criteria for decency, costs and vacancies. HUD also has received assurances from the Chicago Housing Authority that it will not submit plans for HUD approval until the discussions take place.

In 1996, Congress passed legislation requiring housing authorities to remove from the public housing inventory large developments with significant vacancy rates that would be more expensive to operate and modernize than housing vouchers. Many properties that meet the criteria are high-rise sites requiring substantial demolition. The Chicago Housing authority has the most housing of this kind in the country. Housing authorities across the country -- including the Chicago Housing Authority -- are in the process of complying with the Congressional mandate by reviewing their inventory and presenting preliminary plans for demolition or revitalization to HUD.

HUD is committed to working with the CHA, Chicago public housing residents and the entire community to provide safer, more supportive housing for Chicago's low-income families. As HUD improves public housing in Chicago, the agency will make sure that no family is displaced without adequate housing. HUD's goal is to provide residents with a stronger, healthier living environment.