endorses his statement for the record. We request that our position be included in the hearing record. We particularly wish to reaffirm the mayor's statement that many of the industries will be faced with relocation and moving costs in excess of $12,000 per plant. We also wish to amplify the mayor's position that we would prefer a straight increase in the Federal grant, but in lieu of that we certainly support S. 3042. We hope that you will forward our remarks to the Senate committee concerned with this hearing and that the Congressmen and Senators through a copy of this letter will urge the early adoption of S. 3042. Sincerely yours, JOHN L. MERRILL, President. Senator CLARK. Earlier in the hearings the U.S. Conference of Mayors had requested permission to insert in the record a number of letters from mayors of many cities on urban renewal problems. (See p. 403.) The letters have been received and will go in the record now. (The letters referred to follow :) Mr. HARRY R. BETTERS, CITY OF AKRON, OHIO, May 5, 1960. Executive Director, U.S. Conference of Mayors, DEAR MR. BETTERS: Since December, 1957 the city of Akron has been actively engaged in the development of an urban renewal program. At the present time two survey and planning applications are pending in Washington, and approval is expected shortly. The total net project cost for both projects is $5,872,500, of which $3,915,000 is to be the Federal Government's share. Needed local contributions amount to $1,957,000. Currently the city planning commission is developing a needs program for capital improvements which will include a recommendation to set aside funds each year for the next 5 years for renewal purposes. With this record one can see that Akron is serious about its renewal program. Therefore, we strongly urge the U.S. Conference of Mayors to present its casefor needed legislation to maintain and strengthen the urban renewal, slum clearance, and housing programs. Very truly yours, Mr. HARRY R. BETTERS, LEO BERG, Mayor-Manager. CITY OF ALEXANDRIA, VA., May 5, 1960. Executive Director, U.S. Conference of Mayors, DEAR MR. BETTERS: Alexandria is hopeful that the Congress will adopt appropriate legislation to insure the continuity of adequate Federal support for urban renewal, slum clearance, and housing. We are concerned about the continuity of these programs, not only because we are currently developing a specific urban renewal project, but because additional renewal and redevelopment activities will undoubtedly be needed. A city cannot plan ahead nor budget for an extended fight against blight and deterioration unless it has assurance that adequate Federal assistance will be available on a continuing basis to supplement local efforts. Accordingly we wish to join with other cities, large and small, in urging Congress to provide continuing and adequate Federal assistance for urban renewal and housing programs. Sincerely, LEROY S. BENDHEIM, Mayor. CITY OF ALTON, ILL., May 10, 1960. Mr. HARRY R. BETTERS, Executive Director, U.S. Conference of Mayors DEAR MR. BETTERS: We in Alton wish to continue our urban renewal, slum clearance, and housing program in accord with the policy established by the U.S. conference of mayors. Sincerely yours, P. W. DAY, Mayor. CITY OF ATLANTA, Atlanta, Ga., May 3, 1960. Mr. HARRY R. BETTERS, Executive Director, U.S. Conference of Mayors DEAR MR. BETTERS: The city of Atlanta is vitally interested in continuation of an adequate Federal-aided, long-range urban renewal program. Any interruption or curtailment in this program would prove disastrous to Atlanta's overall plans to rid itself of large areas of substandard housing and slums surrounding its business core. In the continuing absence of financial assistance from the State government, Atlanta must look to the Federal Government for financial aid in rebuilding many already dilapidated areas. Atlanta's five current Federal-approved urban renewal project areas, containing 1,201 acres involves over $18 million in Federal funds and half that amount in local funds and grants-in-aid. This represents only a bare beginning of the total need. Our planners envision the necessity for a long-range program, with the introduction of no less than one new Federal-assisted project area each year for the next 10 years. Such a program would involve no less than $4 million in Federal funds to be matched locally by $2 million in cash and grants-in-aid, annually. The financing of such a program for Atlanta, as well as other slum and blight plagued cities, requires wholehearted, long-range assistance by the Federal Government such as is being proposed by the chairman of the U.S. conference of mayors. It is sincerely hoped that the national administration and Congress will provide ways and means of continuing adequate support for urban renewal. American cities must have help if they are to continue the battle against city blight, working toward eventual elimination of our substandard areas which constitute, at present, an ever-increasing drain on the financial, moral, and social stability of these cities. Very truly yours, WILLIAM B. HARTSFIELD, Mayor U.S. CONFERENCE OF MAYORS, CITY OF BINGHAMTON, N.Y., May 9, 1960. (Attention: Harry R. Betters, Executive Director). GENTLEMEN : Please forward my views concerning the proposed legislation on urban renewal, slum clearance, and housing to the appropriate Senate and House committees. I feel very strongly that an adequately financed Federal program for urban renewal should be continued on the current two-thirds, one-third basis. Although cooperation by HHFA with our office has been excellent, it is my feeling that the program could be improved by changes in regulations, which would permit cities more latitude in long-range planning. By this. I mean municipalities should not have to worry year by year whether or not Federal money will be available for programs as they are ready for submission by them. I also feel that one of the keys to a successful urban renewal program is the ability to relocate low-income families. In order to accomplish this, low-income rentals must be available. Otherwise, the program will falter and die on the vine. A certain amount of public housing should be available irrespective of the needs of urban renewal, strictly for humanitarian reasons. It is doubly important for cities that are undertaking urban renewal projects. Very truly yours, JOHN J. BURNS, Mayor. CITY OF BLOOMINGTON, ILL., May 11, 1960. Mr. HARRY R. BETTERS, Executive Director, U.S. Conference of Mayors, DEAR MR. BETTERS: At last night's city council meeting, the council authorized me to send a statement in support of the urban renewal measures presently before the U.S. Congress. It is our feeling that urban renewal is the one field which shows greatest promise for improving the future of urban living. Although we are a small city compared to the huge metropolitan areas, we, too, see a great need for the elimination of substandard areas from our communities and the providing of new blood in the arteries of this community. The citizens of this community have been impressed to date with the one urban renewal project we are undertaking and it is my hope that we can continue this planned program of rebuilding this city. We urge support of the expansion of urban renewal and other housing programs currently in effect. Very truly yours, ROBERT MCGRAW, Mayor. BRIDGEPORT, CONN., May 4, 1960. Mr. HARRY R. BETTERS, Executive Director, U.S. Conference of Mayors, DEAR MR. BETTERS: As mayor of the city of Bridgeport, Conn., a community actively participating in the urban renewal and public housing programs, may I respectfully request that the spokesman for the U.S. Conference of Mayors express this community's 100 percent support for the continued program of the conference, at all congressional hearings on pending legislation. We have made a good beginning in these projects, and it is mandatory that funds be provided for us to continue in this very necessary part of community development and redevelopment. Very truly yours, U.S. CONFERENCE OF MAYORS, SAMUEL J. TEDESCO, Mayor. THE CITY OF BUTTE, MONT., May 2, 1960. (Attention Harry R. Betters, executive director). GENTLEMEN: The urban renewal program is absolutely a necessity for the municipalities. I am intending to make separate application for and on behalf of the city of Butte for use of such funds if possible. This project is most urgent and important; the Butte Public Library was greatly and considerably damaged by fire in March of this year. The public library is situated in the uptown area of Butte, but in an old section of that area. If money cannot be obtained through the urban renewal fund do you have any suggestions where financial assistance may be obtained to help build a new library? Anything that the conference of mayors might do in this regard will be greatly appreciated. Sincerely yours, VERN GRIFFITH, Mayor. STATEMENT OF EDWARD A. Crane, Mayor, CAMBRIDGE, MASS. As the mayor of Cambridge, Mass., I want to be recorded in favor of a continuing Federal urban renewal authorization of at least $600 million annually for the next several years. The requirements for restoring our older urban centers have multiplied far beyond those which existed when the Housing Act of 1949 and its amendments in 1954 were enacted. In Cambridge, for instance, we inaugurated two redevelopment projects in 1951 and three urban renewal projects in 1957, all of which total 611 acres. Normally this urban renewal restoration program could be expected to care for the immediate needs of our city. However, Cambridge now faces a major change and loss of income due to the imminent construction of a Federal 90-10 highway. In this city of 6 square miles we stand to lose $376,899 annually in tax revenue from properties to be taken in this 300-foot-wide swath through the city for the new highway. It is obvious that the restoration of the urban renewal areas in Cambridge alone cannot retrieve this loss of revenue. We must study the feasibility of an expanded urban renewal program as one means to recover this loss. But the humane reasons for the continuation of the urban renewal program nationally are far more important than the financial reasons. What is happening in Cambridge is happening elsewhere in the Nation. The Massachusetts Department of Public Works, which will construct this highway through our city, estimates that 1,211 Cambridge families will be dislocated from 369 residential structures. Only through the rehabilitation and conservation of many homes and neighborhoods not in the path of this new highway, but which are beginning to show the wear and tear of the years, can Cambridge hope to retain most of the families dislocated by this highway. Cambridge like so many other urban communities, also houses colleges and universities and is contributing its share to the expansion of such facilities to meet the increased national demands for such facilities. This together with the fact that most of the new highways are being built in the interest of national defense are but two more justifications for the continuation of the urban renewal authorizations annually. In my opinion, Congress should raise rather than lower its sights on urban renewal. The $600 million annual authorization is not too large to preserve the human, financial, educational and national defense values of our urban centers. U.S. CONFERENCE OF MAYORS, CONCORD, CALIF., May 3, 1960. GENTLEMEN: Please register before the Senate and House committees our urgent request that support be continued for urban renewal, slum clearance, and housing. This program is of vital importance to our city, and considerable damage would be done to programs vitally needed in this area, if Federal support is withdrawn or diminished. Very truly yours, BRYAN SHARY, Mayor. U.S. CONFERENCE OF MAYORS, CITY OF DECATUR, ILL., May 4, 1960. GENTLEMEN: The city of Decatur has a citizens committee of well over 100 persons working actively on urban renewal. Having just received approval of our workable program and having an application on file with the Housing and Home Finance Agency for planning funds for our first project we consider the continuance of this program to be a must. It has taken several years to whip up local enthusiasm for attacking blight. Without financial assistance from Federal grants it is doubtful that a successful program could be implemented. It would appear to be a terrific waste of human effort if the program falters at this time. I urge that the Congress take such steps as may be needed to extend this program for urban renewal, slum clearance and housing at the earliest practicable date. Cordially, ROBERT A. GROHNE, Mayor. OFFICE OF THE MAYOR, Hon. HARRY R. BETTERS, Executive Director, U.S. Conference of Mayors, Washington, D.C. DEAR HARRY: We are definitely interested in the Senate and House committee hearings on urban renewal, slum clearance, and housing legislation. The city of Elizabeth is almost 300 years old and, as mayor, I am keenly aware of the need for legislation to meet the challenge of deteriorating older cities. The growing dimensions of slums, urban blight, and the need for low-rent housing is a problem that needs immediate attention. As we must rely primarily on real estate taxes to meet the ever-increasing cost of municipal government, we face an acute shortage of revenues. Elimina tion of urban blight and funds for low-rent housing cannot be accomplished without Federal subsidy. I urge that funds be made available to provide for slum clearance and sufficient low-rent housing units to assist us in the relocation of families who would be displaced by the Federal program in our city. Sincerely, STEVEN J. BERCIK, Mayor. CITY OF FRESNO, CALIF., May 10, 1960. Mr. HARRY BETTERS, Executive Director, U.S. Conference of Mayors, Washington, D.C. DEAR MR. BETTERS: This letter is to advise you of Fresno City's continued support for urban renewal, slum clearance, and housing. It is most important that Congress continue floating money toward this program. Yours very truly, ARTHUR L. SELLAND, Mayor. GARDEN GROVE, CALIF., May 11, 1960. Subject: Urban renewal, slum clearance, and housing. U.S. CONFERENCE OF MAYORS, Washington, D.C. (Attention of Mr. Harry R. Betters). GENTLEMEN: As mayor of Garden Grove, Calif., a city of 85,000 people, I want to extend my wholehearted support to the U.S. Conference of Mayors and its Federal urban renewal program. Please count me among your supporters when your representatives appear before the Senate and House committees on May 17, regarding this vital issue. Sincerely yours, GEORGE B. MONOLD, Mayor. CITY OF HARRISBURG, PA., May 2, 1960. Mr. HARRY R. BETTERS, U.S. Conference of Mayors, DEAR MR. BETTERS: Harrisburg, Pa., is in the midst of a slum clearance and urban renewal program. We feel that only with Federal assistance are we able to make any real progress in the matter of urban renewal. Our city, the capitol of Pennsylvania, is unusually hard pressed for finances, due partly to the exemption of all State property from local taxation. I am most certainly in favor of foreign aid; nevertheless, I would also like to feel that we are making some contribution toward giving our local communities an opportunity to do some much needed renewal work. Please feel free to use this letter for the purpose of placing it into the record at any hearing on the aforementioned subject matter. Very truly yours, Mr. HARRY BETTERS, NOLAN ZIEGER. CITY AND COUNTY OF HONOLULU, HAWAII, May 9, 1960. Executive Director, U.S. Conference of Mayors, DEAR MR. BETTERS: I strongly urge that favorable action be taken by Congress to extend the urban renewal, slum clearance, and housing programs to safeguard the extensive plans of our cities covering these programs. The failure of Congress to take action to extend the urban renewal, slum clearance, and housing programs beyond June 30, 1961, would result in a very serious situation here in Honolulu, and I know from reports from other parts of 55869-60-65 |