Kennedy, Kerry, Markey announce passage of legislation to assist Malden residents
Washington, DC---Senators Edward M. Kennedy and John F. Kerry and
Representative Edward J. Markey today praised passage of legislation to
assist the residents of the Heritage Apartments in Malden.
The legislation directs the Department of Housing and Urban Development
to provide enhanced rental housing vouchers to the residents of
Heritage Apartments. Such vouchers are needed to ensure that residents
can continue to afford rent payments if the property is sold. Until now
HUD has resisted awarding the vouchers, thereby putting at risk the
affordability of the units if the property is sold. The legislation
will ensure that the property continues to provide affordable housing
to its tenants.
Melissa Wagoner, Senator Kennedy's spokeswoman said, "The Senator is
very pleased that Congress has approved this needed provision. The
residents of the Heritage Apartments deserve better than to have their
homes put at risk by unnecessary red tape."
"At a time when a lot of working people are struggling to avoid
foreclosure and affordable housing is in short supply, the very last
thing the government should be doing is forcing vulnerable seniors out
of their homes," Senator Kerry said. "This legislation is a victory for
all the people at the Heritage Apartments and it should also help
protect renters throughout Massachusetts."
Rep. Markey said, "Protecting affordable housing and preventing
foreclosures in our local communities is critical. I have been
frustrated by HUD's refusal to move forward with this deal which will
allow much-needed improvements to Heritage Apartments while ensuring
that these at-risk tenants are not displaced. The provision in this
bill will put an end to the hemming and hawing and ensure that everyone
will benefit, including the Heritage Apartments facility, the tenants
and Malden at large."
The provision was included in the major housing legislation which was
passed by the House of Representatives on Wednesday, July 23 and by the
Senate on Saturday, July 26. The legislation now goes to the President
who has said he will sign the bill into law.
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