Dear editor, More from the Conversation! Some very good questions were asked at our recent Eastside Conversation. Sometimes our initial answers are not the best, or most complete. The benefit of time to ref lect, consider and consult can help form a better response.
One such quest ion asked, “what the city was doing about run-down, dilapidated properties?” It was interesting for me to learn that since January 1, 2020, a total of sixty-one properties have been part of a demolition plan to remove abandoned and unsafe homes from our community. Other properties may be in the process of being addressed but must go through the legal process which can take months or years. Within those sixty-one properties, a total of seven addresses have new homes, as part of the New Home Program. This program addresses in part, the question as to what the City of Rockdale was doing to assist with more affordable housing.
I am thankful for the leadership of Mr. Mario Casarez at the Rockdale Housing Authority, and the work of his fine board. While Mr. Casarez is not an employee of the City of Rockdale, he is able to consult with our Municipal Development Director, Jim Gibson, and our City Manager, Barbara Holly, as he has questions, seeks funding and works to collaborate with the city in any such venture. In this area, it is important to not have a duplication of efforts. Therefore, we wish Mario and the Rockdale Housing Authority success as they look to address this need within our community.
Our Sesquicentennial Celebrations are right around the corner! May we all do our part to make a better community.
Sincerely, Dave Melton Council Member for the East Ward and the City of Rockdale
- Log in or Subscribe to post comments.