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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