Virginia Stories | Housing Affairs Letter

Virginia Tightens Eminent Domain

Almost three quarters of Virginia voters decide to place strong clamps on how far the state and its local governments can go to seize private property under eminent domain.

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Property-Taking Option On Virginia Ballot

Virginia voters will vote on a proposed constitutional amendment in November to limit the use of eminent domain. The proposal would prohibit local or state governments from taking private land and giving it to a private entity for the purpose of economic development. Private property could still be taken for public use, i.e., highways, railroads, utility

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(PROPERTY TAKING) State Girds For Eminent Domain Battle

Lawmakers and advocates on both sides of the issue are crossing Virginia to debate the merits of a property taking constitutional amendment up for a vote in 2012. The amendment would make it more difficult to take properties by eminent domain

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(SECTION 8 VOUCHERS) Mob Vies For Sec. 8 Aid

Police in Roanoke, VA were summoned to quell fights erupting among residents vying for Sec. 8 housing voucher applications. About 600 people waited in line for hours to apply for vouchers

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(DEMOLITION) HUD Approves Norfolk Demolition Plan

Norfolk, VA officials have a green light from HUD to demolish a landmark public housing project and replace it with new single-family homes, apartments and senior housing. The Moton Circle

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(HOUSING POLICY) Virginia Launches Housing Campaign

Newly elected Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell creates the state's first executive housing policy in an effort to expand the availability of sustainable, affordable housing. McDonnell outlined the framework

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(MORTGAGE FINANCE) Mortgage Lending In Virginia

State lawmakers approve legislation to allow mortgage firms in the state to continue selling loans to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The legislation establishes the authority to allow mortgage companies

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Builders Oppose Plan for Treating Polluted Water

When rain comes to the Chesapeake Bay off the Maryland-Virginia coast, pollution problems mount. Rainwater washes across residential and business developments, carrying contaminants through storm sewers and then out into a shallow body of water that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency describes...

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(RENOVATION) Rehabilitation Set For VA Apartments

A 305-unit low-income apartment complex in Falls Church, VA will undergo a $35 million renovation with the bulk of financing provided by tax-exempt bonds

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(AFFORDABLE HOUSING) Land Trust First For State

Richmond Metropolitan Habitat for Humanity creates the first community land trust in Virginia by placing a parcel of land in south Richmond in trust for 19 new homes. A trust allows a homebuyer to

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