July 31, 2002

Editor, the News-Sentinel: 


As a resident of Old North Knoxville, I read with interest and confusion the article "Preservation rules vex developer". (North Neighbors, June 19 - the Editor) 


My first confusion came over the term "affordable housing." The reporter referred the reader to an article posted on a Web site: http://www.asu.edu/caed/proceedings00/CHATFIE/chatfie.htm. I went to that article, and it stated: "The predominant definition in federal housing programs establishes affordable housing as that which can be purchased by families earning 30 percent to 80 percent of the community's median income." 


"Affordable housing for the development community, on the other hand, is largely viewed as a commodity that can be purchased by those earning the community's median income. If you review advertisements around the country for 'affordable housing,' they are largely geared toward those at 90 to 110 of median income." 


The common element in either definition above is "purchase," not rent. Victor Jernigan's original plans were "to turn the house into a triplex." His original intent was for renting and not selling. Therefore, the entire discussion about affordable housing is a moot point. Jernigan purchased the house as a business property. Stretching the meaning of affordable housing to cover rental property is both disingenuous and obfuscating. 

As for using Hardi-plank, while the price per foot is less than wood, it costs more to install. Because it is concrete and therefore heavier than wood, Hardi-plank takes a minimum of two people to install and some special equipment. With wood it takes a minimum of one person and tools that have been around for many years. Hardi-plank also must be painted on the same schedule as wood if it is to last. Even the manufacturer says this. And while it won't rot, it will disintegrate over time. In the end, Hardi-plank can cost 20 to 30 percent more to install and maintain than wood. 


Mr. Jernigan was informed of the higher cost when he first proposed using Hardi-plank, just as he was informed of the H-1 overlay guidelines before he bought the house. He purchased the house anyway, and now he complains about the rules and hides behind the banner of affordable housing when that was not his original intent. 


If he didn't like the rules to begin with, he shouldn't have purchased the house. Nobody made him. So, I'm confused, why is this an article? 


David E. Booker 

Knoxville