Young introduces bill to spur development of affordable housing for those affected by lead contamination

U.S. Rep. Todd Young (R-IN) introduced legislation on Wednesday that would address a shortage of affordable housing in East Chicago, Ind., through low-income housing tax credits in targeted areas.

Young introduced the bill, H.R. 6166, in response to a report that as many as 1,100 people are being forced to relocate from their homes in the West Calumet Housing Complex in East Chicago due to lead contamination.

The measure would establish incentives to speed up the development of new affordable properties by 2018 or 2019, and would provide $8.5 million in additional low-income housing tax credits to address the loss of the West Calumet Complex.

“Entire lives are being uprooted,” Young said. “It is bad enough having families forced from their homes, but it is a tragedy to learn so many will end up leaving the community altogether in search of an affordable place to live. Whether it be to their extended family, schools, churches or neighbors, many of these families have deep ties to East Chicago. Making sure they have the ability to return to their community is an important prospect, and I look forward to continuing to work with Sen. Randolph on this legislative effort to see the community made whole.”

The Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority estimates that the additional housing credits could help spur seven new affordable housing developments, which would compensate for the loss of West Calumet Housing Complex units.

“Too many of the Hoosiers I represent from the West Calumet Housing Complex will be forced to leave the area because of a lack of affordable housing,” Indiana State Sen. Lonnie Randolph (D-2nd), who represents the impacted areas, said. “Congressman Young and I met earlier this month to discuss the federal government’s response and I am pleased those conversations gave rise to this legislation. It will provide housing for so many displaced residents here in East Chicago, and I would strongly encourage the Indiana delegation to join Todd and support this important bill.”