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Senior residents urge the council to address rent hikes, housing conditions at Hurt Park
Summary
During citizen comment, residents described rent increases and substandard conditions in Hurt Park-area housing and urged the council to do more for seniors and low-income residents; speakers said high rents and application barriers limit options.
During the hearing of citizens, speakers raised concerns about housing affordability and conditions affecting senior and low-income residents in the Hurt Park area and elsewhere in Roanoke.
A resident identified as Miss Randolph, speaking on behalf of Jimmy Cook, described long experience living in the Hurt Park neighborhood and said many residents face rising rents and limited housing options. Randolph, who said she is 77 and on a fixed income, said she has never been late with rent but that rent increases and application practices make it difficult for seniors to find affordable, decent housing.
“It's not fair to us to have to run our heads into a brick wall,” Randolph said, describing her efforts to look for other housing and noting landlords’ requirements such as paying double rent or large deposits. She said that seniors on fixed incomes face housing stress and urged the city to do better by older residents.
Council recorded the comments during the citizen comment period but did not take immediate action; the remarks were entered into the public record and may be referred to the city manager for follow-up.
