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Displaced River East homeowners urge council to convert HPAP loans to grants and lift covenant limits
Summary
Former River East at Grandview homeowners told committee members they remain financially and emotionally harmed after evacuations in 2021; they called for HPAP loan conversions to grants, covenant adjustments, and prioritization so displaced families can regain homeownership.
Dozens of displaced River East at Grandview homeowners testified that structural failures forced them from their homes in 2021 and that rental assistance has not restored equity or long‑term stability for most residents. Many described double‑or‑higher mortgages or continued instability after several years out of their original homes.
Jacqueline Eisworth and Tayon Jones urged the committee to pass the River East at Grandview Homeownership Relief and Restoration Amendment Act, which would convert HPAP loans used for replacement purchases into grants, prioritize displaced homeowners for new HPAP funding, and limit inclusionary zoning covenant restrictions so former owners can build equity. "Replacement housing is not the same as restored opportunity," Jones said, describing higher mortgages and lost equity compared with original low‑interest purchases.
Residents described credit impacts from discharged mortgages, ongoing insurance and HOA costs, and mental‑health impacts from repeated displacement. Councilmembers, including Traeon White, strongly supported targeted relief and urged administration agencies to coordinate implementation and funding; Chair White said the bill is a start but acknowledged it may not go far enough for some owners.
