Editorial
A concerted effort is underway to increase the availability of affordable housing for working families in the Rockbridge area. A shortage of such housing not only diminishes the quality of life for those with lower incomes, it also creates difficulties for economic development in general. If there are not enough workers to fill the jobs of a prospective employer, the prospect will likely look elsewhere.
Recognizing the connection between housing availability and economic development, the Rockbridge County Economic Development Authority formed a subcommittee to look for ways to increase the housing stock in our community. The subcommittee has been studying the county’s zoning laws and is recommending changes that would allow greater housing densities in areas that are close to public infrastructure and services.
A dearth of affordable housing is not a new problem for the Rockbridge area. More than halfa- century ago, farsighted local leaders recognized that many families in our community were living in substandard housing. The Rockbridge Area Housing Corporation (RAHC) was established in 1968 to address this pressing need. With assistance from the then newly-created U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), an ambitious project took shape.
A local family donated land at the top of Diamond Hill in Lexington near Lylburn Downing Middle School and Richardson Park. The community rallied around RAHC’s plans to develop a multi-family affordable housing project. HUD funding was secured. The 40-unit Mountain View Terrace Apartments were built, opening in 1972 as an affordable housing option for 40 families in our community.
For 54 years, these apartments have fulfilled this need for families who might not otherwise have been able to afford this basic necessity. Many have contributed to the success of this valuable community resource. Foremost among them are the dozen members of RAHC’s founding board of directors – Louis W. Hodges, president; J.B. “Benny” Lewis Jr., vice president; Mabel Barritt, secretary; Betty Munger, treasurer; Matthew W. Paxton, attorney; Edward C. Atwood, Flourney H. Barksdale, Matthew R. Beebe, Harris Green, Henry L. Ravenhorst and James A. Tilson.
A RAHC spokesperson noted that Lewis, a local funeral home director and later Lexington vice mayor, was instrumental to the development of the project, “bringing his vision [to address the] desperate need for the entire community to successful completion. This formidable person had connections around town and no trouble finding friends throughout the community who supported his vision, coming to his aid with their areas of expertise as well as initial financial support.” Lewis served as property manager for the apartments from its opening in 1972 until retiring in 1998.
To continue this success story, Lewis’s successor, Marylin Alexander, RAHC executive director who currently serves as Lexington vice mayor, and H.E. “Skip” Ravenhorst, RAHC board president, are overseeing a fundraising campaign to address infrastructure needs for this 54-year-old facility and to support maintenance and operations. Those who would like to make a contribution can send it to Rockbridge Area Housing, Mountain View Terrace Apartments, P.O. Box 1096, Lexington, VA 24450. Individuals and organizations are asked to step forward and support this worthy cause. It is of utmost importance that these apartments continue to be a viable, affordable housing option in our community.
This is but one option for affordable housing in the Rockbridge area. Local community leaders are continuing to look for ways to provide more options. These initiatives are being pursued in response to the findings of a study of available housing in the region that was completed last year by the Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission.
