Letters to the Editor

News Virginian
Published: July 3, 2007

Fairfax Hall, by the numbers

Mr. John J. Larew recently wrote a letter regarding Mr. Bill Hausrath and his many contributions to the city of Waynesboro. The purpose of my letter is not to question those contributions but, rather, to provide accurate information on the rehabilitation and reuse of Fairfax Hall. 

Fairfax Hall Limited Partnership, a subsidiary entity of the Waynesboro Redevelopment and Housing Authority's nonprofit affiliate, the South River Development Corporation, and the Virginia Community Development Corporation are the owners of Fairfax Hall. While Mr. Hausrath was a member of the development team, he was not the sole developer. 

The development team consisted of the Waynesboro Redevelopment and Housing Authority, the Virginia Community Development Corporation, The Finch Group of Boston and Mr. Hausrath. The financing package for the -project did not allow for the rehabilitation of the dining room and Mr. Hausrath did step forward and undertake that portion of the rehabilitation. In return, the Partnership provided Mr. Hausrath with a 30-year lease.

In addition, the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development defines low-income housing as housing that serves individuals and families whose incomes are at or below 30 percent of the area median income. Fairfax Hall does have income restrictions and occupancy is limited to those individuals whose income does not exceed 60 percent of the area median income. For this reason, Fairfax Hall is described as affordable housing for the elderly.

I agree that we are fortunate to have people in our city who are willing to give back for the common good and improve the quality of life for all, but I also feel the need to provide the correct information to the general public.

Garnett Weatherholtz

Waynesboro