Burns commends Johnstown officials who scuttled JHA request
City will not be co-applicant on $500,000 HUD planning grant application
Rep. Frank Burns May 9, 2024 | 2:54 PM
EBENSBURG, May 9 – As the most vocal proponent of downsizing Johnstown’s public housing to meet only current local need, state Rep. Frank Burns is commending the stance taken by three city officials, saying they are responding to the overwhelming will of the people.
Burns, D-Cambria, said the votes to deny a Johnstown Housing Authority request cast by Mayor Frank Janakovic, Deputy Mayor Michael Capriotti and Councilwoman Marie Mock mean the city will not be a co-applicant on the JHA’s application for a $500,000 federal planning grant.
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“Johnstown needs less -- not more -- public housing. And it certainly needs to pursue every means possible to turn off the tap that’s enticing Philadelphia residents to flock here to take advantage of excess public housing units. It's time to tell them, ‘The open bar in Johnstown is closing, so you’ll have to drink elsewhere.’” – State Rep. Frank Burns
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Burns took particular note of the concern voiced by Mock that the HUD grant could result in more subsidized public housing in Cambria County, and by Capriotti that residents, the community and other politicians are saying there are far too many public housing units already.
"As one of the 'other politicians' Capriotti was referring to – in fact, I’ve been the loudest and most consistent voice on this issue -- I'd like to commend those who voted against this JHA request,” Burns said. “They demonstrated a willingness to listen to the will of the people and to common sense, as they should.
“Johnstown needs less -- not more -- public housing. And it certainly needs to pursue every means possible to turn off the tap that’s enticing Philadelphia residents to flock here to take advantage of excess public housing units. It's time to tell them, ‘The open bar in Johnstown is closing, so you’ll have to drink elsewhere.’”
Burns said even though JHA Executive Director Mike Alberts was rebuffed in his attempt to get the city as a grant co-applicant – a move Alberts said would put city resources at the JHA’s disposal – the JHA is demonstrating tone-deafness by pressing forward with its application.
“Mr. Alberts didn’t get what he wanted, because three elected officials listened to the community rather than the JHA, so he decided to ignore that message,” Burns said. “It’s my hope that the community ramps up its voice and lets the JHA know the only plan they want to see implemented is one that significantly reduces the number of public housing units.”
Burns noted that council members Charles Arnone, the Rev. Sylvia King and Laura Huchel supported the JHA grant co-applicant request, creating a tie vote that meant the measure failed only because there was not a majority in favor.