From: Tina Sharpe [mailto:coiexec@mhcable.com]
Sent: Wednesday, September 15, 2004 3:08 PM
To: Comments
Subject: Oppose Efforts to Weaken CRA RIN number 3064-AC50
Tina Sharpe
540 Columbia Street
Hudson, NY 12534
September 15, 2004
Federal Deposit Insurance Commission
,
Dear Federal Deposit Insurance Commission:
Despite the successes of community development locally and
nationally, the banks and thrift institutions that provided the loans
and investments to build new homes, businesses, and community facilities
may no longer have the impetus to do so if you change the CRA exam
threshold.
According to our membership association, the National Congress for
Community Economic Development, the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation is considering changes to weaken the Community Reinvestment
Act.
It is estimated that 2,000 financial institutions would no longer be
evaluated on their investment or services to low- and moderate-income
communities. These banks have assets of nearly $1 trillion, and an
estimated $5 billion of private capital for affordable housing and
community development over the next few years.
These proposed rule changes would have a devastating effect on
affordable housing investment in our state and elsewhere throughout the
nation, particularly in rural areas.
We have worked with our local Rural Preservation Corporation to build
homes and create jobs in our community. We have increased property
values and the quality of life for residents of our community. Without
financial partners, our efforts to revitalize our community would be
nearly impossible.
The FDIC should be strengthening incentives for financial
institutions to invest in the communities that provide homes, jobs, and
economic opportunities to working families. Please do not raise the CRA
exam threshold.
Sincerely,
Tina Sharpe
518-828-4611
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