From: [mailto:b.weltz@cedar-rapids.org]
Sent: Thursday, September 30, 2004 8:17 AM
To: action_letter@ncrc.org
Subject: RIN 3064-AC50, Community Reinvestment Act
Below is the result of your feedback form. It was submitted by
(b.weltz@cedar-rapids.org) on Thursday, September 30, 2004 at 06:16:43
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Dear: Mr. Feldman
Regarding: I am a concerned citizen opposed to watering down CRA
(Community Reinvestment Act) requirements for mid-sized banks. CRA
is vital for increasing homeownership and economic development in
lower-income communities. However, your proposed changes will halt
the progress that has been made.
I understand that banks with over $250 million in assets must be
tested on their number of loans, investments, and services to low-
and moderate-income communities. But your proposal would eliminate
the investment and service requirements for all banks with under
$1 billion in assets. This will result in significantly fewer loans
and investments in affordable rental housing, health clinics, community
centers, and economic development projects.
In the watered-down exam, you would allow mid-sized banks to choose
which community development activities they will undertake. Right
now, these banks must make community development loans, investments,
and services. Your proposed test allows banks to choose only one
of the three activities. The result will be less community development
activity.
You also propose that community development activities in rural
areas should benefit any group of individuals instead of only low-
and moderate-income individuals. But this will allow banks to cherry-pick
and focus on affluent residents of rural areas rather than the lower
income consumers CRA targets. Finally, you would also eliminate publicly
available data on the small business lending of mid-sized banks.
Without data, community groups and citizens cannot hold banks accountable
for lending to small businesses in their neighborhoods.
Your changes
directly oppose CRA’s mandate to
require lenders to meet community needs. CRA is too important to
be gutted. Please drop your proposal like the two other federal agencies
that recognized its harm to underserved communities.
Sincerely: Bonnie Weltz
Organization: Cedar Rapids Housing Services
Address1: 1211 6th Street SW
City: Cedar Rapids
State: IA
zip: 52404
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