Worcester residents and politicians held a press conference today at City Hall to express support for 3 items of legislation being considered at the state level to deal with the foreclosure crisis.

Essentially Worcester's entire state delegation supports the three bills: Senate Bill 2664, "An Act Requiring Just Cause for Eviction in Foreclosed Properties"; Senate Bill 2663, "An Act Relative To A Temporary Moratorium On Foreclosures"; and Senate Bill 2662, "An Act To Require Judicial Foreclosures."

For more information, see the Mass Alliance Against Predatory Lending.

Press release:

Worcester - Neighborhood leaders concerned about the on-going foreclosure crisis? impact on community residents will be holding a press conference on Tuesday, May 13th at 12noon in front of City Hall to endorse state legislation proposed to help homeowners and tenants and to call for local elected officials? full support.

The Massachusetts Alliance Against Predatory Lending, the statewide organization, has proposed three foreclosure bills (see attached) and have already secured the full support of Worcester Senator?s Augustus and Chandler for all three bills in the Senate. Local organizer?s of Tuesday?s press conference are seeking the support of Worcester Representatives and City Councilors and will provide an update on the positions of local elected officials.

Following the press conference, organizers, and hopefully several City Councilors and representatives of the City Manager will be attending a public hearing at the Statehouse on each of the bills. Members of Worcester?s legislative delegation are expected to be in attendance at this hearing.

Over the past three months, neighborhood leaders have been meeting to develop community-based strategies to respond to Worcester foreclosures. In addition to increasing neighborhood education through fliers, posters and door to door outreach, community residents are seeking greater protection for existing homeowners and tenants. The local group has already secured City Manager O?Brien commitment to meet with lawyers pursuing a class action lawsuit. Additionally the group is working to obtain a stronger voice for neighborhood residents in upcoming funding and planning decisions.

The group meets regularly at the Pleasant Street Neighborhood Network Center, 301 Pleasant Street. Any one interested in becoming more involved in this issue should call 508-754-7793.