Suffolk’s poor oversight on how four surrounding localities have used federal housing money cost the region $500,000.

In October, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development notified Suffolk – head of the Western Tidewater HOME Consortium, a four-locality group that includes Franklin and Southampton and Isle of Wight counties – that it would be withdrawing its promised 2005 funding.

HUD, in its letter with the city, cited the city’s &uot;lack of administrative capability&uot; to oversee and monitor the program and the accruement of too much money from previous years.

HOME monies are used to maintain and improve housing stock, modernize apartments and establish down payment assistance program.

allison.williams@suffolknewsherald.com