Council Agrees On Consensus for Affordable Housing Resolution - 2004-01-15
City Councilwoman Kathryn E. Leonard wanted to push the state into easing its demand that the city replace every unit of affordable housing gone during the redevelopment of Tonomy Hill.

They voted 5 to 1 against a resolution that would have threatened city support for future phases of Tonomy redevelopment if the Rhode Island Housing and Mortgage Finance Corporation didn't take a more active role in finding substitute affordable housing outside Newport.
Read the full story at Miami Herald

Improve credit score before applying for a mortgage - 2004-01-15
Q: What is regarded as a subprime credit score? And what kind of interest rates can I get with, say, a 650 credit score?

A: Right now, you're on the border between a great rate (typically 650 to 680 and up) and a sub-prime loan. Some lenders will throw you a bone and give you A- status, while others will consider you sub-prime.

You might also try a lender that keeps their mortgages in-house as investments. This is also known as a portfolio lender.
Read the full story at Los Angeles Times