Revitalization and Rehabilitation of Stern Village –
RESIDENT PARTICIPATION MEETING
OCTOBER 3, 2014 MINUTES
Ms. Polansky opened the meeting at 11:10am and introduced the team members.
Trumbull Housing and Revitalization and Rehabilitation Team Members
Present: Ms. Harriet Polansky
Mr. Neil Gerhardt
Ms. Paulette Mack
Millennium
Mr. Whitaker Jr., Managing Member
Mr. Frank Stellato, Associate Director
Wiles Architect
Mr. George Wiles, Executive Director
Mr. Brandt Jobst, Architect
A sign-in sheet was passed around for residents to sign.
Ms. Polansky discussed the agenda items which included an overview of State mandates for predevelopment, funding sources applicable to Stern Village and requirements from CHFA and DOH for the submission of the application.
Mr. Whitaker discussed the application process and the need for a conceptual master plan for the Stern Village revitalization and redevelopment project. Mr. Whitaker stated that it was important to have input from the residents as the project moves forward.
Ms. Polansky stated that the master-plan concept will be due the third week in November, 2014. At that time, a concept of the Stern Village revitalization and redevelopment project will be presented to the State. In April, 2015, the Trumbull Housing Authority (THA) will apply for funding; it will take approximately 8 to 9 months to receive notification of its approval. It is anticipated that THA will receive notification of approval for RAP funding by the end of July or the beginning of August, 2015. Once approved, construction will start around March or April, 2016. The master plan will not be entered as a single project; consideration for this large project will have to be done in phases.
Mr. Whitaker stated he plans to attend a forum in Hartford where Governor Malloy and Tom Foley will be addressing Affordable Housing funding; he added that it is important to start a Resident Council to get residents involved in the Stern Village revitalization/redevelopment project.
Ms. Polansky reported that Ms. Kimberly Pietrorzaio, Executive Director, TOVAH, Inc. is already working with the residents on forming this council at THA.
Mr. Whitaker added that the 100-unit revitalization/rehabilitation project MILLENNIUM has been working on at Glen Apartments, Memorial Drive, Danbury, CT is near completion. Ms. Polansky suggested that THA secure a bus that will accommodate 35 residents to visit the property. The residents who attended this meeting agreed this was a great idea.
Mr. Whitaker stated that the Glen Apartments’ units are similar to the units included in the Stern Village revitalization and redevelopment project. Square footage to the units at Stern Village could be attained by adding screened-in patios and storage space. The screen patio and storage areas are not meant to be used for living quarters. Residents are interested in having a washer/dryer combination and discussed their hot water heaters that were taking up too much space. All of these suggestions will be considered in the Stern Village project.
The residents were also concerned about relocating while this project is underway. Ms. Polansky and Mr. Whitaker discussed having “motel units” at Stern Village. Vacant apartments will be rehabbed and residents will be able to move into those units. A resident can choose to stay at the new location or move back to his/her old apartment. A relocation plan will be in place that will be discussed with the residents. Residents can choose to pack themselves up or have THA pay for their moving expenses. MILLENNIUM will be responsible for the resident’s change of address, Lifeline (ERS), cable, oxygen, and other medical equipment. CARDNO will check for mold, mildew and asbestos for safety precautions before the project begins. A high-energy evaluation will be done to conserve energy for all residents in their new apartments.
The next meeting date is yet to be determined.
The meeting adjourned at 12:30pm.
Submitted by,
Paulette Mack
Resident Services Coordinator
Updates from Harriet Polansky for October 3, 2014
The THA is working towards the revitalization of Stern Village.
The CT Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) and the Department of Housing (DOH) has identified Stern Village as a critical housing authority, since there have not been any substantial improvements in over 40 years. We have the support of CHFA and DOH to make the necessary improvements to Stern Village. The first phase is Pre-Development.
The State mandates that we have:
-a Consultant, which is Millennium. Bruce Whitaker and Frank Stellato of Millennium have attended THA Board Meetings and they have met many of our residents.
-an Environmental Consultant. We have chosen Cardno ATC; they will start testing next week.
-an Architectural Firm. We have chosen George Wiles and his firm.
-a Residents’ Participation Plan. Harriet has worked with Sue from the Housing Education Resource Center to create the plan. Kim from TOVAH, met with the Residents on September 29, to discuss the importance of the plan and requested input from residents for her October 14th meeting.
We have also been asked to participate in the Affordable Housing Academy. These intense classes started mid-September. The State only selected 10 Housing Authorities to attend! We are excited to be part of the Academy!
Team THA for Revitalization of Stern Village:
-The Board of Commissioners. They are apprised of everything that we do.
-Stern Village residents that are interested in participating in the revitalization.
-Consultants: Frank Stellato and Bruce Whitaker from Millennium
-Kim from TOVAH to work with the residents.
-Cardo ATC has been selected and approved by the THA Board, as our environmental consultant
-Ed Lavernovich, the Director of Economic Development for The Town of Trumbull is part of the team.
-Neil Gerhardt, our Financial Advisor
-Paulette Mack, our RSC, starts October 13th.
-Architect. State mandates that we also have an architect. Based on our due diligence, we have narrowed the selection down to three firms and we are in the midst of reviewing proposals.
-And of course, myself
Our combined vision is to improve the quality of life for our 186 low income elderly and disabled residents by renovating and rehabilitating all 186 units, repaving the roads, walkways and have step-less entrances to each apartment, build a connecting road, add more parking closer to the units, fix our storm water drainage and water issues. Add ADA units and increase our capacity. Ensure that our buildings are energy efficient. We need new roofs and gutters, better insulation in the attics, energy efficient doors and windows. Heat pumps to provide comfort and to lower the residents heating and air conditioning bills. Energy efficient appliances, lighting, water heaters and window blinds. Hi-tech motion sensors rather than emergency pull cords and hi-tech alarm systems/smoke detectors to enable first responders.
Minutes – Revitalization and Rehabilitation of Stern Village Oct 3, 2014