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. Bruce Whitaker Jr., Managing Member
Mr. Frank Stellato, Associate Director
Wiles Architect
Mr. Brandt Jobst, Architect
A sign-in sheet was passed around for residents to sign.
Ms. Polansky discussed the agenda items which included the Environmental Testing, Surveying Site and Updates on Pre-Development Process. Ms. Polansky reminded and stressed the importance of attending the November 18, 2014 meeting with Kim from TOVAH to create a Development Committee. Mrs. Polansky also mentioned that additional testing and site survey work are in the process of being completed at Stern Village.
Mr. Whitaker thanked the residents for coming to Danbury to view the rehabilitated unit and give them an idea of what a renovation looks like.
Mr. Whitaker discussed the preliminary or conceptual plan will offer an array of delivery services to the residents with a movie room, wellness center, vending machines, and laundry rooms, to name a few.
Residents inquired about the stackable washers and dryers. Ms. Polansky explained the sewage lines are poor and laundry done from each unit would be taxing on the existing sanitary system. Based on spacial restraints, it might not be feasible to provide stackable washers and dryers in each unit. Mr. Whitaker indicated that sewage lines could not hold the capacity of usage.
A number of residents were concerned with energy efficiency to lower their UI bill. With the new heating system, residents will save approximately 30% to 50% on their electric bills. The new heating system will allow the heat to float throughout the unit. Residents were also concerned with the flooring for warmth as Mr. Whitaker explained to the residents that the architect will install a cushion, vapor barrier and small insulation between the slabs to maintain warmth. Also, the residents suggested solar panels for natural lighting. Mr. Jobst will consider residents’ suggestions once the set plans are addressed with the THA Commissioners, Resident Development Committee, the Town, CHFA, and DOH.
Mr. Josbst indicated that we are considering having the Community Room adjoined with an atrium walkway, for easy accessibility from units to the Community Room. The plan will consist of changing the parking area and walkway to bring the residents closer to their units and accessibility for emergency services. Residents requested assigned parking spaces as Ms. Polansky will consider the suggestion.
Mr. Whitaker will hope for funding in April 2015 and hopefully, to start the process within 6 months with renovations. This process depends on the State to receive funding to proceed with revitalization and rehabilitation of Stern Village.
The next meeting is yet to be determined.
The meeting adjourned at 12:30pm.
Submitted by,
Paulette Mack
Resident Services Coordinator
PM:lj
Minutes – Revitalization and Rehabilitation of Stern Village Nov 11, 2014