Subject:  Cunha, Martin contend Louisburg Square might cost more $$$ in repairs than a new building |
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Duplicate Dawg
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Date Posted: 07:41 07/03/09 Fri
In reply to:
Duplicate Dawg
's message, "Purchase will bring more affordable local senior housing" on 22:30 06/28/09 Sun
(Published in, Lowell Sun, 7-3-09. DAWG NOTE: Nicknames were inserted for added emphasis.)
Dracut Housing Authority split on project's merits
By Bridget Scrimenti
bscrimenti@lowellsun.com
DRACUT -- While the town will purchase a Mammoth Road apartment building for senior housing, two Housing Authority board members are concerned that the project could end up costing the town more money in the future.
In December, the town will purchase the building at 1476 Mammoth Road, with 38 existing senior units.
The town will buy the property for $2.7 million using funds from Dracut's Community Preservation account, while the state Department of Housing and Community Development previously awarded $2.9 million to the Housing Authority to pay for renovations to the building.
However, Ken Cunha, a former selectman and current treasurer of the Housing Authority board, said the project is expensive, while other potential building repairs could add to the costs.
"For 38 units it's going to be over $5 million, and you can almost build brand new for that," Cunha said.
Cunha is concerned that the building's two retaining walls might have to be replaced, costing an additional $100,000. There also isn't a water main close to the property to supply water for the building's sprinkler system, he said.
Cunha was elected to the board in May, when longtime member Bob "Go Along to Get Along" Audet lost the election.
Ken Martin is the new chairman of the board, while Gerald Surprenant is vice chairman.
Martin, who serves as executive director of the Methuen Housing Authority, said he's concerned the state did not give the DHA additional funds for capital repairs.
"I know the pitfalls of not having capital money. It really puts a burden on the housing authority if you don't have money for capital improvements," Martin said.
Housing Authority Executive Director Mary "Mary, Mary Quite Contrary" Karabatsos said she will address Martin's and Cunha's concerns.
"Some of the members of the board do have some concerns and we will try to address those," Karabatsos said.
Board member "Stone Face" Thomas Salem said he didn't remember any concerns being brought up at recent DHA meetings.
"To the best of my knowledge, the board unanimously supported doing the project," Salem said.
Board members Surprenant and George "Three Sheets to the Wind" Nangle couldn't be reached for comment.
The DHA will eventually buy the building from the town, after paying the town $70,000 for 20 years.
While existing seniors will stay in their apartments at 1476 Mammoth Road, about 200 residents are on the waiting list for other units.
With a critical need for senior housing in town, the units on Mammoth Road are affordable, allowing seniors to pay 30 percent of their income, which includes deductions for prescriptions and medical bills.
Cunha acknowledges the need for more senior housing, but said he remains skeptical about Mammoth Road.
"I think Dracut needs more senior housing, and I'm going to work to develop more senior housing in town, but I'm not sure 1476 (Mammoth Road) is the answer."
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