Subject:  DHA chairman Martin clarifies his stance on Louisburg Square |
Author:
Duplicate Dawg
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Date Posted: 09:17 07/10/09 Fri
In reply to:
Duplicate Dawg
's message, "Cunha, Martin contend Louisburg Square might cost more $$$ in repairs than a new building" on 07:41 07/03/09 Fri
(published in, Lowell Sun, Letter to the Editor, 7-10-09. DAWG NOTE: Emphasis added for humor.)
Dracut Housing Authority striving to provide quality housing for seniors
After reading recent articles concerning DHA ("Board split..."), I feel I must clarify my concerns.
The board is not split on the need or desire to accommodate more seniors -- it may differ on the quality of the units that we provide. The proposed 1476 Mammoth Road development was a deal made by Selectmen Robert Cox and Joseph DiRocco and the owners. It was presented to Town Meeting for approval to purchase the building for $2.6 million utilizing a bond, which is to be paid by Community Preservation Funds (taxes and state-match funds).
The proposal was then presented to the Dracut Housing Authority Board. When presented, I raised a number of concerns, primarily, financial feasibility and the absence of an inspection of the building before the Town Meeting. At that time, there was no estimate of costs to update and bring the building to code. I was not willing to go forward without knowing the condition of this 20-year-old building.
(Town Manager) Dennis Piendak agreed to have the town pay for an inspection, and the report was issued by Nilsson & Siden Associates in December 2006. This report revealed that the costs to bring the building to code were estimated at $700,000 to $900,000.
Along with Commissioner (“Stone-face” Tom) Salem, I met with state Sen. Sue Tucker and DHCD to seek subsidy and capital funds to make the necessary repairs. Sen. Tucker was instrumental, and, subsequently, DHCD agreed to assist the Housing Authority. A consultant and an architect were hired. It quickly became apparent that costs would exceed the original estimate, because a number of safety issues surfaced:
1. uncompleted sprinkler system
2. front entrance is not code compliant for a residential building
3. new roof
DHCD committed $2.9 million ($2.6 million to $2.7 million for construction) with the understanding that DHCD would not provide any additional capital funding for 20 years. At a recent board meeting, the architects presented a new estimate of repairs: $2.3 million -- up from the original $700,000 to $900,000
This estimate does not even include new kitchens or bathrooms, appliances, carpeting, and floor tile (except for three handicapped units). Additional concerns were raised regarding the retaining walls, which could require substantial funding.
In summary, the town will own this building. After spending $5 million for this 20-year-old building consisting of 38 units (24 studio and 14 one-bedroom), any changes necessary for kitchens, bathrooms, flooring and any future capital repairs/code violations will be the responsibility of the Dracut taxpayers for the next 20 years, because DHCD will not provide additional funding and the Housing Authority does not have the funds.
I have been a public-housing administrator for more than 30 years; I am keenly aware of many public-housing authorities in the state which have buildings that are 40-plus years old and have been trying to no avail to obtain money for replacements for obsolete facilities, due to a lack of state funding. This concern was also outlined in the state auditor's report.
I was elected to represent the residents of Dracut and will do so with the best of my ability based on my 30 years of public-housing experience. My position remains the same since the beginning; I will support this endeavor if it is feasible. Is the purchase of 1476 Mammoth Road a sound financial decision based on updated information, or should we use the $5 million for another building?
KENNETH MARTIN
Dracut Housing chairman
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