Acushnet Housing Authority Targets Upgrade with $75,000 Grant and Seeks Additional Funds
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Meeting Type:
Housing Authority
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Meeting Date:
04/17/2024
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Recording Published:
04/17/2024
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Duration:
11 Minutes
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State:
Massachusetts
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County:
Bristol County
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Towns:
Acushnet
- Meeting Overview:
In a recent Acushnet Housing Authority meeting, board members voted to apply for a state grant that could potentially double the $75,000 in funding already secured from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). This additional funding, if matched by the High Leverage Asset Preservation Program (High LAAP), would be used for property upgrades, including the installation of vinyl siding and new screening porches. The meeting also addressed the issue of missing utility bills and discussed ongoing maintenance efforts.
The Housing Authority’s Executive Director presented the opportunity to apply for the High LAAP grant, explaining that the $75,000 ARPA funds aimed at enhancing security with cameras, improving railings, and parking lot renovations makes the Authority eligible to request an additional $75,000 from the state. The proposed use for this extra funding would be to upgrade screens and add vinyl siding to back porches, which would reduce future maintenance needs. The board approved the application for this grant.
Furthermore, the Housing Authority is applying for a separate grant of $120,666 from the High LAAP, in conjunction with weatherization funding already received, to further update the properties. This application follows a required meeting with tenants and securing their approval. The board voted in favor of applying for this additional grant funding as well.
During the meeting, the board was informed about an issue with the electric company, which had mistakenly ceased sending bills, leading to a larger-than-expected charge for three months of service. The problem was rectified, and bills are now being received in a new format.
Maintenance updates included a report on a current vacancy being addressed, with repairs expected to be completed within a couple of weeks. The maintenance report also detailed preparations for window replacements on Garfield Street and minor maintenance tasks at the same location.
New business included a mention of a contract that was received in error, which will be revisited once the correct documentation is provided.
James Kelley
Housing Authority Officials:
Rene Racine, Robert Brown, Andrew J. Gomes, Stephanie Vonjess, Gerome Smith, Lynn Berube (Executive Director)
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Meeting Type:
Housing Authority
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Meeting Date:
04/17/2024
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Recording Published:
04/17/2024
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Duration:
11 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
Massachusetts
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County:
Bristol County
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Towns:
Acushnet
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