Special Bd. of Aldermen — 2/13/2018 Page 3
Ms. Lombardi
We had originally partnered with Bridget over at Neighborhood Housing Services. At the time, | was with the
Authority too. We only had one percent interest in the property. When Bridget’s group dissolved, we took
ownership.
Alderman Lopez
You're estimates for the waiting lists says 1,119 families are waiting. Do you have an idea of how many
children are in those families or what type of apartments would be ideal for them?
Ms. Lombardi
In most circumstances, what we see is the greatest need for families is a two-bedroom. Typically either a
single parent with one or two children. That’s our greatest need right now. Most of the families, if not all, on
our waiting list have children unless they are elderly or non-elderly disabled.
Alderman Lopez
| figured I’d ask in case developers were listening.
Alderman Tencza
Once you get the non-profit up and running, what are you hoping to do with that? Is it for more housing or
improve the housing you have and have more flexibility?
Ms. Lombardi
Right now we are in the start-up of discussing those types of things. We've identified the need. All you have to
do is take a glimpse at our waiting list. The need is so great. What we would like to do is provide more
affordable housing, more choice to people who are at low income and need it. As far as updating our current
portfolio, we receive annually from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development capital fund
program grants. Mr. Tollner has discussed some of the elevator upgrades that we did last year. We spent over
$1 million just upgrading all of our elevators throughout our portfolio. We have replaced windows. We have
done all of the roofs. We are always actively updating our developments and keeping the building envelopes
healthy. We typically will spend all of our capital fund monies on just the upgrades needed annually.
Mr. Wilson
The separate non-profit that we have, we’ve been meeting with other housing authorities in the state and trying
to learn new ways that we won't necessarily be tied to the federal HUD funds. With our non-profit organization,
we would be able to buy independent properties, blighted properties or properties that need to be completely
rehabbed or torn down and replaced. That is something that we can do that we won’t be tied necessarily to
HUD funds and HUD requirements. We could purchase a particular property, develop it and then through that
independent non-profit act similar to the way we act now, just not necessarily with the strings to HUD.
Alderman Caron
Quite a few of these buildings are in Ward 7. Some of the issues that have come up over the years, your staff
has been very helpful in giving us the way to follow and what they need to do and what the tenant needs to do
to resolve issues that come up. | commend you and your staff for being there and working very diligently with
the tenant and with us as well. | think you and your staff do a very good job, and | thank you.
