HomeMy WebLinkAbout1987 Reading Housing Authority Annual ReportREADING HOUSING AUTHORITY
22 FRANK D. TANNER DRIVE
J READING. MASSACHUSETTS 01867
ANNUAL REPORT
During the past year, the Reading Housing Authority has been busy
with the many programs under its jurisdiction. Richard S.'
Dempster is the current Chairman, the elected Board members are
Leonard F. Westra, Philip R. White, Jr., and Patricia J. Swain.
The new State appointee is William McIsaac.
Some of the highlights, by program, during the past year include:
667 Program (Housing for Elderly /Handicapped) - The Reading
Housing Authority owns and manages 80 units of
elderly /handicapped housing at Frank D. Tanner Drive, all of
which are currently occupied. The Executive Office of Com-,
munities and Development recently awarded the Authority 4
Modernization Grant in the total amount of $280,000.001
which will be used to update and impove the buildings and
apartments. The contract has been signed and work should be
commencing in early Summer 1987;
The combined efforts of the Reading Board of Health, Council
on Aging, and the Authority presented a "Life - Cycles"
program for Senior Citizens at the Tanner Drive recreation
hall. This workshop was designed to explore changes in
lifestyles as we get older. The Community Building hosts
many recreational programs for area elderly by the Council
on Aging; blood pressure screening clinics are run by the
Board of Health monthly; Book reviews sponsored by the
Library are held monthly; Meals on Wheels, Friendly
Visitors and Outreach have been providing much - needed sup-
port for the frail elderly during the year. Tea Dances,
dance lessons and monthly Tannerville Club meetings are en-
joyed by many residents.
689 Program (Housing for People with Special Needs) - The
Authority has been very pleased with the program run by
Eastern Middlesex Association for Retarded Citizens (EMARC)
at 74 Bancroft Avenue. The residents are enjoying the
programs conducted by the Reading Garden Club and especially
appreciated the holiday decorations which the Garden Club
had provided. The Authority is pleased to extend its sin-
cerest thanks to all who have donated time and /or money,
whether large or small. We thank you for welcoming our new
residents to Town.
705 Program (Family Housing) - Contract signing is imminent
and groundbreaking is planned for late March 1987. The road
to final approval has been long, but the Board is sure that
the final result will be a great benefit to the community;
an asset to the neighborhood; and a source of joy and pride
to the new residents.
Rental Assistance Programs:
Section 8 /Federal - Presently the Authority's 80 cerjtifi-
cates are fully leased. The waiting list for this program
has been closed for about a year due to the long appllicant
list. Cutbacks in this program have had serious con-
sequences for low- income families. The high rental arket
in the Boston area has forced many of these families Oat of
their units, creating a new "homeless" population. Commit-
ment to funding these programs must be forthcoming from the
government. We must all work towards meeting and creating
affordable housing for all segments of our population.!
707 Program /State - The Authority has procured an additional
3 certificates from the State. This program is currently
fully leased. The waiting list for this program is'' also
very long. New tenant selection guidelines have been
adopted by the State and provide for "emergency case" ap-
provals on a limited, substantiated basis.
The Reading Housing Authority looks forward to the coming year
with new hope and greater determination to provide opportunities
for affordable housing to all eligible citizens. The Board is
committed to the goal of providing "equal housing opportunity"
for all.
Respectfully submitted,
Richard S. Dempster, Chairman
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RfAVINS / OLISIN6 ALIT119RITY
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The Reading Housing Authority has had a very busy year. With Richard S.
Dempster as the Board Chairman, Philip R. White, Jr. as Assistant
Secretary and William E. Mclsaac, Vice- Chairman and State Appointee, the
Board welcomed two new members: Arthur J. Reynolds and Lynn M. Carlson.
Mr. Reynolds was appointed to serve the remaining term of Patricia J.
Swain who has retired to Cape Cod. Ms. Carlson has been appointed to
serve the remaining term of the late Leonard F. Westra.
The Authori ty had a most productive year and the following will highlight
some of the major accomplishments by program:
705 Program (Family Housing) - Groundbreaking took place in late March
1987and occupancy of the six units of housing at Oakland and Waverly
Roads took place on December 1, 1987. All units are occupied and the
families are adjusting to their new homes as final details are being
completed. The State Executive Office of Communities and Development
(EOCD) has selected the Reading development as one of the five family
housing developments that they will be showcasing this year.
The Board is working with the developers of "Greenhouse Acres" to create
another ten units of family housing within the town. Another four units
will be created with the Community Center conversion to condominiums.
667 Program (Housing for El der] y/Handi capped) - The 80 units of housing
at Franker Drive will soon be upgraded with the assistance of an
additioW,*05,000.00 grant from EOCD for modernization. This contract
will be dovetailed with the previous grant of $280,000.00 to complete the
necessary building, utility and apartment improvements. Work should be
commencing in May 1988.
The tenants are enjoying all the classes held at the recreation hall. The
residents also enjoy the talents of the acoustic musicians that practice in
the hall on Thursday nights. The Library, Board of Health and Council on
Aging continue to provide assistance with monthly book reviews, blood
pressure screening clinics, Friendly Visitor, weekday Meals on Wheels,
Outreach, van rides, and many more support services. The Authority is
working closely with Mystic Valley Elder Services for the necessary
in -home care needed to allow many residents to remain independent. The
Tannerville Club and Singles Club hold monthly meetings, which are always
well attended. Tea Dances and dance lessons continue to be enjoyed by
many of the town's senior citizens.
The Authori ty will be having a fundraising effort this year in order to
purchase new furniture and draperies as well as a television set with
hearing devices and a VCR for the community room.
Rental Assistance (Section 8 /Federal; 747 /State) - The Authority has 85
Section 8 certificates and 13 certificates under the 707 Program. The
Authority has also leased up 6 "Emergency Access" applicants during the
year under the new EOCD guidelines. The Authority has opened the Section
8 waiting list again. We encourage anyone needing assistance, especially
Reading residents, to apply.
The Housing Authority has been working diligently with the Town Manger,
Town Planner and Board of Selectmen to encourage the Town of Reading to
join the Massachusetts Housing Partnership (MHP). The MHP is a statewide
initiative formed and funded by the Legislature to support local housing
needs. The MHP assists local alliances by providing funds for technical
assistance and development which are designed to increase the supply of
affordable housing.
The Authority is also exploring possibilities of creating a congregate
elderly facility as well as a 689 Program for chronically mentally ill
persons. With the Town Planner and the Fair Housing Committee, the
Authority will work to create equal housing opportunity for all people that
want to live in the Town of Reading. We look forward to the next year
with continued determination and commitment.
Respectfully submitted,
RICHARD S. DEMPSTER, Chairman