Charleston City Housing Authority

The Annual Board Meeting included the annual Election of Officers, resulting in the unanimous re-election of Mr. Gregory Voigt as Chairman and Commissioner Garcia Williams as Vice Chair. A key discussion point was the update on Project 3500, covering the draft partnership agreement with the City, property acquisition status (including 899 Morrison Drive closing anticipation), the creation of the MU-3 Workforce Housing zoning district, and planned RFQ/RFP processes. Internal Reports were presented, including financial highlights showing revenues slightly below budget, updates on occupancy, capital fund availability, and refinancing options. The Finance Committee reported concerns regarding the Morrison Station Master Development Agreement terms. New Business involved the unanimous approval of Resolution #5201 to write off $53,395.53 in Tenant Accounts Receivable. Resolutions were also approved for interior renovations at 1510 North Avalon Circle ($200,299), re-roofing at 75 Poplar Street ($112,500), and entering into a Project-Based Voucher AHAP Agreement for 13 units with Lowline Housing, LP. Resolution #5205, concerning the submission of rezoning applications for several CHA-owned properties to the proposed MU-3 Workforce Housing district, was approved despite some dissenting votes and abstentions, contingent on reviewing final ordinance language. The Citizen Participation period featured concerns from residents regarding transparency, tree removal, CEO resignation rumors, and requests for clarity on mixed-income definitions and maintenance tracking. The Board also entered Executive Session to receive legal advice regarding pending litigation and contractual negotiations with the City.

The special board meeting included clarification on the procurement process, distinguishing between Competitive Sealed Bids (where lowest responsive and responsible bid must be accepted) and Requests for Proposals (RFPs) which use scoring criteria. Mayor William S. Cogswell, Jr. addressed the Board regarding a proposed public-public partnership with the City of Charleston to increase affordable housing on the peninsula, emphasizing a 'build-first' strategy and potential site considerations at 899 Morrison Drive. Internal reports covered financing initiatives with the Center for Public Enterprise, successful Thanksgiving outreach efforts, occupancy rates, and a request for more detailed development pipeline projections. Key actions included the approval of Resolution #5198 to submit a Section 18 Disposition Application for Robert Mills Manor and Resolution #5199 to write off $2,882.00 in Tenant Account Receivables. The Board addressed Resolution #5200 concerning a one-year extension of the Grace Bridge Loan, expressing significant concern over existing restrictive covenants related to incurred debt and breach acknowledgments; action was deferred pending renegotiation of loan documents to remove adverse provisions. Executive Session was held to discuss the search process for a new President & CEO and litigation matters.

This PHA Plan outlines the organization's mission to promote adequate, affordable housing, economic opportunity, and suitable living environments free from discrimination. The strategic goals focus on providing high-quality daily housing services, maintaining staff professionalism, increasing affordable housing resources, fostering a positive public image, and promoting client involvement in decisions. Additionally, the plan aims to improve living conditions for low and very low-income families while maintaining affordable rent payments, and to avoid concentrations of economically and socially deprived families. These goals are supported by strategies to address housing needs related to affordability, supply, quality, accessibility, unit size, and location for all eligible populations.

This Vision 2035 document outlines the strategic direction for The Housing Authority of the City of Charleston, focusing on expanding its reach to address affordable housing needs in new communities. Key priorities include fostering diverse partnerships, including private organizations, to promote resident self-sufficiency and transition to workforce housing or homeownership. The plan emphasizes proactively providing essential support services, investing in employee development, and maintaining high standards for public housing sites. It also commits to enhancing public relations, embracing environmental sustainability through 'green' technology, and strengthening financial independence by diversifying funding sources to reduce federal dependency. The overarching goal is to ensure safe, efficient, and affordable housing while encouraging residents to achieve self-sufficiency.

The meeting included a report on the passing of Ms. Catherine Louise Jones, updates from the President and CEO on employee training in First Aid, CPR, and AED certification, the success of the 90th Anniversary Celebration, and a presentation of the Redevelopment Plan for Morrison Station. There were also discussions on updating report color schemes, including a hyperlink to HUD terms, adding a running list of Tenant Account Receivables, and providing quarterly updates on Marketing & Outreach activities. The Master Developer Revitalization Plan for Gadsden Green was moved to the June meeting agenda. The Board also discussed an alternative design for the 275 Huger Street project and the Morrison Station Master Plan. Additionally, there was a presentation on financial projections and discussions on staff turnover rates and pension plans. The board approved a resolution for the write-off of Tenant Accounts Receivable and the disposition of vehicles. An executive session was held to discuss security issues and email addresses for the Commissioners.