Richard Squire-Tibbs

The Trenton Housing Authority's Choice Neighborhoods Planning Initiative outlines a comprehensive Transformation Plan to revitalize the city of Trenton. This plan, developed following a $1.3 million planning grant, aims to provide over 600 units of affordable housing, increase educational outcomes for students, create training and employment opportunities for the working-class population, and support health outcomes for all families. The initiative emphasizes a collaborative effort with community stakeholders, the city, state, and Board of Education to transform Trenton into a beacon of hope.

This document details the City of Trenton's comprehensive urban planning methodology, centered on its 'Trenton 250' master plan. The plan serves as a guide for community decisions, articulating a vision, goals, objectives, strategies, and actions across elements such as land use, housing, education, economic development, health, and environment. It is underpinned by eight guiding principles, including fostering social opportunity, a vibrant economy, arts and cultural development, public safety, good governance, civic unity, community health, quality neighborhoods, and multimodal transportation. A core emphasis is placed on extensive community engagement, diversity, equity, and inclusion to ensure plans are community-driven, avoid past urban renewal errors, and foster collective impact.

The board approved disbursements for the previous month and authorized an agreement for the periodic replacement of ranges and refrigerators. Additionally, the meeting included a commendation for recent snow removal efforts, a report from the Chair regarding leadership and team confidence, and public comments concerning a proposed economic initiative for residents and positive feedback regarding staff assistance during a recent blackout.

The Board addressed several resolutions, including the approval of financial disbursements and the authorization of the 2019 Annual Audit along with its associated corrective action plan. Further business involved the selection of an information technology firm for support services, the renewal of legal services agreements for general counsel and tenancy/occupancy matters, and the implementation of a new trespass policy.

The meeting included a report from the Executive Director regarding operations, finance, procurement, and ongoing discussions with the Lieutenant Governor about the Section 8 program. Key resolutions included approval for March 2022 disbursements and the authorization of a contract with Group 14 Engineering for energy conservation measures. A proposal to amend the by-laws regarding meetings was discussed and failed. Additionally, the board addressed inquiries regarding conference reimbursement policies, energy cost contingency plans, and property maintenance concerns raised by residents during public comment.