Executive Director's Message

As the new year approaches I believe that we should be optimistic. Several organizational changes and the diligence of our Commissioners and staff on all fronts have put us in a position to enhance our service delivery, reach milestones, and correct deficiencies that have plagued this organization for many years. This is important because, as you probably know, the Federal government through the Department of Housing and Urban Development has underfunded the Bridgeport Housing Authority for the last two years. Many have heard me say that we have to strive for cost effectiveness, and we must be patient. Although we have set in place numerous efficiencies we are still faced with unprecedented deficits, and we must continue this course of action.

Despite this inadequate funding all of us have worked hard to progress in our mission. After many years of sluggish activity, our development program was renewed last year. We placed over 50 units in operation, and we anticipate another 75 to be completed by next year. We also expect to break ground on 150 more units in 2008 including 110 units at the former Park City Hospital. In addition, design and other pre-development work will commence on over 100 units. By the end of next year we will be on the precipice of finally completing the required replacement units for both Father Panik Village and Pequonnock Apartments.

Looking ahead, one of the biggest Authority-wide capital improvement programs ever undertaken by the BHA should commence next year. Subject to HUD approval, we expect to begin a comprehensive $24M energy conservation performance contract with Siemens, Inc. Major energy cost saving improvements will completed over an 18 month period. Every public housing unit will receive an energy efficient refrigerator, windows will replaced or re-caulked, major boiler plants and roofs will be replaced, lighting upgrades and dozens of other energy conservations improvements will be made throughout our properties. Most importantly energy costs will be reduced.

In 2008, we'll also see the first installment the Public Housing Resident Fund programming put in place. An Eviction Prevention Pilot Program will supplement our current services, adding highly qualified social service providers to intercept at risk families before eviction becomes the inevitable outcome. We will enhance our City-Wide Youth Center activities at the Trumbull Multi-purpose Center. Likewise, we will continue to assist the local Resident Councils by offering more leadership opportunities in an effort to foster better interactive relationships.

These are some of the key initiatives that BHA will embark on in the coming year. We will be diligent and hopefully successful in securing the supplemental resources required to operate the Housing Authority and ultimately better serve our residents.