BHA Update

The purpose of the BHA Update is to keep you apprised of the news and progress of the Housing Authority of the City of Bridgeport. As an essential provider of affordable housing, BHA is committed to the wellbeing of both our residents and the Bridgeport community. Our partners and constituents are paramount in this mission to advance Bridgeport and serve its residents.

February 2010 Update

Fire Safety
We have always been fully committed and engaged with the issue of protecting our tenants from residential fire even before last year’s tragedy at the PT Barnum Apartments. Recently, we hired an independent fire-safety expert Versteeg Associates of Torrington, a fire protection consultant to look at our various safety options going forward.

Health Center
As health costs rise and the nation wrestles with reforming the system, more people in the region are depending on community clinics for a range of affordable care.

November 2009 Update

OPERATIONS
Thanks to a concerted effort and the hard work of staff BHA’s occupancy rate is at 98%, a very significant accomplishment. That’s especially true because in order to receive the highest
possible funding in 2011 our occupancy rate must also be at the highest possible level since number of units occupied is what the federal government uses in its formula for funding.
Full funding will allow us to best help Bridgeport area families and secure a healthy funding stream.

Modernization and Development
We’re proud to report that in 2009 we had 77 million dollars in construction projects and have
expectations of reaching at least 100 million dollars by the end of the fiscal year. Our construction projects mean more jobs and social services for all Bridgeport area residents. They also help to support our neighborhoods by.

 

BHA Update Archive

August 2009 Update

New Commissioners
We’re happy to say that we have filled all the vacancies on the BHA Commission. That was a priority for the Authority. A full commission allows us to work uninterrupted and gives us the value of their combined experiences. We thank Mayor Bill Finch for these accomplished new
commissioners. Joining our resident representative who also is the Chair, Kathleen Vila, and our Commissioners Rev. Sultan Stack Jr. and Daniel Ford are Shanté Hanks and Dulce
Nieves.

$33 million Redevelopment Project Unveiled
In about one year construction will be completed on one of Bridgeport’s biggest current development projects. The Bridgeport Housing Authority (BHA) and the Women’s Institute for Housing and Economic Development took the wraps off their 33-million dollar redevelopment project at the former Park City Hospital site recently. The partnership will produce
110 affordable housing units at the newly named development, to be known as “The Franklin” and “The Eleanor”.

 

March 2008 Update

BHA Resident Elected as Chairwoman
On December 12, 2007, BHA made history with the election of BHA resident Kathleen Vila as Chairwoman of the Board of Commissioners. In BHA’s 71 years, this is the first time a public housing resident has led the commission. Vila has served on the board for five years and has lived in BHA units almost her entire life.

BHA to Introduce Authority-Wide Energy Conservation Measure
With energy costs skyrocketing and global environmental concerns prominent, conservation is more important than ever. In response, the Housing Authority will soon be embarking on a $24 million Energy Conservation Measure, one of the biggest Authority-wide capital improvement programs in its history.

 

August 2007 Update

In the News
Prominent and full of potential, the 11-acre site adjacent to the ballpark and Arena at Harbor Yard has garnered much attention. A combination of two parcels, Bridgeport Housing Authority’s former Pequonnock Apartments and the City-owned former Underwood Typewriter Company, the site comes with a significant plan: to create a mixed-use residential, commercial and entertainment and parking area with affordable housing at its core.

Creating New Affordable Housing
Throughout the state, the need for quality affordable housing remains critical. To meet this need in Bridgeport and fulfill requirements of both the Father Panik Village Consent Decree Agreement and the Pequonnock Replacement Agreement, Bridgeport Housing Authority has numerous development projects progressing throughout the city.

 

February 2007 Update

BHA Not Troubled
At BHA and HUD’s September 2006 meeting, HUD recognized BHA’s attainment of all major milestones and closure of open audit findings. A month later, BHA Chairwoman Rosa J. Correa received the offi cial good news from the Director of HUD’s Boston offi ce Donna J. Ayala. BHA was troubled no more!

2006 Annual Meeting: Celebration and Appreciation
On December 13, 2006 BHA celebrated its annual meeting in the newly renovated Henry B. duPont III Tower Room of University of Bridgeport’s Arnold Bernhard Arts and Humanities Center.