Politics & Government

Long Branch Housing Authority Gets HUD Money

Allocation is smaller than in previous years

 

The Long Branch Housing Authority (LBHA) recently received its allocation from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

The LBHA received $944,661 from HUD, a decrease from the $1,036,000 it received in 2009, according to LBHA accountant Tom Sahlin.

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"It's been trending downward the last few years, but we still have to maintain," Sahlin said. "We are watching our expenditures very carefully."

Sahlin said the money goes into building maintenance for the LBHA's housing units.

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The LBHA owns four major housing units: Woodrow Wilson, Chester Arthur, Kennedy Towers and Hobart Manor.

Sahlin said he believes the money will be enough to keep all the sites in good working order, but added that repairs are expensive.

He said steam pipe replacement in Woodrow Wilson last year cost the LBHA $75,000 alone.

"We've already has two breaks this year and we've had to spend $20-$25,000 already," Sahlin said.

Sahlin said any money the LBHA receives is good, and that the authority was fortunate to receive tax credits from the Housing Mortgage and Financing Agency (HMFA) to renovate the old Gregory School, at the corner of Seventh and Joline Avenues, turning it into a senior citizens apartment complex, and to demolish and reconstruct the Woodrow Wilson apartments, at Wardell Place.

Sahlin said both projects are scheduled to begin this summer.


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