COLUMBIA, S.C. — Columbia Housing Authority announced hundreds of millions of dollars in funding for construction and renovation projects throughout the city, including plans for the upcoming year at a public hearing Wednesday.
A small crowd gathered inside the Columbia Housing Authority's building on Harden Street Wednesday afternoon, as a forty-minute presentation was given by officials from the agency, with updates on construction, renovations, and new programs. Executive Director Yvonda Bean says it's part of their yearly process.
"HUD requires that each year we provide an update on where we are in accomplishing or realizing those strategic goals that were identified by the organization within its five-year strategic plan."
During the presentation, leaders highlighted ongoing construction projects, the two biggest being 'Oaks at St. Anna's Park' and 'Haven at Palmer Pointe.'
Oaks at St. Anna's, a 285-unit housing complex, is set to be complete and occupied in June. Haven at Palmer Point will be a 150-unit complex opening in September.
Cindi Herrera, the Senior Vice President of Development, says, "All of our new communities will have internet service available to residents at no cost. There will be public Wi-Fi available to our communities. They will have extensive security and safety for our families so everyone feels safe and secure"
Bean says the agency is also working to make $250,000,000 in renovations to buildings across the city. She says some of the projects require $20,000-100,000 repairs per unit.
"Some of them require tear down and build new, some require gut rehab, so more extensive renovations, and there are some that just need to be touched up just because they are 15 years or so old and things are worn down, and need to be polished."
Another key discussion was around the lease-to-own home ownership program. Bean says there are over 200 homes that would be eligible for this program, aimed at building wealth in the low-income community.
"We work very close with families to help them address barriers and remove those things that may prevent them from becoming homeowners."
Bean adds that additional steps will be taken to address security concerns, including working with local law enforcement, increasing security staff, and creating new safety and security programs. And for those curious about Columbia Housing's youth summer employment program, Bean says that is also expected to back this year.
A video of the hearing can be found on Columbia Housing's Facebook page.