Report of the Housing Authority
BOARD MEMBERS:
Name & Position
Karen Reed, Chair,
Beth Malone, Vice Chair
Joan Hagan, Treasurer
Ken Harr, State Appointee
Pat Ayotte, Member
ABOUT THE AUTHORITY:
The purpose of the Southwick Housing Authority is to determine public housing needs for persons of low income, to develop such housing, and to manage public housing programs under its jurisdiction within the Town of Southwick. In the absence of a redevelopment agency in Southwick, the Authority shall also act as the town's redevelopment authority when there is a specific need for redevelopment activity. The Authority consists of a board of 5 members - four elected in town elections and one appointed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
The Southwick Housing Authority was established at the annual town meeting on 16 March 1970. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts issued the charter for the Authority on 24 July 1970. It is a separate corporation from the Town of Southwick, similar to the Regional School District. The Authority and its tenants receive services from the town in the same manner as other businesses and town residents. In recognition of those services the Authority pays to the Town payments in lieu of property taxes and water and sewage fees at the standard rates.
The Authority is funded by the rents it receives and by grants received from the Commonwealth. Rents cover day-to-day operations, and grants are used to fund major repairs and renovations. By state law, 10% of Southwick's Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds must be used to help provide affordable community housing. Such funds are used by the Authority on a project-by-project basis when approved by the town meeting.
MEETINGS:
Regular meetings are normally held at 5:30 PM on the third Tuesday of each month in the activity room of the Depot Court project, 12 Depot Street, Southwick, MA. The regular meeting for the month of May is normally the annual meeting of the Authority. Special meetings are held as required. All meetings are posted at least 48 hours in advance on the town bulletin board at the Town Clerk’s Office.
ADMINISTRATION:
Executive Director - | Darlene Cohen |
Office Address - | 12 Depot Street |
Southwick, MA 01077 | |
Office Phone - | 569-3161 |
Office Hours - | Monday: 8:00 - 5:00 |
Friday: 8:00 - 5:00 |
REPORT:
The authority manages the following housing programs:
Chapter 667-l - This state-aided public housing program provides 48 apartments for elderly and handicapped persons at 12-16 Depot Street. The project has 44 apartments for the elderly and 4 apartments for the handicapped. To be eligible for this program, the household of the applicant must have no more than two members, have one or more members who is at least 60 years of age or handicapped, and have a net income not greater than $50,050.00 for two members per year. The rent charged is 30% of the net household income, and utilities are included in the rent.
Chapter 689-1 - This state-aided public housing program provides group living for 6 mentally retarded persons at 212 Sheep Pasture Road, Southwick, MA. The median age of residents is 50 years. Full-time care for the residents is provided by the Berkshire County Association for Retarded Citizens, Inc. under the supervision of the state Department of Developmental Services. To be eligible for this program, the applicant must be mentally retarded, be at least 18 years of age.. You may direct inquiries concerning eligibility and selection for this housing/educational program to the Berkshire County Association for Retarded Citizens, Inc., 395 South Street, PO Box 2, Pittsfield, MA 01202 or call (413) 499-4241.
Chapter 689-2 - This state-aided public housing program provides group living for 8 mentally ill and mentally retarded elderly persons at 18 Depot Street, Southwick, MA. Full-time care for the residents is provided by the Center for Human Development, Inc. under the supervision of the state Department of Mental Health. To be eligible for this program, the applicant must be mentally ill, be at least 60 years of age. You may direct inquiries concerning eligibility and selection for this housing and educational program to the Carson Center for Human Services, 20 Broad Street, Westfield, MA 01085. Telephone: (413) 572-4108 or FAX: (413) 572-4137.
Chapter 705 - This state-aided public housing program provides 6 units of rental housing for low-income families. To be eligible for this program, the household of the applicant must have no more than eight members, and have a net income not greater than $82,600.00. The rent charged is 27% of the net household income. Water is included in the rent, but tenants pay all other utilities.
Respectfully submitted,
Darlene Cohen