LOCAL RESIDENTS TO MOVE IN NEWLY RENOVATED SANFORD PUBLIC HOUSING
HUD receivership completes work on most distressed units, presents keys to residents

SANFORD - U.S. Housing and Urban Development Assistant Secretary Michael Liu joined Commissioner (District 2) Velma Williams today to present symbolic keys to families who will soon move into newly renovated apartments at Lake Monroe Terrace. These units are the last of the 160 public housing units that were in need of major repair when HUD took over the Sanford Housing Authority 16 months ago.

"Today marks a new day for these families," said Liu, who presented keys to Sherrie Jackson, Brandy Rubble and Andrea Lee at a ceremony outside SHA's offices at Castle Brewer Court. "Our team's hard work to get these units livable will make a difference in the lives of these families."

These families were selected from SHA's waiting list after a year and a half. They qualified under SHA's preference for working families. There are about 400 families currently on the waiting list for public housing.

The nine apartments at Lake Monroe Terrace, that will be ready in the coming weeks, are the last of the 160 public housing units that were restored under the HUD receivership. These units were in the worst condition and required total rehabilitation after sitting vacant for many years under the former management. They received all new electrical and plumbing systems as well as new kitchens and bathrooms. The other 151 units that were found in varying stages of disrepair when HUD took over are occupied.

The restoration of these units is the culmination of perseverance of HUD receivership teams to make Sanford's public housing communities safe and decent for its residents. Since HUD took control all six public housing sites - Castle Brewer Court, William Clark Court, Cowan Moughton Terrace, Edward Higgins Terrace, Redding Gardens and Lake Monroe Terrace - have received continued modernization, which include replacing old, warn roofs with new roofs, installing new windows, and painting building exteriors.

Many of the major repairs were funded through a $4 million loan from Wachovia Bank last year. HUD approved the loan that addressed make major capital improvements to SHA's 480 apartments. In addition to roof replacement, electrical and plumbing systems were upgraded, kitchens and bathrooms were renovated and units were fitted with new security screen doors, shutters, and window security screens.

In addition to improvements on the public housing stock, HUD receivership teams instituted financial and management policies to ensure efficient operations. The agency restored trust among residents by making necessary repairs in a timely manner. Residents at each community also have representation at board meetings with the establishment of resident councils for each development.

HUD is the nation's housing agency committed to increasing homeownership, particularly among minorities; creating affordable housing opportunities for low-income Americans; and supporting the homeless, elderly, people with disabilities and people living with AIDS. The Department also promotes economic and community development as well as enforces the nation's fair housing laws. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet and espanol.hud.gov.