A major development plan that could double as a complete overhaul in the way Kinston handles public housing has been proposed to the city’s housing authority.
Jaime Bordenave of The Communities Group — based in Washington, D.C. — delivered a presentation on Thursday to the Kinston Housing Authority Board of Commissioners about the RAD program, pointing out a multitude of opportunities from which the city’s board public housing residents could benefit.
The RAD — or Rental Assistance Demonstration — was created in the third quarter of 2012 to preserve the nation’s stock of affordable housing to citizens, promote efficiency and build strong communities. Residents won’t have their rents raised while benefiting from improved homes and amenities through the program.
The KHA would be able to have access to the full set of affordable housing tools of other nonprofit developers, as well as see a major increase in cash flow and fees.
Bordenave said the RAD program could triple the amount of sources for capital improvements. The average unit would provide about $17,000 of revenue for capital improvements, while a conversion to RAD would supply close to $51,000.
“I believe that this is a once in a lifetime opportunity for housing authorities because they have operating subsidizes that have been declining in years past,” Bordenave said. “Under RAD, these authorities would get rising subsidies with rates that wouldn’t fluctuate and get an annual increase of 2 to 3 percent, allowing them to make more changes and improve quality. This is a program the housing authority hasn’t had available.”
The commissioners didn’t vote on the RAD program, opting for additional time to discuss their plans, prepare a resolution and look up background information. Still, the board was interested in the presentation and proposal.
“It was very informative and gave another perspective on how to better utilize our housing properties for our residents and improve funding,” Commissioner Rebecca Davidson said. “We want our residents to be comfortable, safe and secure in their living environment.”
The rest of the meeting dealt with reports in elderly and investment housing, Section 8 and public housing, along with the financial statements. Compared to last month, there wasn’t any discernible change.
There were losses in the central office and investment properties, but Commissioner Elijah Gooding said there was no cause for panic. Extra revenue will be coming in soon to balance the combined $66,773 lost between the two sections.
“The numbers are about the same from last month and they’re holding, so I’m not really concerned,” Gooding said.
The next KHA meeting date hasn’t been determined yet, but the board wants to have a meeting sometime next month to deliberate and discuss the RAD program.
“This is the first time I’ve heard about it,” Commissioner John Reddick said. “We have to discuss this and make a good decision.”
Junious Smith III can be reached at 252-559-1077 and Junious.Smith@Kinston.com. Follow him on Twitter at @JuniousSmithIII.