May 11, 2007 By Amy Zalar 3 min read

The Fayette County Housing Authority took action Thursday that will lead to site work repairs at its 100 nonfederal housing units to address health and safety issues. Andre Walters, director of technical services, said last month the authority addressed emergency electrical repairs at the sites at a cost of about $20,000, but other health and safety issues need addressed as soon as possible. “We need to do it now,” Walters said.

Walters said the repairs would include upgrades to concrete, retaining walls and handrails. He said the areas of repairs would be at Little Wood Acres, Luzerne Terrace and Oliver Heights, and the total cost is estimated at $350,000.

Executive Director Thomas Harkless said funding could come from a line of credit. He said he checked with National City Bank, the FCHA’s lending institution, and the quote was based on an interest rate that would not be “above prime.” Harkless said 10 years ago a loan was secured for roof repair at the non-federal sites and it will be paid off in July.

Harkless said other, more extensive repairs to the non-federal sites may be done in the future, and if the authority opts to get a loan for additional repairs beyond the health and safety repairs, they could possibly roll the money over into a loan at that point. He said the issues have to be addressed or the places should be closed down.

Chairwoman Angela M. Zimmerlink said everyone agrees the health and safety issues must be addressed as soon as possible, but said she didn’t want the motion to be confused with future potential modernization repairs.

Last month the authority heard Thursday from an architect that the estimated cost of renovating all the FCHA’s 100 nonfederal housing units is $8.6 million.

The estimate was given during a report on a feasibility study recently performed on the units – constructed in the 1950s – that was aimed to assess what upgrades must be made regarding code and accessibility issues.

Walters said the health and safety repairs are basically for sidewalks, steps, railings and retaining walls. He said the electrical repairs are under control. Walters said he would be back before the board in the future regarding any other potential projects at the sites.

The board approved a motion to secure a request for proposals for a line of credit not to exceed $350,000, or the best financial alternative. Board member William “Trip” Radcliffe abstained from the vote, saying his son is a management trainee at National City Bank.