Ansonia Housing Authority officials are still waiting to hear whether the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development will let them demolish four more buildings at the Riverside Apartment Complex on Olson Drive.
But while they wait, officials this week started the process of fixing 10 staircases at the complex — which are rusting and deteriorating.
“This is critical work,” Interim Executive Director Jimmy Miller told the Board of Commissioners on Feb. 15.
The outdoor staircases — which provide access to upper level apartments and balconies — have become a safety issue for residents at the complex, Miller said.
The board on Tuesday approved a contract with Teodosio & Sons Construction Co. to demolish and rebuild the 10 outside staircases for $59,5000.
Demo
The Housing Authority demolished two buildings at the complex in September 2009.
The authority has plans to bring down four more. The demolition will remove 59 units from the housing authority.
Ansonia residents approved about $5 million in funding several years ago for the project.
The authority has been waiting for approval for the second phase from HUD.
The application is currently being reviewed by the Special Application Center at HUD, according to HUD spokesperson Rhonda Siciliano.
Once the center reviews the application, it will respond in writing to the Ansonia Housing Authority notifying the authority of the status. Click here to view the HUD website page, with copies of the status updates on all pending projects.
Miller said that letter will let Ansonia know what conditions it must meet in order to be approved. He won’t know for sure what those conditions are until the Authority receives the letter, he said.
But, Miller said it could involve having a plan in place for the relocation of residents and long term plans for the land.
“I think we are capable of meeting those conditions,” Miller said.
