Jan 15: Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority Board of Commissioners
Covered by Documenter Luna Love (notes)
‘A couple months’ to finish Willson Tower fire repairs
Repairs to Willson Tower following a fire will be completed in a “couple months,” according to CMHA’s Chief of Modernization and Development Matt Schmidt.
Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority’s Board of Commissioners approved a contract on Wednesday, Jan. 15, with Mendco Construction to complete repairs caused by fire- and water-related damages in more than 40 units at the Hough high-rise, located at 1919 E. 55th St. at Chester avenue. The contracted amount is a maximum of $528,148.
“As a result of the fire and efforts to extinguish it,” Schmidt said, “water and related damage occurred in over 40 units and common areas on the seventh floor and below. Following the fire, immediate efforts were made to remediate the water damage in all areas of the building.”
According to Schmidt, repair work has begun on the lobby and some common areas. “This contract will complete drywall repairs in units that sustained damage due to water intrusion and repair all systems, finishes, appliances and cabinetry in the unit in which the fire occurred.”
Waste management and security spending approved
CMHA’s Board of Commissioners also approved a one-year contract renewal for repair services for compactors, trash chutes and containers at its residential buildings.
Sharhonda Greer, chief of Housing Administration and Operations, said the trash chutes allow residents to dispose of trash on their floor without having to drag rubbish bags throughout the building. The cost of the contract is not to exceed $50,000.
CMHA is also increasing spending on a contract with Door and Window Guard Systems Inc. The company provides security devices of the same name, known as “DAWGS.” CMHA uses the guard systems to lock down windows and doors to unoccupied units.
According to Greer, an additional $560,000 in funding is needed. The initial contract, approved in 2023, cost $600,000. Increased spending on DAWGS is partly a result of locking down units at Woodhill Homes after they had been cleared out in preparation for demolition amid a redevelopment project.
“The units remained dawged until the first building came down in July of 2024, taking the first step towards redevelopment of Woodhill Homes,” Greer said, adding that CMHA has also experienced an increase in vacancies elsewhere. “By securing vacant units, we minimize the risk of vandalism, theft, squatting and other activities that come with unoccupied structures.”
A ‘successful and hardworking 2024’ for CMHA
CMHA Chief Executive Officer Jeffery Patterson summarized his annual report for last year and thanked employees for what he called “a successful and hardworking 2024.”
Patterson looked ahead to 2025, saying CMHA has “begun to have meetings with our community stakeholders and partners to get feedback into what types of things will work well for us.”
The CEO then announced new promotions, including Schmidt as CMHA’s Chief of Modernization and Development, and Dana Bradley as the acting deputy director of Resident Services.
Patterson also held a moment of silence for former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, who died on Dec. 29. Carter “advocated heavily” for public housing, Patterson said. “His leadership and examples continue to guide CMHA, all housing authorities, and he motivates our work, so we thank him for his contribution.”
