Despite some earlier delays, the local RAD housing project is back on schedule with two apartment complexes already completely refurbished and two other complexes in the process of being renovated.
Ben Washington, executive director of the Yazoo City Housing Authority, provided an update to the Board of Mayor and Aldermen during its recent council meeting.
“After several months of delay, the project is now back on schedule,” Washington said.
Washington said he was excited to announce that renovation projects at both Lindsey Lawn Apartments and Delta Circle Apartments have been completed. Woolwine Apartments are awaiting utility connections, and Fouche Apartments are about a third of the way towards completion.
“We have completed four buildings at Fouche, which leaves us with six more buildings to complete,” Washington said. “Once we have all the proper utilities at Woolwine, we can begin to relocate the remaining tenants at Fouche to enable us to complete that project.”
Concerning the issues previously reported at Lindsey Lawn, Washington said the underground cables are currently being installed for gas, phone and Internet lines. And AT&T is fulfilling request orders.
“There are still some flooding issues at Lindsey Lawn, but it has not been as bad,” Washington said. “But it is being taken care of,” Washington added.
Washington said the Housing Authority has a total of about 144 residents with 124 vacancies due to a number of transfers. He said applications are now being accepted for the one and two-bedroom units at Delta Circle.
“The Yazoo City Housing Authority has also established its own non-profit affiliate with the Yazoo Diversified Subsidized Corporation,” Washington said. “It is the Housing Authority’s non-profit to assist with construction, developing and rehabbing for lower income citizens.”
The authority’s new non-profit replaces the former relationship it had with the Gateway Development Corporation, which was operated under a separate board. The new non-profit is operated with the same board as the Housing Authority.
Washington asked the city council to consider the Housing Authority when it comes to some of the city-owned properties with tax liens placed upon them. Those lots could be beneficial to low-income housing within the city.
