Last week, the Picayune Public Housing Authority listened to feedback from their residents on improvements they would like to see happen over the next few years.

 

Executive Director Sherry LaVigne, said this is one part of the Housing Authority compiling their Five Year Agency Plan.

 

LaVigne said the Housing Authority reviews what improvements need to be made on their properties and submit these ideas to a company called FutureSpec.

 

FutureSpec then takes the plans and looks at the authority’s Capital Fund budget to set up a preliminary idea of what projects are possible and how much money the projects will cost.

 

LaVigne said the Capital Fund budget is money set aside for remodeling and property modernization projects. One Capital Fund project currently underway at The Pines complex is the replacement of patio doors for a more secure door.

 

“As you go through the years, you hope you have the funds to match the goals you projected for that year,” LaVigne said.

 

She said the major project for the Five Year Agency Plan that will be submitted to HUD by Jan. 15, is constructing a new office building.

 

LaVigne said the current office building because of its age is not completely compliant with American with Disabilities Act. She said over the years there have been modifications, but that a new office building is needed.

 

She said other parts of the five year plan is the continued maintenance of the properties and structures.

 

LaVigne said the housing authority scored a 93 out of 100 on their last Public Housing Assessment System score, which qualifies them as a high performing housing authority.

 

“We have an excellent staff which does enable us to do our job and accomplish the things we need to do,” LaVigne said.