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| | | | The mission of the Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee (HACM) is to foster strong, resilient and inclusive communities by providing a continuum of high-quality housing options that support self-sufficiency, good quality of life, and the opportunity to thrive. | | | |
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| | | | Street parking is available on North 33rd Street and West Mt.Vernon Ave. | | | |
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| | | | Call to Order
Minutes note: Meeting called to order at 1:15 p.m. | | | |
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R13762
| 0 | 1. | Housing Authority Resolution | Public Listening Session (General Comments)
The Listening Session is an opportunity for the public to provide input to the Board; for the Board to receive that information for their consideration. Persons who wish to comment may do so in person, via eComment on the internet, and via mail.
Those wishing to speak in person should register in person at the meeting and will be called in the order in which they signed up. As a courtesy to others and to ensure the widest breadth of input, all speakers will be limited to speak for two minutes.
Those wishing to provide written comment in person may provide the comments to the staffer who is also registering speakers, and those comments will be shared with the Board of Commissioners.
Those wishing to provide written comment via mail should send their correspondence to: Attention Public Comment, Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee, P.O. Box 324, Milwaukee WI 53201-0324. In order to be included in this meeting, all written comments for this meeting must be received two days before the meeting. If any comments are received aft
Minutes note: Six interested persons were each provided two minutes to share their comments during the general Public Listening Session. A summary of each person’s comment follows.
Paul McKay, Executive Founder of Three Real Estate Corporation, Milwaukee, a compliance and risk organization. He stated that his purpose in speaking today is to raise awareness regarding a federal rule that will take effect after August 3rd. Under this rule, every condominium building in Milwaukee must pass a full financial review before any unit can be bought, sold, or refinanced using a traditional bank loan.Mr. McKay further explained that, if buildings do not meet these requirements, condominium owners could lose the ability to sell or refinance their units through conventional financing. As a result, transactions may be limited primarily to cash buyers, who often pay below market value, potentially causing property values to decline by 15% to 20%.
Cornelius Sawyer, Highland Gardens – Mr. Sawyer raised issues regarding the lack of consistent attendance of property managers at residents’ meetings. He also raised concerns about access to keys for Resident Organizations, ongoing bed bug issues, including disposal of residents’ personal property reportedly without consent, which he stated has caused emotional stress for at least one resident.
Angela Bell, Merrill Park - Ms. Bell expressed dissatisfaction about the lack of safety in the Merrill Park building, specifically citing squatters in the hallways. She also stated that violence against residents has increased considerably and that the bed bug situation has become unmanageable. Additionally, Ms. Bell talked about the inconvenience she felt related to scheduling inspections. She next mentioned that when Public Safety is contacted about incidents, response times are often delayed by up to two hours, or, in some cases, there is no response at all. Ms. Bell emphasized that residents are seeking to be treated with respect.
Ms. Dorothy, Merrill Park - Ms. Dorothy expressed apprehension about the level of drug activity occurring within the building, stating that there appears to be more drug trafficking inside the building than on the surrounding streets. She further stated that contacting Public Safety has been ineffective, as she believes they are limited in their ability to respond, and that increased police patrols are needed in the neighborhood to address drug-related activity. Ms. Dorothy also described concerns involving a resident who allegedly runs through the building naked, creating fear and discomfort among residents. She stated that conditions have deteriorated to the point that residents are afraid to leave their apartments, even to use the soda machine, for fear of their safety. Ms. Dorothy emphasized that immediate action is needed to address these ongoing issues.
Don Carbage, Merrill Park - Mr. Carbage stated that he shares many of the same misgivings expressed by other residents regarding the increase in drug activity within the building. He added that the number of drug overdoses has reportedly risen to approximately seven or eight incidents per year and requested a more thorough police investigation into these matters. Mr. Carbage further stated that, to his knowledge, the overdoses have not been adequately investigated, which has caused him to fear for his safety as well as the safety of elderly and more vulnerable residents. He explained that many residents feel intimidated and terrorized by the ongoing conditions within the building. Additionally, Mr. Carbage stated that residents have contacted both Public Safety and the Police regarding these events and have received some response, but not enough to create meaningful change. He also raised concerns about conditions in the parking lot, including theft and vandalism involving residents’ vehicles, as well as ongoing issues with trash and debris on the property.
Catherine McGlaston, Merrill Park - Ms. McGlaston stated that she agreed with the concerns previously expressed by other residents. She also added her disappointment with how the Milwaukee Police Department has handled investigations within the building. Ms. McGlaston referred to a specific incident involving a woman who had been evicted and was allegedly trespassing on the property. She stated that surveillance cameras could have been utilized to identify and address the situation more effectively. However, instead of reviewing camera footage, officers reportedly went door-to-door asking residents whether they had seen the individual.
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| | | | Adjournment
Minutes note: There being no further business, Commissioner Moore made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 1:35 p.m. Commissioner Snyder seconded the motion. There being no objections, the motion carried.
Minutes prepared by: Patricia Dee and Maria Martinez-Planas | | | |
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| | | | Upon reasonable notice, efforts will be made to accommodate the needs of persons with disabilities through sign language interpreters or auxiliary aids. For additional information or to request this service, contact the Housing Authority ADA Coordinator at 286-5824, (FAX) 286-0833, (TDD) 286-3504 or by writing to the Coordinator at PO Box 324, Milwaukee, WI 53201-0324. | | | |
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| | | | Persons engaged in lobbying as defined in s. 305-43-4 of the Milwaukee Code of Ordinances are required to register with the City Clerk's Office License Division. Registered lobbyists appearing before a Common Council committee are required to identify themselves as such. More information is available at http://city.milwaukee.gov/Lobbying. | | | |
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| | | | Be hereby notified that three (3) members of the Crucible, Inc. Board of Directors may be present at the meeting of the HACM Board of Commissioners, as some members serve on both boards. While a quorum of the Crucible, Inc. Board may be present at the HACM meeting, they will not exercise the responsibilities, authority, or duties vested in the Crucible, Inc. Board of Directors. | | | |
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