Live reporting by
Amy Senese
The DHC board approved last quarterβs write off of $216,074.19 in past-due tenant accounts. After the DHC board meeting, the board of the Parkside Development Company met for the first time since fall 2022. That board consists of the DHCβs CEO, vice president and treasurer.
amy k senese π
@amysenese
Hello Detroit, at 10am, I'll be live tweeting the Detroit Housing Commission Regular Board of Commissioners meeting for #DetDocumenters @DetDocumenters media partners: @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @metrotimes @michigan_public @media_outlier @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit
07:46 AM Oct 24, 2024 CDT
Today's meeting will be held virtually and in person at 1301 E. Jefferson Ave. Follow this link for information on how to join the meeting. dhcmi.org/regular-board-β¦
dhcmi.org/regular-board-β¦
The last board meeting was documented by Nachum Eichenhorn and Patricia Quaglia notes are here: detroit.documenters.org/assignments/dhβ¦
detroit.documenters.org/assignments/dhβ¦
Looks like there are a couple agenda items regarding development at Gardenview Estates and Parkside
Here's an article from @media_outlier about DHC's plans to tear down the low-income housing complex Villages at Parkside and rebuild it with the help of a private developer. outliermedia.org/villages-parksβ¦
outliermedia.org/villages-parksβ¦
Marilyn Griffin's story in Outlier back in 2022 gives you an idea of the situation at Gardenview Estates outliermedia.org/termination-ofβ¦
outliermedia.org/termination-ofβ¦
That's all for now, see you at 10am! For more from #DetDocumenters, visit the website at detroit.documenters.org
detroit.documenters.org
Back with a correction to the link I shared above for joining the meeting! It was the September link! Here is the correct link to join the meeting. The virtual meeting is live, but it has not yet begun. dhcmi.org/regular-board-β¦
dhcmi.org/regular-board-β¦
It's 10:10, and I'm still not hearing any audio or evidence the meeting has started yet. This is what's on the screen of the virtual meeting
The meeting is called to order at 10:15 Arthur Jemison did the roll call Commissioner Seybert and one other board member are missing. Previous board minutes are approved. Onto public comment. There are two opportunities. Here, people can comment on any agenda item.
No public comment on agenda action items. General public comment will happen later in the meeting.
Here's the agenda, I also shared the incorrect agenda above. dhcmi.org/sites/default/β¦
dhcmi.org/sites/default/β¦
Here is the CORRECT agenda for this October meeting. I shared the Sept agenda earlier dhcmi.org/sites/default/β¦
dhcmi.org/sites/default/β¦
The board is currently working through the DHC Action Items. Resolution No. 3265 was approved by the board
The board is now discussing Resolution No. 3266, Approval of Tenant Accounts Receivable write-off
They cannot write anything off unless the tenant has deceased, been evicted, or left the property.
Regarding write-offs, "they have a tsunami situation, but a tsunami solution."
Resolution 3266 passed. Now, onto action item 3, resolution no. 3267 Request to demolish a property at 9271 Meyers, which was largely destroyed by fire. They are referencing the board packet, which I haven't been able to find online.
Everything on the application has been submitted and completed. They are waiting on an environmental review and have approval from Mayor Duggan. DHC has secured the building, they are sharing photos in person, but not on screen.
Next up, Resolution No. 3268 The board needs more time on this one.
Resident Engagement Updage. DCH is circulating interest forms for resident councils. They have done outreach door to door. They need five people to run a resident council. The League of Women Voters will come in to help conduct the elections and put bylaws together.
Accounts Receivable Update There were a few corrections that I missed.
Referring to page 26 of their board packet. Occupancy is not where they want. They are improving an upgrading the tenant experience. Goal is 85% occupancy. They spoke about rent collection and training new staff.
They did not introduce the woman speaking, so it's hard to know who they are and what their position is.
What kind of training goes into executive management? Professional development, training on best industry practices. They have an ongoing training program.
They are talking about rent cafe enrollment on page 26. I'm having trouble following what they're talking about.
It looks like rent cafe is a way to search properties for rent on the DHC website portal.dhcmi.org/homefaq.aspx
portal.dhcmi.org/homefaq.aspx
They are continuing with monthly reports. The financial audit will come after the holidays.
There's a discussion about whether people should stand up as a respectful action, but Hosey is saying people should sit down so they can be heard on the microphones.
Update from Arthur Jemison: The DHC has submitted a low-income housing tax credit application through MSHDA for the first phases of the Parkside redevelopment.
Resident Services This is a highlight on homeownership. They have staff who are prepared to come on board. They have 106 people on the list who are interested. They have a process in place and a whole system set up. The workforce division will help the homeownership piece.
Zackery, Exec Director of Friends of Parkside residents. They operate senior programs, help students with homework, pass out food boxes, hold meetings, teach computer classes, and more. On Saturday, October 26th, they are holding their annual harvest fest and Halloween event.
Comment #2 Joelifa A resident of the Villages of Parkside. They have been meeting in the community room, although they were not allowed to use it last time. She wants to ensure they can use the community room for upcoming meetings. They have not received a key to the office.
Community members are giving lots of feedback on development and design plans. Via Jemison, they will hold a follow-up meeting with residents.
A new staff member is being introduced. She has a lot of experience with the DHC's regulatory requirements.
A new staff member is being introduced. She has a lot of experience with the DHC's regulatory requirements.
Meeting adjourned at 11:09 am. A parkside development meeting will happen at 11:30 The virtual meeting has ended.
That concludes my live coverage of the Detroit Housing Commission General Board of Commissioners meeting for October 24th. If you believe anything in this thread is inaccurate, please email us at documenters@outliermedia.org with "Correction Request" in the subject line.