Committee Report CR-2
Present at the meeting were Councillor Marjorie C. Decker, Chair of the Committee, Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves, Chris Cotter, Housing Director, Community Development Department (CDD), Cassie Arnaud, Housing Planner, CDD, John Andreo, Aide to Councillor Decker, John Clifford, Aide to Councillor Reeves, and Interim City Clerk Donna P. Lopez.
Also present were Tom Lucey, Director, Community Relations, Harvard University, Peter Daly, Executive Director, HRI, Jane Carbone, Senior Project Manager, HRI, Joe Deignan, Resident Services Coordinator, HRI, Mike Johnston, Deputy Executive Director for Administration, Cambridge Housing Authority (CHA), Ellen Schacter, Attorney, Greater Boston Legal Services, Elaine DeRosa, Executive Director, CEOC, Cheryl-Ann Pizza Zeoli, Alliance for Cambridge Tenants (ACT), John VanSaun, President, 2 Mt. Auburn Tenants Association, Robert McCoy, Richard C. Wadman, Myra McCoy, Barbara A Bland, Barbara Biddle, Isabel Tellez, Elinor Kennedy, Mary Martell, Regina Van deRydt, Mike Roberts, John Gregoli, Helen Brady, Bowen Robinson, Joyce Margairs, Esther Maxwell, Pat Jones, Eurine Lashley, Virginia Jay, Oneta Robinson and Shirley Attanasio all residents of 2 Mt. Auburn Street and Robert LaTremouille, 875 Massachusetts Avenue.
Councillor Decker convened the meeting and explained the purpose. She asked Mr. Daly and Mr. Lucey if there was a newer update. Mr. Lucey stated that there is nothing new to share. Mr. Daly stated that when the agreement is signed then the building can be inspected. HRI needs six weeks to have engineers, architects and surveyors inspect the building and then we will have a good sense of what HRI is buying. Councillor Reeves commented that the Easter Bunny said HRI will pay less and fix more of the building. Mr. Daly stated that HRI has an idea of what repairs are needed and now that there is an agreement HRI will spend money for the inspection. When a building is bought repairs costs can be built into the financing. Councillor Decker asked Mr. Daly what the best way is for residents who have questions to contact HRI. Mr. Daly responded that big questions should be directed to him; rehab questions to Ms. Carbone and to Mr. Deignan for resident service coordination questions. This contact information will be made available to the residents either through the mail or information put under their apartment doors.
Ms. Lashley stated that the residents would like central air conditioning rather than putting in and taking out of air conditioners from windows. Mr. Daly stated that he is unsure whether this is feasible. Harvard is still the owner and any routine repairs should be addressed to Harvard.
Councillor Reeves stated that at the Massachusetts Hall meeting a request was made for an on-going group be created from Harvard to respond to the residents at 2 Mt. Auburn. He asked has Harvard answered this request. Mr. Lucey stated that Harvard is working on this request. Councillor Reeves requested that Harvard include John VanSaun. He praised Mr. Daly for his dialogue with the residents. Mr. VanSaun spoke about the sooner the group is established and the information provided to all with nothing left out the better. He suggested a questionnaire on each apartment; there is quite a discrepancy on what repairs are needed on an apartment by apartment basis. It is important that HRI has the whole picture.
Virgina Jay asked what if HRI does not buy the building. Mr. Lucey stated this is not in the scenario. Harvard will retain ownership.
Councillor Reeves asked when HRI takes ownership of the building to whom does the rent get paid. Mr. Daly responded that the rent is paid to the management company; HRI cannot receive the rents.
Mike Roberts thanked all persons involved in this matter. HRI could have said no to purchase this building; it is a headache. Mr. Daly has a commitment to affordable housing in the City of Cambridge.
Robert La Tremouille spoke about how long this housing is protected. He spoke about a 1970 variance decision on 2 Mt. Auburn Street
Councillor Decker outlined the City's position on this building. Harvard is legally bound to keep this building affordable housing for the elderly. Harvard does not oppose this position and this preserves long term affordability. HRI is in the business of preserving affordable housing. HRI would be legally bound to keep this building affordable housing.
Councillor Reeves questioned who would select the tenants. Mr. Daly stated that the management company will select the tenants from the CHA list. Mr. Johnston stated that the CHA maintains an elderly housing listing.
Councillor Reeves spoke about the poor management of Winn Properties. He wanted HRI to let the resident group know what is expected of the management company. When Harvard held the building it was good. When the private management company took over the building the service delivery was poor. Mr. Daly stated that there will be better management with the new ownership. HRI is a hands-on company. HRI wants to bring programs to the building.
Richard Wadman spoke favorably about the management of Winn. The maintenance employees are outstanding. Winn Management, he said, has sponsored trips. Councillor Decker added that if HRI does not choose Winn as the management company the maintenance people do not have to be eliminated. HRI will collect pertinent information about the building. HRI's job is to hear all the experiences of the residents and work with the residents to make what works for the residents work. She suggested that over the next six weeks HRI appoint a person with regular office hours and a regularly scheduled time when HRI will talk to the residents and how HRI will respond back to the residents. Mr. Daly stated that HRI will work with Harvard to get this information to the residents.
John VanSaun spoke about the issue of disability and diminishing ability of the residents. Harvard, he said, never uses the word disabled. He stated that at a minimum he wants this addressed and clarified. He stated that the age span of the residents in the building is 50-100 years of age. Fourteen apartments in the building are required to be leased to disabled residents aged 65 or older. Independent living is becoming harder.
Councillor Decker stated that HRI and Harvard need to have a regular presence in this building. She suggested a partnership with the tenants, ACT and CEOC. She stated that she and Councillor Reeves will have a regular presence in this building.
Cheryl-Ann Pizza-Zeoli informed the residents that HRI purchased the Inman Square apartments. HRI had a person on site for the residents and provided notice help to the residents. It was a good system. The Preservation Agreement contained all the requirements for the renovation process. Councillor Decker suggested using the template used at the Inman Square apartments. Ms. Schacter stated that there is a separate right for tenants who need to relocate. Mr. Daly stated that during the day if contractors are working in an apartment the Community Room would be available for displaced tenants or a vacant unit will be utilized during the day. Mr. Lucey stated that Harvard does want to set up a process to address working with the group of residents.
Councillor Reeves spoke about aging in place. He commented that the Essex Street building has a dining room that serves lunch and dinner. The first and second floors are for infirmed residents that need assistance. The amenities are wonderful. The City Council wants 2 Mt. Auburn Street to have this feel also. He hoped that Harvard will assist in the transition time.
Eurine Lashley asked if HRI could obtain information on the renovation process that occurred at JFK and LBJ Apartments. Councillor Decker commented that HRI and the CHA has the needed information and experience on this matter.
Ellen Schacter stated that CSLS has been involved with tenant relocation and would be willing to look at the model relocation program. Tenants have relocation rights.
Eurine Lashley stated that when she moved in Harvard's policy pertained to all residents. However, with the management company all things changed. She wants the same policy for all. Councillor Reeves explained that longer term residents had tile in their apartments. Then when newer residents moved in they had rugs in their apartments. When the longer term residents wanted rugs installed they were told no, but the management company was embarrassed into putting in rugs.
Councillor Decker again stressed the importance of dialogue between the residents and HRI. She stated that the tenants need to come together to have a conversation. She suggested the tenants enlist the aid of Ellen Schacter to ensure the conversations.
A resident asked about pets being allowed. Mr. Daly stated that HRI allows small animal, but the animals must be in control and not bother their neighbors. HRI will review history and policy on this issue. Ms. Schacter stated that pets are an issue. The buyer buys with the current conditions.
Ms. Carbone informed the tenants that an inspection will be done tomorrow. The building will be inspected for environmental issues, lead and asbestos. Next week a structural engineer will inspect the units and the building envelope. The physical condition of building is included in the rehab plan. Mr. Daly stated that a notice would be given to the tenants before hand on the inspections.
Richard Wadman stated that he has waited eight years for new carpeting. Who is responsible for the carpeting? Mr. Daly responded that the management company informs the property owner and the owner provides for the repair. Councillor Decker stated that HRI will always respond to the tenants.
Mike Roberts stated that tenants are uncomfortable criticizing the management company. He suggested to Mr. Daly to develop a questionnaire to be mailed to all tenants, including security, with a space for "other conditions" to be collected at the manager's box. Mr. Daly announced that information given in confidence will remain confidential with HRI. Councillor Reeves stated that HRI is not perfect, but will try as hard as it can to work with the tenants. Sometimes things go awry. Mr. Daly is committed to affordable housing.
Mr. VanSaun stated that HRI personnel are more committed, sincere and trustworthy. He stated that Mr. Daly has earned his trust. Harvard has a confidentiality agreement with HRI. Funding is not limitless. Mr. Daly will have to make hard choices and will make these choices in the best interest of the tenants.