Housing authority seeks $225,000 (approx.) for 40 high-efficiency boilers; committee praises proposal

Representatives from the Norwich Housing Authority presented a request to replace aging boilers and hot-water heating systems at the authority's state-affordable developments. John Engle (presenting), the authority's staff and maintenance supervisor described a plan to install high-efficiency condensing hot-water heaters across the development in phased work.

The housing authority said the state-affordable development was built in 1989 and contains about 40 units needing updated heating systems. The authority noted the units operate with low baseline rents (presentation listed base rents of $380 for a two-bedroom, $395 for a three-bedroom and $410 for a four-bedroom) and no direct subsidy for the state-affordable units; therefore capital repairs must be covered from the project or other grant funding. The authority explained that older boilers have become difficult to service because parts and electronic controls are obsolete and that the newer condensing units are smaller, more efficient and easier to maintain.

Maintenance staff described repeated part shortages and long lead times for repairs on older equipment; the presentation included line-item estimates for boilers, controls and some associated baseboard replacement. Committee members praised the application's level of detail, said the project fit community development objectives (safe, sanitary housing and energy efficiency) and rated it highly during deliberations.

Staff told the committee the request represented a priority item and the committee indicated support for funding at a top tier in the allocations process.