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Richmond Housing Authority reports progress on Eastern Village and Nevin upgrades; HUD guidance noted amid federal shutdown
Summary
Richmond Housing Authority executive director Antoinette Terrell updated commissioners on Eastern Village negotiation steps, Nevin building system upgrades and contingency planning after HUD guidance during the federal government shutdown. The housing authority approved a consent calendar including a contract with BDO USA for HUD subsidy calcs.
Antoinette Terrell, executive director of the Richmond Housing Authority, briefed commissioners Oct. 7 on progress at Eastern Village, Nevin upgrades and the effect of a federal government shutdown on HUD funding and technical assistance.
"We've made significant progress on Eastern Village. Both Eden and Community Housing Development Corporation boards have approved our exclusive rights to negotiate agreement," Terrell said. She told commissioners the authority is preparing to execute an exclusive rights to negotiate agreement (ERNA) and has engaged consultants to draft a land lease disposition and development agreement (LDDA) for Phase 1 before entering negotiations with partners.
Terrell reported Nevin Phase 1 work — led by D and H Construction and EAH Housing — is advancing on critical building systems and is expected to finish by early December. Upgrades she cited include connecting the elevator to the emergency generator, installing a new generator fuel station and upgrading the hydronic heating system to improve resident safety and reliability. For Nevin Phase 2, Terrell said EAH Housing is finalizing a Senate Bill 35 application and has started the environmental assessment.
On HUD funding during a federal shutdown, Terrell said HUD has notified public housing agencies that operating fund payments for October and November will continue and capital funds remain accessible without additional HUD review. However, she warned that because the Richmond Housing Authority is in "substantial default with monitoring but not in receivership," HUD may treat RHA as non‑essential during a prolonged shutdown and delay non‑emergency assistance. "This could impact project timelines and our ability to address nonurgent resident concerns," she said. The authority is activating contingency planning to minimize disruptions.
Commissioners approved the housing authority consent calendar, which included two items: a contract with BDO USA for U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development operating subsidy calculations and approval of minutes. The motion to approve the consent calendar passed with Commissioners Brown, Jimenez, Wilson, Robinson, Vice Chair Zapata and Chair Martinez recorded as "Yes"; Commissioner Bonner was absent.
Terrell said staff will continue to update the board about any changes to HUD guidance or funding and that contingency plans are in place should the shutdown continue beyond November.
