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Hopewell Redevelopment and Housing Authority outlines plans, funding pressures and timelines
Summary
HRHA officials briefed council on Vision 2030, capital projects and developments including Piper Square’s $23 million rehab and the predevelopment Rendezvous apartments, and warned that HUD funding proration and unexpected project delays have affected relocation timelines.
Lisa Wilson, executive director of the Hopewell Redevelopment and Housing Authority (HRHA), and development consultant Tavares McCoy presented an overview of HRHA operations, strategic plan and development projects during a council work session.
Wilson told council the HRHA’s Vision 2030 strategic framework (adopted 2013, revised 2018) guides its five‑year goals to add units, expand resident services, modernize aging public housing and diversify revenue. “82% of our operating budget is funded by HUD,” Wilson said, noting the remainder comes from state funds, tenant revenue and miscellaneous sources.
McCoy described completed and planned developments. He said Piper Square underwent a substantial rehabilitation that totaled “a $23,000,000 project” and delivered new systems and exterior improvements completed in February 2024. McCoy said the Rendezvous apartments (a proposed 64‑unit project near Highland Park/Cavalier Square) is in predevelopment with “much of its funding secured” and staff expect to close remaining funding to start the project. Wilson and McCoy described development timelines as often lengthy — five to 12 years from concept to completion — and said recent unplanned delays have pushed back relocation and rehab sequencing for Davisville and other public‑housing sites.
Councilors pressed HRHA on relocation timing and communications for residents. Wilson said a relocation plan for Davisville residents is being developed but she could not provide a definitive timeline because of delays in other projects; she committed to provide periodic updates to council and to coordinate a joint meeting between council and the HRHA board to discuss development plans.
Councilors and HRHA staff also discussed operational matters including modernizing units (roof replacement, energy‑efficient appliances), preventive maintenance, resident engagement (restarting the resident advisory board and adding text alerts), procurement of a third‑party “turnaround” specialist to accelerate unit rehabs, camera and security repairs at Piper Square (a single defective camera remained to be replaced), and HUD funding changes: Wilson said public‑housing capital funding has been prorated down in recent years while the Housing Choice Voucher program has been funded at 100 percent.
Councilmembers recommended HRHA return with more specific timelines and to use existing state preapproved lists when procuring turnaround contractors. Wilson agreed to provide regular updates to council as plans solidify.
