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Council approves resolution supporting Housing Authority's plan to dispose of 59 properties; HUD review and resident protections emphasized
Summary
Council passed a resolution authorizing the Housing Authority of Florence to proceed with a disposition plan for 59 properties. Housing Authority officials and the city attorney said HUD must review the plan, no residents will be displaced without relocation options, and seven of the properties are currently vacant.
The City Council approved a resolution approving the Housing Authority of Florence's plan to dispose of 59 real-estate properties, a step staff said is necessary to allow the authority to sell certain older units and reinvest proceeds in new affordable housing.
City staff told council that the properties are being considered for sale because many require costly repairs, have high vacancy rates, or are in locations no longer conducive to the housing authority's long-term program goals. Housing Authority leaders told council the plan is intended to generate proceeds to construct new units in more suitable locations and to improve the overall housing stock.
Council members raised concerns about resident impacts. Housing Authority officials and the city attorney said the proposal follows HUD's disposition process and requires a detailed submission to HUD, including plans to protect current residents. The housing authority reported that seven of the 59 properties are vacant and that 52 properties currently have residents. Officials said they will not displace residents into hotels, will offer alternatives such as vouchers, placement in other public housing units as vacancies allow, and the authority's homeownership programs where eligible. Staff said contractual provisions can require buyers to accept vouchers and other commitments as part of a sale to preserve affordable housing options.
Council members pressed for clarity about occupancy and relocation logistics; the Housing Authority said it will hold resident meetings and that HUD review and approval are required steps before any sale or relocation. The city attorney reiterated that HUD controls approval of such dispositions and that the council's resolution is a ministerial step, not the final authorization of any particular sale.
After discussion in executive session with legal counsel, the council voted on the resolution; the ayes carried. Council members urged careful outreach and transparency for affected residents.
