Jackson Housing Commission cites safety, leasing gains; Reed Manor repairs and RAD modernization discussed

Arturo Buckrin, executive director of the Jackson Housing Commission, presented the commission’s annual report at the April 15 Jackson City Council meeting, saying the agency has increased leasing and made security and physical-condition improvements across its properties.

Buckrin told the council the housing authority is “85% leased up,” and said the commission installed nine license-plate-reading cameras and upgraded surveillance at its developments. He said an on-site Jackson Police Department officer at Reed Manor last summer and lighting and lock upgrades have reduced after‑hours incidents. Buckrin said, “In 2024, 9-1-1 emergency response calls were cut in half from 2023, which was about 30 less than 2022,” as an indicator of improved safety.

The report also detailed capital needs and repairs. On Reed Manor, Buckrin described a mix of offline units and repair work: “The capacity at Reed Manor is a 15 actual units, but there's 20 that are offline due to mold damage, and another 23 that are offline due to fire damage.” He said HUD capital repairs have been obligated for those buildings and that returning the two buildings to service could add about 45 units over the next two years. Buckrin said elevator repairs at Reed Manor remain in progress and described the scope estimation as a roughly six‑month project; the presentation included a vendor estimate that the repair is approximately a $99,000 job.

Buckrin said the commission has updated its Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policy (ACOP) for the first time in eight years and introduced an internal leasing plan to speed unit turnarounds. He described a process of categorizing units as green (can be turned in 30 days), yellow or red, and said the commission is using capital funds to subcontract local contractors to speed repairs.

On modernization, Buckrin described Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) as a potential path for deeply distressed properties. He summarized RAD as a public‑private approach that can use tax credits and project‑based vouchers to rebuild or replace aging properties, while cautioning it changes ownership and management structures and requires plans for temporary relocation: “One of the only reticence, obviously, from the public's perspective would be where do people go while you're upgrading their property.” He said Reed Manor is now included in the commission’s current five‑year plan as a candidate for further study.

Council members asked for more detail. First Ward Council member Arlene Robinson and Council member Christy Davis pressed on lock reliability, elevator timelines and access to the HUD‑approved annual plan. Buckrin said the HUD 2024 annual plan is publicly available on the commission’s website and that the internal leasing plan is operational and handled by staff. He offered to follow up on specific maintenance tickets and to arrange meetings with property managers for more detailed, tenant‑specific questions.

Residents and public commenters also raised concerns. Nicholas Thurston, who identified himself as a Ward 5 resident, urged the council to cease support for the housing commission and called multiple buildings hazardous and poorly maintained. Jeannie Brown of Summit Township called replacement of locks and mold problems at Reed Manor “a big problem,” saying, “For somebody to say that that's a perceived small problem is very concerning to me.” Buckrin responded that he would not discuss individual tenant situations in public council session because of civil‑rights and privacy protections.

Why it matters: The housing commission manages federally funded public housing in Jackson County and its decisions affect residents’ safety, unit availability and federal subsidy. Council members and residents pressed for clearer timelines and follow‑up contacts for tenant concerns; Buckrin committed to more operational meetings with staff and property managers.

The commission did not seek or receive a council vote during the presentation. Council members asked staff to help facilitate follow‑up meetings and further information sharing.

Provable details and next steps: Buckrin said the commission will continue capital repairs at Reed Manor, pursue planned elevator work with a projected six‑month scope, and explore RAD options under its new five‑year plan. Council members asked staff to provide data on 9‑1‑1 calls and to help residents access the HUD annual plan and leasing procedures. Buckrin said he would meet individually with council members and with property managers as requested.

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Speakers quoted or referenced in this article are listed in the article’s speaker roster and include only individuals identified on the record.