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Plainfield housing authority outlines 15–18 month rehab plan for Richmond Towers and Joanne Hollis Gardens
Summary
Plainfield Housing Authority and developer Wind Development outlined plans to rehabilitate 225 senior units at Richmond Towers and rehabilitate or potentially demolish/rebuild 128 family units at Joanne Hollis Gardens; officials estimated 15–18 months until major construction and described temporary relocation, resident meetings and a right‑to‑return policy for residents in good standing.
The Plainfield Housing Authority presented plans to rehabilitate two large public housing developments, telling the City Council the work could begin after prerequisite approvals and is likely 15–18 months from major construction.
Randall Woods, executive director of the Plainfield Housing Authority, said Richmond Towers (225 senior units) will undergo rehabilitation. Joanne Hollis Gardens (128 family units) will be rehabilitated or—if HUD requires—demolished and rebuilt; that decision must come from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Woods said the housing authority is seeking a formal ‘resolution of need’ to move the process forward under HMFA and HUD rules.
Keith Gennard (identified in the transcript; later also referred to as Kennard), senior vice president for Wind Development, said the scope includes complete gut rehabs of apartments (floors, kitchens, baths) and upgrades to building systems and common areas — elevators, boilers, pipes and energy‑efficiency systems — prioritized by a physical needs assessment and available funding from EDA, HMFA and private debt. He said resident community spaces and infrastructure are part of the scope.
On relocation, Wind Development described a plan to minimize long‑term displacement: the project will hire a third‑party relocation expert (Housing to Homes) to coordinate temporary moves that may range from days to weeks; for more extensive unit work residents may be placed in prepared units within the building, a concierge/lounge area may be provided for short moves, and hotel stays would be arranged for residents requiring longer temporary relocation. Woods said 100% of residents in good standing will have the right to return to the developments once work is complete.
Woods also described a ‘deconcentration’ strategy that uses attrition and vacant units to move small groups of residents at a time rather than mass relocation. He said the housing authority holds monthly resident meetings, has set up dedicated project websites and will keep frequent communication with tenants about scope and timeline. Council members asked about transportation, school impacts and protections for vulnerable residents; PHA representatives said contingency plans and communication protocols are in place.
The council did not vote on a funding appropriation; the item is a presentation and request for support required by grant/financing prerequisites. Further hearings and approvals will be needed before construction begins.
