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Resident says meeting with SMHA led to rent changes for Mahoney Manor residents
Summary
Public commenter Kimberly Bell told council she met with the SMHA director and that changes now prevent rent increases when residents return to work; she also asked about funding for lead-pipe remediation and urged federal advocacy.
During the public-comment segment at the Canton City Council meeting, resident Kimberly Bell said a meeting with SMHA Director Johnson led to a change in how the agency handles earned income for residents of Mahoney Manor.
Bell, who provided her address, said she previously faced rent increases when she went back to work. After meeting with the SMHA director and giving the agency a survey on resident needs, Bell said her rent will no longer increase when she gains employment; the additional funds will be placed in escrow for residents rather than taken by the housing authority.
"If I get a job, my rent will stay the same and the money will go in escrow, and I will have that money, not Metropolitan," Bell said, summarizing the outcome of the meeting.
Bell also raised broader concerns about lead pipes and asked whether the city has surplus funding to address pipe replacement; she urged council members to engage with federal representatives to advocate for resources.
Why it matters: Changes to how housing authorities treat earned income can affect residents' incentives to seek employment and their economic stability. Bell presented the change as a local success from direct engagement with agency leadership.
Next steps recorded: Bell requested information about surplus funds and urged federal advocacy; the transcript does not record an immediate staff response or a commitment to follow up in this meeting.
