CMHA says sale of two City West parcels aims to retire debt, pledges vouchers and relocation supports

The Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority presented a plan to the Housing and Growth Committee on Monday to list two City West parcels for sale as a way to retire outstanding mortgage debt and fund wider redevelopment.

CMHA director of development Gary Boris told council members the parcels — described in CMHA slides as 105 units in Parcels 2 and 4, of which 41 are public-housing units — are being marketed with criteria that prioritize buyers willing to work with existing residents. CMHA said any relocations required by a sale would include one-on-one advisory services and standard moving-expense coverage paid by CMHA and the city.

“We are trying to work with potential buyers that are willing to continue the affordability,” Boris said during the presentation, adding that CMHA has not yet applied to HUD or the Ohio Finance Authority (OFA) to obtain the approvals required to sell units that carry public-housing or OFA funding commitments.

Why it matters: CMHA told the committee the sale is intended to retire debt left by the previous owner and unblock financing so the housing authority can begin multi-phase rehabs across City West. CMHA said the broader plan envisions three-phase rehabilitations to replace windows and HVAC, renovate kitchens, improve sidewalks, security and landscaping, and to preserve subsidized units.

CMHA’s protections and timing

CMHA said it will offer vouchers to residents who do not already have them so families can remain in their units during and after redevelopment. CMHA pointed to a prior test case at Victory Vista where issuing vouchers allowed residents to remain in place. CMHA also described RAD (Rental Assistance Demonstration) protections and HUD return-rights that it expects to use to guarantee residents the ability to return to improved units when work is complete.

On timing, CMHA staff said financial packaging and required approvals mean the earliest relocations would not be immediate; CMHA estimated application and award windows stretching into the next year and suggested some closings may occur in 2027, with construction beginning afterward. CMHA said it aims to give residents substantial notice (typically about 120 days before moves) and individual interviews to accommodate schooling, employment and household needs.

Questions from council members

Committee members repeatedly pressed CMHA on maintenance, mold and code-violation follow-up after a public commenter described alleged mold and intimidation by a property manager. CMHA said it hires and audits management companies and contractors, has a code-violation team and a maintenance supervisor, and will follow up directly on the public comment raised at the meeting.

Council members also asked whether the sale could produce market-rate units. CMHA said none of the units it rehabs will be purely market-rate and that the agency expects to preserve affordability for most units through project-based vouchers or subsidy transfers, while some funding and deal structures may vary by phase.

Unresolved approvals and next steps

CMHA emphasized the sale is contingent on HUD and OFA approvals; it has listed the properties with a local broker and is taking qualified offers but has not completed HUD or OFA applications. CMHA said net proceeds from a sale would first retire the outstanding mortgage and any remaining funds would help finance the broader City West rehabilitation.

The committee heard the presentation, asked for a follow-up on resident-council formation and communications, and was told CMHA would procure a third-party trainer (three-quote procurement) to help residents organize within about 60 days. CMHA also agreed to circulate an FAQ document and to continue resident meetings as the process advances.

The Housing and Growth Committee did not take a formal vote on the sale itself; CMHA said the sale and any transfers remain subject to HUD and OFA review.