Housing department reports college-housing openings, unit completions and crisis-shelter work

Jerry Keller, speaking for the housing department, told the committee that college housing applications will open July 27 and remain open through Aug. 7 and that applications will be posted at www.hacn.org. He provided status updates for multiple housing projects: skilled-workforce housing units are progressing; Talagwal units are complete pending final loan paperwork; Muskogee and Sallisaw projects are about two weeks from completion; Jay is three to four weeks away; the Keys project needs finishing work (plumbing, electrical, porches, driveways) and is likely about 60 days from completion.

Keller also said the Autumn Woods project has moved participants in but still requires site work (about three weeks) and follow-up sod work, and that the crisis shelter construction is ongoing with interior modifications. Keller described repurposing an old concession stand as part of related shelter efforts. He said the housing department will issue a press release about college housing and will send outreach materials to councilors for distribution.

Councilors raised the Collinsville project, where Keller said the city has not given final approval and the department is resolving water-district and easement issues. Deputy Speaker Kevin Easley thanked housing staff for recent constituent support. Keller said he would provide outreach materials to Councilor Dani Callison and continue to update council members.

The updates are operational in nature; councilors asked for continued follow-up on projects that affect constituent services.