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Select Board appoints Steven McQuade as tenant representative to housing authority
Summary
After hearing statements from two candidates, the board nominated and voted to appoint Steven McQuade to the housing authority tenant-board seat to provide a family-housing perspective; members noted his availability and the possibility the seat could be vacated if he relocates.
The Lenox Select Board nominated and appointed Steven McQuade on July 22 to serve as the town’s housing authority tenant representative.
Two candidates spoke before the board. Pascal introduced himself as "Pascal Bova," described long involvement in community life at the Curtis and said he helps neighbors when they are ill or in need. Steven McQuade said he lives in family housing, is "a primary medical caretaker" for his disabled son, and told the board rising utility costs and entry/ vacancy management are key issues tenants face: "rising costs are awful right now, heating and electric and that kind of stuff, which is not included in the way that they calculate the rent for the family side." Steven also noted a unit adjacent to his had been vacant for three years, raising questions about renovation timelines and use of existing public housing stock.
Board members emphasized the value of tenant voice. The chair said it would be acceptable to appoint Steven now and have Pascal remain an interested alternate if the seat becomes vacant, noting the housing authority is a state agency but that the board can relay concerns to local legislators and the town’s representative. The chair moved to nominate Steven; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.
Next steps: the Select Board will notify the housing authority and Shannon (housing authority staff) of the appointment; if McQuade moves out of town, the housing authority/staff will solicit interest to refill the seat.
