Revere Housing Authority looking for federal money

REVERE-Housing Authority Director Linda Shaw is looking to $750,000 in new federal money awarded to the city for help in completing Authority projects even as she worries about cuts in state money.The federal community block grant money is allocated for local housing renovation and road repair projects. Shaw said she hopes to meet soon with city Planner Frank Stringi to discuss how much of the money can be spent on public housing improvements.The Authority has several projects it wants to complete, including redeveloping the Garfield Avenue and Eliot Road property, which is now home to 49 seniors. Initial estimates in 2007 placed renovation costs at $6 million if the Authority adds more housing units to the property and modernizes existing units.Although some of the federal money is set aside for housing projects, block grant money is typically aimed at funding infrastructure upgrade projects, like road projects, or boosting social services and business and economic development opportunities throughout the state.The money is awarded competitively and targeted to support community revitalization.”These community development block grants will provide welcome relief for communities whose budgets are stretched thin and whose residents need opportunities to get back to work and get back on their feet. I am extremely pleased that Everett, Revere and Woburn were all successful in securing this vital funding,” said U.S. Rep. Edward J. Markey.The prospect of spending federal money on Authority projects still leaves Shaw worried about the state’s ability to honor current funding commitments in Revere. She said state housing officials have asked the Authority to reduce the $8 million price tag for extensive exterior work on the Liston Towers public housing complex and the $6 million cost of completing an oil to gas conversion project.Eighty-eight housing units on Constitution and Cooledge avenues have been converted to less expensive gas services and the Authority wants to convert another 200 units. She will review the state reduction requests at Wednesday’s Authority board meeting scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at 70 Cooledge.”These are very major initiatives. The state says there is no money; it needs to step up to the plate and fulfill its obligations,” Shaw said.