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April 30, 2009
Funds will upgrade senior housing complex, boost local economy
Some Sedro-Woolley residents will soon begin to see the benefits of President Barack Obama’s stimulus package.
The Sedro-Woolley Housing Authority will receive $189,590 as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to make improvements to Hillsview, a 60-unit public housing complex for seniors and people with disabilities. The money is part of a $4 billion boost for housing authorities nationwide to preserve and enhance the country’s public housing stock.
“This project will get people to work, improve the quality of housing for vulnerable residents and increase energy efficiency,” said U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen.
Improvements to Hillsview will include installation of energy-efficient lighting for and upgrades to interior hallways, lobby areas, and the elevator; the addition of handrails and other improvements to assist mobility-impaired residents; a remodel of the community room and communal kitchen; and the replacement of existing floors with new plywood and carpeting. Additionally, fire doors and apartment unit entry doors will be replaced. Environmentally-responsible products such as low-VOC paints and carpet made from recycled material will be used; fixtures and other purchased items will be made in America.
“The stimulus money is really welcome,” said Stan Sygitowicz, board chair of the Sedro-Woolley Housing Authority. “One of our top priorities is to maintain the highest possible standards of safety and well-being for our seniors and for persons with disabilities. These improvements not only will upgrade the quality and ensure the longterm viability of a vital public asset, they also will reduce utility bills and improve the safety and comfort of our seniors and residents with disabilities.” Without the stimulus funds, these upgrades would have had to be tackled as three or four separate projects over the course of as many years, Sygitowicz added.
Bidding for the job will begin in May; work is expected to begin in late July. The comprehensive project, which is expected to employ at least 20 workers, will be completed by December.
Sedro-Woolley Mayor Mike Anderson is also pleased with the plan to modernize and improve Hillsview. “This project helps contractors keep their employees on the job and gives an added boost to the local economy,” he said.
The Sedro-Woolley Housing Authority provides high quality, affordable housing to economically disadvantaged families, seniors and persons with disabilities. The Sedro-Woolley Housing Authority owns 80 units of public housing.