EAST LONGMEADOW HOUSING AUTHORITY

 

 

 

To the Residents of East Longmeadow:

 

The Housing Authority, together with all state and local agencies, began to feel the constraints due to the financial condition of the state this year, which meant a tightening up of an already frugal budget.

 

The authority was able to meet its goal for 2002 by installing energy efficient windows on the last building at Inward Commons, which makes six buildings now completed.  All nine buildings at Quarry Hill, which are now twenty-six years old, received new roofs together with new gutters and downspouts.  All new washers and dryers were installed in the three projects.  To finish up on a grant we received from the Department of Housing and Community Development all the community rooms were freshly painted.

 

East Longmeadow residents do get a priority for our housing.  The age requirement is 60 years of age with no limitations for qualified handicapped.  Income limits for our low income units at all three complexes including our congregate facility, McLaren House, on the Quarry Hill site, are $29,200 for a single and $33,350 for a couple.  Income limits for our Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP) at Brownstone Gardens have been increased to $17,960 and $24,240, one and two bedrooms respectively.

 

Family incomes for our six 705 family homes are governed by the number of family members, with rent adjusted accordingly.

 

Our McLaren House is a large single-story building containing fifteen apartment, some handicapped accessible.  The apartment consist of a bed/sitting room, kitchenette and lavatory, with shared living spaces in the center – a large common kitchen and dining area where a hot noontime meal is cooked and served five days a week – as well as two living rooms used for entertaining family members or enjoying tv or visiting together.  This type of project is another concept in housing.  Designed to help the elderly remain independent as long as possible with some supportive services. 

 

Applications are available for all programs through our office, located at 81 Quarry Hill or can be requested by mail be calling 525-7057.

 

All three complexes have organized tenant associations, which are proving to be productive in allowing residents to actively participate in bingo, cards, exercise, dominos, picnics, fairs, and trips.  The tenants continue to amaze us with their energy and enthusiasm.

 

The Authority wishes to thank all the various town departments for their continued support and cooperation for making this a great place to live for our seniors.

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

 

 

Edgar Belliveau, Chairmen

Chandler Newell

Jean Peirce

John Florence

Carol Johnston