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OBSERVER: Cathy Marie Michael
Tenants raised concerns about communication, maintenance, parking, smoking and dog litter during the Marblehead Housing Authority meeting May 19.
Board members Jennifer Schaeffner, Bill Kuker, Terri Tauro, Jean Eldridge and Kristin DuBay Horton attended the meeting. Horton arrived at 3:50 p.m. Executive director Cathy Sheehan also attended.
During public comment, Judith Zorzy raised concerns about codes of conduct, ethics and communication between the housing authority and tenants.
“My comments are in regard to codes of conduct and ethics,” Zorzy said.
Zorzy said some types of communication between the Marblehead Housing Authority and tenants can feel like retaliation, intimidation and harassment. She said the impact can cause psychological or physical harm because of tenant anxiety.
Zorzy also asked commissioners to investigate whether the Marblehead Housing Authority is in compliance with federal and state laws, including the Fair Housing Act, when they are made aware of such instances. She also asked the board to speak with a tenant she said continues to smoke marijuana, despite what she described as a nonsmoking policy.
Other tenants asked whether new tenants are informed of housing policies and said those policies do not appear to be followed. One tenant said a crab apple tree remains in its planter and asked where it should be planted so its roots can grow.
Another tenant said notice for a rental lease meeting arrived at 5 p.m. Friday for a 9 a.m. Monday meeting, which she said was too late.
Several comments focused on maintenance and the grounds. Tenants said they need follow-up from the board and support from the executive director after making requests. One tenant said a chronic mud puddle behind Roads School had been raised months ago and is now attracting mosquitoes in warmer weather.
Tenants also raised concerns about robocalls, wood flashing that has been in disrepair for months, heritage trees with squirrels nesting in them and compost being placed on tree roots.
Dog litter at Roads School was also discussed. A tenant said dog waste from community members walking their dogs and tenants’ dogs has been raised many times. The tenant said Elaine, who works on three gardens at Roads School, is constantly cleaning up dog waste. The tenant said tenants want to beautify the grounds and asked for signage or another solution, not a ban on dogs.
Later in the meeting, Sheehan said signage would not help, according to the observer notes.
Parking also came up during public comment. One tenant said some tenants park on the lines and take up more than one space when there are not enough spaces for everyone. Another asked whether maintenance could place a sign on improperly parked cars.
In her executive director’s report, Sheehan said eight projects are in motion, 100 CHAMP applications were pulled and there are eight vacancies. On dog litter, Sheehan said the issue is not manageable or enforceable, according to the notes. She also said managers have had success being out in the community and have received positive comments.
Sheehan said robocalls went out but may not have reached everyone. She said anyone who did not receive one should contact the office because the same list is used for urgent calls.
Sheehan also said the 250th celebration is June 28 and all are invited. The COA will make its bus available with a reservation. She said the Marblehead Housing Authority summarizes its minutes only unless comments are handed in.
During commissioners’ comments, Tauro said people are receiving robocalls and that the issue has not affected participation. Tauro and Horton will work on capturing tenant stories and getting them into the appropriate time capsule.
Kuker said there is a lot of fear among tenants.
Commissioners also discussed whether they could use Jenny Armini’s monthly meetings at the COA. Under new business, Kuker again raised concerns that utility usage and costs are high, and Horton suggested installing water collection from gutters.
There was nothing new to report on Broughton Road.
The next Marblehead Housing Authority meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 16, in the MHS cafeteria as an evening meeting.
