Houston Daily

Houston Housing Authority Board of Commissioners met Sept. 16.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

I. CALL TO ORDER

A Meeting of the Board of Commissioners (“Board”) of the Houston Housing Authority (“HHA”) was held on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at the Independence Heights I Apartments, 302 Crosstimbers St., Houston, Texas 77022. The meeting was called to order at 2:00 p.m.

LIVE STREAM STATISTICS

September 16, 2025: ● Live Stream Views 43 ● Average view duration 19:41 ● Peak viewers 16

II. ROLL CALL

Present:

• Joseph “Jody” Proler, Chairman

• Alton Smith, Vice Chairman

• Stephanie A.G. Ballard, Commissioner

• Eric G. Carter, Commissioner

• Kristy Kirkendoll, Commissioner (2:01 arrival)

• Kenneth C. Li, Commissioner (2:09 arrival)

• Jamie Bryant, Secretary

Absent: Cynthia Aceves-Lewis, Commissioner

III. INTRODUCTION OF THE INTERPRETERS

Chairman Proler offered the use of interpreters for Spanish, Mandarin, and Vietnamese speakers who may need assistance with public comments only.

PUBLIC HEARING

Public Hearing for the Development of INDEPENDENCE HEIGHTS II APARTMENTS

Chairman Proler states that the Public Hearing is open for public comments. Donna, do we have anyone signed up for Public Comments on Independence Heights II?

Ms. Dixon: No, sir.

Chairman Proler: Hearing no comments, the Public Hearing will close.

IV. PUBLIC COMMENTS

Verlisa Allen: I reside in the 3rd Ward area. My concern is with the Cuney Homes project. My home is in the 3200 block, one of six houses that were designated to be acquired through eminent domain. I received the notice in October of ‘23. You all had assigned the Guess Group to represent the Housing Authority on that matter. We were assured that everything is going to be done by December 17th and that we would be given until the end of January ‘24 to move out. At the same time, I was diagnosed with cancer. I was also in an automobile accident, and I had 4 emergency surgeries during that time. I made the decision to go ahead and physically move my body from the house, and I acquired another property.

So, it's been almost two years now, and nothing has been done. I'm maintaining two homes and I have high property taxes at the other house because the one is not available to homestead. When I decided to move back into my home and (recording unclear), they're not going to do anything, now I'm told that the project is back on. I need to know the status of this plan. Are y'all planning on doing anything? Because I don't want to keep putting money into my home, and neither do I want to keep maintaining the expenses of two homes, while you all, I'm not talking to you personally, no decision is being made, no action is being taken. We, the citizens, are not being told anything. We are getting the run around. We call housing, but housing won't give us any information. We call the Guess Group; they’re no longer on the project. They’re no longer the middle person between housing and us. I would like to know what's going on. What can I expect as a citizen? If you'll acquire the property by eminent domain, you need to do so in a timely manner. Thank you.

Chairman Proler: What is your address, please?

Ms. Allen: The address is 3235 Alabama St., Houston, TX 77004.

Secretary Bryant: Joel or someone, can we make sure we get Ms. Allen’s information, and we can circle back to her? Robin will get your information, and we will follow up with you. Thank you for your comments.

Reverend Ray Mackey: Good afternoon. Welcome to the historic Independent Heights community. We're thrilled to see each one of you here today. So I'm here on behalf of Independent Heights Redevelopment Council, where most of you all know I serve as chair, and also on behalf of Independent Heights Baptist Pastors, and we want to say thank you all, Chairman Proler, to this esteemed board, and just for the unanimity that has been shown in relation to Independent Heights II development. We are so grateful for your leadership in terms of where we started from 7 to 8 months ago and how you all have maintained force and the commitment to this community. So I didn't want it to go without being said how much we appreciate you all seeing this project come to fruition and continuing to do great work for this second phase of the development. I also would like to say as relates to this particular development, that we're in today, I think it's been around 8-9 years since this particular first phase of the project was completed and many people have frowned upon and are thinking about saying, well, we had another affordable development, you know, crime increase and that sort of thing. But to God be the glory, there have been no significant incidents at this property; obviously, there is crime all over Houston. So that comes with minor issues, but I think you ought to be commended for how this property has been managed and maintained for all of these years. So we just look forward to continuing to a great relationship with the new project. Again, thank each of you for your commitment to Independence Heights.

Jamie Allen: I live on the premises, and I am in Building 8. My concern is the security. I've been living here for almost four years now. We have crack heads who presently live in the hallways, they cook in the hallways, they sleep in the trash room, and it is always call the police, call the police. When we ask for security time after time, they constantly break into our cars, and we don't know what to do. We do police reports. We do all of that. Still, nothing has been done. It is a safety issue. They are currently in the garage taking baths

with the water outside, stripping down their clothes, and it’s always, call the police, call the police. Most go to Booker T. High School and have the gate codes. All of the crackheads have the gate codes. They come in and come to our building, smoke, and then go to school. This is in the morning and evening. They are always in front of my door smoking. It's right there on the camera. I had a couple of incidents when the kids tried to fight me because they want to smoke in front of my door and like I said, it's always call the police, and nothing is ever done. So, I am speaking on certain occasions in Building Eight, and, as I said, it's time after time after time. A lot of my neighbors could not come, but I did want to make sure we spoke about this because it's not safe. It's not safe at all, at all. We don't know who's breaking into the cars, but it only took me one time, for the safety is in the garage. We asked for the locks to be done, we asked for all kinds of safety, and everybody else is worried about the safety. So like I said, I'm speaking on behalf of my building because a lot of people are not here, but I think it's not fair that everything else is done here. So, like I said, I constantly call and ask if they can change the code or what can be done because the kids are ridiculous, and they come in and eat, and now they're coming 15 20 in and out of our building smoking. So, it's ongoing, and like I said, it's been going on for four years.

Secretary Bryant: Thank you, Ms. Allen, for your comments.

Pastor Nathan Jenkins of Missionary Baptist Church: Good afternoon. I’m encouraged by hearing all of our residents speak. I'm Pastor Jenkins of Missionary Baptist Church, just two streets up. (Recording unclear and Pastor Jenkins speaks softly).

I want to speak on behalf of a member of the Providence church. I came here in 2012, and when this particular project went up, I had a member who was living in the community, and when this project went up, this member was excited about being able to move out of a really difficult situation into something that they felt would be more permanent and new, but they didn't know exactly when to apply. They spoke to their landlords that they were moving out, and once it went up, and they tried to apply, they were not able to, and that caused them to have to move from this location to (unclear) off of 59 into a situation that has been a bad experience. So I am thankful and grateful to see new opportunities about to take place. I hope that those in this community will be aware of how to apply early.

I also want to say that I agree and stand with what Pastor Mackey has said today. We are a united community. We are working together for the betterment of our residents and of our community.

My name is Jill Mercury, xxx Prospect St., just two blocks down the street from this project. I'm here today to say, if you can't do this, you can't do that right, you can’t do that right across the street. For eight years, the retention pond, which is too small, has changed during the construction phase, and has never been properly maintained. It has discharged all kinds of things into the city's storm drain. Nobody ever checked that. Nobody's ever had an engineering report or anything like that. In respect of Rev Mackey, but I'll be very short, but you also have a crime factor here. As Ms. Allen said, my friends who live on the other side, get periodically flooded because this area is higher than their yards. You have 32 assaults, in the last year and a half, 4 rapes, and 30 weapons charges, so according to the HPD report for the last year and a half. The problem is, as Ms. Allen said, it sounds like it's only kids now, but it's going to be a problem with weapons. Lots of discharges, assaults, lots of them…4 rapes. What are you going do? You don't pay taxes. This place doesn't pay taxes. That falls under the burden of people like me who do pay taxes. Now, I'm not going to have anybody here not to go without protection, but we shouldn't have a problem if you had effective management, is that correct? Okay, so I have to say. I'll be back.

Chairman Proler: How many more speakers do we have?

Ms. Dixon: This is the last one.

Nelson Menefee: You might find me rude and loud, but I really don't give a damn. I've been here for six years, I've seen this take place, and after you leave, and management leaves, everything, all hell will break loose. The 8 Building is where I live. I have seen people’s cars, even my car, and they just broke into it.

The staircase is used for, from the 4th floor, peeing all the way down to the first floor. Not only that, sometimes they (recording unclear). The school children from Booker T, in the morning, they’re dope smoking. They spit all on the floor. You have to step over and even step into it to enter your apartment. You're taking that into your apartment. Kids after school, hanging out the window smoking dope. Vandalism, the lights are all broken. On my floor, I had to beg the manager to please take the shades out of the window. Because when I drive in, and I look at my floor, there are the shades where they are peeping out, and the shades are all torn apart. There are people sleeping in the hallway. They're so bold, they bring the hot plate and start cooking. Then they come and lay down in the hallway to charge up their phone. The 8 Building should be abolished and torn down. There's no one who gives a damn about the 8 Building. The elderly People can't go out and sit down and enjoy outside because they take the table and stuff and use it. All kinds of dope transfer, all kinds of people coming up. I can't hardly find a parking place because people are coming in and parking. It is pathetic.

V. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES

a. Board Meeting Minutes: August 19, 2025

On motion by Commissioner Smith and seconded by Commissioner Li, the Board approved the August 19, 2025, Meeting Minutes.

VI. CEO OPERATIONAL UPDATES

Welcome, everybody. Thank you for taking the time to come out today, and thank you for your comments, as well as everyone here who's sharing their thoughts. I am taking notes here, and I promise you that it will be addressed in short order. I wanted to clarify with you, Sir. You were talking about building 8 as well? Is that correct?

Residents: We’ve all been talking about building 8.

Secretary Bryant: I heard you, Ms. Allen. I just want to make sure that it was the same. Holistically, some of my team is here, and we'll circle back on this ASAP and get back some things that can be done immediately. One of the things that was talked about is something we've been focusing more on as a housing authority, which is our partnerships with law enforcement and with other security folks, and so we will have those discussions as well, because some of these are the first time I’ve heard some of these comments, and I agree with you, this is not acceptable. So we will work on solutions and how we can, and if we need to put more resources, out here whether that’s law enforcement, lighting, cameras, whatever, you have my promise, we will put these resources into place because the comment that was made, “if it's not working now, what's it going look like in two years when the property next door is open?” So, we owe it to the residents here today to get this solved sooner rather than later. We also owe it to the residents who are commenting and continuing to come to this community.

While we can't solve everything, we can do better on the properties we develop, so you have my promise that we will work on that.

Independent Heights II

Thank you, Pastor Mackey, for your comments. Thank you also to the team and the community that have worked very hard over the years to bring us to this point. Actually, my first day on the job 7 months ago, I spent in this community at one of the local churches, meeting with residents and hearing your stories, hearing about what this community is and so, you know, while it is taking a little longer to get to this point, I won't bore you with the drones and stories of how slow the federal government is, I am excited that we are going to be voting on this today and move this project forward. One of our representatives from the development team is here looking at putting shovels in the ground next door in November. It will be exciting to finally see some momentum building in the community on the site next door.

Pastor Jenkins, I heard your comments, and we will do better about communications, getting websites, getting announcements, getting things out of the community early, especially as we get closer to the ability to start pre-leasing, for example, units, and making sure the community knows how they can participate in that early. So I heard you, and we’ll make sure that happens. I spent my first day in the community here with Pastor Mackey, Council Member Castillo, and the late Congressman Turner, who are all strong advocates of this project. So we hear you. We're moving forward on this project. So thank everybody for your patience, but I agree wholeheartedly, we've got to make some efforts in this community, not just on management, but on public safety to make sure not just the property, the property next door, or the neighborhood communities would approve, so we will work with all the parties we can to make that happen.

The other thing I want to make a statement, for those in the room and those watching online as well, is that we at the Housing Authority opened our procurement portal last month. We are accepting applications for 4% tax credit and 4% bond deals to partner with the Housing Authority. For those who may not be aware of what those are, these are tax credit projects. They get tax credit allotments from a state agency, and they have a lottery that happens in October, so we are opening up applications. For developers or partners interested in developing a property using tax credits and the 4% program, please visit our website or procurement portal to apply. If you also have questions, you can reach out to our Real Estate and Investment Development team or our partners and counselors at Coats Rose, and they can answer those questions. But our next board meeting is October 16th, so we will need all those applications and not the 1st of October if we're going to get all of them out before the meeting. We have a couple of projects that are being considered right now, but I just want to make sure the public knows that.

And then my last comment, if the Board would allow me. I just wanted to read something. So I think everybody in this room agrees with me that we're living in times that are, I hate to use the word, unfortunate, scary. I mean, there are so many adjectives that we could use, you know, but last week, unfortunately, was not all that different than a lot of weeks we've had in this country over the last couple of years, where we have seen violence, whether that's in the forms of school shootings or on buses, or college campuses or in other cases that has saddened us and our society to see that, unfortunately people hate and anger to be taken out in such a violent way. Last week, as we were honoring those from 9/11, I sent out a note to our team, and I wanted to reiterate a couple of things, and if you guys would allow me.

What I asked our team to do, I said you can do five things for me today. First, for those of you of faith, pray for our nation, our leaders, each other, and the families suffering from these tragic losses. No one is immune. Everybody has been affected by this. First, please thank the good folks, such as Brian Terry, our constables, and security staff, as well as our service men and women, and everybody who puts themselves in harm’s way to protect others. Be vigilant and observant, especially when you see others struggling. Mental illness is a real issue in this country, and it is something we tend to ignore, especially, I know a lot of men tend to ignore and not address, so if you see somebody struggling, don’t be afraid to ask or give people help and resources. The important thing I ask is if you exercise your right to own firearms, please do so responsibly and ensure those weapons are always properly secured and not accessible to kids or others. Last thing, remember the grace that has been shown to all of us, and let Grace be the first tool you deploy when dealing with conflict and confrontation. Show grace, listen, empathy. This is the sad world that we live in when violence becomes the readily go-to place for folks when they're not feeling heard and so not speaking on any particular issue, but you know, we could go down to the things that have occurred over the previous months, and unfortunately, it affects all of us. I just wanted to share that, and I wanted to share it publicly. Thank you.

VII. NEW BUSINESS

a. Resolution No. 3918: Consideration and/or take action to authorize the President & CEO or designee to execute contracts with Flywheel LLC, Detail2Dots LLC, and Emerald West LLC in an aggregate amount not to exceed $875,000 for the implementation of the Older Adults Home Modification Program (OAHMP), a HUD grant program. The cost of any individual project shall not exceed $5,000 without approval from the President & CEO.

PRESENTED BY: Stedman Esene, REID Senior Project Manager

Good afternoon, Commissioners. I am here to present Resolution No. 3918. The purpose of this resolution is to secure approval to award contracts to Flywheel LLC, Detail2Dots LLC, and Emerald West LLC as contractors for the grant OAHMP, Older Adults Home Modification Program. This program is a HUD-funded grant that was awarded to the HHA to improve safety and accessibility in homes for older adults. It is focused on small modification maintenance-eligible tasks that are important for seniors. The aggregate amount is $875,000 with a cap of $5,000 per senior per home. We have interviewed and brought in an In house occupational therapist who will be our guide in independent assessments of seniors in their homes. The OT is trained to evaluate clients’ functional abilities and the home environment. The cost of any individual project shall not exceed $5,000 per home. Additionally, we have interviewed and brought in the three procured contractors and relayed clear expectations of the program. First, to satisfy program requirements, but also to satisfy the HHA requirements and expectations. No work will be authorized that requires building permits or more invasive work, such as opening the walls to install improvements. It is for maintenance items only. I recommend that the Board approve Resolution No. 3918.

Chairman Proler: Just for the record, this resolution was pulled last month to allow for further vetting to go forward, and I'm pleased that we’ve accomplished that, and I feel much more comfortable in proceeding. Thank you for your work on this.

Secretary Bryant: Mr. Chairman, before you vote, may I ask a question? Stedman, would you mind letting folks know, if there are seniors who want to participate in the program, how do they find out about the program? How do they apply to be in it? What's the process for seniors?

Mr. Esene: Right now, on the HHA website, there is a tab for the Older Adult Homes Modification Program, going over the requirements and different assessments based on this grant. The senior must be at least 62 years of age and have a low to moderate income. In addition, we are in a semi-partnership with the City of Houston and the Harris County Area Agency on Aging.

Chairman Proler: It is for single-family homes, so anyone living in an apartment is not eligible. Mr. Esene: It's for single-family homes. No apartments.

Secretary Bryant: Housingforhouston.com, Older Adult Homes Modification Program tab and you’ll find the information out there.

Commissioner Li: I think this is a great program. In Southwest Houston, there are a lot of people who do not know about this program. The Chinese community center can host a public meeting and possibly have the housing authority staff provide an educational program on the OAHMP. (Other comments were made, but the recording was not clear.)

Chairman Proler: It is a $875,000 cap and a $5,000 maximum per home. Great idea.

Chairman Proler asked for a motion to approve Resolution No. 3918.

On motion by Commissioner Li and seconded by Commissioner Ballard.

Chairman Proler asked if there is any discussion regarding this resolution. Hearing none, Chairman Proler called for a vote.

The Board approved Resolution No. 3918.

Chairman Proler: Stedman, good luck. Please keep us updated on your progress. It is very important that the Board follow this.

b. Resolution No. 3921: Consideration and/or take action to authorize Houston Housing Authority’s refinance of The Sweetwater Point Apartments, located at 7909 S. Sam Houston Pkwy East, Houston, Harris County, Texas 77075

PRESENTED BY: Joel North, Jr., Sr. Vice President of Asset Management & Development

Authorizes the housing authority to refinance the Sweetwater Point Apartments. Sweetwater is a 260-unit apartment complex located at 7909 S. Sam Houston Pkwy East, Houston, Harris County, Texas 77075. We are refinancing an existing loan of $ 12.5 million. This current loan has come due to maturity so we are putting a new refinancing into place. The new financing amount is not to exceed $22,000,000. The uses for the loan proceeds after paying off the existing loan include funding lender-required reserves, critical repairs, non-critical repairs, and closing costs. Part of the loan is to pull out some of those proceeds to make those critical repairs.

Chairman Proler: Thank you. Any questions?

Chairman Proler asked for a motion to approve Resolution No. 3921.

On motion by Commissioner Smith and seconded by Commissioner Li.

Chairman Proler asked if there is any discussion regarding this resolution. Hearing none, Chairman Proler called for a vote.

The Board approved Resolution No. 3921.

VIII. EXECUTIVE SESSION

Chairman Proler suspended the Public Session on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at 2:34 p.m. to convene an Executive Session to discuss personnel, legal, and real estate issues in accordance with Sections 551.074, 551.071, and 551.072, respectively, of the Texas Government Code.

IX. RECONVENE PUBLIC SESSION

Chairman Proler reconvened the Public Session at 3:20 p.m. to take action on Executive Session agenda items.

ROLL CALL: Commissioner Li participated in Executive Session but did not return to the meeting.

NEW BUSINESS continued

c. Resolution No. 3922: Consideration and/or take action to authorize Houston Housing Authority’s development of those certain apartments located at 222 Crosstimbers Street, Houston, Texas 77018 and known as Independence Heights II Apartments, and the execution of all required documents therefor.

Chairman Proler asked for a motion to adopt Resolution No. 3922.

On motion by Commissioner Ballard and seconded by Commissioner Kirkendoll, the Board approved Resolution No. 3922.

d. Resolution No. 3923: Consideration and/or take action to authorize the President & CEO or authorized representative of the Houston Housing Authority to approve Victory Street Public Facility Corporation’s Issuance, Sale and Delivery of (1) its Multifamily Housing Revenue Bonds (Independence Heights II), Series 2025, and (2) a superseding Multifamily Housing Governmental note (Independence Heights II), and the execution of all required documents therefor.

Chairman Proler asked for a motion to adopt Resolution No. 3923.

On motion by Commissioner Ballard and seconded by Commissioner Kirkendoll, the Board approved Resolution No. 3923.

X. ADJOURNMENT

Chairman Proler stated that this concludes the items on today’s agenda and asked for a motion to adjourn. On motion by Commissioner Smith and seconded by Commissioner Kirkendoll.

Chairman Proler declared the meeting adjourned at 3:23 p.m.

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