HUD tells Action News Jax Ryan Nelson it'll be assisting Roosevelt Garden renters in finding a new home.
Action News Jax first told you Wednesday HUD was severing ties with Roosevelt Gardens after two failed inspections.
We got our hands on those reports that found potentially life-threatening conditions in the apartments. Neighbors described deplorable conditions.
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Action News Jax Reporter Ryan Nelson spoke to people living in the apartments today, who shared similar stories. They asked not to be identified for their protection.
“Constant plumbing problems, plumbing back-ups, they don’t come fix nothing,” said a man living in the apartments. “Appliances stop working, rats…”
Nelson made several calls to HUD today asking what’s being done to help those fearing they may face homelessness after the contract’s termination.
A HUD spokesperson says there will soon be a meeting to walk renters through the process of applying for Housing Choice Vouchers.
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Eligible tenants will be able to use the vouchers to find somewhere else to live. Typically, those approved for the vouchers have three months to find a new place to live.
We’re told the Jacksonville Housing Authority will help administer the vouchers.
“Knowing that there is some kind of help is a relief,” said the man.
HUD says the meeting will take place next week, and it’s being hosted for Roosevelt Garden renters only.
HUD spokesperson Gloria Shanahan sent an email to Nelson explaining why they’re parting ways with Roosevelt Garden, their plans for relocation and why HUD sent a letter to the City of Jacksonville:
"After one failed inspection, owners of HUD subsidized properties need to address the issues detected and demonstrate that corrective measures have been taken. A new inspection is then scheduled.
Roosevelt Gardens failed two consecutive inspections.
The owner failed to maintain the property in good repair and failed to provide a definitive plan of action to address the immediate and long-term physical needs of the property.
On February 22, 2019, the owner was notified to discontinue entering into new leases under the Housing Assistance Payment contract with HUD.
As each resident is relocated, HUD will discontinue paying subsidy for the unit; once all tenants have been relocated, the Housing Assistance Payment contract will be terminated.
Because we are terminating the housing assistance payment contract with Roosevelt Gardens, HUD will provide relocation assistance and housing vouchers to eligible tenants.
Roosevelt Gardens will no longer receive subsidy from HUD once all tenants have been given the opportunity to relocate with HUD's assistance.
Current eligible tenants at Roosevelt Gardens will be able to choose housing that passes inspection, where the landlord agrees to receive <a href="https://www.hud.gov/topics/housing_choice_voucher_program_section_8" target="_blank">housing choice vouchers</a> as part of their payment and the tenant pays the rest.
Those vouchers will be administered by the Jacksonville Housing Authority.
All tenants have received written communications of the process; in February, a notification of HUD's intention to terminate the contract with the property and to provide the residents with protection vouchers and offer relocation assistance.
In March, HUD confirmed the information provided in February about offering relocation assistance and the Jacksonville Housing Authority provided a package with instructions on how to obtain the housing vouchers.
In April, tenants received an invitation to attend meetings in person with a relocation contractor and the housing authority.
The meetings (open to tenants only) will take place this month.
The relocation process and vouchers will be discussed in detail.
It is expected that relocation of all tenants will take around three months.
Please note that tenants are not being forced to relocate but this property will no longer receive rental subsidy.
Tenants who choose to remain at Roosevelt Gardens will have to contract directly with the owner and pay the full rent.
HUD has a tool for preserving budget authority for project-based rental assistance called <a href="https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/housing/mfh/8bb" target="_blank">Section 8(bb)</a>.
Once the contract is terminated, the budget authority that HUD had with this property can be transferred to other property in the area.
However, there is a limited window of opportunity to do this. And regulations estipulate that HUD would not select the property.
This is why the participation of the City is important.
If the City declines HUD can reach out to other public agencies in the vicinity willing to participate in recommending a project to receive the budget authority.
The recommendation from the local government does not circumvent the project owner(s) from HUD determination of eligibility.
If an eligible receiving project is not identified, the funds that remain at the time of the Housing Assistance Payment termination will be recaptured and therefore unavailable for project based subsidy.
This is what makes this opportunity so valuable to preserve more affordable housing for Jacksonville…"
Cox Media Group
