The Housing Authority voted to let go of the Flood House property on Monday evening.

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Housing Authority voted to dispose of two properties — the Flood House and a house on the corner of East Quincy and Meadow streets — on Monday evening.

 

The state Department of Housing and Community Development granted permission to the Housing Authority to let go of the Flood House property. Executive Director Jennifer Hohn said the request for proposal process will be made public for "supportive housing programs" to bid on.

 

Hohn said the Louison House, a local family shelter, expressed interest in the property, but needs to find funding for staff.

 

"We don't have a use for it," Hohn said.

 

The East Quincy Street lot was also voted to be disposed. The Housing Authority will attempt to sell the deteriorating building or raze it.

 

"You can't even go in there and breathe," Hohn said. "It's obviously condemned."

 

The board also discussed a "hot topic" — heating at the high-rise apartments.

 

"Obviously, we had a problem with keeping the heat consistent throughout the apartments," Hohn said.

 

Hohn said they received few complaints about heating. Measurements have been taken and all fall under the state sanitary code of higher than 68 degrees during the day and 64 degrees at night. Because of requirements of a U.S. Housing and Urban Development energy loan, the maximum temperature is 72 degrees.

 

Housing Authority Chairman Chris Tremblay said the building was designed for electric heat in the 1970s. Hohn explained the building has "negative air flow" that forces the building to suck in cold air.

 

Tremblay said if any tenants have an issue with their heating they should contact the Hohn or the office.

 

"No one's going to be left out in the cold," Tremblay said.

 

The Housing Authority also approved of GDS Associates Inc. to head its new HUD-required green physical needs assessment. Hohn said after interviewing and scoring six potential agencies she felt "very comfortable" with the energy consulting firm. Hohn said the service will cost around $14,000.

 

The board also approved of the renewal for its contract with Fenton and Ewald Associates for the fee accountants contract, worth about $24,000 annually.

 

The authority also accepted the letter of resignation from now-former member James Canavan. Matthew Neville will finish Canavan's term.

 

After, the Housing Opportunities Inc. briefly met and discussed the "administrative burden" of itself. Hohn said the board is awaiting the attorney general's permission to dissolve.