PORT ANGELES — The Clallam County Housing Authority seeks residents’ input on future redevelopment of the Mount Angeles View neighborhood in southeast Port Angeles.
A meeting is planned for 6:30 p.m. today at the Boys & Girls Club, 2620 S. Francis St.
The public can ask questions, make suggestions or raise concerns about the proposed face-lift of the 100-unit community between Lauridsen Boulevard and Park Avenue just west of Peabody Creek.
“We really want the public to be involved in this process,” said Kay Kassinger, housing resource and development manager for the Housing Authority of Clallam County.
With its visioning phase nearly complete, the housing authority will now develop a formal plan for residential development and submit it to the city of Port Angeles next year.
Three years to finance
Financing for the project is expected to take about three years.
Construction may include the temporary relocation of some residents.
Each family will have a relocation plan that will be tailored to their needs, Kassinger said.
Neighborhood expansion
Ultimately, the housing authority wants to expand the neighborhood to include medium-income residents and retain the 100 units for subsidized housing.
“We don’t have in a plan yet,” Kassinger said.
“That’s why we want to keep residents engaged.”
An 18-member steering committee, which includes Mount Angeles View residents, will help the housing authority determine “what it is we want it to look like,” Kassinger said.
Section 8 subsidies to apartments began about 30 years ago to maintain acceptable housing standards.
The transformation of public housing into mixed-income communities began about 10 years ago under a new program called HOPE VI, a federal housing initiative developed to eradicate distressed public housing.
“This is the direction that a lot of the housing authorities are heading,” Kassinger said.
Tonight’s meeting, which is scheduled to run until about 8 p.m., includes a light meal. Child care will be provided.
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Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-417-3537 or at rob.ollikainen@peninsuladailynews.com.
