Wilmington Housing Authority
Physical Needs Assessment and Strategic Plan
Client:
Wilmington Housing Authority
400 Walnut Street
Wilmington, DE 19801
Attn. Larry Woods, Assistant Executive Director
(302) 429-6780
Project Assignment:
Prepare Physical Needs Assessment and Strategic Plan for 14 public housing developments consisting of 1,928 units, in 392 buildings. Work included preparation of: Physical Needs Assessment (PNA) and Strategic Plan.
Assignment Details:
Develop a PNA along with a Strategic Plan to assist the WHA evaluate the viability of the PHA’s developments for the next 20 years.
CHS began the process by meeting with executive staff to understand their concerns and objectives.
PNA: CHS conducted thorough development and unit assessments which included:
- Inspection of 100% of each development site.
- Inspection of 100% of the exterior of each building.
- Inspection of 20-30% of the dwelling units.
- Assessment of Section 504 (HC) compliance.
- Review of environmental reports.
- Evaluation of infrastructure and mechanical systems.
Executive Summary: CHS prepared an executive summary of the findings and recommendations. This document was shared with the WHA Executive Staff, Board of Directors, HUD, residents, and government officials.
Strategic Plan: The PNA included market driven needs identified by a separately prepared Market Study. The Plan also included the Executive Director’s goal of Comprehensively Modernizing all WHA inventory within the next 5 years.
The Executive Director used the PNA and Strategic Plan to obtain funding from the City, State Agencies, and private lenders since CFP funding levels were inadequate.
Tasks
- Physical Needs Assessment
- Strategic Plan
- Viability Analysis
Timeline
- Start – July 2004
- Complete – December 2004
Interesting Facts
- 392 Buildings Assessed
- 284 Scattered Site Units
- Oldest Development – 1943
- Newest Development – 1972
- Total Needs - $121,000,000.
- 1st Five Year Needs - $77,000,000.
- PNA used to Solicit Modernization Funds
