Butler Metropolitan Housing Authority
Physical Needs Assessment and Strategic Plan

Client:
Butler Metropolitan Housing Authority
4110 Hamilton-Middletown Road
Hamilton, Ohio 45011
Attn. Jeff Ranck, Development Director
(513) 896-4411

Project Assignment:
Prepare an Agency Strategic Plan for 16 public housing developments consisting of 1,318 units in 303 buildings. Work included preparation of: Physical Needs Assessment (PNA), Section 504 Assessment and Transition Plan, Section 202 Analysis, and Market Study.

Assignment Details:
The overall goal was to develop a Strategic Plan that will help the BMHA achieve it’s goal of providing quality affordable housing for the next 20 years, in an environment of decreasing levels of federal assistance.

CHS began the process by meeting with executive staff to understand their concerns and objectives.

PNA/ 504:   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.

Market Study:  CHS’s team member – Merusi Partners, Inc. evaluated the affordable housing market in Butler County and compared the BMHA inventory with competing LIHTC and other Section 8 properties. Recommendations were made to help the BMHA compete more effectively and reduce vacancy rates.

Feasibility Study/ 202:  After compiling physical needs data, and market study recommendations, an evaluation of the long-term viability of each development was conducted. The HUD 202 Viability protocol was followed. The conclusion of the study was to determine if it was more cost-effective to modernize and maintain the existing housing, or to dispose of the housing and voucher the residents.

Executive Summary:  CHS prepared an executive summary of the findings and recommendations. This document was shared with the BMHA board of directors, HUD, residents, and government officials.

Tasks

• Physical Needs Assessment
• Section 504 Assessment & Transition Plan
• Section 202 Viability Analysis
• Market Study

Timeline

• Start – June 2004
• Complete – November 2004

Interesting Facts

• 303 Buildings Assessed
• 109 Scattered Sites
• Oldest Development – 1942
• Newest Development – 1992
• Total Identified Needs - $57 Million