Lorain Metropolitan Housing Authority
Physical Needs Assessment and Strategic Plan

Client:
Lorain Metropolitan Housing Authority
1600 Kansas Ave
Lorain, Ohio 44052
Attn. Homer Virden, Executive Director
(440) 288-1600

Project Assignment:
Prepare an Agency Strategic Plan for 15 public housing developments consisting of 1,423 units in 263 buildings. Work included preparation of: Physical Needs Assessment (PNA), Section 504 Assessment and Transition Plan, Section 202 Viability Analysis, and Market Study.

Assignment Details:
The overall goal was to develop a Strategic Plan that will help the LMHA assess the condition and potential of their developments and properties.  This strategic plan will be implemented to give direction to the LMHA to help the Authority achieve its 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 mech. systems.

Market Study: CHS’s team member – Vogt, Williams, Bowen Research evaluated the affordable housing market in Lorain County and compared the LMHA inventory with competing LIHTC and other Section 8 properties. Recommendations were made to help the LMHA compete more effectively and reduce vacancy rates.

Viability 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 will be shared with the LMHA board of directors, HUD, residents, and government officials.

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