Westchester County is making funds available to Public Housing Authorities (PHA) located within the County to facilitate necessary improvements and repairs to properties owned and operated by those housing authorities. The program objective is to assist housing authorities to renovate available housing stock for tenancy, address health and safety needs and to make improvements that will extend the useful life of the properties for low and moderate-income households
Eligibility
Public Housing Authorities located within the jurisdictional boundaries of Westchester County are eligible. If a PHA owned property receive direct support from U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) and did not participate in the Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program they will receive priority.
Eligible Activities
Dwelling Unit: Bathroom, call-for-aid, ceiling, doors, electrical system, floors, heating, kitchen, lighting, outlets, switches, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, stairs, walls, and windows.
Dwelling Unit: Bathroom, call-for-aid, ceiling, doors, electrical system, floors, heating, kitchen, lighting, outlets, switches, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, stairs, walls, and windows.
Health & Safety: Air quality, electrical hazards, emergency and fire exits.
Building Systems: Domestic water, electrical system, elevators, emergency power, exhaust system, fire protection, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and sanitary system.
Building Exterior: Doors, fire escapes, foundations, lighting, roofs, masonry restoration, walls, and windows.
Common Areas: Basement, utility/mechanical closet, community room, halls, corridors, stairs, kitchen, laundry room, lobby.
Funds
PHAs may apply to receive funding for multiple sites or rehabilitation projects providing the request falls under one of the five eligible activities listed above and have the ability to complete the construction project by October 2026. Construction project funding are contingent upon approval by the Westchester County Department of Planning, and the Westchester County Board of Acquisition and Contract. Awards are at the sole discretion of Westchester County and the County reserves the right to reject any applications if the proposed improvement do not adequately meet the program guidelines. There is only one round of funding.
PHAs may apply to receive funding for multiple sites or rehabilitation projects providing the request falls under one of the five eligible activities listed above and have the ability to complete the construction project by October 2026. Construction project funding are contingent upon approval by the Westchester County Department of Planning, and the Westchester County Board of Acquisition and Contract. Awards are at the sole discretion of Westchester County and the County reserves the right to reject any applications if the proposed improvement do not adequately meet the program guidelines. There is only one round of funding.
Requirements
All funded construction projects must in contract by September 2024 and be 100% complete with all close outs and sign offs in place by October 2026.
All funded construction projects must in contract by September 2024 and be 100% complete with all close outs and sign offs in place by October 2026.
Each PHA must follow its own procurement policy, as approved by HUD, including following Davis Bacon Act Wage Rate requirements, environmental reviews and obtaining multiple quotes to ensure that funds are being spent on what is considered customary and reasonable expenses based on the agreed upon scope of work. Westchester County and the Public Housing Authority must sign a two party contract. In the case of a RAD property, three party contract among Westchester County, the PHA and the Owner or PHA affiliated entity JV/LLC.
The PHA will be obligated to remain in good standing with HUD and any other funding sources. This is a reimbursement program to the PHA, if the PHA does not follow proper procurement procedures; they run the risk non-reimbursement.
Progress Inspections/Site Visits
A Westchester County Rehabilitation Specialist will complete a site visit, after an interim application approval. The purpose of the inspection is to determine if the work is in keeping with the objectives of the program. The PHA will solicit Bids for the construction project, following their own procurement policy. The PHA will provide the quotes received from the solicitation to Westchester County staff for review and approval to move forward. The Rehab Specialist will complete progress inspections and review vouchers for completion of work and prior to any reimbursement.
A Westchester County Rehabilitation Specialist will complete a site visit, after an interim application approval. The purpose of the inspection is to determine if the work is in keeping with the objectives of the program. The PHA will solicit Bids for the construction project, following their own procurement policy. The PHA will provide the quotes received from the solicitation to Westchester County staff for review and approval to move forward. The Rehab Specialist will complete progress inspections and review vouchers for completion of work and prior to any reimbursement.
In addition, the PHA will be required to name Westchester County as additional insured before work can begin. Final payment will only approved after the job is 100% complete with Westchester County and sign off by all parties.
Restrictions
The affordability term is for 50 years and a Declaration of Restrictive Covenant will be recorded against the property. If a RAD Building receives funding, there will be both a Declaration of Restrictive Covenant and a Note and Mortgage for a term of 50 years.
Deadline
Application must be mailed or hand delivered by the March 29, 2024 deadline.
Application must be mailed or hand delivered by the March 29, 2024 deadline.
For more information and application contact Gaitre Rambharose at 914-995-2429 or