Sanford Public Housing Improvements

For years, management of the Sanford Housing Authority (SHA) has been in disarray. Not only were federal funds mismanaged, but residents were forced to live in unacceptable living conditions and dilapidated public housing units. 

After months of hearing complaints from residents, Rep. Mica contacted Mel Martinez, then Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), on June 13, 2003, to request that HUD assume control of the SHA.  The aging and outdated public housing units were in desperate need of repair and the management and structural deficiencies were in need of reform.  The purpose of the SHA is to provide low-income residents with safe, satisfactory and respectable public housing. 

On August 1st, 2003, HUD took control of the problem-plagued Sanford Housing Authority.  Under federal receivership, units have been renovated and refurbished at all six public housing complexes.  In fact, the Lake Monroe Terrace More apartments, which is a 100-unit property and one of the most dilapidated public housing communities, has been renovated to finally allow families to live in acceptable homes.

While monitoring the progress of the SHA while under federal control, Rep. Mica continued to work with local officials on the eventual handover of the properties.  On November 15, 2005, Mica met with Sanford Mayor Linda Kuhn and housing authority Executive Director Angel Tua to review the conditions of the housing.  With renovations complete, Mica has stated that the property would be closely monitored because the "federal government should not be a slumlord."

On January 21, 2006, Rep. Mica took part in the ceremony officially returning control of the Sanford Housing Authority back to the city.  Along with the newly renovated apartments, this important Section 8 subsidized-housing program has undergone management reform to eliminate fraud and waste with improved financial accounting.  Rep. Mica believes that this project highlights the proper role for the federal government by identifying a problem, fixing it and then allowing the local authorities to retain control over the program.

Most of the newly-restored housing units are occupied and will be watched to ensure that they remain in good living condition.  Mica is also committed to raising additional funds to further enhance the properties and provide playground equipment and future renovations.