Elizabeth Hunter
New CEO Connie Staudinger led her first meeting with the Athens Housing Authority on Thursday at 10 a.m. Staudinger has stepped in to fill the position of former CEO Rick Parker.
Parker retired after 34 years of work with the Athens Housing Authority. He oversaw projects like the Columbia Brookside neighborhood revitalization and the ongoing North Downtown Athens Development Project.
Parker will continue to monitor the North Athens Redevelopment Project through June 2023, but Staudinger will be in charge of meetings with developers and final decisions.
“There was a lot that came out of those discussions that will be followed up on so I want to thank you all because despite the fact that it’s been a lot, it’s incredibly important,” said Staudinger.
Staudinger has previously worked for housing authorities in Charlotte, North Carolina and Alexandria, Virginia.
During her CEO report, she showcased a proposed plan that would add another roundabout to the Athens area. She said that even though the AHA doesn’t get to vote on the roundabout it will affect their residents living in the surrounding area, so it is a project that the AHA will keep tabs on.
CEO Connie Staudinger presents the proposed plan for the new Athens roundabout to the AHA Board of Commissioners. The map pictured is still being revised. (Photo/Elizabeth Hunter)
The AHA unanimously approved an expansion to the Nellie B camera solution through Georgia Power to help prevent crime in the area. The camera solution will cause an increase from $1,070.55 per month to $4,979.56 per month in the AHA budget. Trey McElveen, chief operating officer for the AHA, said that the cameras will be upgraded to a higher resolution and 15 new cameras will be set up along with the eight cameras already in place.
“It will also include adding new holes and light poles around the back to just increase the security presence for the residents there,” said McElveen.
Staudinger said that the cameras tie into public safety communication and that the police department will have access to every camera.
The AHA voted to give up their claim to a house at 173 S. Billups St. because they would lose $65,000 if they bought the house back. The house is being sold for $300,000 and due to the AHA’s home limit being set at $234,950, the AHA would be unable to cover the difference.
Charlie Gluodenis, chief real estate officer for the AHA, said that the area behind Clarke Central High School, where the house is located, is a “hot area” and just more expensive.
The rising cost of the housing market is causing problems for the AHA and its properties. Chief Real Estate Officer, Charlie Gluodenis, explains the financial issue surrounding a house located behind Clarke Central High School. (Photo/Elizabeth Hunter)
“You know it’s affordable to somebody, right,” said Staudinger. “But not the families that we are advocating for.”
The AHA decided that they will return to pre-pandemic personnel policies on May 11, 2023.
Why I Wrote the Story:
This story matters because after 34 years of leadership under Rick Parker the Athens Housing Authority is getting a new CEO. This will effect many Athens residents that the AHA provides affordable housing for. I gained lots of background research skills when looking into the AHA and its members.