Facing the cold-weather season months away and an antiquated heating system, the Bridgeport City Council and Stratford Town Council have both approved resolutions to make application to the court for receivership control of the troubled Success Village coop as well as loans to facilitate boiler upgrades.
The 900 residential housing units are split over both communities. Bridgeport’s loan share is $520,000, Stratford $130,000 based on the respective units in each community.
For additional background see here
See City Council resolutions below backed unanimously Friday night.
RESOLUTION REGARDING APPLICATION FOR SUCCESS VILLAGE LOAN
Sponsored by: Bridgeport City Council
WHEREAS, The Success Village Apartments, Inc. (“SVA”), a Connecticut Nonstock Corporation, is a cooperative within the meaning of the Connecticut Common Interest Ownership Act; and,
WHEREAS, the SVA holds title to over nine hundred (900) residential housing units located in Bridgeport and Stratford, Connecticut; and,
WHEREAS, the SVA is home to thousands of residents; and,
WHEREAS, the residents of SVA have experienced a chronic lack of both heat and hot water in their apartment units for an extended period of time due to repeated boiler system failures and hazardous conditions of such system; and,
WHEREAS, the residents of SVA are dependent on the residential housing units for their support; and,
WHEREAS, it is desirable and in the public interest that the City of Bridgeport enter into a loan agreement with SVA in the amount of Five Hundred Twenty Thousand Dollars ($520,000) which, when combined with a loan from the Town of Stratford in the amount of One Hundred Thirty Thousand Dollars ($130,000), will fund the replacement of three boilers at SVA.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BRIDGEPORT:
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That it hereby authorizes, directs and empowers the Mayor, Joseph P. Ganim, or his designee, upon appointment of a receiver and with the approval of the Superior Court, to enter into and execute a loan agreement with SVA in the amount of Five Hundred Twenty Thousand Dollars ($520,000) for the replacement of three boilers at SVA, in such form and with such terms as approved by the City Attorney.
RESOLUTION REGARDING APPLICATION FOR SUCCESS VILLAGE RECEIVERSHIP
Sponsored by: Bridgeport City Council
WHEREAS, The Success Village Apartments, Inc. (“SVA”), a Connecticut Nonstock Corporation, is a cooperative within the meaning of the Connecticut Common Interest Ownership Act; and,
WHEREAS, the SVA holds title to over nine hundred (900) residential housing units located in Bridgeport and Stratford, Connecticut; and,
WHEREAS, the SVA is home to thousands of residents; and,
WHEREAS, the residents of SVA are dependent on the residential housing units for their support; and,
WHEREAS, the residents of SVA have experienced a chronic lack of both heat and hot water for an extended period of time due to repeated boiler system failures and hazardous conditions of such system; and,
WHEREAS, there is a present danger that the property of the SVA will be lost or expended in such a way as the residents of SVA may become an expense to the Town pursuant to, inter alia, the Connecticut Uniform Relocation Assistance Act; and,
WHEREAS, it is desirable and in the public interest that the City of Bridgeport bring an application for appointment of a receiver of the property of SVA pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes Section 52-505 et seq.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BRIDGEPORT:
That it hereby authorizes, directs and empowers the City to bring an application for appointment of a receiver of SVA in the Superior Court, and to take any and all action in connection with the prosecution of such application.
When you are dealing with over 700 units of private ownership and fail to have a Fair Housing Commission for over 20 years staffed by a knowledgable, qualified, group of residents, ever ready to listen to housing issues from residents and able to form a quorum to do so, we likely would have heard about this critical plight more than two years ago.
But even in January, City voices were saying that a Co-op (like Success Village) or a condo is subject to State rules and therefore no way for City to be involved. Who did not recognize that if there is a fire, the Fire Department responds? And Tax Collector has an interest in a Coop with working governance? And if Health Department submits a finding that water is not available, or heat is below public standards, what happens then? The simple truth is that the City, at City expense, must relocate those folks. Did you know that?
It could cost millions potentially, so at the 11th hour financing by the City and call for ‘receivership’ was approved though the Council voted unanimously with 19 members present to approve.
Maybe it is time for the City to resurrect a Fair Housing Commission at least as a site where resident who are unhappy with the way self-governance or any other quality of life situation is proceding at their residence. The City can become aware that all is not necessarily working well in various condo communities in the City. Does the Mayor care? Will the City Council have torestore the FHC with authority and enforcement? Time will tell.
Iam sure the Courts will above an ad-hoc Housing Commission at some point, will it be fair that’s another subject.
Seems like the (hired guns) will have a field day on this one, how far will the taxpayers want to underwrite this Tribulation?