Published: May 16, 2008 09:20 am      

DHA improves security measures

Churchill Towers to receive cameras, equipment

DANVILLE — Danville Housing Authority board members approved Thursday adding security cameras at another property.

The board approved spending $9,991 for 12 cameras and computer monitoring equipment from Affordable DVR in Danville for Churchill Towers, 101 E. Seminary St.

“This is something that’s not new,” DHA Executive Director Greg Hilleary said.

DHA officials have talked about expanding security systems to other properties when funding became available.

Sixteen cameras were installed about two years ago at Mer Che Manor, 723 Oak St.

“We’re going with the same company that provided the service the last time. It works well,” Hilleary said.

The salesperson is Silviu Ciobanu, property manager at Vermilion Gardens who previously worked at Green Meadows.

Hilleary said DHA officials and police officers have access to the security system.

The system makes sure the building remains as secure as possible.

Residents also wanted their candy vending machine back. It saw some break-ins and the vending company removed it.

The machine will return with the security system in place.

The new security camera surveillance system also should help the authority with safety concerns residents recently voiced in a Public Housing Authority Customer Service and Satisfaction Survey the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development conducts annually.

DHA’s scores, in 82 returns out of 460 occupied units, in five categories:

-- Maintenance and repair —DHA score 84.3 percent; national average, 87.6 percent.

-- Communication — 68.7 percent; national average, 74.4 percent.

DHA officials had to respond to HUD if a score was less than 80 percent.

Hilleary said the authority will “continue to send out newsletters on a quarterly basis, post information in the lobby and send out mailers in statements, but it’s a perception thing.”

-- Safety — 70.1 percent; national average, 78.4 percent.

One survey question asked, do you think any of the following contribute to crime in your property? (Mark all that apply)

The item saying “residents don’t care” received a 51.2 percent vote of agreement.

Hilleary again thinks this is just a perception of how safe people feel.

The authority continues to work with the police department to provide as safe an environment as possible, he said.

Of the responders: 22.2 percent said they feel “very safe” and 59.3 percent said they feel “safe” from crime in their unit/home.

-- Services — 90.3 percent; national average, 90.6 percent.

-- Housing Development Appearance: 56.8; national average, 75.4 percent.

Some problems with higher percentages: noise, rodents and insects, trash/litter and vacant units.

“You’re always working on that,” Hilleary said about appearances.

DHA officials continue to look after trash and weeds and recently cleaned up a whole fence line.

Overall, 46.3 percent said they were satisfied and 31.3 percent said they were very satisfied with their unit/home; 58.3 were satisfied and 16.7 were very satisfied with their property/building; 54.1 percent were satisfied and 18.9 percent were very satis-fied with their neighborhood; and 48.6 percent were satisfied and 20.8 percent were very satisfied with their property/building’s management.

Hilleary said the annual survey doesn’t change too much in responses. He’s not concerned about it.

In other business Thursday, the board learned next month’s meeting will move back a week to June 26.

On June 19, there will be a community housing forum at Danville Area Community College’s Bremer Center.

East Central Illinois Community Action Agency officials proposed this collaboration with the DHA and city to evaluate the effects here of Section 8 and public housing programs.

About 240 people from various organizations are being invited to attend.

“Demand for our services has gone up in the recent past,” Fred Whitman, associate director of planning and community services at ECICAA, has said.

ECICAA proposed assessing the needs and impacts of housing assistance in Danville. The informational meeting also will try to correct misinformation and wrong public perceptions.