SFHA reports oversight progress, announces Plaza East RAD resident notices and community meetings

SFHA leadership told the commission on July 21 that contractor oversight and site safety are a continuing focus as the authority pursues redevelopment and converts properties to RAD.

CEO Tanya Lehi said staff have a contractor scorecard, daily site visits and weekly meetings with property manager EBMC (Eugene Berger Management Corporation) to hold the contractor accountable for landscaping, trash removal, boarding of vacant units and vehicle management. She reported 75 vehicles towed from sites this month with about 30 remaining, and said boarding materials and methods have been reassessed after a fatality occurred in a vacant unit; the authority is consulting professionals to board units in ways that preserve egress. Lehi told commissioners she will request HUD extensions on certain high‑performing plan items while the authority closes out outstanding items.

On Plaza East redevelopment, staff and counsel described HUD‑required Resident Information Notices (RINs) for a RADBlend application and confirmed certified mail and in‑person flyers were distributed. Two community meetings were scheduled for Aug. 1 (6:00–7:30 p.m.) and Aug. 5 (10:00–11:30 a.m.) at 1111 Buchanan, and staff said they will return to the commission with a formal presentation and decision about submitting the RADBlend application to HUD.

Commissioners praised staff for recent outreach and emphasized the need for consistent oversight and clearer metrics for contractor performance. The CEO said daily site oversight and periodic escalation to senior management remain part of ongoing monitoring.