Welcome!

About The Authority:

The purpose of the Southwick Housing Authority is to determine public housing needs for persons of low income, to develop such housing, and to manage public housing programs under its jurisdiction within the Town of Southwick. In the absence of a redevelopment agency in Southwick, the housing authority shall also act as the town's redevelopment authority when there is a specific need for redevelopment activity. The authority consists of a board of 5 members – four elected in town elections and one appointed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

In the 1960's, the development of public housing for the elderly, handicapped, and families was widespread throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Because the people perceived a need for local management of public housing in the community, they established the Southwick Housing Authority at the annual town meeting on 16 March 1970. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts issued the charter for the authority on 24 July 1970. The Southwick Housing Authority is a separate corporation from the Town of Southwick similar to the regional school district. The authority and its tenants receive services from the town in the same manner as other businesses and town residents. In recognition of those services the authority pays to the town payments in lieu of property taxes and water and sewage fees at the standard rates. During 2002 the authority paid $28,641.11 in payments in lieu of taxes and fees.

The authority has been entirely funded by the rents it receives and grants received from the Commonwealth and the federal government. Rents cover day-to-day operations and grants are used to fund major repairs and renovations. Until 2003 none of its funding was received from the Town of Southwick. From 2003 on, the state has mandated that the authority use 10% of Southwick's Community Preservation Act funds to help provide affordable community housing.

Meetings:

Regular meetings are normally held at 7:00 PM on the third Wednesday of each month in the activity room of the Depot Court project, 12 Depot Street, Southwick, MA. The regular meeting for the month of May is also the annual meeting of the authority. Special meetings are held as required. All meetings are posted at least 48 hours in advance on the town bulletin board at the Town clerk’s Office.

Administration:

Tenant association meetings are held at 1:30 PM on the third Friday of each month in the activity room of the Depot Court housing project, 12 Depot Street, Southwick, MA.