SEATTLE—May 5, 2005—Seattle Housing continues to adjust the mix of housing in its Scattered Sites portfolio in order to run the program more cost effectively and to provide housing better suited to residents’ needs.
After evaluation, Seattle Housing has identified 125 units in 94 properties to sell in the second phase of the Scattered Sites portfolio realignment. The first properties in the second phase are expected to be listed this fall.
30 of the 51 properties in the first phase of the realignment have already sold. Public housing residents of those properties have all been moved to other Scattered-Sites or other SHA properties.
21 replacement units have been purchased so far. 18 of these are in the recently-acquired Blue Topaz Apartments in Lake City. The others are in a triplex of two-bedroom units on Delridge Avenue in West Seattle. Seattle Housing is actively looking and evaluating other properties with the desired bedroom mixes and accessibility.
SHA will strive to replace Scattered Sites housing in small batches, as units are sold, so that the total number of units available remains relatively stable. The Housing Authority will seek out new locations near transit, with easy access to shopping, parks, schools and neighborhood services that meet the needs of low-income residents.
SHA will make sure that the housing needs of residents living in the housing that is sold will continue to be met. The Housing Authority will assist them with moving to other scattered sites or to other SHA housing. If possible, moves will be scheduled at a time that is least disruptive to them.
The Scattered Sites program was established in 1978 to locate lower-density public housing throughout the city. Prior to the realignment, SHA operated 787 units in single family, duplex, triplex and small multifamily buildings through this program. The total number of units in the program is expected to remain about the same.