Updated: Stern Village Acting Director Outlines Her To-Do List

Update, Tuesday 4:20 p.m.

A Connecticut Housing Finance Authority spokesperson said Tuesday that Stern Village is due for an inspection this year.

CHFA officials did visit with Polansky and found that Stern Village's records were in order and complied with state law. The spokeswoman added that the Trumbull Housing Authority deals with day-to-day issues.

In making his case in December 2012, First Selectman Tim Herbst cited reports from emergency officials in the Fire Marshal's Office and the Police Department alleging mismanagement by then Executive Director Harry Wise during Hurricane Sandy.

Original Story

Stern Village Interim Acting Director Harriet Polansky has a long to-do list.

She has already procured new clothing dryers and had potholes fixed. Next on her list is occupancy of units. Stern Village is a subsidized housing complex for seniors and the disabled, but is independent living.

"It appears that certain apartments have been vacant for approximately seven years," Polansky wrote in a report. "The rent was up-to-date on these units; however, our lease requires a tenant live in their unit. Consequently, I contacted each tenant and, as appropriate, sent eviction letters."

The Trumbull Housing Authority has a "long list" of lease applications, and "it is important to ensure that all apartments are being used by tenants as their sole residence," she said.

Lottery, "Computerization" and Emergency Management

"Lease applications for Stern Village must be chosen by using a proper lottery system," she said.

Polansky said she wants the system to conform with Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA) and Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD).

Also, the community's records need to be maintained through computers. There are specific packages for housing authorities and she is testing them, she said.

Finally, the THA is collecting bids for the cost of a generator and installation. Stern Village's meeting center is going to be used as an emergency shelter for residents during storms or natural catastrophes.

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Other Items of Concern

Polansky, responding to residents' concerns about roads and transportation, said roads are being addressed. First Selectman Tim Herbst recently told residents he was looking into grants and/or bonding packages for Stern Village road repair.

The larger potholes have already been fixed, she added. Roof repairs are also included the plans.

Some residents also recently asked if the Greater Bridgeport Transit Authority will return to the village. They specifically mourned the loss of Porricelli's market and Marie's Restaurant, which were not far from Stern Village, in Trumbull Center.

But the GBTA has agreed to provide a free bus for Stern Village residents. The bus will make three trips, Monday through Friday for a total of seven hours a week. The fare is free and the bus can accommodate three to 50 people, Polansky said.

"This is a practical and cost-efficient change that was never contemplated in the past," Polansky said.

Another change is reviewing vendors after Polansky reported it was discovered that "a vendor used by the authority ... was associated with a past commissioner. If so, this was an apparent conflict interest."

She did not identify the commissioner in question.

Meanwhile, the THA has said it will start searching for the permanent executive director.