The Fayetteville Housing Authority is getting ready to turn in its updated five-year capital expenditures plan to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Before the plan is submitted, board members wanted to take stock of the public housing properties operated by the FHA. Members of the board, the public and FHA employees took a tour of Willow Heights and Lewis Plaza, which are two of the housing authority's three public housing developments. While studies by the University of Arkansas are underway to explore some options for improvements at Willow Heights, FHA Executive Director Deniece Smiley says the housing authority also needs to focus on immediate maintenance at all its properties, which are regularly inspected by HUD.
Fayetteville Housing Authority Tours Public Housing Properties
1 of
Sandbags are stacked outside doors to units at Willow Heights to keep rain water out of the building.
Z. Sitek / KUAF
2 of
The kitchen area in a unit at Willow Heights is located downstairs with a living room and some closet space.
Z. Sitek / KUAF
3 of
Stairs lead to the upstairs portion of a unit at Willow Heights where the bedrooms and only bathroom are located.
Z. Sitek / KUAF
4 of
The view from an upstairs bedroom at Willow Heights.
Z. Sitek / KUAF
5 of
A playground and community center are part of the Lewis Plaza property.
Z. Sitek / KUAF
6 of
The kitchen area in a unit at Lewis Plaza. The building where the unit is located is sinking into the ground, making it uninhabitable.
Z. Sitek / KUAF
7 of
The living room area in a unit at Lewis Plaza. The building where the unit is located will likely have to be torn down.
Z. Sitek / KUAF
