Summary

The Mills Public Housing relocation program should factor in a number of variables during the 2005 planning process.  The process requires a critical review of the costs and benefits of various strategies and analysis of which best satisfy the goals and objectives of the Mills relocation.

Consideration of these three models as presented and a review of the advantages and disadvantages of each will set forth the parameters from which the plan can be generated.  The plan ultimately must reflect and combine the needs of the community with what is feasible for Meriden.  The planning process should be as inclusive as possible within a context of clearly established parameters, realistic goals, and timeframes.

Given that the Mills consists of five buildings, a phased plan is most practical and would greatly facilitate a tenant-friendly relocation process.  The planning efforts need to identify the appropriate housing model (i.e., scattered site, large project, 30-50 units of exclusive public housing, or public and private mix), which creates a community within a specific neighborhood. Each of these presents challenges which need to be quantified, debated, and researched with consensus supporting the chosen model.  The process should strive for a maximum outcome that satisfies and balances the tenants’ needs and those of the greater community.  A large vision, although daunting at this stage, needs to be acknowledged: that this is a 20 to 30 year decision that needs to survive the test of time.