2022 -- S 2478

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LC005035

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2022

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S E N A T E   R E S O L U T I O N

RESPECTFULLY REQUESTING THAT THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF

HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT URGENTLY UNDERTAKES A COMPLETE

AND COMPREHENSIVE INSPECTION OF ALL PUBLIC HOUSING WITHIN THEIR

JURISDICTION IN THE CITY OF PROVIDENCE

     Introduced By: Senators Quezada, Bell, Goodwin, Ciccone, Zurier, Miller, Ruggerio,
and Mack

     Date Introduced: March 01, 2022

     Referred To: Senate Housing & Municipal Government

     WHEREAS, The City of Providence has a multitude of public housing developments

within its boundaries, including more than 2,600 units; and

     WHEREAS, The World Health Organization had declared the Coronavirus outbreak to

be a global pandemic, resulting in necessary public housing inspections slowing down for the

duration of the pandemic; and

     WHEREAS, The Inspector Administrator (IA) of HUD sent notice NO. 2021-01 to the

Real Estate Assessment Center (REAC) Inspectors regarding amendment to COVID-19

Inspection Guidance; and

     WHEREAS, Effective June 1, 2021, REAC will expand its inspections in support of the

prioritized backlog; and

     WHEREAS, There is an obligation to ensure the overall health and well-being of HUD

assisted households by providing housing that is decent, safe and sanitary; and

     WHEREAS, The local housing authority also exists to develop and maintain decent, safe

and sanitary housing and to address the economic and social needs of residents; and

     WHEREAS, HUD Inspectors check to assure that property managers are following

HUD’s inspection standards which are meant to help and protect tenants by inspecting for serious

health and safety issues. These issues include, but are not limited to, inspections for lead paint,

mold, functioning doors and locks, functioning windows, locks and screens, functioning bath,

toilet and sinks, assuring there are no leaks in pipes and faucets, ensuring that laundry dryers are

properly functioning and vented, and making sure that basic upkeep of maintenance issues and

rodent control are being utilized and are effective; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island hereby respectfully requests

that the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development urgently undertakes a

complete and comprehensive inspection of all public housing within their jurisdiction in the City

of Providence, Rhode Island; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to Marcia L. Fudge, Secretary of the United States

Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the Rhode Island Congressional

Delegation.

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LC005035

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