By Pam Johnson, Courier
Senior Staff Writer:
With
a lot of hard work and perseverance, Guilford Housing Authority (GHA) chairman
Jim Goodridge knew he’d see the day when the Sachem’s Hollow elderly housing
development became a reality. But, during all of those years, he never
considered he’d be honored by having the complex dedicated in his name. On Aug.
28, that’s exactly what happened.
After
20 years with the GHA, with the last several spent bringing Sachem Hollow’s
affordable elderly apartments from dream to design to development, Goodridge
announced he would retire in August as GHA chairman and board member. The news
arrived in June, about the same time Sachem’s Hollow celebrated its first
birthday.
Searching
for a fitting way to say thank-you to Goodridge (who also served as GHA chair
for the past eight years) led GHA to dedicating the State Street complex to the Guilford resident, said
GHA Director Betsey Sterzel.
“We
decided to dedicate the whole building to Jim. I don’t think it would have been
done without him. In fact, I know it wouldn’t have,” said Sterzel.
GHA
board members gathered with Sterzel and Executive Director Angela Ross to
present the dedication plaque to Goodridge. The group gathered in the airy,
contemporary lobby Sachem Hollow residents use as a central entry point to the
complex.
True
to Goodridge’s modest style, the presentation was informal and brief.
“Wow,”
he said, as Ross showed him the plaque for the first time. He said the
official-looking piece of hardware was a bit more than he expected.
“This
is extremely nice,” said Goodridge, adding, with a wink, about his years of
service and work to build Sachem’s Hollow, “I pretty much enjoyed every minute
of it.
It
was a long slog to reach the point of first breaking ground at Sachem’s Hollow
in June 2006. Money comprising most of the construction costs came after more
than half a decade of persistent effort of seeking funding from the state. The
complex was funded by a $3 million state grant, supplemented by a $300,000
Federal Home Loan Bank subsidy as well as $400,000 in low-income housing tax
credits and $390,000 that GHA secured from the town.
The
elderly housing complex, not to be confused with low-income housing, is
available to single tenants with income not exceeding $40,600, and couples with
a combined income not exceeding $46,000. Located at 310 State Street, Sachem’s Hollow
immediately filled to capacity and has a healthy waiting list, said Sterzel.
“We
have a three- to four-year waiting list,” she said.
The
new GHA chair is Guilford
resident Neil Brockwehl. Goodridge said GHA is in good hands and will continue
to succeed.
“Guilford
Housing Authority is a complete success story. When you’re successful, you
build on that success,” said Goodridge.
Although
he’s leaving his post, Goodridge isn’t completely cutting his longstanding ties
with GHA.
“I’m
no longer a member of the board, but I plan to stay in touch and I’ll continue
to be involved as president of the Bus Committee,” he said.
Goodridge
headed the GHA Mini Bus Search committee, which recently received a $55,000
state grant to purchase a new, 12-seat mini bus. The bus will serve the 150
tenants living in residences overseen by the GHA.
Pictured: A plaque
dedicating Sachem’s Hollow to Guilford Housing Authority (GHA) immediate past
chairman Jim Goodridge (center) is playfully put in place by Goodridge on Aug.
28 with help from GHA Executive Director Angela Ross, Director Betsey Sterzel,
and GHA board member Bob Thompson.
Photo
by Pam Johnson