Planning & Development Department

The Planning and Development Department is responsible for the development and modernization of the SMHA’s housing portfolio and soliciting and procuring construction projects, services, materials, equipment, and supplies. Our mission is to provide safe, decent, and affordable housing to all SMHA residents.

Current Projects

“The Gables” Rehabilitation Project

Interior and exterior improvements at the former Roselane Gardens development. The rehabilitation project include, among other improvements, a new parking lot, concrete sidewalk, fencing, exterior lighting, siding and soffits, windows, a community room upgrade, and unit modernization including lighting, flooring, paint, cabinets, and bathroom remodeling.

Gage Gardens Renovation Project

The planned renovation of 54 units in Canton Northeast is currently underway. The project will include site improvements, siding and soffits, roofs, concrete replacement, and full unit renovations.

Hart UFAS Rehabilitation Project

The rehabilitation of six units at W.L. Hart located in Alliance is near completion. SMHA will proudly offer these six fully UFAS (Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards) compliant units to eligible Stark County residents.

Ellisdale/Leshdale Site Improvement Project

The initial planning phase is underway for site improvements at 232 units of family housing that comprises both Ellisdale and Leshdale. Grading, basement waterproofing, excavating, drainage, and concrete repairs are anticipated.

Various Scattered Site Renovation Projects

The SMHA Development has several single family and duplex renovations planned. Each individual unit has unique needs, and the renovation of these units will provide modern, high quality, and aesthetically pleasing results.

AMP 310 Water Softener Project

This project is currently underway and includes the installation of 26 reverse osmosis drinking systems and 13 water softeners at SMHA’s well water unit locations.

Linwood Acres Windows 

The installation of 848 total energy efficient windows at Linwood Acres located in Canton Southwest is currently in progress.

Jackson Sherrick Doors

New exterior doors will be installed at SMHA’s largest family site.

Insurance Projects at Various Locations

Emergency remediation projects are planned and will be on-going throughout the year.

Energy Performance Contract (EPC)

The following improvements are a part of SMHA’s EPC project: building envelope improvements, refrigerator replacement, light retrofits, water conservation efforts, mechanical work, and window replacements. The goal of the EPC project was to make improvements that would provide energy savings long-term. Upgrades were performed at a total of nine locations across Stark County including: the city of Canton, Jackson Township, Massillon, Navarre, Louisville, Alliance, and Waynesburg.

McKinley Tax Credit Project

SMHA has received an award of roughly $7 million dollars in 9% Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) from the Ohio Housing Finance Agency. In partnership with developer, Michaels Group, SMHA intends on applying for state and federal historic tax credits to fully renovate the property. The project is estimated at over $13 million dollars.

Cherrie Turner Tower, Phase II

A 2021 9% LIHTC application is planned for the renovation and conversion of Cherrie Turner Towers to the Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) Program.

Plaza Terrace 4% Bond Project

Currently under initial review.

New Construction Project at Meadowview

SMHA’s development non-profit, Progressive Housing Solutions Inc., is currently pursuing the new construction of 36 market rate units at the Villas of Meadowview site.

Pike Renovation Project

The rehabilitation of 39 family units in Alliance is currently in the planning phase. SMHA will look to renovate the interior and exterior of all buildings as well as improve grading, basement water proofing, and other site work.

Helpful Links

For further assistance contact:

Chuck Samsa
Project Specialist
(330) 454-8051 ext. 380
csamsa@starkmha.org