Annapolis Housing and Human Welfare Committee Meeting – January 20, 2026

The Housing and Human Welfare Committee of the Annapolis City Council met on January 20, 2026, at 4:49 PM in the City Council Chambers. The meeting covered an election of the committee chair, an appointment to the Housing Authority, a briefing on the Bloomsbury Square rehabilitation, an update from the Affordable Housing and Community Equity Development Commission, and a status update on Woodside Gardens. The meeting adjourned at 6:13 PM.

Consent Calendar

• The agenda was approved unanimously on a voice vote.
• Alderwoman O'Neill nominated Alderwoman Contee as chair of the Housing and Human Welfare Committee. The motion was seconded and carried on a voice vote.
• The committee favorably recommended the appointment of Ms. Sharon Elliot to the Housing Authority (AP-10-26). The motion was seconded and carried on a voice vote.

Discussion Items

• Bloomsbury Square Rehab Briefing (ID-18-26): Housing Authority CEO/Director Melissa Maddox-Evans presented plans to convert the 51-unit property from public housing to project-based vouchers under the Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program. The moderate rehabilitation will include interior upgrades (countertops, cabinetry, flooring, bathroom fixtures), structural work (windows, brickwork, erosion control, tree work), and playground improvements. The county has committed $1 million in HOME funding. The project will use 4% tax credits awarded in 2025, with a target financial closing by November 2026, though delays could push it to early 2027. Renovations are expected to start in spring 2027, with each unit taking 6–8 weeks; about 10 families at a time will be relocated. Residents have the right to return under federal law, and the authority is conducting surveys and individual counseling to address eligibility, income qualification, and disability accommodations. Maddox-Evans noted that Congress is projected to cut the public housing operating budget by 14% while increasing voucher funding by 9%, making RAD conversions more attractive. She also addressed concerns about office hours and walk-in availability, noting that some offices have reduced hours due to safety incidents.
• Affordable Housing and Community Equity Development Commission Update (ID-29-26): Acting Chair Teri Bond was absent; member Patrick Sheridan provided an update. The six-member commission assists the committee by reviewing proposed legislation, commenting on CDBG funding awards, and researching affordable housing trends. Sheridan highlighted potential work on workforce housing legislation (Bill 40-22, last considered in 2022) to create incentives for housing affordable to households earning 60–100% of median income, focusing on infill duplexes and triplexes. The commission also plans to support educational outreach on affordable housing benefits and help implement the city's comprehensive plan. Sheridan noted his role as vice chair of the Housing Authority board of commissioners, serving as a liaison.
• Woodside Gardens Update (ID-22-26): Fairstead Senior Regional Manager Kenneth Hart and Regional Manager Diane Rampersaud reported that most issues raised at previous town halls have been resolved, except one. The 130-unit property has nine vacancies, with applications pending. Hart stated that a dedicated recertification specialist has been hired to handle income recertifications, and the property maintains a partnership with the Annapolis Police Department and on-site security. In response to alderwomen's questions, Hart explained that mold and pest infestations are addressed through timely remediation and a rotating pest control program; bed bug issues are handled by specialists. He also stated that residents are not allowed to sit on building entry steps per house rules, but can use other amenities such as playgrounds, a garden, basketball courts, and a community room. Regarding large retroactive rent adjustments from late income recertifications, Hart said the new dedicated specialist and a document receipt process should reduce errors and miscommunications.

Key Outcomes

• Elections: Alderwoman Contee was elected chair of the Housing and Human Welfare Committee for the term.
• Appointments: The committee recommended approval of Ms. Sharon Elliot to the Housing Authority (AP-10-26), pending full council approval.
• No formal votes on the Bloomsbury Square, Affordable Housing Commission, or Woodside Gardens items; those were informational briefings and discussions.
• The committee will follow up on the workforce housing legislation (Bill 40-22) and ADU proposals through the Affordable Housing Commission.
• Residents with concerns about Woodside Gardens can contact Fairstead’s regional managers; the committee encouraged direct resident engagement with management to address ongoing issues.