Westmoreland housing officials defend living conditions at Jeannette Manor

Westmoreland County Housing Authority officials are disputing residents’ allegations of poor living conditions at Jeannette Manor.

A handful of residents, accompanied by county Commissioners Doug Chew and Gina Cerilli Thrasher, attended the housing agency’s monthly business meeting this week to air ongoing complaints about a reported bedbug infestation, the presence of mold and faulty elevators at the nine-story, low-income senior residence hall on South Fourth Street.

Michael Washowich, the housing authority’s executive director, addressed the complaints during a public work session with board members before residents arrived. Washowich said efforts continued to eradicate bedbugs and said inspectors found no mold in the building.

“We have been aggressive to address these needs,” Washowich said.

About a half-dozen residents, along with supporters from Voice of Westmoreland, a local political action and lobbying organization, disputed his assessment and accused Washowich of “berating us” during a prolonged exchange with housing authority staff. Complaints raised Tuesday mirrored comments made last month during a public meeting of the county commissioners.

“Maybe you don’t want to hear them, but these are the facts,” Washowich said.

The authority, he said, has spent more than $100,000 over the past year to eradicate bedbugs. The authority manages more than 1,600 public housing units in the county.

Washowich suggested the authority’s capital improvement program is underfunded, with $3 million annually it receives from the federal government to make upgrades.

“I would suggest all of you reach out to your federal legislators and ask them to increase funding allocated to housing authorities across the country,” Washowich said.

Chew confirmed the authority has asked for an allocation from the $105 million in American Rescue Plan funds awarded to the county. Washowich said the money could be used to pay for a sewer project at one of the authority’s communities and other capital improvements. Neither disclosed the amount of the request.

Thrasher, who promised residents last month she would attend the meeting, did not address the board.

Housing Authority board Vice Chairman Thomas Abraham said the residents’ complaints would continue to be addressed.

“I’m telling you, I’m sure our staff are very professional and they will follow up. If you see nothing happening, come to another meeting,” Abraham said.