The Atlantic City Housing Authority awarded a professional architectural and engineering services contract to a Camden County firm at a special meeting Monday.
Thriven Design out of Collingswood was chosen from six firms that submitted proposals.
The meeting — which was inexplicably held via Zoom — offered no other details, including the cost, specific wording of the resolution or who the other firms were.
Executive Director Tom Sahlin did not participate in the meeting, with attorney Richard DeLucry presenting the vote.
Residents of the authority-run Stanley Holmes Village have complained of issues for years, including no heat and hot water, mold and other issues.
But it's only recently that it has been under fire for inaction.
That includes a visit from Congressman Jeff Van Drew that was followed by a call for a federal investigation.
Several residents filed suit against the authority.
Charlie Kratovil, editor New Brunswick Today, asked how many pending lawsuits there are against the authority.
"We don’t have an exact number, but there are several," said Chair Stephanie Marshall, who also is a councilwoman.
She also offered an interesting response when asked if they were still under investigation by the State Police.
"Everyone is always here," she replied.
When asked what that meant, she said, "There are always ongoing investigations."
Local National Action Network President Steve Young asked Marshall who was receiving complaints and recommendations.
"You have the executive director's telephone number," she responded, saying he could call the director with any issues.
But after the meeting, Young said his question was for those residents who continue to have issues without straight answers.
Resident Luana Molley focused on the timing of politicians getting involved.
"This is our health. This is our livelihood. This is where we reside at," she said. "Don’t be bringing that political junk in here. We’ve been going through this for so long, where have you all been?"
Resident Yanira Echevarria said she was brought back home after staying at a hotel, but things were not fixed.
"It’s not solved," she said. "My health got worse and the little bit of checks that you all gave us was basically like a smack in the face.
"There is no money amount in the world that can replace the mental and the stress issues that we are all going through," she continued.
Echevarria also said she came home to no screen door.
Marshall said the executive director would follow up with her.
The authority has gone through a revolving door of leaders, with most refusing to answer questions public or even respond to media requests.
Matt Doherty, one of the few who publicly addressed the problems in his short tenure, was seen on the Zoom as a muted listener.
