Ocean City Housing Authority Names New Chairman, Vice Chairman

In the wake of the resignations of three commissioners, including the chairman and vice chairman, the Ocean City Housing Authority held a special meeting Tuesday evening

William Woods was named the new Chairman and Stuart Sirott was named the Vicee Chairman at the authority's reorganization meeting.

The changes were made so that the authority could move forward with its plans to reimburse Ocean City for emergency repairs made to the Pecks Beach Village affordable housing complex following Superstorm Sandy.

The authority voted 4-3 last week to reimburse the city $973,542 for those emergency repairs. The three who voted against the reimbursement, including Chairman Ed Price, Vice Chairman Steve Lalli and Board Member Marlene Sheppard, resigned at the conclusion of the meeting.

With the new chair and vice chair in place, the housing authority can present the reimbursement money to the city, which Woods said would take place on Wednesday.

"There's been a lot of name calling and a lot of bad blood, but we're going to forget that stuff and start fresh," Woods said.

The city conducted emergency repairs at Pecks Beach Village, helping reisdents of the low-income housing units return to their homes four months after they were hit by Sandy.

The city used an affordable housing fund and hired local contractors. It had no obligation to do so, but Mayor Jay Gillian saw growing frustration among residents and the slow pace of work and decided the city should help.

The Housing Authority received reimbursements from FEMA and through flood insurance, but there was some concern over repaying the city the $1.2 million without first consulting the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Following his resignation last week, Price told ocnjdaily.com engaging in the repairs without a signed agreement was wrong.

"(Woods and Sirott) have been here a while and they know the culture of the community," Ocean City Housing Authority Executive Director Alesia Watson said Tuesday evening. "I'm pleased with their selection."

Woods, a former real estate agent and 52-year-resident of Ocean City, was the chairman of the Housing Authority for three years before Price was named chairman in January of 2013. Price served until May 20 of this year. Sirott was vice chairman during Woods' previous tenure as chair.

Three commissioners seats remain vacant. The city has advertised for those three seats, and will make the necessary appointments. It is accepting applications through June 9.

Online applications are available on the city's website by clicking here.