Residents of Bloomington’s three public housing units could soon see major upgrades to their living spaces.

The Bloomington Housing Authority is starting to renovate more than 300 of its public housing units. Officials with the BHA discussed details of the plan during a Facebook Livestream hosted by Bloomington Mayor John Hamilton Thursday

BHA Executive Director Amber Skoby says the project will take place in two phases, starting with Walnut Woods and Reverend Butler housing communities.

She says the BHA plans to spend more than $5 million on the improvements

"Major systems like roof repair, replacement, our energy efficient upgrades, heating, cooling, flooring, kitchens and baths,” she says.

Sherry Clay is the BHA Council President and represents the Crestmont community. She says residents are excited for updates that reflect the growing needs of the community.

"They’re gonna maybe change some of the landscaping and the way the neighborhood looks," she says. "Just bring it in to the 21st century and give it the TLC that it’s needed for a lot of the years, that the government won’t let us have the money to do.”

The Bloomington Housing Authority has relied on Housing and Urban Development funds and community grants to fund renovations in the past.

The BHA hopes to secure funding for the project through the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s “Rental Assistance Demonstration” Program.

Skoby says funding for public housing is chronically low and the program gives authorities access to financial resources for upkeep and renovation work.

The BHA anticipates HUD funding would reduce the project timetable for completion from 20 years to 5 years.