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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Morris Blum Senior Apartments being sold?
A: Yes. Morris Blum Senior Apartments (701 Glenwood Street) will be purchased by The Community Builders (TCB), in partnership with the Housing Authority of the City of Annapolis (HACA). The building will be fully renovated, and TCB will become the new property manager.
Q: When will this happen?
A: We are getting very close! Though the date has not been set, we expect to close in June/July 2023. We will provide regular updates at monthly resident meetings.
Q: What renovations are taking place at Morris Blum?
A: The entire first floor will be reconfigured and updated and will include a computer room, fitness room, multi-purpose/activity room, and updated laundry facility. The community room will be upgraded. The renovation scope also includes new heating/cooling systems, new thermal windows, new lighting, new flooring throughout, and an updated electrical system. Unit renovations will include new kitchens and bathrooms, new appliances, improved ventilation, new entry and interior doors, and upgrades to balconies. Site work will include additional parking spaces and a new outdoor patio area.
Q: How long will the renovations take?
A: The renovations will be done in 5 phases, 3-4 months per phase, for a total of about 20 months for the entire building. We will renovate one and a half floors at a time, starting with the 8th floor and of the 7th floor.
Q: Will I have to temporarily relocate?
A: Yes. Because of the extent of the renovations, it will be necessary for all residents to relocate temporarily, for between 3 and 4 months.
Q: Will ADA units be available for temporary housing?
A: Yes. If you have not disclosed any special needs during your one-on-one meeting with HTH, please be sure to contact us (phone numbers to the right), and they will do our best to accommodate you.
Q: Where will my temporary housing be located?
A: There will be several relocation options: 1) vacant onsite units at Morris Blum; 2) an offsite apartment at Harbor House or Eastport Terrace, or 3) for those who have local friends or family that you can stay with, that will be an option as well. If you stay with family/friends, you will be eligible for a $250/month stipend and your rent will be waived until you return.
A: Most residents will return to their original apartment, unless your current apartment is not the appropriate size, or other considerations. HTH will coordinate your move-back date. It is very important that you keep us updated with your contact information while out of your home during renovations.
Q: Will I receive any assistance with relocation?
A: A professional, licensed, and bonded relocation firm, HousingToHome (HTH), will assist with your move to temporary housing before the start of construction and back to your unit after construction is complete. All relocation costs will be paid for. HTH will advise you of your move-out and move-back date. HTH will have an on-site Relocation Manager working with you to make sure that you receive: Formal notice letting you know when your move will be. One-on-one meetings with you to provide information and discuss any special needs. Boxes, packing materials, and all other supplies needed. Packing assistance for those who need it. Professional movers to carefully move your belongings to your temporary unit and back into your fully renovated unit.
Q: What phase is my unit in, and what is the construction timeline for each phase?
A: Each phase will take 3-4 months for renovation, except the 01 tier units (201-801) which will be the first residents to relocate shortly before the closing in June/July and will move back at the end of the construction period for the entire building, around March 2025.
Phase 1: includes units 712-822. Construction will start in August and be ready for move-in around November.
Phase 2: includes units 600-710. Construction will start in November and be ready for move-in around March 2024.
Phase 3: includes units 412-522. Construction will start in March 2024 and be ready for move-in around July 2024.
Phase 4: includes units 300-411. Construction will start in July 2024 and be ready for move-in around November 2024.
Phase 5: includes units 200-222. Construction will start in November 2024 and be ready for move-in around March 2025.
Q: What happens to all of my furniture and belongings while I am in temporary housing?
A: Your furniture and belongings will be moved with you to your temporary housing by a professional, licensed, and bonded moving company. If you decide to move in with family/friends, then your furniture and belongings will be moved to a secured storage facility and paid for by TCB/HACA.
Q: What will happen to my internet and cable when I relocate?
A: If you have cable or internet, we will transfer your service to your temporary unit on your move-out date and then back to your unit when you return to Morris Blum.
Q: Will I be able to receive mail?
A: Your mail should continue to be delivered to Morris Blum. If you will be at an offsite location, you may need to request a temporary change of address from USPS.
Q: How will my daily/weekly deliveries and services be affected by the relocation?
A: HTH will make sure these services are not interrupted and help you contact your deliveries and service providers to inform them or your temporary moves
Q: Will my rent change?
A: For most residents, your rent will be calculated exactly the same way as before, so if your income doesnt change, your rent wont change. However, if you are paying flat rent, your rent will be adjusted to 30% of your income. The increase can be phased over 5 years so the change will be gradual. As soon as TCB begins managing the property, you will pay your rent at the property management office.
Q: Will my lease be different?
A: Yes and no. Because funding will come from the new RAD program instead of the Public Housing program, we will use a Section 8 lease. However, many provisions of the lease will be exactly the same, including: Calculation of Rent Grievance Procedures House Rules Pet Policy We will discuss the lease in one of the future Resident meetings, and Residents will be able to obtain a copy once the form lease is complete and approved for use.
Q: When will I sign the new lease?
A: TCB staff will meet one-on-one with each resident 1-2 weeks before closing to sign a new Section 8 lease, which will be countersigned and dated immediately after closing. As we move into the relocation phase, our staff will once again meet with each resident to sign a temporary lease for their temporary housing.
Q: What about security?
A: Security is our #1 concern. TCB is arranging a meeting with the local police department during one of the upcoming monthly resident meetings. We will be discussing residential safety plans and strategies. Furthermore, the building will have new and improved security measures aimed at making all Morris Blum residents safer, including: New front entrance with security. Stairwell doors on each floor will be locked from the outside. New cameras installed at building entrances, on every floor, and covering outdoor areas. Trained security personnel. Key Fob access at entry doors for residents only