One of the factors most closely related to health is the quality of housing. In an effort to upgrade the housing at the Pleasant View Housing Development in the city's north end, the Fall River Housing Authority has embarked on a three-phase $15 million interior and exterior renovation of the 130 units at that location. Funding is provided by a Massachusetts Department of Communities and Development grant. "This development was built in the 1940s and has never had this kind of extensive remodeling," noted Executive Director Tom Collins. By the time the work is completed in the next two years, every one of the residing tenants will have been relocated to temporary quarters within the development and then returned to their original location, with a few exceptions for those requiring handicap accessible units. Moving is done by professional movers and on-site storage is available to reduce the inconvenience to tenants. "The process has gone quite smoothly," added Collins. "I think the tenants understand that it is worth the inconvenience to be able to live in a fully modernized apartment." For more information, contact Mr. Collins at 508-675-3500.
 

(Top row, left) Phil Maher of Capital Carpentry cuts sub-flooring for installation in a first-floor apartment. All of the floor, walls, doors and fixtures are being replaced. (Top row, center and right) Workmen finish installation of railings on a handicap-accessible ramp leading to one of the nearly-completed buildings. (Middle row) Mr. Collins compares one of the new units to one of the older units undergoing renovation. Full landscaping will be done at the completion of the project. (Bottom row, left) Mr. Collins talks with Richard Trieff who is coordinating the relocation process for the residents. (Bottom row, center) Barbara Martinez, her mother Edith Garcia and eight-year-old Yadriel Polanco enjoy one of the newly-completed apartments. (Bottom row, right) Mr. Collins inspects one of the kitchens in an older unit. Each apartment will have new cupboards and appliances installed.