By Monique Roth

L’Observateur

LAPLACE – The St. John the Baptist Parish Housing Authority recently held a unit renovation ribbon cutting ceremony in the Reserve Oaks community to celebrate the transformation of nine of the parish’s affordable housing units.

“We want a better affordable housing community for St. John Parish,” said Housing Authority Executive Director Trina Henderson. She told residents who gathered at the ceremony that their input and support is crucial in the agency making the strides it hopes for.

“This is your community,” she said, “Fight for it.”

Jarkus McKinley, the facilities manager for the Housing Authority, said four of the rehabbed units are in the LaPlace complex and five are in the Reserve complex.

Commissioned member Jo Maxent welcomed the crowd, and St. John Parish Councilman Lennix Madere Jr. and St. John Parish President Natalie Robottom both offered their thoughts on the day, saying that the rehabbed units were just the beginning of more positive changes to come and that the residents of St. John Parish’s affordable housing units deserved improvements to their living conditions.

Unit improvements showcased at the ceremony were freshly painted walls, updated cabinetry and new flooring and landscaping.

The rehabbed units were dedicated to Merkadell Cosey. Cosey, an affordable housing resident, served on the St. John Parish Housing Authority Board of Commissioners. She passed away in February.