HUDSON—The best part of being a commissioner for the Hudson Housing Authority (HHA) was “being able to achieve positive changes in the lives of residents,” said T. Randall Martin, looking back at his almost four years on the HHA Board.
Mr. Martin, a professional videographer, joined the board in January 2017 and left it this fall because of business pressures. During his last year, he served as the board’s chairman, before that he served as its vice chairman. The HHA runs the income-restricted 135-unit Bliss Tower and Columbia Apartments in Hudson.
On December 2, Mr. Martin issued a statement:
“Due to the increasing demands of my business, Martin Audio Video Services, and launching our regional Black Owned Business Directory HVBOB.com. , I am stepping back from my position as commissioner of the Hudson Housing Authority.
“I am very proud of the accomplishments I and my fellow board members and HHA staff have been able to achieve during my time as commissioner, vice chair and chairman of the HHA. These improvements to the HHA include:
• Major renovations and repairs of the critical building systems
• Upgrading of many apartments and all the common areas of the building
• Installation of a computer lab for our tenants
• Hiring a diverse and inclusive staff
• Providing a greater level of support services for our residents by partnering with various agencies and allowing them to offer their services right from our building
• Increasing overall safety and security
• And finally by helping to establish a strong financial foundation for the HHA with our RAD conversion, which will help ensure the HHA continued operations well into the future.”
Mr. Martin said that during his time on the Board, he was surprised to learn “how divided Hudson is.” The worst part was “people criticizing the HHA without knowing the facts.”
Asked if he had advice for his successors on the HHA Board, Mr. Martin replied, “Keep focused on operating the building for the betterment of all the tenants.”