BLOOMINGTON -- People living in Bloomington public housing are seeing improvements, thanks to a long-term renovation project that includes a focus on making many apartments more accessible for disabled residents.

"We're really excited about the work that's being done that will help with mobility issues," said Kim Holman-Short, BHA executive director.

The staff is putting finishing touches on nearly $500,000 in upgrades tied to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

And more renovations are planned for the fall. With $1.11 million in federal stimulus money, the Bloomington Housing Authority will spend about $800,000 focusing on renovating its Sunnyside complex on Illinois and Olive streets.

"We have to spend a lot of money just to keep these places up every year. This extra money will actually let us make some improvements and not just repairs," said Ken Adkisson, director of technical services for BHA.

At Sunnyside, the federal stimulus money will help repair six roofs and pay for renovations in four buildings that hold four to six units each. Project bids are expected by August, he said.

Some of the ADA changes just finished can be found in four units at Evergreen Place, on Seminary, Western and Morris avenues; eight units at Irving on west Jackson Street and Nierstheimer on West Washington Street; two units at Holton Homes on West Market Street; and one unit at Sunnyside.

About $30,000 of that $500,000 in ADA spending allowed BHA to upgrade about 30 kitchens in Wood Hill Towers - which holds about half of BHA's 630 housing units, said Adkisson. Some of these newly renovated units have openings for tenants, he noted.

The kitchen changes provide better wheelchair access for preparing meals.

Next are plans to spend about $350,000 renovating space to create several multi-bedroom housing spaces throughout the public housing complexes, said Adkisson.

The public agency provides low-cost housing for senior citizens, families and people with disabilities, said Adkisson. To learn more about income guidelines, call (309) 829-3360.