The Chicago Housing Authority today approved a $1 million increase in the contract with Burling Builders for renovation to Bridgeport Homes.

The extra funds will pay for drywall lamination, sewer connections and window replacements.

Burling's original contract, signed in August 2003, was for $11.7 million. Today's changes brought the total contract value to $14.7 million -- an increase of 26 percent.

At its meeting today, CHA commissioners did not discuss the reasons behind the need for additional renovation funding.

Agency spokesman Bryan Zises refused to comment on why the project required additional funding.

The board also:

• Authorized CHA chief Sharon Gist Gilliam to sign an  agreement with Davis Associates Managers and the Habitat Co. to develop Lake Park Crescent Phase II, a mixed-income project on the site of the former Lakefront Properties at 40th Street and Lake Park Avenue.
• Approved a one-year extension of its contract with Heartland Housing, Inc. to provide community and supportive services to families relocating to the Jazz on the Boulevard community.
• Approved a $455,960 contract with Fox & Fox Architects for design work on the Washington Park Homes.
• Approved a $272,5000 contract with After School Matters for employment training for teenagers.

The agency also also bid farewell to Earnest Gates, a board member  since 1999, who attended his final CHA meeting yesterday.

Fellow board members and CHA residents spoke about how deeply Gates will be missed.

“It's been a true pleasure to serve on the CHA board,” said Gates.