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Category Archives: Featured News

Albany Organizations Clean Up West Hill

Early results are showing from the efforts of a recently convened group of stakeholders calling themselves the Lexington Neighborhood Workgroup.  The group is comprised of stakeholders interested in making a positive difference in the appearance of their neighborhood while longer term projects are being planned to improve the quality of life for the Lexington Avenue area of West Hill.  Albany Community Action Partnership and Christian Memorial Church of God in Christ led the effort to beautify vacant lots at the corner of Second Street and Lexington Avenue, turning the eyesore into a community park until a new Head Start center can be built several years from now.  Other members of the Workgroup include Historic Albany Foundation, Catholic Charities, Central Avenue BID, Arbor Hill Development Corporation and the City of Albany.  In convening the group, the Albany Housing Authority drew upon its experience in neighborhood revitalization and produced a planning document based on close observation of existing conditions and the recommendations of the Workgroup.

Lexington Neighborhood Workgroup featured in the Times Union

Community Organizations Come Together To Beautify Albany

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HAI Group Presents AHA with Program Award

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Laundromat Now Open at Robert Whalen!

On behalf of the Albany Housing Authority and Robert Whalen Homes, I am proud and excited to announce the opening of the laundry room at the Robert Whalen Homes. There was an operating laundry room in this development previously and we are happy to have it open again.
After several requests from our residents, the process of reopening the laundry room began. The residents voiced that there was a need for a laundry area in this development because there was a lack of laundry facilities in the community. We hope that this laundry space will improve the quality of life for you, our residents.

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PHADA Scholarship Program

In order to encourage academic excellence and community responsibility among high school students, PHADA has implemented a scholarship program for graduating seniors who are preparing to enter college. PHADA will award three (3) scholarships to deserving youth currently residing in a PHADA member agency.

2014 PHADA Scholarship Application

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Meet the Tenant Commissioner Candidates Event Location Changed!

NOTICE

 

CHANGE OF LOCATION

FOR

OCTOBER 2

TENANT COMMISSIONER CANDIDATES EVENT

 

 THE LOCATION FOR

 MEET THE TENANT COMMISSIONER CANDIDATES EVENT

HAS BEEN CHANGED!

 

IT WILL BE HELD AT

EVERLY CROMWELL COMMUNITY CENTER

 260 NORTH PEARL STREET ALBANY

 ON WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 2

AT 7PM

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Ida Yarbrough Homes Demolition Application

The Ida Yarbrough Homes Demolition Application is now available!

Ida Yarbrough Homes Demolition Application

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Academy Lofts

Artist are anxiously awaiting the completion of Academy Lofts!  Recent photos show the beautiful wood trim and kitchen cabinetry that are being installed in each of the 22 loft-style apartments and are meant to invoke the historic character of the former school building.  At the same time steel is being erected, giving shape to the mezzanine level of the 15,000 square foot creative enterprise incubator and arts center.  The Albany Barn continues to accept applications for apartments and work studio space expected to be completed near the end of the year.

Also posted in Department of Planning & Development, Office of the Executive Director | Leave a comment

Albany Housing Authority 2013 Annual Plan

 

The AHA Annual Plan is now available for viewing.

Annual Plan – 2013

Also posted in AHA Board of Commissioners, Office of the Executive Director | Leave a comment

Westview Springs into Fall!

Westview Homes is getting into the swing of Fall!

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Steel Goes Up at Capital South Campus Center!

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Capital South Campus Center Report

Last activities reported 7/18/13

  • Piles and concrete pile caps complete, gravel placement to bottom of grade beam elevation in progress

 

Work Completed 7/18/13 through 8/19/13

  • Concrete grade beam are 100% complete
  • Perimeter foundation walls are complete and waterproofing membrane applied
  • Leveling plates for steel columns are placed
  • Compacted fill between grade beams is complete

 

Youth Build

  • Youth build program continued on a weekly basis on site and classroom. Included was a short classroom session by Omni Development on construction management.
  • A field trip to Reo Welding was conducted on August 13th. Students observed project steel fabrication and the use of computer aided fabrication machinery. Bob Reo explained and demonstrated the process from drawings to finish fabricated steel.
  • Future field trips are scheduled for a testing lab, concrete batch plant and steel reinforcing fabrication shop.

 

Short term schedule

  • Foundations and partial backfill is complete and ready for steel erection
  • Steel fabrication is scheduled to start Wed Aug 21st and weather permitting, complete in 1 week.
  • As soon as sufficient steel is erected to support foundation walls, exterior fill operations will continue.

 

Final Completion

  • On track for June 13, 2014
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AHA and Omni Featured in Novogradac Journal of Tax Credits

The South End Phase III Project, AHA and Omni have been featured in the Novogradac Journal of Tax Credits:

http://www.novoco.com/journal/

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Board of Commissioners Special Meeting

AGENDA
ALBANY HOUSING AUTHORITY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS SPECIAL MEETING
FRIDAY, AUGUST 16, 2013 at 2:00 P.M.
200 South Pearl Street

1. Roll Call.

2. Community Forum
3. Action Calendar

08-13-35 Approval, subject to negotiation of terms satisfactory to the Executive Director & approval by General Counsel, to enter into a Joint Venture Agreement with WinnDevelopment Company Limited Partnership to facilitate the acquisition, design, financing, renovation, and ownership of Livingston Apartments in which Albany Housing Authority or an affiliate would act as Managing General Partner & perform certain services, but assume no financial risk, in exchange for a fee of not less than $50,000.

08-13-36 Approval to enter into a Construction Management Agreement for the rehabilitation of 84 Morton Avenue for an amount not to exceed $50,000 with the contractor who submits the proposal found to be most advantageous to the Authority. Requests for Proposals were sent to Sano-Rubin Construction Co. Inc., Bishop Beaudry Construction, Inc. and AOW Associates, Inc. with responses due August 9.

08-13-38 Approval to enter into a contract for Developer Consultant Services for Ida Yarbrough Homes Rehabilitation, Phase I with Calogero Partners, LLC, the consultant who submitted the proposal found to be most advantageous to the Authority, for an amount not to exceed $60,000. Proposals were also submitted by Recap Real Estate Advisors and KLR Consulting, LLC

08-13-39 Authorization for the Executive Director to submit a Section 211 Waiver request to the New York State Civil Service Commission on behalf of Jay Cunningham.

5. Reports of Committees

6. Unfinished Business

7. New Business:

8. Bills and Communications

9. Report of the Executive Secretary
A. Monthly Management Report
B. Monthly Financial Report (Deputy Director)
C. Items for Advisement and Discussion
Bank Balance as of:
10. Adjournment –

NEXT MEETING:
Monday, September 9, 2013 @ 2:00 p.m.
200 South Pearl Street, Albany, New York 12202

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Timeline of Capital South Campus Center

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Capital South Campus Center Progress

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Tenant Commissioner Election

ATTENTION:

Tenant Commissioner Election

 

ALL RESIDENTS OF THE ALBANY HOUSING AUTHORITY AND SECTION 8 WHO ARE INTERESTED IN SERVING AS A TENANT COMMISSIONER

  • The Public Housing Law requires the election of two tenant commissioners to the Albany Housing Authority Board of Commissioners.  You have the opportunity to elect a representative at the election to be held on October 22, 2013.  The election will be by mail, and ballots must be postmarked by October 21, 2013.
  • One Tenant Commissioner will be elected to represent the Family Tenants of the Albany Housing Authority and Section 8 and one tenant will be elected to represent the Senior Tenants of the Albany Housing Authority and Section 8.

 

Obligations of the Tenant Commissioner

 

Candidate Qualifications:

 

  • Must be 18 years of age or older by election day (October 22, 2013).
  • Must be a resident of the Albany Housing Authority or Section 8 (in good standing) for  a minimum of 60 days prior to election day.

Responsibilities of the Board:

  • Members of the Housing Authority Board approve all budgets and contracts.  They are entrusted with custody of assets representing millions of dollars of public funds as well as administrative control of annual expenditures of hundreds of thousands of dollars.  Members see that the annual operating expenditures are wisely and economically spent.  Primary responsibility of the Board is to act on all policy matters.

Term of Office:

Terms Of Meetings:

  • 2 years, from November 1, 2013 through October 31, 2015
  •  There are 12 required meetings per year.
  • Meetings are usually held the second Monday of every month.
  • Meetings start at 2:00 PM and last 2 hours.

Salary:

  • Tenant Commissioner shall receive a salary of $2,000.00 per year, pro rated at $166.66/month.  This stipend shall not be considered as additional income for rent purposes and shall not affect his/her eligibility for membership in the Authority or for continued occupancy

How to become a Candidate:

  • Candidates must file a petition signed by at least 50 residents from the Housing Authority and Section 8 who are eligible voters.
  • Candidates must file a statement of intent which must:
  • indicate that the candidate will serve if elected;
  • state intention to represent either the Family or Senior Tenants;
  • describe experience which makes them a good commissioner;
  • list three ways they propose to make AHA a better place to live; and
  • include their name, address and telephone number.
  • Candidates must submit the signed petitions and their statement of intent with any development manager or to the Main Office Reception Desk no later than 4:00 PM on September 13, 2013.

 

MORE INFORMATION ON BACK, PLEASE READ BOTH SIDES

TENANT COMMISSIONER

ELECTION

 

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER

 

 

Petitions available from development offices                         August 15, 2013

 

List of eligible voters posted at development offices

 

By-laws governing elections will be posted at offices

 

Petitions and Candidate statements due in hand to any         September 13, 2013

          Manager by 4pm or at Main Office Reception Desk

 

Mandatory Candidate meeting with                               September (17 or 18), 2013

League of Women Voters of Albany County

 

Voting will be done by mail

 

Ballots mailed to all eligible voters by                                    September 27, 2013

 

Sample ballots posted in development offices

 

Candidate Event:

Main Office  7:00PM                                                      October 2, 2013

          200 South Pearl St., Albany NY

 

All marked ballots must be postmarked by                        October 21, 2013

Ballots will be opened, counted and results announced        October 22, 2013

at the Everly Cromwell Community Center

260 N. Pearl Street, Albany, NY

starting at 4:00 PM

 

The winning candidate will take office                                   November 1, 2013

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South End Phase III In Development!

Celebrating Phase 3 of the continuing, expanding revitalization of Albany’s South End, 56 affordable housing units in eight buildings, to help meet high demand, and a 1,000 square foot commercial laundromat, as a necessary neighborhood amenity. All new construction, All Energy Star homes, 25 one-bedroom units, 25 two-bedroom units, Six three-bedroom units, $9.6 million construction cost of Phase 3.

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South End Phase 3 Progress!!

The Albany Housing Authority in partnership with Omni Housing Development LLC is now constructing Phase 3 of a multi-phase affordable housing initiative throughout Albany’s South End in accordance to the City of Albany’s Capital South Plan, SEGway to the Future. The scattered-site development consists of 56 residential units in 6 new and 3 rehabilitated buildings and includes a commercial Laundromat that is available for public use. Phase 3 follows Phases 1 and 2, consisting of 52 and 43 units, respectively, and continues the replacement of residential units in the obsolete towers at Lincoln Square Homes. Units will be completed and become available for rental between September and December of 2013.

Omni Housing Development NEWS

Times Union Article

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Groundbreaking at South End Phase III

Celebrating Phase 3 of the continuing, expanding revitalization of Albany’s South End, 56 affordable housing units in eight buildings, to help meet high demand, and a 1,000 square foot commercial laundromat, as a necessary neighborhood amenity. All new construction, All Energy Star homes, 25 one-bedroom units, 25 two-bedroom units, Six three-bedroom units, $9.6 million construction cost of Phase 3.

Omni_Phase3_GG12106OMNI_phase3_GG12110

COMMENTS BY KEY PARTICIPANTS:

City of Albany Mayor Gerald D. Jennings:
“I applaud Omni Housing Development, the Albany Housing Authority, and the many stakeholders, who have, once again, demonstrated that when organizations work collaboratively and cooperatively, positive results occur. As a result, 56 new units of energy-star affordable housing will be made available to our residents; yet another visible testament to our vision of transforming the South End neighborhood.”

Commissioner/CEO of New York State Homes and Community Renewal Darryl C. Towns:
“The revitalization of Albany’s South End is a prime example of the type of community renewal and economic development to which Governor Cuomo is committed. The comprehensive plan includes housing, recreation, and educational components and will go a long way toward improving quality of life in Albany. HCR is proud to have worked with our partners at Omni Housing Development and Albany Housing Authority to rehabilitate the distressed properties that are part of phase III of the revitalization, and transform them into attractive, safe, affordable homes that will benefit residents and the entire city.”

Omni Housing Development LLC COO Duncan Barrett:
“What we do is all about people and places. Albany’s Historic South End is a special place. Omni Housing Development is proud to continue our partnership with the citizens and leaders of the South End and the City of Albany in this ongoing effort at renewal. Today’s ceremony marks one more step in our continuing journey towards that renewal.”

Albany Housing Authority Executive Director Steven T. Longo:
“Today marks an important milestone toward the implementation of the South End stakeholder plan to create new, modern, affordable and less-dense housing that will ultimately replace the obsolete 1960’s-era public housing high rises at Lincoln Square. These new apartments will increase the quality of life for our residents, as well as lay the foundation for private investment in this historic South End neighborhood.”

M&T Bank Regional President Mike Keegan:
“Reinvesting in our communities has always been a priority for us at M&T Bank because community redevelopment projects enhance both the local economy and the quality of life. The continued work of Omni Housing Development and the Albany Housing Authority to redevelop the South End has already resulted in several completed affordable housing projects and we look forward to another successful step toward transforming this neighborhood through South End Phase III.”

Omni Housing Development LLC and the Albany Housing Authority, acting as co-developers — with extensive experience in energy efficient, affordable housing — are leading the Phase 3 project team for revitalization of the South End Albany neighborhood, plus meeting all guidelines of the City of Albany Historic Resource Commission, and NYS Homes and Community Renewal Green Building Initiative. 3T Architects are part of the Phase 3 team.

Financing provided:
• $6,351,138 construction loan from M&T Bank.
• $6,149,273 from NYS Housing and Community Renewal Housing Trust Fund.
• $723,386 (over ten years dispensed annually) from the Low Income Housing and Tax Credit Program.
• $322,334 from Historic Tax Credits.
• $205,000 from the Albany Housing Authority.
• PNC Real Estate invested in tax credit equity.

Groundbreaking Program

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ReThink Housing | Why Housing Matters

ReThink-logo2

Having a place to live is a basic need for everyone. Yet, for some people, it remains out of reach. Public housing serves approximately 2.2 million people across the U.S., but the need is much greater; more than half a million people are on waiting lists.

According to the ReThink Survey: Perceptions of Public Housing 2013, the overwhelming majority of Americans believe U.S. citizens deserve a safe and decent place to live. Yet most Americans surveyed do not support public housing in their own neighborhoods and would not want to live near a public housing unit.

Watch, read, and share the inspirational stories from public housing and rethink its impact on individuals, families, and your own community.

Visit the ReThink Housing Website!!

 

 

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