Life just improved for hundreds of Albany residents in the South End. They will enjoy a more comfortable winter with new windows, patio doors, insulation and weather stripping thanks to ARRA funded Weatherization Assistance Program improvements in senior and family apartments managed by the Albany Housing Authority. This partnership has lowered the cost to taxpayers with lower utility loads and smaller heating bills for the residents. The continuing reduction in capital improvement funding coming from the federal housing program would have meant this work would not have been possible without the DOE stimulus dollars for energy improvements.
A resident of 230 Green Street recently said how much she appreciates the new modern look, how much easier the windows are to clean, and the house is noticeably warmer. There is better security with the new patio doors as well.
County Executive Daniel McCoy expresses “Partnerships are critical in every aspect of our lives and this is a great example. Congratulations to the many groups involved who are able to help seniors lower their utility bills, stay warmer and have an easier time opening and closing their patio doors and windows. This demonstrates how important the Weatherization Assistance Program is to our community.”
“I applaud Governor Cuomo for his efforts in securing this vital funding,” said Albany Mayor Gerald D. Jennings. “I know that the residents of the South End will join me in thanking Governor Cuomo, as well as the Cornell Cooperative Extension and the Albany Housing Authority, for all of their hard work. I am confident that these new energy efficient windows and doors, installed throughout the building, will help save on heating costs, while also keeping residents warm during the long New York winters.”
Housing Authority Executive Director Steve Longo commented: “When the offer of this weatherization money came to us from Cornell Cooperative Extension we wondered if we could both meet this tight deadline and come up with matching dollars. But everyone, both staff and residents alike were excited to accept the challenge. It is a great example of what can be accomplished when we all work together. I want to thank the Cornell staff and our residents for their cooperation. This winter will bring comfortable happy residents while lowering taxpayer subsidy through lower energy bills.”
The Albany Housing Authority Board of Commisioners has cancelled the Board Meeting for the month of November. The next meeting is tentatively scheduled for Monday, December 10th.
Thanks so much for providing dinner for the Central Avenue Beautification Project Volunteers. They did a great job, worked hard and the pizza was very much enjoyed by all!
THE ALBANY HOUSING WILL BE IMPLEMENTING THE FOLLOWING POLICIES EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2013.
Security Deposits
Leasing and Inspections, the security deposit will be equal to the family’s total tenant payment at the time of move-in, minimum of $250.00 and must be paid in full prior to move in.
Late Fee
If the rent is not paid by the end of business on the 10th day of the month, a late fee of $25.00 will be charged.
Pet Policy
Pets, there are no significant changes to the policy except the pet deposit will be raised from $100.00 to $200.00 and there will be a non- refundable pet fee of $25.00 as allowed by HUD. ______________________________________________
Residents are welcome to submit comments and/or concerns regarding the above changes. Comments may be submitted by either process below:
Fall has arrived again and the AHA is looking good! Our landscapes are full of Fall themes as our residents, neighbors and community prepare for Halloween, Thanksgiving and the coming Holiday season. During this season of change we continue to pride ourselves on being an asset in our community to those who wish to improve their future, and that of their neighborhoods, through change and growth.
“Autumn is a second spring when every leaf’s a flower. ” –Albert Camus
MAYOR JENNINGS TO ANNOUNCE DETAILS FOR “MAYOR’S CASH FOR COATS” DRIVE
A Program to Benefit Needy School-aged Children in Kindergarten Through Grade 5
Members of the media are invited to attend a press conference where Mayor Jennings will announce the 2012 “Mayor’s Cash for Coats” Drive: a community-based program designed to collect money to purchase new winter clothing items for needy school-aged children in Albany schools. The Mayor will be joined by representatives from supporting organizations, including the Albany Devils, B. Lodge and Company Department Store, and Burke Companies. Additional partners include the Downtown Business Improvement District (BID), Trustco Bank, Albany Broadcasting, Capitalize Albany, NYSUT, the Albany City School District and Men’s Room Barbershop. There will be excellent photo and video opportunities.
Yesterday afternoon, teens from the Equinox Youth Outreach Center, College of St. Rose students, and local seniors from Townsend Park Homes teamed up with local merchants and the Central Avenue Business Improvement District staff to spiff up parts of Lower Central Avenue. A team of about 50 volunteers succeeded in accomplishing a number of projects identified by local business owners. Volunteers also planted about 144 mums and mulched the beds to keep them looking tidy. That’s huge!
We are so thrilled with the results–and our business owners are, too. Take a look at the album and see why! Hopefully, we can use this as a template and create more projects of this kind!
“This is ‘neighbors helping neighbors,” says Anthony Capece, Executive Director for the Central Avenue Business Improvement District (CBID). This event was sponsored by Central Avenue Business Improvement District, Central Florist, Trustco Bank, Miller Paint and Decorating, and Constantine Farms. Refreshments were donated by Albany Housing Authority, Honest Weight Food Co-op, and the Albany Ramada Plaza.
Many, many thanks to all our volunteers from Equinox, College of St. Rose, and Townsend Park Homes. What a team!
Mayor Jennings, The City of Albany and the The Albany Devils will host the 6th Annual Cash For Coats Drive on Friday, October 26, 2012 at The Devils hockey game. Ticket holders are encouraged to make any cash donation; all proceeds will go toward the purchase of winter apparel for needy kids in Albany. Please join us and help MAKE A DIFFERENCE in our community! Click the link below for more details!
Our new Interactive Voice Response (IVR) System now let’s you check your Account Balance and Waiting List Status, all from the comfort of your own own home!! Just Call (518) 641-7500 and Press 1.
MAKING MORE THAN ENDS MEET: Creating an Effective Spending Plan
When: September 25, 2012 from 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Where: Community Room, Albany Housing Authority, 200 S. Pearl St.
This SEFCU workshop provides realistic options for successfully cutting back on spending, trimming your monthly expenses, and saving toward specific goals.
Stephanie Troiano, G.E.D. Teacher for T.H.E. Center.
I am currently the G.E.D. Teacher for T.H.E. Center. I hold a New York State Teaching license in both Early Childhood (birth-grade 2) and Childhood Education (grades 1-6). I have my B.A. in Education from Alfred University and will be graduating with my M.S. in Reading and Literacy, through Capella University, in 2013. With my M.S. degree, I will be certified to teach reading and literacy at any age level.
Before joining T.H.E. Center, I was a substitute teacher for grades K-12, and a Pre-K teacher at a Head Start program. During this time, I was also able to coach girls’ volleyball and work on my music. These are both very strong aspects of my life.
After working in the insurance field for a short while, I am glad to be back in an educational setting where I can help those who are striving to become more successful in life. Hopefully, I will be able to inspire my students inside, as well as, outside my classroom.
Work Experience Program
Marriott Hotel
In June of 2012, jumping off the success of Work Experience Program at the Hampton Inn, the WAGE Center began a new partnership with the Marriott Hotel of Colonie, N.Y. This partnership was initiated by the Marriott to help fill a void in qualified employees. We are looking forward to building a relationship with another well-established company that is able to provide our clients with the opportunity to build careers in the field of hospitality.
Our first program at the Marriott was a huge success. We enrolled four clients into the program at the Marriott, all of whom were hired at the end of the internship. Looking forward, we feel that securing this new location for the Work Experience Program has greatly contributed to our client’s success in obtaining gainful employment as well as the demand for qualified employees at the Marriott.