Boys and Girls Ages 7-12
Instructional and Fundamentals Clinic
10:00 AM Every Saturday
Arbor Hill Baseball Field
Lark St. and Manning Blvd.
For more information contact:
The Department of Recreation 434-5699
Author Archives: albanyhousing
Arbor Hill Recreational Baseball 2013
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Albany Housing Authority gets rated High Performer!!
The Public Housing Assessment System (PHAS) score attained by the Albany Housing Authority for the year ending December 31, 2012, ranks it among the best public housing authorities in the country.
The PHAS score is a compilation of a housing authority’s overall performance in the areas of physical plant, financial, management and resident satisfaction. HUD uses the PHAS evaluation to assess its portfolio in order to ascertain whether a public housing authority is providing its residents with safe, decent, affordable housing.
Update from Capital South Campus Center!
Report One, May 14, 2013 • Capital South Campus Center • 20 Warren St. Albany, NY
City Streets: Good • Site Conditions: Dry • Purpose: Scheduled inspections • Photographs: Below • Inspector: Robert Becker
4/29/13
- After site clearing and preliminary staging areas were prepared building line E was excavated.
- Clay mixed with ashes and miscellaneous debris was encountered
5/06/13
- Excavations continued to complete building foot print pile cap sub grade.
- Materials encountered were consistent with pre construction soils investigations.
5/07/13
- View from 3 Lincoln Square indicating geotextile fabric and crushed stone base material.
5/8/13
- Completed excavation and stone base ready for driven pile operations
Short term schedule:
- Commence pile driving (test piles) 5/15 to 5/17
- Dynamic testing 5/18
- Pile driving 5/20 through 6/7
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- Preconstruction
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- Groundbreaking
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- Rear Building – First Cut
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- Completed Building Excavation
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- Pile Cap Excavation
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- View from 3 Lincoln Square
Young Scholar and Albany High School Featured in the TImes Union!!
Albany – June Criscione faced a choice in middle school that would shape the course of her life:
She chose where she wanted to attend high school. Though her parents said she could choose among a host of Capital Region private schools, she felt only one place would push her in the right way: Albany High School.
“I looked for the school that would challenge me the most,” she said. “I felt Albany High would have everything I needed.”
She made the right choice.
Criscione, 18, is graduating next month. In the fall, she’ll head to Harvard University. Earlier this month, she was named one of 141 U.S. Presidential Scholars, one of the nation’s highest academic honors for high school students. Criscione had a perfect score on her ACT exam and an almost perfect score on her SAT. She plays violin and runs cross country. She made the choice in fifth grade to be a good student.
“Presidential Scholars demonstrate the accomplishments that can be made when students challenge themselves, set the highest standards, and commit themselves to excellence,” U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan said in a statement.
Criscione’s success is also a reminder that Albany High consistently produces a crop of students who head off to the nation’s top colleges. Though it is a frequent target of critics, she said Albany High has plenty of success stories like hers.
“There’s nothing here that can hold you back from achieving,” she said.
Criscione is one of at least three Albany high seniors heading to Ivy League schools in the fall. Hillel Adler will join her at Harvard and Asha Pollydore will attend Dartmouth College.
Criscione said Albany High had a unique mix of high-level classes, especially advanced placement and International Baccalaureate that she said other local high schools did not offer. She credited the school’s extensive extracurricular activities and its music programs and diversity as well as a lot of help from her parents — a lawyer and a former teacher — as the reason she got into Harvard.
“She has yet to find her limits,” said math teacher Margot Plumadore, her mentor. “It’s so exciting to see what is going to happen next, when the bird flies the nest. It’s nice to be in her aura.”
Though she could coast through the rest of the year, as high schools seniors throughout the land are doing this month, Criscione was anxious to head home for studying. She has a new crop of AP exams to take, even though Harvard won’t accept them as credit.
“It’s the principle of the thing,” she said. “I put effort into the classes, I want to see how well I mastered the material.”
Read more: http://www.timesunion.com/local/article/Young-scholar-high-honor-4512654.php#ixzz2THmkUN6e
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AHA Board of Commissioners May Agenda
AGENDA
ALBANY HOUSING AUTHORITY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING
MONDAY, MAY 13, 2013 at 2:00 P.M.
200 South Pearl Street
1. Roll Call.
2. Community Forum
3. Reading and approval of the minutes of the previous meeting held April 8, 2013
4. Action Calendar
05-13-18 Approval to send 11 staff members to Philadelphia, PA. from June 9th – June 12th to attend a Tenmast National User Conference. Amount totaling $13, 461.58 for the Hotel stay and Conference. Attendance is necessary as we will have a first major Tenmast upgrade which effects Section 8, Applications, and Public Housing and Tax Credit staff. Upgrade is scheduled for September 2013. The conference has 2 days of hands on training and is the closest location to AHA.
- Cost of Training: $695.00 PP
- All will drive to location
- All will stay at the same hotel
05-13-19 Approval to award Contract #03-2013-5 for Repair of Flood Damage at 200 South Pearl Street to the low bidder MasterSeal of Albany, Inc. for $67, 500.00 pending approval of Housing Authority Insurance. (Ratified)
2nd Bid: $113,390.00, Wainschaf Associates, Inc.
3rd Bid: $210,112.56 Quick Response Commercial, LLC. 05-13-20
Approval to award Contract #03-2013-4.1 for Carpet and Linoleum Tile Replacement in Flood Damaged Areas 200 South Pearl Street to Mohawk Valley Carpets, LLC for $41,100.00 pending approval of Housing Authority Insurance. (Ratified)
2nd Bid: $47,800.00, Flooring Environment, Inc.,
3rd Bid: $48,600.00, Landmark Flooring. 05-13-21
Approval to award Contract #03-2013-4.2 for Carpet Replacement in Non-Damaged South Wing, 200 South Pearl Street to Mohawk Valley Carpets, LLC for 41,100.00. (Ratified)
2nd Bid: $47,800.00, Flooring Environment, Inc.,
3rd Bid: $53,600.00, Landmark Flooring. 05-13-22
Approval to enter contract with Natural Gas and Electricity provider for transportation and consumption services for Natural Gas and Electricity to AHA properties. (Vendor to be determined based on pricing refresh and current market conditions) This RFP process is coordinated by Ameresco Inc. as AHA’s energy performance contractor and coordinator for natural gas and electricity procurement. Pricing is valid in for 24 hour periods and will be executed to the provider offering the best value for AHA. (Ratified) 05-13-23 Approval to enter into a three (3) year contract with highest scoring firm, Gallivan Corporation for AHA’s Lawn Maintenance. This contract will cover existing AMP’s requirements in the annual amount of $142,966.46 for the contract term May 14, 2013 thru May 13, 2016 with 2 additional – 1 year options to extend contract. Ancillary services incorporated into this contract on an as needed basis include:
- One (1) cu. yd. of “Dark”/”Midnight” mulch: Cost: $43.10
- Tree removal services: Cost: $280
- Aeration per Acre Cost: $324
- Hydro seeding per acre; Cost: $1,973
- Shaping of existing shrubbery at all sites: Cost: $4,547
- Spring & Fall Clean Outs at all sites: Cost: $14,067
Results of the RFP, evaluation scores, the 1 and 3 year proposal amounts are as follows:
| Vendor | Score Out of a Possible 100 Pts. | 1 year proposal Amount | 3 year Proposal Amount | |
| 1st | Gallivan, Corporation |
93.2 |
$142,966.46 | $428,899.38 |
| 2nd | Lawn Pro |
90.8 |
$157,430.00 | $472,290.00 |
| 3rd | T&P Lawn and Landscape |
69.9 |
$199,160.00 | $597,480.00 |
| 4th | Hitchcock Building and Grounds |
67.3 |
$121,290.00 | $363,870.00 |
| 5th | Superior Landscaping |
62.4 |
$216,229.00 | $648.687.00 |
| 6th | Premier |
51.6 |
$162,760.00 | $488,280.00 |
| 7th | A Cut Above Landscaping |
67.3 |
$165,750.00 | $497,250.00 |
05-13-24 Whereas HUD has encouraged the adoption of smoke free policies in multifamily housing rental assistance programs and the Center for Disease Control has found that prohibiting smoking in all U.S. subsidized housing would lead to cost savings of about $521 million a year, ($341 million in Health Care costs, $108 million in renovation costs, and $72 million in smoking related fire costs) the 56 units under construction titled South End Phase III and the 22 units under construction at Academy Lofts on Swan Street shall be totally smoke free and Management shall establish smoke-free housing policies for those units that comply with all applicable fair housing and civil rights requirements.
- Reports of Committees
- Unfinished Business
- 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 5/9/13
10. Adjournment –
NEXT MEETING:
Monday, June 10, 2013 @ 2:00 p.m.
200 South Pearl Street, Albany, New York 12202
Hudson River: Health Advice on Eating Fish You Catch
Fishing is fun and fish are an important part of a healthy diet. Fish contain high quality protein, essential nutrients, healthy fish oils and are low in saturated fat. However, some fish contain chemicals at levels that may be harmful to your health. The primary chemicals of concern in Hudson River fish are called polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and they can build up in your body over time. Health problems that may result from eating fish with PCBs range from small changes in health that are hard to detect to effects on birthweight and cancer. (Visit www.health.ny.gov/fish for more info.) Eating Hudson River fish can be a concern because fish can have many thousands times more PCBs than the surrounding water. New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) offers advice about eating fish you catch. The health advice about which fish to eat depends upon:
Who You Are
Women of childbearing age (under 50) and children under 15 should not eat fish or crabs from the Hudson River from the Corinth Dam to the New York City Battery. Women who eat highly contaminated fish and become pregnant may have an increased risk of having children who are slower to develop and learn. Chemicals may have a greater effect on the development of young children or unborn babies. Also, some chemicals may be passed on in mother’s milk. Women beyond their childbearing years and men may face fewer health risks from PCBs. For hat reason, the advice for women over age 50 and men over age 15 allows them to eat more kinds of sport fish and more often, particularly in the lower Hudson.
Where You Fish
The advice on eating Hudson fish depends upon where on the river you fish. The Hudson River around Hudson Falls has been more affected by industrial chemicals. In general, fish from the lower Hudson are less contaminated. For example, from the Troy Dam to the Bridge at Catskill, no one is advised to eat striped bass. However, south of Catskill, men and older women can eat up to one striped bass meal a month. The Hudson River advice also applies to its tributaries and connected waters if there are no dams, falls or barriers to stop the fish from moving upstream. This is because chemicals remain in fish when they move from one waterbody to another.
What You Catch
Some species (kinds of fish) have higher levels of chemicals than others. In general, smaller fish are less contaminated than larger, older fish of the same species. PCBs are also found at higher levels in the fat of fish. Reduce PCBs by trimming, skinning and cooking your catch as shown in the diagram on the back of brochure. Certain species with a lot of fat, like catfish and eels, should be avoided because they have high levels of PCBs.
Visit www.health.ny.gov/fish for the latest fish advisory information
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AHA wins Excellence in Historic Preservation Award
Read the Full Article here courtesy of readMedia and the Preservation League
ALBANY, NY (05/01/2013)(readMedia)– The Preservation League of New York State has selected the Albany Housing Authority to receive an award for Excellence in Historic Preservation as an outstanding organization.
The League’s statewide awards program honors notable achievements in retaining, promoting and reusing New York State’s irreplaceable architectural heritage.
“Albany, like many upstate cities, has struggled with the issue of vacant and abandoned buildings. While other municipal organizations have made the decision to raze and rebuild, the Albany Housing Authority has committed to retaining and restoring the historic buildings that give the city’s neighborhoods their distinctive, historic ambience,” said Jay DiLorenzo, president of the Preservation League. “The rehabilitation of houses in Albany’s South End and Arbor Hill neighborhoods is a sustainable choice that bolsters the desirability of urban living for clients of the Housing Authority and neighbors alike. Finally, by providing space for the administrative offices of the Albany County Historical Association in the renovated King’s Place property, the Housing Authority has forged a strong partnership with one of the beacons of Arbor Hill’s cultural, historic and artistic renaissance.”
Contributing to the success of the Albany Housing Authority are City of Albany Mayor Jennings; Capitalize Albany Corporation; Albany County Historical Association; Harris A. Sanders Architects, P.C.; Norstar Development USA; Omni Housing Development, LLC; CK Dennis Architect; AOW Associates, Inc.; County of Albany; Wainshaf Associates, Inc., CSArch Architects; Cannon Heyman & Weiss, LLP; and Taconic Title Agency, all of Albany. Funding support was provided by NYS Homes and Community Renewal; US Dept. of Housing and Urban Development, Key Community Development Corporation; PNC Bank National Association; Federal Home Loan Bank of New York and Community Preservation Corporation.
Mayor Gerald Jennings called the King’s Place project “another significant milestone in achieving the goals we set forth in the Arbor Hill Neighborhood Plan of 2003,” while Michael Yevoli, Commissioner of Development and Planning and the President of the Capitalize Albany Corporation, described the Albany Housing Authority as an “exceptional partner in our revitalization of the Arbor Hill neighborhood.”
Darren Scott, the Director of Planning and Development at Albany Housing Authority, said, “Thank you to the Preservation League of New York State for recognizing the role that the affordable housing community can play in the preservation and revitalization of what are often both our most treasured and at-risk neighborhoods. The Albany Housing Authority accepts this award with honor on behalf of our entire team of funders, project participants, and neighborhood stakeholders, whose support and hard work allow the Authority to be an able partner for those who wish to transform their future, and that of their community, into one of choice.”
The awards will be presented at the Preservation League’s Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony in New York City at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 15th at the historic New York Yacht Club, 37 West 44th Street.
The complete list of award winners is: the New York State Capitol, Restoration of Skylights and Laylights, Albany County; East 180th Street Station, Bronx; Keramos Hall, Brooklyn; Hotel @ The Lafayette, Buffalo; The TAUNY Center, Canton; The Central Trust Building, Rochester. Albany Housing Authority will be honored for organizational excellence. The Buffalo News: Dawn Bracely, Editorial Writer and Stanford Lipsey, Publisher Emeritus, will be honored as an outstanding publication.
“As we launch our 40th Anniversary celebration in 2013, the Preservation League is looking forward to exploring not just the past, but the future of historic preservation. Many of the 2013 award winners provide valuable examples for other practitioners by incorporating energy efficiency techniques, adaptive reuse strategies and Federal and State Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credits,” said DiLorenzo. “Each year, we are impressed by the number and variety of laudable nominations, and this year was no exception. We are delighted to celebrate the work of the Albany Housing Authority.”
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The Preservation League’s Excellence in Historic Preservation awards program is funded by a generous grant from the Arthur F. and Alice E. Adams Foundation.
The Preservation League of New York State invests in people and projects that champion the essential role of preservation in community revitalization, sustainable economic growth, and the protection of our historic buildings and landscapes. We lead advocacy, economic development, and education programs all across the state.
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1st Annual Black History Month Cultural Film Festival a Success!!
Albany Housing Authority is proud to announce that our 1st Annual Black History Month Cultural Film Festival has been a huge success!! We look forward to next year’s Film Festival, as we look back on the gatherings, discussions and family style meals of the last 10 Weeks!! Thank you to all of our friends and neighbors that helped us make it such a great time.
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CNSE, Trinity Alliance, and Albany Housing Authority spruce up the community for Earth Day
Volunteers from CNSE, Trinity Alliance, and Albany Housing Authority spruce up the community for Earth Day
More than 50 volunteers improve a gateway to Albany’s South End as part of a joint effort
Albany, NY — Supporting Governor Andrew Cuomo’s vision and blueprint for livable communities, and furthering its commitment to improving the environment and serving the community, SUNY’s College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (CNSE) partnered with Trinity Alliance of the Capital Region (Trinity) and the Albany Housing Authority (AHA) to revitalize a gateway to Albany’s South End as part of an Earth Day beautification project on Monday, April 22.
CNSE, Trinity Alliance,
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With a strong turnout involving more than 50 volunteers consisting of NanoCollege faculty, staff, and students, children from Trinity, and members of AHA, the group refreshed a larger area than had originally been planned.
With help from an AHA landscaper, the volunteers planted shrubs and flowers before mulching in order to enhance the area surrounding the corner of Morton Avenue and Clinton Street. Additionally, a number of vacant sites within walking distance were cleaned of debris.
About CNSE. The UAlbany CNSE is the first college in the world dedicated to education, research, development and deployment in the emerging disciplines of nanoscience, nanoengineering, nanobioscience and nanoeconomics. With more than $14 billion in high-tech investments, CNSE represents the world’s most advanced university-driven research enterprise, offering students a one-of-a-kind academic experience and providing over 300 corporate partners with access to an unmatched ecosystem for leading-edge R&D and commercialization of nanoelectronics and nanotechnology innovations. CNSE’s footprint spans upstate New York, including its Albany NanoTech Complex, an 800,000-square-foot megaplex with the only fully-integrated, 300mm wafer, computer chip pilot prototyping and demonstration line within 85,000 square feet of Class 1 capable cleanrooms. More than 3,100 scientists, researchers, engineers, students and faculty work here, from companies including IBM, Intel, GlobalFoundries, SEMATECH, Samsung, TSMC, Toshiba, Applied Materials, Tokyo Electron, ASML and Lam Research. An expansion now underway, part of which will house the world’s first Global 450mm Consortium, will add nearly 500,000 square feet of next-generation infrastructure, an additional 50,000 square feet of Class 1 capable cleanrooms, and more than 1,000 scientists, researchers and engineers from CNSE and global corporations. In addition, CNSE’s Solar Energy Development Center in Halfmoon provides a prototyping and demonstration line for next-generation CIGS thin-film solar cells, supporting its leadership of the U.S. Photovoltaic Manufacturing Consortium (PVMC). CNSE’s Smart System Technology and Commercialization Center of Excellence (STC) in Rochester offers state-of-the-art capabilities for MEMS fabrication and packaging. CNSE alsoco-founded and manages operations at the Computer Chip Commercialization Center at SUNYIT in Utica and is a co-founder of the Nanotechnology Innovation andCommercialization Excelerator in Syracuse. For information, visit www.cnse.albany.edu.
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Capital District Summit on Black Men and Boys
Day 1
Thursday, April 25th
Unveiling the Truth, Dispelling the Myths
4:30 – 6:00 pm – Reception
6:00 – 8:00 pm – Program
Schenectady County Community College
78 Washington Avenue, Schenectady, NY 12305
There are many distortions and misrepresentations of the facts concerning Black males in America today. On Thursday afternoon, we will offer a presentation of the movie “Hoodwinked”, followed by a discussion lead by the author and creator, Janks Morton.
Day 2
Friday, April 26th
Perspectives on Policy
This session by invitation only
University at Albany
Uptown Campus
1400 Washington Ave Albany, NY 12222
Dr. Sydney Hankerson, from Columbia University will present a keynote address on Black Males and Mental Health. This will be followed by a presentation on the work done recently by Fathers Inc., and the Urban Institute to revisit the 1965 Moynihan Report that provides an update on current perspectives on the Black family. We will then host a dialogue about promising strategies with local strategy and policy makers, from the public and private sectors, education, faith community and political arenas.
A Celebration of Local Advocates of Black Male Empowerment
5:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Macedonia Baptist Church
26 Wilson Ave., Colonie, NY 12205
On Friday evening, the Capital Region will lift up the work of supporting and encouraging black males, with a spirit filled program of music and word, and recognition of our local advocates who with their time and talents, encourage black males to seek excellence.
Day 3
Saturday, April 27th
What Must be Done? Promising Approaches to Support Black Males
8:30 am – 4:00 pm
First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany
405 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12206
Key note speaker and workshops will address the health and well-being of Black Males and strategies to support and encourage empowerment of Black males, families, neighborhoods and re-build communities. Leonard Dunston, former president of the National Association of Black Social Workers, Inc. will provide the key note presentation.
Workshops will focus on Faith, Education, Health, the Black Family, and Youth.
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South End Reunion
If you lived, worked, hung out or went to school in the South End – join us for the reunion.
July 13 from noon til dusk
Bring your own food and beverage. Pack up a lawn chair. We’ll enjoy Old Skool music, fish on the river, board games, cards, and sharing photos (bring yours) and memories of the good old days!
Colonie Town Park – Pavillion II
$6 per car for parking Entrance to pool is additional
Info: 462-8260, or join the Facebook page “Albany South End”
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Albany Announces Academy Lofts
Capital Region Economic Development Council and the City of Albany Announce Academy Lofts Affordable Housing & Business Incubator Project Breaks Ground in Arbor Hill
CREDC officials today joined with Albany Mayor Jerry Jennings, representatives from New York State Homes & Community Renewal (HCR), Empire State Development (ESD), and the Albany Housing Authority for an official groundbreaking ceremony to kick off the start of construction of Academy Lofts.
“Academy Lofts is a terrific example of the kind of creative and pragmatic initiatives emerging from the regional economic development efforts created by Governor Cuomo,” said CREDC Co-Chairs James Barba, Albany Medical Center President and CEO, and President Robert Jones, University at Albany. “The state’s commitment to supporting local Investments like this will create jobs and enhance communities in the Capital Region and throughout our state.”
“Under Governor Cuomo’s leadership the Regional Economic Development Councils have created a bottom-up paradigm for success, with community development projects that grow the economy and are strategic priorities for the region,” said Darryl C. Towns, Commissioner & CEO of New York State Homes and Community Renewal. “Academy Lofts is designed to become a focal point, attracting development and growing the neighborhood and the economy. The project brings millions of dollars to Arbor Hill, contributing to the long term vision of greater revitalization. I congratulate the City of Albany, the Albany Housing Authority and Albany Barn Inc. for steering this innovative project to success.”
The adaptive re-use of St. Joseph’s Academy will revitalize a long vacant structure, helping to improve the quality of life in the Arbor Hill neighborhood. Located at North Swan and Second Streets, Academy Lofts will provide 22 affordable apartments to the artist community, with on-site studio space that will be multi-purposed as a business incubator for the arts and an arts-oriented community center open to local residents. High-design/high-concept features of the project will include space for work studios, rehearsal suites, performance space, a digital media center and retail space and offices for the professional artist community. Academy Lofts is projected to generate nearly $10 million in economic activity for the region and is leveraging resources from the City of Albany and the Albany Housing Authority.
Mayor Jennings said, “Building stronger, more vibrant neighborhoods is a priority in Albany. Our neighborhoods are rich in diversity, character, history and architecture, and as such, we are committed to preserving Albany’s past while creating a vibrant future for our community by developing programs and projects that encourage reinvestment in the community and in the people of the Capital City.”
In the first round of the Regional Council initiative, the City of Albany Industrial Development Authority (IDA) was awarded $5.4 million in low-cost financing to assist with major components of the restoration project.
In addition, Empire State Development has provided $4.5 million in Restore NY grant funding and HCR has awarded $2.4 million in Low Income Housing Tax Credits, as well as local support through the Federal Home Loan Bank, $350,000, and Historic Tax Credits.
“ESD is pleased to have provided assistance through its Restore NY program, which was created to revitalize neighborhoods as a means to attract residents and businesses and spur private investment,” said Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Kenneth Adams. “This project demonstrates what can be accomplished through collaboration on the state and local level and we look forward to Academy Lofts’ completion.”
Steven T. Longo, Executive Director of the Albany Housing Authority explained that the project satisfies four main criteria in the city’s plan to revitalize the Arbor Hill neighborhood. “It improves existing housing, provides economic development, fulfills historic preservation, and will address quality of life matters,” said Longo. “This project is a real game-changer.”
Mike Yevoli, Commissioner of the City of Albany’s Department of Development and Planning, said, “We have worked hard to bring the right partners and resources together to implement the Arbor Hill Plan and revitalize this historic neighborhood. This project is an excellent example of the City’s commitment to finding creative solutions for challenging vacant urban properties. Once rehabilitated, Academy Lofts will maximize the full potential of this historic building and allow it to once again serve as an anchor for the community.”
Jeff Mirel, President of Albany Barn, Inc., the project’s creative enterprise partner, said, “It’s truly a ‘rising tide’ type of project. Local and regional artists will come to create and collaborate affordably in the renewed St. Joseph’s Academy. This activity will attract other types of commerce, especially basic services that are absent today, and rekindle a lively village center in the heart of Arbor Hill. By establishing meaningful connections with artists, educators and entrepreneurs living and working in Academy Lofts/The Barn, we can lift the creative and professional aspirations of neighborhood youth.”
New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) consists of all the State’s major housing and community renewal agencies, including the Affordable Housing Corporation, the Division of Housing and Community Renewal, the Housing Finance Agency, State of New York Mortgage Agency, Housing Trust Fund Corporation and others.
The Regional Economic Development Council initiative (REDC) is a key component of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s transformative approach to State investment and economic development. In 2011, Governor Cuomo established 10 Regional Councils to develop long-term strategic plans for economic growth for their regions. The Councils are public-private partnerships made up of local experts and stakeholders from business, academia, local government, and non-governmental organizations. The Regional Councils have redefined the way New York invests in jobs and economic growth by putting in place a community-based, bottom up approach and establishing a competitive process for State resources. After two rounds of competitive awards, nearly 1,500 projects are receiving support to put people back to work, get the economy back on track, and restore New York State as the Empire State.
To learn more about each regional council and their economic development plans, visit www.regionalcouncils.ny.gov.
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AHA April Board Meeting Agenda
AGENDA
ALBANY HOUSING AUTHORITY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING
MONDAY, APRIL 8, 2013 at 2:00 P.M.
200 South Pearl Street
1. Roll Call.
2. Community Forum
3. Reading and approval of the minutes of the previous meeting held March 11, 2013
4. Action Calendar
04-13-12 Approval to operate the Summer Food Program for 2013.
04-13-13 Approval to send Debbie Zlotnick to attend Casterline Associates Accounting & Budgeting Seminar in St. Louis, MO from May 7, 2013 to May 9, 2013 for an approximate total amount of $1,531.50 which includes Conference, Hotel and Air Fare.
04-13-14 Approval to submit the 2013 Annual Plan to the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
04-13-15 Approval to send up to two employees to the Novegradic Affordable Housing Tax Credit Conference and Workshop to be held May 15-17, 2013 in New Orleans estimated cost $2,250 per person.
04-13-16 Approval to enter into a contract with Urban Arts Experience, Inc. for $21,500 to operate a 6 week summer camp at the Kids Improvement District Field house for residents of Robert Whalen, and Capital Woods, Ida Yarbrough and neighborhood children. This will include Computer Literacy, Performing Arts and Sports for a blend of academic and recreational activities. Last year AHA made a contribution of $19,500 for a 5 week program.
Reports of Committees
5. Unfinished Business
6. New Business:
7. Bills and Communications
8. 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 4/3/13
9. Adjournment –
NEXT MEETING:
Monday, May 13, 2013 @ 2:00 p.m.
200 South Pearl Street, Albany, New York 12202
Safe Disposal for Unused or Expired Medication!
Turn in your unused or expired medication for safe disposal Saturday, April 27, 2013 from 10a.m. – 2p.m.
Visit WWW.DEA.GOV for more details!
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Last Chance to Sign Up for Little League Baseball!!
It’s time to play ball, don’t be caught on the outside looking in. Join in on the fun and the camaraderie of playing Little League Baseball by joining one of our 24 teams at 4 levels of play based on ability and age. Everyone makes a team so join us now. See you at the Park!
You may sign up at one of the following places and times:
Tuesday, March 26th 6 PM – 7:30 PM – Albany PAL Center
Wednesday, March 27th 5:30 – 7 PM – American Little League Park
Thursday, March 28th 6 PM – 7:30 PM – Albany PAL Center
Saturday, March 30th 10 AM – Noon – Albany High School Gym
Monday, April 1st 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM – Albany PAL Center
Wednesday, April 3rd 5:30 – 7 PM – American Little League Park
Please bring copies of your birth certificate and proof of residence – Youth must be accompanied by parent or guardian
For more information, Click Here!
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A Letter to the Assistant Secretary for Public Housing
To view the original letter, please Click Here!
March 12, 2013
The Honorable Sandra B. Henriquez
Assistant Secretary for Public and Indian Housing
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
451 Seventh Street, SW
Washington, DC 20410
Dear Sandi,
There REALLY is trouble in River City! I’ve had the pleasure of being around the Public Housing program for over 25 years, and I’ve never known the Industry to be satisfied with its appropriation allocation. I’m sure Congress must feel like the Industry is just a little boy crying “Wolf!”
However, the action taken by the House of Representatives to continue the shortfall created in 2012 throughout the 2013 fiscal year and the Senate proposal to only provide minor relief creates a challenge to the very existence of decent, safe, affordable housing for over three million families. To illegally seize $750 million from financially prudent housing authorities in 2012 and then refuse to consider that this was a one-time offset in 2013 is beyond any sense of fairness. It’s an imprudent attack on America’s most vulnerable population, public housing residents. While the sequester is a problem, the proposed shortfall is an unmitigated disaster!
There is only so much cutting one can do to any organization before the fat is totally removed and bone is being chopped away. If the House action stands, the shelter of all of these deserving families is in true jeopardy.
This is not a time for either hesitancy or timidity. Both HUD and the Industry must go into crisis mode. As a previous occupant of your office, I am strongly urging you to cease all “business as usual” not explicitly, statutorily required and focus the full attention of your team on saving the nation’s assisted housing programs. Nothing less than slashing the micromanaging red tape created over the decades (including during my tenure) will suffice. Be bold! Be creative! We need to end homelessness, not increase it by watching public housing crumble.
Specifically, I urge you to assemble a bi-partisan group of people tasked with the immediate suspension of any and all non-statutorily required provisions within the next thirty days via an emergency Interim Regulation. Even if a program is required, the group should seek alternative streamlined compliance possibilities. This suspension should remain in effect until full funding is restored to the program.
I seriously question whether HUD staff has the temperament or capacity to handle this on its own, so I urge you to assemble, on HUD’s nickel (they can’t afford to do it voluntarily), relevant outside experts (i.e. public housing practioners) to assist you in this effort.
Needless to say, this request will need the Secretary’s, and possibly OMB’s, blessing. Clearly, HUD lawyers will need to be involved in drafting the removal of non-statutorily REQUIRED process requirements that currently bind the Industry and diverts housing authority personnel from serving deserving residents. However, I urge that outside, knowledgeable counsel be recruited to provide a “can do” attitude to the effort.
Sandi, I write this to you in a constructive spirit dictated by circumstances you did not cause. I am writing to you, rather than the Secretary, because your responsibility is totally focused on our small, but critical, arena. We all appreciate your efforts to keep everyone informed of the dire situation, but that is not enough. As the person charged with our country’s Public and Indian Housing programs, you have a unique responsibility and obligation to act before it’s too late. Please take action today in consort with your superiors and colleagues. ACT BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE.
While we obviously need to deal with this short-term crisis, the longer-term picture is just as bleak. For the sake of America’s extremely low-income families, the entire morass of federally-assisted housing programs desperately needs to be re-engineered into a results oriented, comprehensive, locally-focused, choice-based holistic program that is consistent with the federal government’s budget problems. Before we focus on the long term, however, let’s stop the gushing blood stemming from the public and assisted housing body today.
Sincerely yours,
Joseph G. Schiff
The 2013 Summer Camp Catalog is Here!
About the Capital District Child Care Council . . .
The Capital District Child Care Council is a resource and referral agency dedicated to promoting quality, accessible child care for all of the Capital Region’s diverse communities. The Council assumes a leadership role in supporting children, parents, providers, and employers through referral counseling, education, training, and advocacy.
This catalog is provided to you as a resource as you search for summer care programs. This is not an exhaustive list. Information about each camp was collected at the beginning of 2013 and is accurate to the best of our knowledge. All information is subject to change at the discretion of each program. These programs are not licensed, endorsed, or recommended by the Capital District Child Care Coordinating Council, Inc. It is the right and responsibility of the parent to choose the summer program most appropriate for their family.
This catalog is brought to you by the Capital District Child Care Coordinating Council, Inc., 91 Broadway, Menands, New York, 12204-2728. You can reach Capital District Child Care Council by calling 518-426-7181.
Click HERE for your Catalog!
Sixth Annual College Bus Fair Trip with Visit to Basketball Hall of Fame
6th Annual National College Fair Bus Trip
Eastern States Exposition Springfield, MA Sunday, April 7, 2013
Includes Visit to the Basketball Hall of Fame
Organized by the
George Biddle Kelley Education Foundation & Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Bus Departs 8 a.m. from NYS Museum on Madison Ave.
Bus Returns at 6 p.m.
Tickets $40 (lunch included) due March 28.
Admission to HOF $12 adult, $8 student.
Applications Available HERE and Online at www.gbkfoundation.org.
Contact: oabrahams06@gmail.com ————— 518-421-5986
Pre-register for the college fair: www.gotomyncf.com
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Progress at Ida Yarbrough Lo-Rise Homes
Residents and housing staff are relieved to see the start of the long awaited demolition of the 1970’s-era Ida Yarbrough Lo-Rise Homes. Buildings 4, 6 and 7 are being abated and demolished using $575,000 of Neighborhood Stabilization Program funds. The grant funds remain from the recently completed rehabilitation of eight historic buildings in Arbor Hill. City of Albany and Housing Authority staff had to work quickly with NYS Homes and Community Renewal to repurpose and expend the funds before the March 20 deadline, when they would have been returned to the US Dept. of Housing and Urban Development.
