Daytona Beach - Housing officials have HOPE for more improvements

By John Bozzo Journal Online.com

DAYTONA BEACH -- With three successes under their belt, Housing Authority officials here are considering tackling another demolition-and-reconstruction project.

Five older public housing developments in the city need more than $13 million in upkeep, but annual maintenance funding from the U.S. Housing and Urban Development Department runs about $1 million.

"Even if I got the same thing for 10 years, I could never catch up," said Joyours "Pete" Gamble, Daytona Beach Housing Authority chief executive officer.

Gamble plans to ask the Housing Authority Board of Commissioners in January to select the most-needy development as a target for another demolition-and-reconstruction grant.

The timing might be good.

Much of the nation's public housing was built during the Great Depression in the 1930s, and, once again, federal officials are considering infrastructure projects to stimulate an economy in crisis.

"If the administration authorizes more funding, it could provide opportunities for housing authorities," Gamble said.

Two possible targets for reconstruction are the Windsor and Maley apartments on South Beach Street, which are reserved for elderly and disabled people.

"I would like to see a new building for the elderly," Gamble said.

The Windsor and Maley are both 13-story towers, with 150 units each and dramatic views of the Halifax River. Developers have contacted the Housing Authority in better economic times, asking to rebuild the towers, possibly as luxury condos with public housing for the elderly and disabled built elsewhere.

"That's something we're interested in," Gamble said.

John Kretzer, vice chairman of the Daytona Beach Housing Authority Board of Commissioners, said the recent successful demolition-and-reconstruction projects should help get another grant.

"We have a good reputation with HUD," he said, adding that the three Daytona Beach projects demolished and rebuilt with $24.6 million in grants from the federal HOPE VI program were "under budget and on time."

The HOPE VI projects replaced aging, deteriorating apartments with modern townhouse communities: Pine Haven on Mary McLeod Bethune Boulevard; The Villages at Halifax on International Speedway Boulevard; and Lakeside Village on South Street.

Although Congress might approve more funding for HOPE VI, the economy could "hurt, hinder or slow down" the program, Gamble said. More HERE

HUD secretary, could rebuild agency's Clinton-era HOPE VI initiative

Source: Baltimore Sun Editorial

In choosing Chicago schools chief Arne Duncan for secretary of education this week, President-elect Barack Obama tapped a leader with demonstrated hands-on experience navigating the pitfalls of urban public policy debates and the conflicting demands of rival political constituencies.

Mr. Duncan, a Harvard graduate and longtime ally of Mr. Obama's, has headed Chicago's public school system since 2001, where he earned a reputation for moving forcefully to improve troubled schools without alienating teachers and their unions.

As Mr. Obama's education secretary, he would be ideally positioned to mediate between two contending groups: advocates of greater school accountability and tougher teacher standards, and those who believe government isn't doing nearly enough to help failing schools.

Having served as superintendent of the nation's third-largest school system, Mr. Duncan showed his dedication to innovation as well as a keen awareness of the problems facing urban schools when he shut down the failing Dodge Renaissance Academy on Chicago's West Side in 2002, then reopened it as a lab school staffed by classroom teachers seeking advanced education degrees. The experiment has been cited as a model of reform that could be replicated in failing schools across the country.

Mr. Obama indicated a similar sensitivity to the problems of cities by his choice of Shaun Donovan, head of the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development, as secretary of housing and urban development. Mr. Donovan is best known as a leading advocate of affordable housing initiatives in New York and elsewhere. As HUD secretary, he could build on that reputation by revitalizing the agency's Clinton-era HOPE VI initiative, which provided money for cities like Baltimore to demolish crime-ridden high-rise public housing complexes and replace them with new, mixed-income, low-rise developments and urban green space.

More HERE

Yonkers - Affordable apartments ready for occupancy

YONKERS – Source: Mid Hudson News - A new $23 million, 60-unit affordable housing project has been completed in southwest Yonkers and city officials came out Monday to celebrate the fact.

Croton Heights Apartments was developed by The Richman Group Development Corp. and will be managed by Landex Corporation.

Built on the site of an old, unused parking lot formerly owned by the Yonkers Parking Authority at 193 Ashburton Avenue, the building features one-, two- and three-bedroom rental units, and 1,500 square feet of community space with a well-appointed community room, a state-of-the-art fitness facility, a resident computer center, broadband wiring, on-site storage space, parking and a children’s tot lot. The complex is less than five minutes from City Hall, the Metro North train station, city bus transportation, the city’s new waterfront, as well as other redevelopment projects in Yonkers central business district.

“The benefits of creating safe, affordable housing go well beyond bricks and mortar,” said Mayor Philip Amicone. “It creates jobs; encourages stability in our neighborhoods; generates important tax revenues; sparks new investment; and, perhaps most important, restores pride in our great city.”

The Croton Heights Apartments is part of the larger HOPE VI Revitalization Plan that... More HERE

Update: Chaos erupts at Cherry Tree Crossing housing projects

NBC Augusta.com is reporting Chaos erupted at the Cherry Tree Apartments Sunday evening after police shot a man who allegedly tried to run them over with his car. Around a hundred people took to the streets and set fire to several dumpsters.

Angry residents threw rocks and glass bottles at fire fighters and police—holding them back from dealing with the fires. The mob even attacked NBC Augusta 26 News.

Dozens of gun shots could be heard as the air filled with the smell of gun powder and burnt trash. Police rushed back to the scene in full force and prepared for a clash with the mob. They suited up with riot gear, defense sticks, some carried fully-automatic assault rifles.

After deputies announced anyone caught outside would be arrested, the crowd slowly dispersed. Deputies patrolled the area throughout the night in an effort to keep the peace. MORE HERE

More later....

UPDATE:

Even though the streets have calmed down, six dumpsters were set on fire at Cherry Tree Crossing, with Richmond County deputies patrolling the area. Much different from the night before when crowds of people swarmed 15th Street.

It all started Sunday afternoon when the Sheriff's Office got information that Justin Elmore was driving a dark colored SUV in the Cherry Tree Crossing area with drugs and weapons inside. Deputies spotted the SUV and tried to stop it on Carver Drive off 15th Street. There was one patrol car in front of Elmore's vehicle and another behind it.

"The weapon was not drawn until the officer was approaching the driver, and once he saw that driver put the vehicle in reverse, he knew something was fixing to happen," Sheriff Ronnie Strength said.

Sheriff Strength says the officer fired his weapon at Elmore's vehicle, hitting the front windshield, and into the front passenger window as Elmore drove by. Investigators say Elmore then drove through yards on Carver Drive until the car stopped at a fence. Elmore was taken to MCG.

And while investigators were securing the scene waiting for the GBI to arrive, several hundred people gathered.

Sheriff Strength says some of the crowd was unruly, throwing glass bottles and rocks at deputies. No one was hurt, but four patrol cars were damaged.

"Rumors, speculation, stories, and everything else last night and they didn't know what they were talking about. But they should wait till the investigation is completed," Sheriff Strength said.

Career Opportunities - Multiple Positions Nationwide:

Quadel is expanding nationally and we’re looking for talented professionals to grow with us in serving our affordable housing clients. Whether you’re just starting on your career, contemplating the next career milestone, or looking for independent consulting, we offer opportunities which are exciting, challenging, and rewarding at every level and all around the country.

We are actively seeking entry level, mid-career and seasoned professionals with the following interests and areas of expertise:

• Housing Choice Voucher Programs
• Contract Administration
• Public Housing and Community Development
• Quality Management
• Consulting
• Training and Instructional Design

Quadel rewards the hard work and dedication of our employees by offering competitive compensation, performance bonuses, and an excellent benefits package. We invest in our people with training, professional organization memberships, and industry association conference participation. Additionally, joining Quadel offers exceptional opportunities for valuable professional experience and career advancement.

Visit our website to learn more about opportunities with Quadel Consulting that will make a difference to your career and to our communities.

www.quadel.com

Career Opportunity, Chicago, IL: Public Housing Revitalization Specialist

Department: Department Of Housing And Urban Development
Agency: Assistant Secretary for Public and Indian Housing
Job Announcement Number:
H09-MP-226085-KPz


Public Housing Revitalization Specialist
Salary Range: 84,519.00 - 109,880.00 USD per year
Open Period: Monday, December 08, 2008
to Monday, December 22, 2008
Series & Grade: GS-1101-13
Position Information: Full Time Career/Career Conditional
Promotion Potential: 13
Duty Locations: 1 vacancy - Chicago Metro area, IL
Who May Be Considered:
Status Candidates (Merit Promotion Eligibles)
Job Summary:
Opening Doors to a career with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This position is provides perfect advancement for a career expert looking for a chance in a great Federal agency.

HUD is seeking highly qualified individuals who are willing to meet the challenges of public service and supports the agency's mission. Pay is only part of the compensation you will earn working at HUD. We offer a broad array of benefits and program activities to develop your career, such as: professional development opportunities; work assignments that may consist of projects related to different housing programs; advanced technology; networking opportunities, recognize and reward creativity and performance; teamwork; and innovate work interests; and create opportunities to use and build skills.

Our mission focuses on expanding homeownership, increasing access to affordable housing, strengthening communities through economic development, fighting housing discrimination, and tackling homelessness issues.

To learn more about HUD's mission and programs, click here. Benefits include the following: health, dental, vision, and life insurance plans; paid leave and holidays; flexible work schedules; transit subsidies; retirement investment options (401K-type plan); Flexible Spending Accounts; long-term care insurance; and childcare subsidies. Exceptional difficulty in recruiting a highly or uniquely qualified candidate may or may not result in a repayment of a Student Loan benefit being offered.

This position is located in the Special Applications Center (SAC). US HUD Headquarters, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Public and Indian Housing, Special Applications Center (SAC), Washington, DC (Outstationed position: Chicago, IL). The PHRS reports to the Director of the SAC or subordinate supervisor as assigned.

TAG:VacancyID

Key Requirements:

• United States Citizen or National to apply for this vacancy.
• This announcement may be used to fill more than one vacancy.
• Must be able to successfully pass and maintain a security investigation.
• Travel and Relocation expenses are not authorized.
• Resumes emailed/mailed directly to this office will not be accepted.

Major Duties:

As a Public Housing Revitalization Specialist (PHRS) the incumbent will:

• provide senior technical oversight and administers all aspects of the Special Applications Center (SAC) in connection with special applications plans review, process and approvals;
• serve as the National Policy Liaison and provides expert technical assistance to Field HUBs, Program and Management Center offices and Troubled Agency Recovery Centers (TARC) as required to answer questions on general complex issues in connection with review and processing of Special Applications Plans;
• identify technical assistance needs, develops tailored informational packages to address needs and disseminates information and resource materials on SAC related issues to Field HUBs, program and Management Center offices and TARCs;
• provide technical assistance and training to subordinate SAC staff, Housing Authorities and industry groups in connection with Special Applications Plans processing;
• utilize available computer equipment and data systems to input necessary data relative to the Special Applications;
• coordinate with Field HUBs, Program and Management Center offices and TARCs to ensure that they are following up with their data input;
• initiate and serves as team leader in meeting involving the assessment of SAC operations and performance and assists in identifying resolution and preparing recommendations for improved SAC operations and performance;
• lead or participates in team meeting to conduct targeted performance assessments of public housing authorities using the Diagnostic, Problem Resolution, and Follow up phases to review AC areas;

Qualifications:

Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level or comparable pay band in the Federal service, which has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. Experience is typically in or related to the work of the position as described in the Major Duties above.

To meet the basic qualification requirements for this position, you must have:

For the GS-13 : you must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 level in the Federal service or comparable pay band system. For this position specialized experience is defined as:

• experience in Public Housing Authority operations, use of the Public Housing and Indian Housing Center (PIC), the SAC Assignment Planning System (APS) and an overall knowledge of the processing of the applications currently worked on by the SAC: Homeownership, Designated Housing, Section 18 and Eminent Domain.

Additional information on the qualification requirements is outlined in the OPM Qualifications Standards Handbook of General Schedule Positions. It is available for your review on OPM's website at http://www.opm.gov/qualifications.

Education

There is no education substitution at this grade level.

Requirements

Candidates must meet time-in-grade and qualification requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.

You may apply for this announcement if you are in one of the following categories: *Current Federal employees serving under a career/career conditional appointment in the competitive service; *former Federal employees with reinstatement eligibility; *persons eligible for noncompetitive appointment under a special hiring authority; or *veterans who are preference eligibles or who have been separated from the armed forces under honorable conditions after 3 or more years of continuous active service (VEOA).

Candidates that do not meet one of these categories may apply under the announcement open to all sources of candidates, H09-DE-227346-DK.

How You Will Be Evaluated:

Once the application process is complete, a review of your application will be made to ensure you meet the job requirements. To determine if you are qualified for this job, a review of your resume, supporting documentation and narrative responses will be made. The numeric rating you receive is based on a comparison of the language in your resume and your narrative responses provided in the online occupational questionnaire. The score is a measure of the degree to which your background matches the knowledge, skills and abilities required of this position that are listed below. If, after reviewing your resume, supporting documentation, and narrative response, and determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and/or experience, your score can and will be adjusted to more accurately reflect your abilities. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating.

The Competencies listed below will measures your ability to demonstrate that you possess the required specialized experience. We strongly recommend that you provide narrative responses to the statements below when you complete the online Occupational Questionnaire. Failure to provide narrative responses may result in an overall low rating:

1. Demonstrated experience of public and assisted housing programs, policies and procedures.

2. Demonstrated experience to analyze PHA management problems and to present findings and recommendations.

3. Demonstrated experience to provide technical assistance through effective communication of program knowledge to others – PHAs State and local officials, residents, concerned citizens and interested groups.

4. Demonstrated experience to communicate in writing.

A COMPLETE APPLICATION PACKAGE MUST BE SUBMITTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH INSTRUCTIONS FOUND IN THE "HOW TO APPLY" SECTION OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT. PLEASE REFER TO THIS SECTION TO DETERMINE THE APPROPRIATE DOCUMENTS THAT MUST BE SUBMITTED BASED ON YOUR STATUS. FAILURE TO PROVIDE ALL OF THE NECESSARY AND RELEVANT DOCUMENTS WILL RESULT IN YOUR APPLICATION NOT BEING CONSIDERED.

More HERE