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| Inside news from the Housing Authority of Portland | April 2009 |
Federal Recovery Funds Will Improve HAP's Sweet 16
HAP plans to use $6.3 million in funds provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), and $2 million in agency funds, to undertake significant capital improvements at 16 family properties in its public housing portfolio. HAP is receiving the funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, which administers the nation's public housing program.
“We have a five-year plan in place to address the backlog of needed capital improvements at our public housing sites,” said Mike Andrews, director of development and community revitalization. “Because we’ve done the work to identify “shovel-ready” projects, we are able to take full advantage of the economic recovery money and get people to work immediately.”
The Sweet 16 portfolio includes 296 units located in Portland and Gresham. Work begins in May, with construction to take place in seven phases over the next 18 months. Improvements will include new plumbing and electrical systems, kitchen upgrades, new paint, new furnaces, new flooring and other needed site repairs. All renovation projects will emphasize “green” improvements in energy efficiency and use of environmentally-friendly materials.
Read more about the Sweet 16 projects
HAP to Receive OAME's Public Agency Award
HAP is being recognized for its support of minority-owned, women-owned, disadvantaged and emerging small businesses. In particular, OAME considered the agency’s tremendous success in directing 40 percent of the construction work at its $40 million Humboldt Gardens development to these target businesses as a noteworthy achievement. “This belief in equity is more than just policy from the board,” said Jerry Walker, HAP purchasing manager, “it is embedded in the fabric of our work. Every department in the agency values this commitment.”
To further its commitment to business equity, HAP is participating in a pilot project launched by Office Depot to support the growth of minority-owned businesses across the county. HAP is purchasing its office supplies through Coast Office Products, one of 12 firms selected nationally for Office Depot's Tier One Supplier Diversity Program. HAP has access to the program through its membership in US Communities Government Purchasing Alliance™, a nationwide purchasing cooperative for local and state government agencies.
Read more about OAME's annual conference and Coast Office Products
Tax Credit Properties to be Acquired from Investment Partners
Peter Paulson and Pearl Court, two properties totaling nearly 300 units in the agency’s housing portfolio, are soon to be under full HAP ownership. Both properties were originally developed as real estate limited partnerships with HAP as the managing general partner and a financial entity as the investment limited partner. With the stream of tax benefits at these two properties now expiring for the investors, HAP is negotiating to purchase full ownership rights.
Peter Paulson provides 92 single resident units close to Portland State University and serves individuals seeking housing stability. With 199 units in Portland’s Pearl District, Pearl Court, pictured above, provides livable workforce housing for lower-income working individuals and families. “Our goal is to preserve these properties as part of our portfolio, and continue to make them available as affordable housing options in our community,” said Dianne Quast, director of real estate operations.
These two transactions bring HAP’s total tax credit acquisitions to three, with one more slated for 2009 and future acquisitions possible through 2022.
HAP PROFILE: Jon Wild and Mary Mata
Northwest Pilot Project recently honored Jon Wild and Mary Mata, HAP’s on-site management team at Northwest Tower and Annex, with its Housing With A Heart Award, its highest award to honor apartment managers. “Jon and Mary exude a calmness and unflappability in addressing problems and finding solutions. Their compassion for their residents is palpable,” said Susan Emmons, Northwest Pilot Project executive director.
Northwest Pilot Project has a strong partnership with Northwest Tower, referring clients seeking affordable housing and leasing three units for transitional housing. Wild and Mata have worked in tandem at this HAP property for the past three years. Both relish the challenges offered by the job and are drawn by the desire to serve others in need. Together, Northwest Tower and Annex are home to more than 200 people in 174 apartment units. With a tenant mix that includes seniors, persons with disabilities, and families, this high-density housing can be a chaotic and demanding environment.
“We understand the great challenges of providing good property management,” continued Emmons, “and we want to publicly recognize managers who are exceptional.”
Read more about what Northwest Pilot Project said about Jon and Mary
Monthly Reports
Read the latest Dashboard report
HAP IN THE NEWS
Read more about HAP’s projects, accomplishments and work in the community.
THE OREGONIAN: Portland landlords, tenants take their lumps in downturn
GRESHAM OUTLOOK: Gresham gets federal funds for community development
THE SKANNER: Section 8 Rentals Saved
PHONE: 503-802-8300 • E-MAIL: hapunwrapped@hapdx.org • WEB: www.hapdx.org