The easTside bee OCTObeR 2012 haPPY haLLOWeeN!! We’ve Redesigned Our Website! You can now visit us at www.smha1.org and check us out. Here’s what you can do: Click on photos for maps and directions to sites. Click on the icons for ADA, HUD, EHO to go to their websites. Subscribe to our newsletter, and we will email it to you monthly. Get PDF forms and documents. View fair market rents. THE FIC PARKING LOT Since Paula, your Occupancy Specialist and I, your Project Manager have moved our offices to the FIC (Family Investment Center), which is located at 120 Emmons Street here at Steinmetz Homes, we have been noticing kids playing in the parking lot, riding their bikes in the parking lot, and we see some tenants like to park their vehicles in the front parking area at the FIC. Parents please do not allow your children to play or ride bikes in the FIC parking lot! This is and can be very dangerous. The FIC is a place of business and cars are constantly coming and going. We do not want to see any child hit by a car. As for the parking area, unless you were given permission to park in front of the FIC building, you will need to move your vehicles to the parking spaces across from the FIC building. You are taking up spaces that are reserved for clients and employees. If you have a good reason for taking up a parking space in front of the FIC building, please call me at 386-7004, I would like to hear why you need to park in these spaces. Interested in the Family Self-Sufficiency Program? You must be 18, currently living in Public Housing and be motivated to set and accomplish goals during a 5 year contract. Referrals for classes, career counseling, job placement and more can help you get a job or a better job so that you may earn money at the end of the contract. You must be willing to obtain and maintain full-time employment by the end of the contact. Call 386-7054 to determine if you are a potential candidate. ANNUAL INSPECTIONS HUD requires Housing Authorities to do annual inspections of your apartment inside and outside, at least once a year. This is a reminder that we will be inspecting your apartment soon. You will receive a letter in the mail telling you an approximate date and time as to when we will be inspecting your apartment. Please make sure your apartment is clean, garbage is thrown out properly, bedroom and bathroom doors are not locked (we inspect every room) and make sure at least one storm door is unlocked. And as always, your cooperation with inspections is appreciated. HALLOWEEN IS WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31. PLEASE WATCH OUT FOR CHILDREN!
Transcript
The easTside bee OCTObeR 2012
haPPY haLLOWeeN!!
We’ve Redesigned Our Website! You can now visit us at www.smha1.org and check us out.
Here’s what you can do: Click on photos for maps and directions to sites.
Click on the icons for ADA, HUD, EHO to go to their websites. Subscribe to our newsletter, and we will email it to you monthly.
Get PDF forms and documents. View fair market rents.
THE FIC PARKING LOT Since Paula, your Occupancy Specialist and I, your Project Manager have moved our offices to the FIC (Family Investment Center), which is located at 120 Emmons Street here at Steinmetz Homes, we have been noticing kids playing in the parking lot, riding their bikes in the parking
lot, and we see some tenants like to park their vehicles in the front parking area at the FIC. Parents please do not allow your children to play or ride bikes in the FIC parking lot! This is and can be very dangerous. The FIC is a place of business and cars are constantly coming and going.
We do not want to see any child hit by a car. As for the parking area, unless you were given permission to park in front of the FIC building, you will need to move your vehicles to the
parking spaces across from the FIC building. You are taking up spaces that are reserved for clients and employees. If you have a good reason for taking up a parking space in front of the FIC building, please call me at 386-7004, I would like to hear why you need to park in these
spaces.
Interested in the Family Self-Sufficiency Program? You must be 18, currently living in Public Housing and be motivated
to set and accomplish goals during a 5 year contract. Referrals for classes, career counseling, job placement and more can help you get a job or a better
job so that you may earn money at the end of the contract. You must be willing to obtain and maintain full-time employment by the end of the contact.
Call 386-7054 to determine if you are a potential candidate.
ANNUAL INSPECTIONS
HUD requires Housing Authorities to do annual inspections of your
apartment inside and outside, at least once a year. This is a reminder that we
will be inspecting your apartment soon. You will receive a letter in the mail
telling you an approximate date and time as to when we will be inspecting your
apartment. Please make sure your apartment is clean, garbage is thrown out
properly, bedroom and bathroom doors are not locked (we inspect every room)
and make sure at least one storm door is unlocked. And as always, your
2012 RENT AND COURT SCHEDULE RENT OFFICE PHONE NUMBER IS 386-7009 OR 386-7036
RENT WINDOWS OPEN COURT DATES AND INFORMATION Oct 1,2,and 3-Open-8:15am-11:45am & 1pm-3pm Oct 10- Open-1pm-3pm Oct 17-Open-1pm-3pm Oct 24-Open-1pm – 3pm Rent is due on the 1st of each month for the current month. You must save during the current month to have the next month’s rent money on the 1st of the month. Once you fall behind it is difficult to catch up. You and your family need a place to live. You must make your rent payment a PRIORITY item in your budget.
September Rent Non-Payment-Friday, October 5, 2012 * Please Note: Non-Payment Court at City Hall Begins at 9:00am There is a drop box in the SMHA Administration Lobby Bldg. at 375 Broadway. Please drop only money orders and checks in the drop box. Please indicate clearly on the money order, check and envelope the following: your name, your address and your apartment number. Please do not drop cash in the drop box.
ATTENTION ALL DOG OWNERS There is a new city ordinance for dog owners that you need to be aware of. Chapter 144 of the code of the city
which regulates the ownership of dogs and other animals in the City of Schenectady has been amended. Here are some thing’s you need to know.
Section 144-7, Unlawful behavior. It is unlawful in the city of Schenectady for an owner or person in possession of a dog: 1. To allow the dog to run at large on the streets and sidewalks of the city without being: a. Properly restrained by an adequate collar and leash not to exceed 8 feet in length and b. Accompanied by a responsible person over the age of 12. 2. To keep, harbor or maintain a dog that creates a nuisance by: a. Loud barking. b. Chasing vehicles, bicycles or pedestrians.
c. Defecating, digging or urinating on or otherwise causing damage to or destruction of property. If an individual is convicted of 2 offenses within 1 year, stemming from different dates, of violating section 144-7 of this code, all their dog licenses will be deemed void. In order to be issued another dog license the additional condition of providing a liability insurance policy, with minimum coverage of at least $50,000. Section 144-7.1. Dangerous Dogs. Upon finding that a dog is a dangerous dog, the owner must obtain general liability insurance in the amount of $100,000 for any injury which the dog may cause.
The above are just a few items in the city ordinance. If you would like a copy of the full ordinance on dogs, you may get a copy from your Project Manager or Occupancy Specialist.
Also a reminder to all residents who have a pet, you must register your pet with the housing authority and pay a $100 security deposit. All dogs who are 4 months and older must have a
dog license and these licenses must be renewed every year you own your dog!
AIR CONDITIONERS
If you must have an A/C on during the winter months due to a health condition, you must provide a doctor’s note. Otherwise, please remove them from your
windows. If you do not remove your A/C from your window, we will assume you are using it and you will be charged. There will still be a $20.00 charge per A/C per
month your A/C is in your window. This charge is for ALL residents! All excess utility charges are charged to your account on the 1st day of every month. So, if
you remove your A/C in the middle of the month and you call to inform me, do not expect your account to be credited or pro-rated. If you do not want to be
charged, remove your A/C prior to the first of the month.
NUMBERS TO REMEMBER MAINTENANCE HOTLINE-372-5896
MELISSA ELWERTOWSKI (PROJECT MANAGER)-386-7004 PAULA MATARAZZO (OCCUPANCY SPECIALIST)-386-7035
ART ZAMPELLA (SECURITY COORDINATOR)-386-7042 STEVE PROKRYM (TENANT INVESTIGATOR)-386-7015
October 8, 2012- Columbus Day- Agency is closed
Spotlight on Yates Village October 2012
HAPPY HALLOWEEN
As some tenants have already experienced, SMHA Occupancy Staff, your Project Manager, and our Tenant Investigator all conduct Housekeeping Inspections. The purpose of these inspections is to insure lease compliance between tenants and SMHA. The standard used to determine healthy, safe, and sanitary conditions in an apartment unit is Uniform Physical Condition Standards, and HUD regulations. When tenants are not in compliance with our lease and the above standards and SMHA staff has made every accommodation to help our residents comply with these standards, SMHA management has no other recourse but to pursue lease termination and eviction of the non-compliant tenant. Because SMHA is responsible for providing healthy, safe, and sanitary housing for all of our residents we must ask for cooperation from all our tenants in our efforts to do this. Please understand that as your Project Manager I will continue to correct any and all unsanitary, unsafe, or unhealthy conditions found in the Yates Village Community and I hope to continue to receive the support from all of our residents. Thank you
Interested in the Family Self-Sufficiency Program?
You must be 18, currently living in Public Housing and be motivated to set and accomplish goals during a 5 year contract. Referrals for classes, career counseling, job placement, and more can help you get a job or a better job so that you may earn money at the end of the contract. You must be willing to obtain and maintain full-time employment by the end of the contact. Call 386-7054 to determine if you are a potential candidate.
Unsanitary Conditions and Housekeeping Inspections:
Utility Inspections and Charges We will be conducting Annual and Utility Inspections this month in all apartments units. During inspections we will be looking for all Extra Refrigerators, Freezers, Dryers, Washing machines, and Air conditioners. You will receive a two day notice indicating the date and time frame for these inspections. The following rates will apply for excess utility charges monthly for each:
• Extra Refrigerators-$10.00 • Freezer-$10.00 • Dryers-$10.00 • Washing Machines -$10.00 • Air Conditioner-$20.00
Air Conditioners must be removed from windows no later than September 30, 2012. A note from your medical doctor is required in order to keep your air conditioner in your window beyond this date. You will continue to be charged $20.00 monthly for all units. It is your responsibility to notify your Project Manager when the unit is removed
Important Dates RENT WINDOWS OPENED AND COURT DATE October 1, 2, & 3 - 8:15am-11:45am & 1pm-3pm October 10, 17, & 24 - 1pm-3pm October 5 - Court @ 9am November 1& 2 - 8:15am-11:45am & 1pm-3pm November 2 - Court @ 9 am Please save money by paying your rent on time. Thank you.
Annual Recertification’s Residents are responsible for completing their Annual Recertification in the time frames provided with the Annual Recertification Packet. If you do not return your Annual Packet on time you are jeopardizing your housing status and will be subject to eviction proceedings. SMHA assists residents with this process by providing residents with their annual recertification packet in a timely fashion. Occupancy Specialists are available to answer any questions you may have about completing and returning the packet to the main Occupancy Office at 375 Broadway, Schenectady, NY 12305. If you or any household members over the age of 18 are required to complete the Community Service requirement, your Annual Recertification is not complete without documentation of your completion of this requirement. If you are exempt from Community Service, you must submit documentation of your exemption. Failing to complete the Community Service Requirement can lead to loss of your housing privileges. If you have any questions please contact your Project Manager or Occupancy Specialist.
We've redesigned our Website!
Please visit at www.smha1.org and check it out.
• Click on the photos for maps and directions to the sites • Click on the Icons for ADA, HUD, EHO to go to their websites • Subscribe to our Newsletter, and we will e-mail it to you
monthly • Get PDF forms and documents • View fair market rents
Construction Update: The lawns are being restored by the contractors and we would appreciate resident cooperation in this effort. While the lawns are being restored, please stay off the areas that the contractors will be reseeding for grass. Please do not park or allow guests to park in open courts while construction is taking place. All illegally parked vehicles will be towed at owner’s expense. Do not park in fire lanes, you will pay all costs associated with this act.
Downtown Spotlight Lincoln Heights ● Schonowee Village ● Ten Eyck Apts.
October 2012 Downtown AMP going smoke free - starting April 1, 2013 Starting in April of next year, all of the Downtown public housing properties will be smoke free. There will be no smoking in apartments, lobbies, community rooms, sidewalks, entryways, grassy areas, anywhere, except 3 specific smoking locations. Smoking in your apartment (or anywhere else on our property) will then become a lease violation. So - you will want to take notice, and get involved in a FREE program to help you stop smoking.
The FREE - Smoking Cessation program will start on November 14 and go to the end of December!
Are you tired of smoking or wish that you never started? The Butt Stops Here by Seton Health is a weekly smoking cessation meeting, starting 11/14/12 through 12/26/12, every Wednesday from 5 to 6pm, at the Ten Eyck Golub Community Center. This support meeting is FREE, which includes a workbook, survival kit, relaxation CD and 4 weeks of patched/gum. Commit to a healthier life by pre-registering with Beverly Nichols, Service Coordinator at 386-7027. Class size is limited to 15 participants, please make the call that will change your life!
We've Redesigned our Website! Please visit at www.smha1.org and check it out.
• Click on the photos for maps and directions to the sites • Click on the Icons for ADA, HUD, EHO to go to their websites
• Subscribe to our Newsletter, and we will e-mail it to you monthly
• Get PDF forms and documents • View fair market rents
Your new lease is ready for your signature! A new lease has been developed by SMHA staff, residents, and the board of Commissioners. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has approved this new lease for every resident of this housing authority. Signing the lease will be easy and convenient! Just come on down to the Community Room in Ten Eyck on the 23rd or 24th, or to Lincoln Heights on October 25. We look forward to seeing you!
Downtown Lease Signing Dates and Times Tues, Oct 23:Ten Eyck & Schonowee1-50 @ Golub Room 9am - 3pm
Wed, Oct 24 Schonowee 51-214 @ Golub Room 9am - 3pm Thurs, Oct 25 Lincoln Heights @ Lincoln Hts Comm Room 9am - 3pm Signing a new lease with SMHA is mandatory for the Head of Household, and ALL adult members of the household. Anyone over the age of 18 must sign this new lease. Remember to bring photo ID with you when you come to sign the lease. Failure to sign is considered a lease violation, and you will face lease termination actions if you or your adult household members do not sign the lease. If you have any questions, or would like a copy of the lease in advance, please contact Tom at 386-7003.
DO NOT Put needles/syringes directly into garbage
Last month, one of our maintenance staff members was injured because a resident put a syringe in the garbage. An investigation is underway, to determine who dropped the needle in the trash. Here’s what to do:
• Use only the SMHA designated containers in which to dispose of your used needles.
• Obtain new containers by calling the SMHA Hotline @ 372-5896. • Do not put anything in the sharps containers except used needles. • Fill only to the fill line as indicated on the container’s outside label. • Call the Hotline to request a new container before your current
container is too full. • When your container is full, tightly close the top for pick up. • Under no circumstances should you dispose of used needles in any
other manner.
The Battle against Bedbugs What to do if you find a bed bug in your apartment
• Save the bug in a sealed plastic bag, so our exterminator can confirm that you have bedbugs.
• Call the SMHA maintenance hotline immediately. • Never bring used or discarded bed frames, mattresses, box springs,
or upholstered (fabric, leather, etc.) furniture into your home.
Resident Association Events
Bingo
Saturday Bingo Oct. 13 @ 7pm Oct. 27 @ 7:00pm
Tuesday Bingo Oct. 9 @ 7pm Oct 23 @ 7 Oct 30 6:45
Halloween Party Thurs., Oct. 25 @ 6pm - 8pm
Resident Association Meeting Mon. Oct 29 @ 7:00pm
Are you unable to prepare a meal for Thanksgiving?
Equinox will provide a meal to your home on Thanksgiving Day 11/22/12. You MUST be home to have the meal delivered and have no other plans, as Equinox provides this service to those in need.
Register with Beverly Nichols, Service Coordinator at 386-7027.
September Rent Court is on Fri. Oct. 5 9am @ City Hall Council Chambers
Extermination Days Schonowee 1-111 Wed. Oct 10
Lincoln Heights Bldgs E-G Wed. Oct 24 Ten Eyck Apartments Floors 5, 6 & 7 Wed. Oct 24
FIRE SAFETY & FIRE EMERGENCY PLANNING Do not Light Candles in Your Apartment
As we move closer to holiday season, we remind everyone about the serious danger of using candles in apartments. SMHA has experienced serious fires caused by lighted candles, where life has been put at risk and extensive property damage has occurred. Each and every tenant must cease from lighting candles in our Public Housing Authority apartments and common areas. This is for your protection. Many people die in apartment fires caused by candles.
Thank you for your cooperation!
FIRE EMERGENCY PROCEDURES – SCHONOWEE If there is a fire INSIDE of your apartment: • Get everyone out • Stay as low as you can go • Close the door as you leave • Activate one of the fire alarm pull stations in your hallway • Call 911 once you reach a safe location • Elevators are not available during a fire. If you are unable to safely use stairs
then find a safe location on your floor away from the fire to wait for rescue.
If there is a fire OUTSIDE of your home BLOCKING YOUR EXIT: • STAY INSIDE rather than enter a smoke filled dangerous area • keep your door closed, seal the door with duct tape or wet sheets and towels • If possible, you should open your windows so fresh air can get in • Don't break the window - if smoke enters the room from outside the building,
you won't be able to close the window to protect yourself • Call 911, give your apartment number and describe conditions in your apt
If the fire is located away from your apartment or an exit:
• If you can exit the building safely, you should exit the building • Activate one of the fire alarm pull stations in your hallway • Call 911 once you reach a safe location. • Elevators are not available during a fire. If you are unable to safely use stairs
then find a safe location on your floor away from the fire to wait for rescue.
Fire equipment saves lives! Tampering with smoke detectors or other safety equipment can end in personal tragedy and may also
result in criminal charges and termination of a resident's lease.
The hallways at Ten Eyck have automatic sprinkler systems. This is an important safety device for people that are unable to use stairs or escape to the outside.
If there is a fire INSIDE of your apartment: • Get everyone out • Stay as low as you can go • Close the door as you leave • Activate one of the fire alarm pull stations in your hallway • Call 911 once you reach a safe location • Elevators are not available during a fire. If you are unable to safely use stairs
then find a safe location on your floor away from the fire to wait for rescue.
If there is a fire OUTSIDE of your home BLOCKING YOUR EXIT: • STAY INSIDE rather than enter a smoke filled dangerous area • keep your door closed, seal the door with duct tape or wet sheets and towels • If possible, you should open your windows so fresh air can get in • Don't break the window - if smoke enters the room from outside the building,
you won't be able to close the window to protect yourself • Call 911, give your apartment number and describe conditions in your apt
If the fire is located away from your apartment or an exit: • If you can exit the building safely, you should exit the building • Activate one of the fire alarm pull stations in your hallway • Call 911 once you reach a safe location.
o Elevators are not available during a fire. If you are unable to safely use stairs then find a safe location on your floor away from the fire to wait for rescue.
Fire equipment saves lives! Tampering with smoke detectors or other safety equipment can end in personal tragedy and may also
result in criminal charges and termination of a resident's lease.
The hallways at Schonowee have automatic sprinkler systems. This is an important safety device for people that are unable to use stairs or escape to the outside.
FIRE EMERGENCY PROCEDURES - Lincoln Heights
If there is a fire INSIDE of your apartment: • Get everyone out of your apartment • Stay as low as you can go • Close the door as you leave • Call 911 once you reach a safe location
If there is a fire OUTSIDE of your home BLOCKING YOUR EXIT: • STAY INSIDE rather than enter a smoke filled dangerous area • keep your door closed • seal the door with duct tape or wet sheets and towels • If possible, you should open your windows so fresh air can get in • Don't break the window - if smoke enters the room from outside the
building, you won't be able to close the window to protect yourself • Call 911, give your apartment number and describe conditions in
your apt
If the fire is located away from your apartment or an apartment exit: • If you can exit the building safely, you should exit the building. • Call 911 once you reach a safe location.
Fire equipment saves lives! Tampering with smoke detectors or other safety equipment can end in personal tragedy and may also
result in criminal charges and termination of a resident's lease.
