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READER

July 5, 2011 Vol. XXXVI No. 14

Inside:
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For working class households, the anxiety surrounding their housing status ended in the waning days of the legislative session as Governor Cuomo picked up the loose ends of the peoples business and hammered out an omnibus bill that renewed and strengthened the states rent laws, among other things.

Jobs p 5 Grants: p 9

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Every year the New York Mortgage Coalition helps thousands of renters prepare for homeownership.
The New York Mortgage Coalition (NYMC) is a unique collaboration of financial institutions and community housing agencies dedicated to helping low to moderate-income families become first-time homebuyers in the Greater New York area. Through financial workshops and one-to-one homeownership counseling, NYMCs eight community groups educate qualified borrowers into becoming responsible home buyers. Participating lenders provide competitive, fixed-rate loans which may include closing cost and down payment subsidies on a need basis. For more information on joining the New York Mortgage Coalition please contact:
Ken Inadomi, Director 212.742.0762 Ken.I@nymc.org
NYMCs Financial Institutions: NYMCs Community Housing Agencies:

Amalgamated Bank, Astoria Federal Savings Bank, Bank of America, Capital One Bank, Citibank, HSBC, JPMorgan Chase, M & T Bank.

Asian Americans For Equality, Cypress Hills Local Development Corporation, Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement, Housing Partnership Development Corp., Housing Action Council, Long Island Housing Partnership, Neighbors Helping Neighbors, and Pratt Area Community Council.

State RenewS, StRengthenS Rent LawS

For working class households, the anxiety surrounding their housing status ended in the waning days of the legislative session as Governor Cuomo picked up the loose ends of the peoples business and hammered out an omnibus bill that renewed and strengthened the states rent laws, among other things. It is a testament to the strength of the tenant movement and the strong coordination provided by the real rent reform campaign that these important laws were strengthened, said AnHD executive Director benjamin Dulchin. Additionally, Speaker Silver and other allies in the legislature deserve credit for executing a strategy that linked strengthening of the rent laws to renewal of the 421-a construction tax abatement and property tax caps, two priorities of the republican-controlled Senate. The rent Act of 2011 passed by Albany provides a four-year extension of the emergency Housing rent Control Law (eHrCL) from June 16, 2011 until June 15, 2015, just after the states 2014 gubernatorial election. There are several key provisions. First, the act raises the $2,000 vacancy decontrol threshold by $500 to $2,500. This falls short of our ultimate goal of closing the vacancy decontrol loophole or at least raising the threshold and indexing it to inflation. However, especially in the outer boroughs, this one-time increase will slow the loss of regulated apartments. Second, the act also makes modest improvements to the Individual Apartment Improvement (or 1/40th) program. Specifically, there is a change in the formula that governs how much a landlord can pass onto a tent for renovations made to a specific apartment. For buildings with 35 or more units, landlords will only be able to pass on 1/60th of those costs compared to the current 1/40th formula. For smaller buildings, the 1/40th formula remains in tact. This change will de-incentivize landlords from buying buildings often at inflated priceswith the intention of quickly making apartments unaffordable. Third, landlords will only be able to take the vacancy bonus, which allows rents to increase by 20 percent, once a year. This will discourage landlords from rapidly turning over an apartment, sometimes multiple times a year, to facilitate quick and drastic rent increases. Finally, and something the tenant movement did not fight for, the act raises the high income threshold from $175,000 to $200,000 for higher income tenants. The governor touted the laws as having some of the strongest measures implanted in nearly 40 years and helping to ensure that almost 100,000 units will stay in the rent regulation system over the next few years and remain available for working-class new Yorkers. While the results of The rent Act of 2011 delivered a respite of sorts, there are many strengthening amendments that did not happen. The tenant movement has thus shifted our focus toward greater enforcement and effective rent administration. There are several campaigns under way and preliminary meetings have been encouraging. Stay tuned to future issues for more information about these efforts.
Key Points for the rent act of 2011 - raises the deregulation rent threshold from $2,000 to $2,500 - raises the income threshold from $175,000 to $200,000 - Limits landlords to collect only one vacancy bonus per year, reducing the manipulation of leases in order to push units out of the system - Changes how improvements are calculated and verified for individual apartments, which will reduce a landlords ability to abuse these renovations as a tool to force units out of regulation

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nYC FY 2012 Budget RepoRt

Like many core city programs, affordable housing and neighborhood stabilization initiatives faced severe budget threats during negotiations for the Citys FY 2012 budget. AnHD and our members worked particularly hard on our key programs this year, and there is some good news and some bad news. of most concern to AnHD and our members, mayor bloomberg had proposed cutting the neighborhood Preservation Consultant Program (nPCP) by almost 50%, which would have reduced funding from $1.08 million to $580,000. Through a coordinate effort of letter writing, meetings with Council members, a press conference on the steps of City Hall, and an impassioned meeting with HPD Commissioner Wambua, we achieved a meaningful restoration of $250,000. Thus, total funding for the nPCP program will be $830,000 in FY 12. In addition to restoring some of this important funding, we were encouraged to hear HPD reaffirm its commitment to the program as well as how much the agency values the partnership and contributions of our members. That being said, the approved cut will have a significant impact on the ability of ANHD members to respond effectively to the various forces threatening the affordable housing stock in neighborhoods across the city. These cuts cannot be viewed in isolation. rather, the cityboth the Mayor and City Councilmust find additional resources to ensure important infrastructure and the long-term vitality of our communities are not sacrificed. Funding for nPCP is just one of many budget decisions agreed to last month. Within the $66 billion budget, City Council renewed its funding for eight housing initiatives with $5.26 million in total funding. AnHD, along with Pratt Center for Community Development, received funding for two of the standout, citywide initiatives. Additionally, the Housing Preservation Initiative was funded by the Council at $1,250,000 this year. HPI took a cut of $250,000 from last years funding level. See schedule C, page 32 (link to Schedule C below). The same number of groups are funded, but at $50,000 per group instead of $60,000 per group. Despite the cut, HPI remains a highly-respected program with Council members and Council leadership. Indeed, the strength of HPI gives us a solid chance to have it restored next year. The Community Consultant Contract program was again funded by the Council at $415,000 this year. This is a significant achievement and a direct response to our activism as many other programs were zeroed out or cut substantially. The funding each group received differs, but page 31 on Schedule C lays out each groups allocation. The cuts will hurt many groups and our work in our neighborhoods, but this was an extraordinarily difficult budget year. The collective efforts of all our groups made the difference and we should all feel proud of these accomplishments.

AnHD members accomplish big things in housing. Help us tell these stories.

Help the aNHD Inc reader Improve.

Aesthetically, the AnHD Inc reader has drastically improved from our first issue more than 30 plus years ago. Now were looking to you for help in our editorial improvements. Suggest a story idea, submit an article, or initiate a feature on your organization. Send your email to david.k@anhdinc.org

the READER
Residents call for NY Com munity Ban
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April 12, 2011 Volume XXXVI Number

Milk Ru

k to end

Last Thursda y, tenants Bronx held of 735 Bryant a press conferen Ave ce to demand in the action. The goal was and physical to bring attention to the neglect that for years. has plagued disinvestment their building Residents were joined Ruben Diaz by Bronx Borough Presiden Quinn, as and City Council Speaker t well as neighbor Christine buildings s from surround as ing Community they collectively called Bank to put on New York an end to the serial Unfortunately, neglect. York Commun this is not an isolated ity Bank, Above 735 Bryant which holds incident for New Ruben (l-r) Bronx Borough as well as the Diaz, 735 Bryant President 33 other buildings mortgage on Association President Avenue City Council Gennet Tenant (including Speaker Quinn Riley and press conference. during the Inset:
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Residents NYCBs portfolio of nearby buildings express thoughts under

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employment opportunity

Director of real estate Development

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Project Manager
Neighborhood Restore HDFC (NR) and Restored Homes HDFC (RH), two related non-profit housing development corporations are looking for a ProJeCT mAnAGer who can manage a portfolio of sites and oversee property management and development activities for those sites. Specific responsibilities include: oversee the property managers in activities including development and approval of annual budgets and building stabilization plans, review monthly financial positions, coordinate emergency repairs, and facilitate productive tenant relations, in addition to working with HPD, private funding institutions, and other City agencies to assist developers to complete scopes of work and financing options, rehabilitation plans, tenant communication and construction loan closing. Qualified applicants to this position would possess a masters degree in planning, real estate finance, business administration or comparable field and a minimum of 4 years of work experience in the areas of housing or community development, property management, or planning is required. Work experience with the City of new York and familiarity with nYC neighborhoods and a valid drivers license is preferred. Please email resume to: humanresources@neighborhoodrestore.com. neighborhood restore is an equal opportunity employer.

aPPly oNlINe

Bldg Manager trainee

Clinton Housing Development Company (CHDC) is a non-profit organization that develops, manages and owns affordable housing in manhattan. CHDC is looking for a building manager Trainee who is interested in affordable housing and community development. The building manager is responsible for managing the day-to-day management of buildings as assigned. each building manager is assigned certain buildings for which s/he is the primary contact person. building managers are active on-call during the week and on assigned weekends and holidays on a rotational basis. responsibilities Process building maintenance and repair projects and requests for assigned buildings; monitor complaint log daily, process all requests, and concerns as necessary; review and approve all bills and invoices for assigned buildings; ensure that regular maintenance procedures occur, including but not limited to fuel delivery and extermination for all CHDC buildings; Produce weekly reports for departmental open tasks. Minimum Qualifications Computer literacy including MS Office; Excellent administrative and organizational skills; Strong written and oral communication skills; Ability to juggle multiple tasks; Ability to work within timeframes; Spanish speaking a plus. salary range $33,000 - $38,000 (resident) $35,000 - $40,000 (non-resident)

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is a source of strength for our people and our businesses.

At Citi, we have worked hard to create a workplace with an emphasis on inclusion, innovation and merit, rooted in our shared values and respect for our colleagues and the millions of people we serve. We aspire to be a company where the best people want to work; a company dedicated to empowering individuals and families around the world; and a company that provides opportunity for all. An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V | careers.citigroup.com
2009 Citigroup Inc. Citi and Arc Design is a registered service mark of Citigroup Inc. 571810 11/09

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NEWLY CONSTRUCTED APARTMENTS FOR RENT

922 Westchester Owners LLC is pleased to announce that applications are now being accepted for 87 affordable housing rental apartments now under construction at 920 Westchester Ave, in the Longwood section of the Bronx. This building is being constructed through the Low-Income Affordable Marketplace Program (LAMP) of the New York City Housing Development Corporation and the Low Income Rental Program (LIRP) of the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development. The size, rent, and targeted income distribution for the 87 apartments are as follows:

#Apts. Available 27 16 44

Apartment Size Studio 1Bedroom 2Bedroom

Household Size* 1 1 2 2 3 4

Monthly Rent** $731 $781 $942

TotalAnnualIncomeRange*** MinimumMaximum $26,846$33,300 $28,594$33,300 $28,594$38,040 $34,149$38,040 $34,149$42,780 $34,149$47,520

Qualified Applicants will be required to meet income guidelines and additional selection criteria. To request an application, mail a SELF ADDRESSED STAMPED ENVELOPE to: 922 Westchester Owners LLC c/o: The Wavecrest Management Team, 87-14 116th Street, Richmond Hill, NY 11418, or download from www.922Westchester.com. Completed applications must be returned by regular mail only (no priority, certified, registered, expressed or overnight mail will be accepted) to a post office box number, that will be listed with the application, and must be postmarked by 08/15/11. Applications postmarked after 08/15/11 will be set aside for possible future consideration. Applications will be selected by lottery; applicants who submit more than one application will be disqualified. Disqualified applications will not be accepted. A general preference will be given to New York City residents. Current and eligible residents of Bronx Community Board 2 will receive preference for 50% of the units. Eligible households that include persons with mobility impairments will receive preference for 5% of the units; eligible households that include persons with visual and/or hearing impairments will receive preference for 2% of the units; and eligible City of New York Municipal Employees will receive a 5% preference.
No Brokers Fee. No Application Fee. MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG, Mayor New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development Mathew M. Wambua, Commissioner New York City Housing Development Corporation MARC JAHR, President www.nyc.gov/housing

* Subject to Occupancy Criteria

** Includes gas for cooking

*** Income guidelines subject to change

resources
Grant/contract Name: community services Block Grant (csBG) training and technical assistance (t/ta) Program: regional Performance and Innovation consortia
Deadline: Aug 08, 2011 expected number of Awards: 10 estimated Total Program Funding: $4,250,000 Award Ceiling/Floor: $425,000 The Office of Community Services (OCS) within the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) announces that competing applications will be accepted for a new grant to establish regional Performance and Innovation Consortia (rPIs).

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defined geographic area that can provide a letter of support from the State CSbG Lead Agency and demonstrate membership or letters of support from the majority of CSbG-eligible entities in the State. rPIs will also be required to dedicate at least 20 percent of the total Federal funds requested to State Associations in their geographic area to support the continued development, implementation, or administration of exemplary practices designed to increase the capacity, improve the infrastructure, and address the sustainability of State Associations. rPIs will establish partnerships with State Associations through contracts supported by the HHS award it receives. It is anticipated that the rPIs role in the partnership with State Associations will be to serve as fiscal agent and provide technical assistance. Link: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/open/foa/view/ HHS-2011-ACF-oCS-eQ-0187 ---------------------------------------

This cooperative agreement will fund ten rPIs to serve as regional focal points to lead T/TA capacity-building activities. rPIs will coordinate activities designed to strengthen the ability of State Associations to leverage resources; promote and sustain relationships between State Associations and the corresponding State CSbG Lead Agencies; and increase the capacity of State Associations to address the broad T/TA needs of CSbG-eligible entities. The core functions of the rPIs are T/TA coordination and information dissemination. For purposes of this funding opportunity, the well-defined geographic areas will align with established ACF regions. regional coordinators will be physically located in the geographic area they propose to serve. Funding will be limited to one award per region. Within each region, a single State Association will serve as the grantee. The grantees will be selected through a competitive review process. However, State Associations in each region may coordinate efforts and apply as consortia. Priority is given to applicant organizations with proven expertise in the coordination regional T/TA activities and the provision of statewide T/TA focused on capacity-building and non-profit management. Support from other State Associations in the region will be a factor considered in the award decisions. State Association Partnerships to Support Capacity-building and exemplary Practices rPIs will collaborate with State Associations to support capacity-building and exemplary practices. rPI Consortia will be required to provide capacity-building support of $25,000 to all State Associations in their

Grant/contract Name: choice Neighborhood Initiative Planning Grant

Deadline: Aug 08, 2011 expected number of Awards: 12 estimated Total Program Funding: Award Ceiling: $300,000 $3,600,000

Choice neighborhoods Planning Grants will support the development of comprehensive neighborhood revitalization plans which will transform these communities into viable, mixed-income neighborhoods by linking housing improvements with appropriate services, schools, public assets, transportation, and access to jobs. The program is focused on directing resources to address three core goals: housing, people and neighborhoods. To achieve these core goals, communities must develop and implement a comprehensive neighborhood revitalization strategy, or Transformation Plan. The Transformation Plan will become the guiding document for the revitalization of the public and/or assisted housing units while simultaneously directing the transformation of the surrounding neighborhood and positive outcomes for families. Link: http://www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=vIeW&oppId=98093

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Grant/contract Name: saratoga square rfP

Deadline: This is an open rFP running through may 18, 2012. Funding Amount: not stated eligibility: see summary below new York City economic Development Corporation (nYCeDC) seeks proposals for the sale or lease of an approximately 25,762 square foot parcel of land located on block 1557, Lots 3, 4, 23, 26, 28, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, and 37 in the bedford-Stuyvesant section of brooklyn (the Site). Through this request For Proposals (rFP), nYCeDC is seeking individuals or organizations to develop the Site for a use that maximizes the creation of jobs for local residents, generates proceeds attributed to new development from tax revenue and purchase price/ground rent, and is contextually appropriate in terms of both design and use. nYCeDC plans to select a developer on the basis of factors stated in the rFP which include, but are not limited to: job creation, respondent team qualifications and financial ability, proposed use and design, the relationship of the proposed project to the surrounding community, economic impact on the City, the m/ Wbe hiring plan, and proposed purchase price or rent. nYCeDC will prefer responses that include appropriate industrial uses, but will also consider other uses. Link: http://a856-internet.nyc.gov/nycvendoronline/ vendorsearch/asp/Postings.asp?req_id=20110622005 ---------------------------------------

including steps to renew/update an existing registration. Section Iv provides information about the major changes that HUD will adopt for the FY2011 CoC Homeless Assistance Competition. This should assist CoC applicants to better plan for the development of their FY2011 application. Section v provides a list of registration resources to help CoC applicants successfully complete the registration process and to prepare for submission. Link: http://www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=vIeW&oppId=101213 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------the administration for childrens services, Division of youth and family Justice is soliciting applications from organizations interested in operating non-secure detention group homes in new York City. For more information visit: https://a068-aprodapp15. nyc.gov/rfponline/jsp/index.jsp Deadline: This is an open-ended solicitation; applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until 2:00 Pm on 5/31/13. --------------------------------------As the New york city Department for the aging continues to pave the way for Innovative Senior Centers (ISC) as part of the mayors Age-Friendly nYC initiative, DFTA is gearing up for the release of the Neighborhood center (Nc) solicitation. In order to be eligible to participate, organizations must be prequalified as NC-eligible. DFTA plans to issue the nC solicitation around october 2011. The cutoff for applying for NC prequalification is July 22, 2011. Applications received after this date will not be eligible to participate. no action is required for organizations already prequalified. For more information visit: http://www.nyc.gov/html/ dfta/html/home/home.shtml or http://www.nyc.gov/ html/dfta/html/community/community_pql.shtml Deadline: July 22, 2011

Grant/contract Name: continuum of care (coc) Homeless assistance competition

Deadline: Jul 25, 2011 Funding Amount: not stated

This notice by Department of Housing and urban Development is divided into five sections. Section I provides background information on the implementation of the mcKinney-vento Act, as amended by the HeArTH Act, and an overview of the Continuum of Care (CoC) planning process. Section II contains key terms used throughout this notice and the registration process. Section III provides detailed information on completing the CoC registration process in e-snaps,

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