In mid-July, a group of Oliver Border House residents appeared before Northampton County Council with complaints about the condition of the home. Aside from appointing members of the NCHA, County Council has no control over this independent authority. But Council vowed to invite Oliver Border House management to respond to tenant concerns at a meeting of the Human Services Committee that took place on August 19. Administrators declined the invitation. But Executive Director Christina Feiertag did provide a written response, which Council member Ron Heckman read into the record.
Feiertag reminded everyone that NCHA was under severe financial pressure and had solicited proposals from other housing authorities. Lehigh was selected and resolved NCHA'a fiscal woes. She stated Lehigh is "passionate about its mission and is proud of what it has accomplished."
Tenants threatened with eviction. - This only occurs when there are "serious lease violations."
Office door and window closed. - The office is closed as a result of Covid restrictions.
A particular tenant has been targeted. - Management has attempted to resolve issues with a tenant but is unable to discuss specific tenants.
Too many men and mentally ill allowed. - Lehigh follows HUD waiting lists. It is a mixed population based on guidelines established by HUD.
Main front walkway cracked. - An architect retained by Lehigh has determined there is a significant drainage issue, which will require extensive work along the Center Street entrance.
Hallway air conditioning not working. - This system will be reviewed to make sure it works as well as possible.
Apartment air conditioning. - This is the responsibility of individual tenants.
Retaining wall. - This was damaged by a tenant and has been repaired.
Cracked elevator button. - On order.
Stained ceiling tiles. - They are replaced as needed.
Black on outside of building. - Outside contractor will clean.
Laundry room floor. - Vacuumed and cleaned on regular basis
Heckman's assessment is that there was a drive at one time for bi-county ventures, but in this case, things fell a little flat. There was never a vote from County Council but there was an agreement in April 2014, but no one can find it. "A lot of paperwork went away," he said. He likened authorities to "doomsday weapons. Once you create them, you can never turn them off." He vowed to continue working on the matter.
Council member Tara Zrinski, who personally appeared at Oliver Border House twice, said she was disappointed that no one from Lehigh came. Several staffers at Oliver Border House have left, according to resident Kathy Riffert. She'd like to see how finances are administered.
Under the agreement that no one seems able to find, none months notice must be provided to end the current arrangement between Lehigh and NCHA.
There will be a special metting of NCHA on August 26.
Bernie,
ReplyDeleteDon't let them get away with this denial of public appearance. What do they have to hide if they've done a decent job? This is a very important investigative report. While these residents, some in their 90s, are often afraid to speak out for fear of being thrown out of their affordable housing, this issue needs elected officials to clear up and clean up.
"Hallway air conditioning not working. - This system will be reviewed to make sure it works as well as possible. "
ReplyDeleteWhat does that mean? Either it works or it doesn't. How could the manager allow the air conditioning to not work in the first place is what she should be required to explain.
They do not need to explain anything to anybody, they get funding from the Feds and they meet their standards, however low that is, and they keep people like cattle in the minimum state of existence that is allowed
ReplyDeleteGood point re: fed standards. I used to lose federal bids I attempted, until a purchasing officer told me I was trying to hard to please them. He advised to stick to the bare minimum and not provide a pepperoni pizza where only plain cheese was spec'd. I bid just enough and win. The spec deficiencies manifest in later service work for me. It's ridiculous and if you ask questions, you're a pariah who might not be looked upon as favorably next time. Don't hate the player. Hate the game.
ReplyDelete@ 9:42.
ReplyDeleteSpot on.
ReplyDeleteI am glad Mr. Heckman is looking into this situation. I remember him as the Director of the Human Services Department.
The laundry room floor is cleaned on a regular basis. After this story broke the laundry room was closed for 4days. Day 1 machines removed. Day 2 nothing . day 3 floor vacuumed and mopped. Day 4 waxed. Could have been done in 2. As for regular basis. If you consider once a year regular. And I don't recall anything being said about individual air conditioners. We all know that the each tenant is responsible for their own. Maybe now that the 3 employees in the office have either resigned or transferred to another office MS. Freitag should spend a month here and actually take the time to walk the floors daily and speak to the tenants visit the apartments and take the time to see what's going on. Instead of staying locked in the office. Like this last group did. Imho, the best manager this building had was Jennifer Hasily
ReplyDeleteI agree with Kathy.. Jennifer Hasily was the best manager.. at least she didn't hide in the office.
ReplyDelete