families on our Scattered Sites Program waiting list in early 2013.

The new homes are being built using $428,000 in Replacement Housing Factor grants from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The architect for both projects is M.C. Smith Associates and Architectural Group. J.D. Fisher Builders is the general contractor.

These beautiful new homes are the first of 50 home ownership units the GRHC plans to build or acquire during the next several years.

Construction Underway at Two New Home Ownership SitesConstruction of the GRHC’s two new home ownership units got underway in late August. Located at 448 and 461 Oakdale Street SE, the new homes will be 1,280 and 1,440 square feet. Each two-story home will include three bedrooms and one and a half baths, kitchen, dining room, living room and full basement. Both will be vinyl sided, with designs that feature a welcoming front porch.

The new Oakdale Street units are scheduled to be completed this winter and will be made available on a rent-to-own basis to low-income

The foundation of 461 Oakdale Street SE, one of two new home ownership units currently under construction.Creston Plaza Redevelopment Update

Creston Plaza Wraps Summer Youth Program

Fall’s a Picnic at Leonard Terrace!

FSS “Passport to Success” Hosts Fresh Start Expo

Human Resources Update

New Board Members

New Resident Services Interns

Creativity Abounds at Mount Mercy Art Fest

Plant-astic Gardeners at Mount Mercy!

Dorothy Chrusciel Retires

Adams Park Observes National Night Out

Fresh Start Expo Offers Family Fun for Back to School! Details inside!

In This Issue...

Volume 7, Number 4 Autumn 2012

GRAND RAPIDS HOUSING COMMISSION

Quarterly News

Architectural rendering of 461 Oakdale Street SE.

Creston Plaza Apartments Redevelopment Update

GRHC Real Estate Development Coordinator Michael Weaver explains the Creston Plaza redevelopment plan and tenant relocation process during a meeting at Creston Plaza.

The GRHC recently held meetings to update residents of Creston Plaza Apartments regarding the planned revitalization of the 100-unit family development. The meetings were conducted in preparation for our application to HUD’s new Resident Assistance Demonstration (RAD) Program. A RAD award would enable the GRHC to convert Creston Plaza from Public Housing Program units to Section 8 Project-Based Program housing. This conversion would help us obtain the private and public funding needed to undertake the $20.6 million redevelopment project.

The Redevelopment PlanCreated with the assistance of James Childs Architects, the Creston Plaza redevelopment plan calls for the demolition of the existing 100 units on the current 12.4-acre site. Ninety-one units of low- and moderate-income housing and a community center will be constructed on the existing site, with nine units to be built at an off-site location about a quarter mile southeast of the existing development.

LIHTC Funding RequestedThe GRHC has applied for $1.2 million in federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) administered by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority. The

tax credits will be leveraged to attract the $13.6 million needed to launch phase one of the redevelopment plan, which consists of razing the existing buildings at the original site and replacing these with 65 housing units, including 16 one-bedroom apartments, 26 two-bedroom apartments and 23 three-bedroom apartments. Building styles include duplex, row house or triplex, and townhome. The community center is also part of the first phase.

Projected TimelineWe expect news of any phase one LIHTC award by early December, with RAD award announcements expected later this winter. If the GRHC receives LIHTC, the next step will be to secure construction financing. We will also apply for additional LIHTC in February 2013 to acquire funding for phase two of the project, which includes 35 housing units.

With funding in place, the GRHC would be ready to begin the resident relocation process in spring 2013. Residents will receive Section 8 assistance, and over a period of several

The redevelopment plan includes duplex-, triplex- and townhome-style structures as well as a community center fronting Cedar Street.

months will also receive support ranging from credit repair counseling to security deposit and relocation funds.

Our goal is to complete phase one construction by October 2014. Phase two construction is scheduled to be completed in June 2015.

The revitalization of the 32-year-old development has been in the pipeline since 2009 when a physical needs assessment revealed the cost to rehabilitate the project’s severely distressed buildings was similar to the cost of demolishing and totally redeveloping the site.

Creston Plaza Wraps Summer Youth Program

Fall’s a Picnic at Leonard Terrace Apartments!

Above: The cook-in’s resident chefs serve lunch with a smile! Left to right, Paul Denby, Martha Hall and Eddie “Can’t Stop Dancin’” Thompson. Right: Sisters Mona and Kristie Sallie treat residents to live musical entertainment.

Blustery fall weather transformed the recent Leonard Terrace Apartments Fall Cookout to a Cook-In, but it was all good. Residents enjoyed a feast of hotdogs with all the fixings, plus ice cream and cake, and the “icing on the cake”—live music by the Sallie sisters, all in the comfort of the retirement development’s community room.

Many thanks to North End Community Ministry (NECM) for sponsoring the Cook-In, to Family Fare for donating food products and to entertainers extraordinaire Mona and Kristie Sallie for donating their time and talents to this event.

Creston Plaza Apartments celebrated the summer season with a youth program that served 55 residents ages 4-17. Spearheaded by the GRHC Resident Services team, three parent volunteers and Pastor Charlie Grimaldi of Jenison Bible Church, the program met three days a week during June and July. Ages 4-12 enjoyed a morning session featuring crafts and games, while ages 13-17 played basketball in the Creston Plaza gym during an afternoon session. The summer youth program concluded with a pizza party that also offered crafts, games and refreshments.

Many thanks to Pastor Grimaldi and Jenison Bible Church, and to parent volunteers Nikki Cheatham, Gwendolyn Luckett and Margo Robinson for helping to make summer active, safe and fun for young residents.

Left: The summer program pizza party included a friendly basketball game in the Creston Plaza gym.Above: Parent volunteer Margo Robinson (second from left) with young friends. Below: Volunteers supervise a game of “duck, duck, goose.”

FSS “Passport to Success” Initiative Hosts Fresh Start Expo

Abbott LaboratoriesBaby ScholarsDispute Resolution Center of West MichiganEarned Income Tax Credit InitiativeExpress Employment ProfessionalsFair Housing CenterFamily FuturesFifth Third BankGoodwill IndustriesGrand Rapids Community CollegeGrand Rapids Public SchoolsGrand Rapids Urban LeagueGreat Start ConnectHabitat for Humanity of Kent CountyHealthy Homes CoalitionHome Repair Services Huntington Bank

The ongoing “Passport to Success” Family Self-Sufficiency Program initiative forged by the Grand Rapids Housing Commission and Wyoming Housing Commission offered a communitywide Fresh Start Expo in late August. Co-sponsored by Seidman Boys & Girls Club, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity and the Kent Intermediate School District “Bright Beginnings” Program, the Expo featured something for everyone. Children’s fun ranging from crafts and musical activities to basketball and golf kept the younger attendees entertained while their parents and caregivers visited information tables that spotlighted 33 organizations from the educational, financial, health and human services industries. Free hotdogs and all the fixings were served, and free school supplies and backpacks were distributed to those gearing up for back to school.

Five hundred sixty-five people attended the Fresh Start Expo, and 330 students received a new backpack. Many thanks to Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity for supplying the free lunch, to Huntington Bank for supplying 180 backpacks, to Scholastic Books for donating school supplies and to the Kohl’s employee volunteers who pitched in wherever help was needed. Thanks also to the Seidman Center Boys & Girls Club for hosting this event, to Bright Beginnings for providing children’s activities and to all of the organizations that staffed information tables:

Inner City Christian FederationKent County Friend of the CourtKent County Health Dept.Kent School Service Network (KSSN)Legal Aide of Western MichiganLINCLiteracy Center of Western MichiganMacatawa BankProject Get ConnectedSpectrum Health Core HealthSpectrum Health Moms ProgramStrong BeginningsUnited WayWMCATWomen’s Resource CenterYMCA Healthy Living Hub

Pictured clockwise from top left: The line was long, but the Expo was worth the wait!; photos 2 and 3, proud owners of new backpacks; community organizations offer information and resources; Kohl’s volunteers serve lunch provided by Kappa Alpha Psi; young attendees team up for golf; a volunteer helps with a craft project.

G.E.D. Prep Class Offered at Campau CommonsThe Passport to Success initiative is partnering with Grand Rapids Public Schools to offer free classes that will help prepare participants to pass the General Education Development (G.E.D.) test. The G.E.D. diploma that is awarded to students who successfully pass the test is equivalent to a high school diploma and can open up job opportunities as well as opportunities for career advancement.

The ongoing G.E.D. test prep classes are offered Wednesdays and Thursdays from 1-4 p.m. at the Campau Commons Community Center located at 821 South Division (corner of Division and Franklin). For more information, please call 235-2879, ext. 102.

FSS “Passport to Success” Initiative Hosts Fresh Start Expo Back-to-School Event at Seidman Boys & Girls Club

Asset Manager Jake Blakeney now manages Campau Commons Apartments, Creston Plaza Apartments, Sheldon Apartments and the GRHC’s Scattered Sites program. Jake has managed all of our Public Housing and retirement housing developments.

Lynn Simone is now the Asset Manager for Leonard Terrace Apartments, Mount Mercy Apartments and the GRHC’s Hope Community Transitional Housing Program. Lynn transfers from a position as Section 8 Manager at our administrative office.

Stacy Brown, MSW, is now the Resident Services Specialist for Leonard Terrace Apartments. Stacy transfers from a similar position at Adams Park Apartments. She has also been the Resident Services Specialist at Mount Mercy Apartments.

Caroline Schnarrs, MSW, is now the Resident Services Specialist for Adams Park Apartments. Caroline transfers from a similar position at Hope Community Transitional Housing Program. She has also spearheaded resident services at Mount Mercy Apartments.

Staff On the Move

Welcome, Tara Franklin!

Tara Franklin is the GRHC’s new Waiting List Specialist. Tara has 11 years of experience in administrative and management positions, including work within the military and marketing industries. She holds a bachelor of social work degree as well as a master of science degree in liberal arts.

The Housing Commission recently welcomed two new Resident Advisory Board members:

Susan Corlis is representing the tenants of Adams Park Apartments. Ms. Corlis is a semi-retired home care provider, and she also volunteers with several nonprofit and faith-based organizations.

Janice Dupler is representing the tenants of Mount Mercy Apartments. Ms. Dupler has experience serving on the board of a neighborhood association, and she has also volunteered with a number of other organizations. She currently volunteers her time to help run the Mount Mercy Food Pantry.

The Housing Commission relies on our Resident Advisory Board to help review and refine policies and practices so that we can more effectively meet the needs of the families we serve. We are grateful to our new board members and to all of the residents who serve on this important team.

Mike King, Jeff Guiles Win Real-Life “Game of Thrones”

GRHC Maintenance Technician Mike King won third place overall at the 2012 “Top Tech Challenge” held during the Michigan NAHRO Summer Conference in Lansing. NAHRO is the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials, a trade association and advocacy group.

Mike was awarded an impressively inscribed bronze toilet seat trophy. Not to be outdone, Custodian Jeff Guiles took first place in the hotly contested Light Bulb Installation event.

Congratulations, Mike and Jeff, and thanks for all you do to keep GRHC housing developments in top shape!

Mike King (right) and Jeff Guiles celebrate their success at unseating the competition during the 2012 Michigan NAHRO Top Tech Challenge.

Welcome, Student Interns!

Many thanks to the GVSU social work interns who are supporting our Resident Services program. Pictured from left: Katelyn Spalding, Kristen Williams, Chelsea DeNio and Teresa Peuler.

Welcome, New Resident Advisory Board Members!

Human Resources Update

Creativity Abounds at 2nd Annual Mount Mercy Art Fest

Plant-astic Gardeners! Dorothy Chrusciel Retires

The second annual Mount Mercy “Art Fest” art exhibit and competition was held in late September in the low-income retirement development’s auditorium.

Six talented resident artists entered the friendly creative competition, sharing work representing such media as metalwork and needlework, painting and drawing, sculpture and recycled art.

More than 80 art enthusiasts visited Art Fest during its one-week run and cast votes to help their favorite artists win a $50 cash First Prize or a $25 Second Prize award. Congratulations to Sharron Kelly who won First Prize for her drawing “Sick Day” and to Gerard Jean-Pierre who won Second Prize for his energetic acrylic painting of a Haitian landscape.

Mount Mercy Apartments Update

Mount Mercy resident Sharron Kelly earned the Art Fest First Prize award with her wonderfully detailed graphite drawing “Sick Day.” The piece features two of her favorite subjects, her grandson and his trusty dog.

Dorothy Chrusciel (right) addresses well-wishers during her retirement party at Mount Mercy’s café. At left is GRHC Resident Services Specialist Erin Wieczorek.

GRHC staff and Mount Mercy Apartments residents recently gathered in the Mount Mercy café to honor Dorothy Chrusciel as she retired from her post as Resident Assistant after more than 13 years of service. Dorothy’s thoughtfulness, kindness and generosity have touched the lives of many, and we are very grateful for not only her service but also that she will continue to make Mount Mercy her home. Congratulations, Dorothy, and thank you!

Ten resident gardeners worked veggie magic on a series of small plots located behind Mount Mercy’s west wing. The carefully tended rows of tomatoes, peas, peppers, okra and greens offered a colorful display and, more importantly, a bounty of wonderful fresh produce for residents’ tables. Kudos to these vegetable gardeners and to all of the resident green thumbs whose work helps keep the Mount Mercy grounds vibrant and beautiful.

Resident Laura Olson and her grandsons harvest tomatoes from her carefully tended vines.

GRAND RAPIDS HOUSING COMMISSION1420 Fuller Avenue SEGrand Rapids, MI 49507

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Adams Park Observes National Night OutGrand Rapids Police Department South Service Area commander Captain Eric Payne (right) and Chief of Police Kevin Belk greet Adams Park Asset Manager Tenisia Moore; a Grand Rapids Fire Department firefighter explains engine operation and features; representatives from Baxter Neighborhood Association offer information about safety training.

Grand Rapids Housing Commissioners: Bobbie Butler, President Betty Zylstra, Vice President Angela Bunn, Robert Cooper, Patrick Miles, Sr.GRHC Executive Director: Carlos A. Sanchez

Editor: Joyce SmithStaff Contributors: Lois Alexander, Stacy Brown, Judy Cannon‑Groce, Betsy Chambers‑Hole, Felicia Clay, Jeffrey Guiles, Mike Heller, Tenisia Moore, Carlos A. Sanchez, Hattie Tinney, Michael Weaver, Erin Wieczorek Published by the Grand Rapids Housing Commission to keep residents, community partners and other supporters informed of our affordable‑housing programs. Please send questions, comments or story ideas to: Grand Rapids Housing Commission1420 Fuller Ave. SEGrand Rapids, MI 49507E‑mail: jsmith@grhousing.orgCopyright 2012, all rights reserved.

Residents and friends of Adams Park Apartments observed this year’s “National Night Out” crime and drug prevention event with an afternoon cookout at the development’s gazebo. Grand Rapids Police Department Chief Kevin Belk and South Service Area commander Captain Eric Payne were on hand to support this neighborhood crime prevention effort. Representatives from the Grand Rapids Fire Department and Baxter Neighborhood Association also joined us to offer safety tips and information about volunteer training. Many thanks to all who participated in this fun and worthwhile event!