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Minutes of a Meeting of the
Newport News Redevelopment and Housing Authority
February 18, 2025
Housing program is currently occupied at 93% and the Housing Choice Voucher
program is currently at 90%. The MOD Rehab Program, which includes Warwick
SRO, is 93% occupied. All of the apartment affordable housing communities are
occupied at 92% on average.
Ms. Lockley also reported that the Cormmunity Resources Depariment partnered
with the Newport News Public Library Outreach Department! sponsored a
bookmobile event where residents at Spratley House, Ashe Manor and Pinecroft
Apartments had the opportunity to browse a wide variety of books. On January 16th
Community Resources also held its grand opening for its computer llab and held a
budgeting 101 personal finance workshop.
Ms. Dessoffy reported that the management team is actively encouraging staff to
enhance their leasing efforts. Recently, the Executive team had a meeting with a
representative from HUD to discuss strategies for improving leasing efforts and
estimating voucher usage. HUD funding is being monitored in light of ongoing
changes at the federal level.
Each month, payments totaling $2 million are distributed te landlords on the first
day, along with a mid-month check run that typically amounts to between $200,000
and $300,000. There was initial concern about the stability of HUD funding due to
recent changes in the current administration. However, funding! was received
without interruption, and payments were successfully processed for February.
Ms. Dessoffy also reported that the Finance and Administrative Services team is
collaborating on the Payscan module, which is designed for lthe electronic
processing of invoice routing and payments. The system has already been tested
with property managers, but there is still progress to be mate before full
implementation.
Ms. Shaw noted that approximately two weeks ago, our disbursement system
experienced a shutdown. In response, the Executive team convened to explore
alternative plans for providing funds. While short-term solutions are currently in
place, there will be ongoing meetings scheduled to develop a more robust and
long-term plan.
Ms. Ellis reported that Officer Calloway, the Safety and Security: Manager, has
significantly improved safety for residents and staff by installing camera surveillance
systems in both community areas and office buildings. This system enables the
police to access footage for criminal investigations on NNRHA properties.
Additionally, no trespassing signs have been placed throughout all properties to
help ban individuals involved in criminal activities. Residents cari anonymously
report crimes using a tip line and hot spot cards. The NNRHA has also implemented
electronic key entry systems, controlled entrance doors, enhanced lighting, and
increased police patrols. Shot spotters have been installed in Marshall Courts,
Aqueduct, and Cypress Terrace Apartments. Mr. Calloway showcased a
demonstration of the new surveillance system to highlight its features!
Mr. Staley reported that the CDBG Application Review Committee met on February
12, 2025, to assess available funding for the 2025-2026 program year. Committee
members include Tina Vick, Don Ealy, Marcy Miller, Lamont \Williams, and
Thaddeus Holloman. This year, a total of 21 applications for CDBG funding were
submitted, with 16 coming from non-profit organizations, including 5 first-time
applicants. Presentations from ihe applicants are scheduled for Thursday, February
20th. Although we have not yet received funding for the current program year, weJump to an indexed page (43 of 43)