Ward 3 Constituent Information Requests ??

 

Subj: Fwd: Ward 3 Constituent Information Request - HUD Neighborhood Stabilization Program - Round One  Date: 1/6/2010 10:24:39 P.M. Eastern Standard Time From: Nelsonself To: ajsmith13@msn.com

 

You also might want to follow-up on this.  From the very beginning I was concerned that demolition activities would be heavily concentrated in Ward 2 and the plans for purchase/rehab/resale of vacant, foreclosed houses would occur primarily in Ward 3.  Keep an eye on this and the likelihood that housing and neighborhood-based programs will have precious money "siphoned off for downtown deals" as well.

 

I know of what I speak A.J.

 

Nelson

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Forwarded Message:

Subj: Ward 3 Constituent Information Request - HUD Neighborhood Stabilization Program  Date: 1/6/2010 10:19:18 P.M. Eastern Standard Time From: Nelsonself To: laubachj@ymail.com

Middletown's $2.144,000 Neighborhood Stabilization Program - Round 1 Grant funded by HUD in early 2009

 

Since the City has openly stated their use of NSP-1 funds to acquire Central Avenue property and for related demolition purposes, what authority did they have to spend $300 - 400 thousand of this HUD grant?  I would appreciate information on the above.  Also, I would like to know if any of the 20 vacant, foreclosed properties have been acquired/rehabilitated/resold?  If so, what are the addresses?

 

Approved Activities - 11/2008 Grant Application Submitted to HUD Columbus Field Office

 

1)  Demolish approximately 54 vacant, dilapidated houses - $400,000+

2)  Acquire, rehabilitate and resell 20 vacant, foreclosed homes - $1,100,000+

3)  Offer down payment/closing cost assistance to buyers of vacant, foreclosed homes - $200,000+

4)  Provide administrative funding for employees (and consultants?) to administer NSP-1 - $200,000+

 

Status Report

 

1)  A couple of months ago Doug Adkins did provide Randy Lewis with a list of houses demolished

2)  A couple of months ago Doug Adkins did mention that no properties had been purchased for rehab and resale

3)  No information has ever been provided on the number of NSP-1 funded down payment/closing cost assistance forgivable loans that Community Revitalization Department staff had approved for buyers of vacant, foreclosed homes

 

Downtown Property Demolition

 

1)  Downtown commercial property demolition WAS NOT a component of the application to HUD for $2.144 million in NSP-Round One funds

2)  Did the City of Middletown revise the NSP-1 application that was sent to and approved by HUD?

3)  I have no recollection of such an amendment to the NSP-1 application ever being presented to the City Council for consideration

 

Thank you.

 

Nelson Self

 

From: Nelsonself@aol.com
Date: Thu, 7 Jan 2010 12:29:42 EST
Subject: Ward 3 Constituent Information Request (HUD-Funded Programs)
To: laubachj@ymail.com

Joshua -

 

I'd like for you to seek the following information on HUD-funded programs:

 

1)  Down Payment/Closing Cost Assistance - how many first-time home buyers were assisted in 2009?  what are the addresses of these properties purchased by participating first-time home buyers in 2009?

 

2)  Housing & Community Development Consultants - how many consultants were utilized by the Community Revitalization Department in 2009 (including William Kubal of Bolington, Illinois)?  Other than Mr. Kubal, what are the names and addresses of any other consultants utilized in 2009?  how much money was spent on these consultants in 2009?

 

Thanks in advance for seeking information for the citizenry of Middletown.

 

Nelson Self

Mr. Laubach- what a refreshing comment from you. " I will be happy to open up a dialogue". Haven't heard that from a councilmember in years. I hope (but doubt) that you will get any cooperation from Becker, Mulligan, or Armbruster on the "open up a dialogue" idea. I would hope that Mr. Smith and Mr. Picard (and hopefully Ms. Scott-Jones) will join you in the open dialogue theme. Then, Becker, Mulligan and Armbruster will be negated as to control. Good for you!! This is what the people want, Josh!

Thank you so much for your recognition and dialogue, Councilman Laubaugh.

Mr. Laubach -

Mr. Self,
I look forward to seeing you at the council meeting on 19 January. I will see to it that a discussion is opened when you speak concerning these issues. I think everyone will benefit.

Randy -

SpiderJohn -

Mr. Self,

I appreciate your concerns and comments. I have not discarded the things you have said nor have I forgot to look into the matter.  However, I am not entirely clear on all that surrounds what you are stating. I am doing my best to collect and analyze information to make reasoned and appropriate responses. It appears that you may have a great deal of information that only you can understand having worked inside the city. I have to agree with Spiderjohn.

In addition, I also feel its better that such serious accusations are brought to all of council. Not just one or two people. For future concerns, it would serve you better to contact me and other members of council via our city email accounts, or if possible, make an appearance at council meetings.  Posting questions on this site will not always serve you best due to the fact that I do not read all information posted here daily.

Thanks for your time and work to the city.

Josh Laubach

Mike & Nelson, I will also go with you and stand right there with you.

Thank you Randy, Mike, Etc.

randy wrote: Mike have not seen you at the meetings for a while, you should give me a call, kinda waiting to take part in some triva.

As far as council meetings, I've kind of been waiting to see which way the wind blows with the new members. plus I've been a little late reading the workbooks.  A few other things have been in the way, also.