Orange Avenue RedevelopmentTHA Monthly Newsletter Vol 5. May 2023
Vol. 5 May 2023
Highlights:
- Resident News & Events
- Orange Ave Updates
Table of Contents
- Director's Note
- THA Operations
- Demolition & Revitalization
- Boys and Girls Clubs of the Big Bend
- Resident News & Events
- Resident Resources
- Resident Highlights & Community News
- THA News & Highlights
Director's Corner
Welcome to the THA monthly newsletter!
Dear Residents - As we redefine our work and deepen our commitment to providing a safe and enjoyable community residence, we are pleased to share this newsletter to provide you with the latest news, developments, accomplishments, and updates from the Tallahassee Housing Authority (THA) properties and staff.
As Executive Director, it is our mission to enhance and expand the quality of life in our community and to maintain and provide quality affordable housing. THA will facilitate a network of supportive services to enhance the quality of life for our residents. We are committed to quality service and will provide a professional atmosphere to our employees, partners, and the greater Tallahassee constituency.
Please do not hesitate to contact me with any concerns you may have. I am here to serve you.
THA Operations
The Mission of the Tallahassee Housing Authority is to maintain and provide quality, affordable housing and facilitate a network of supportive services to enhance the quality of life for our residents.
Here's What We Do and How We Do It
Tallahassee Housing Authority provides quality affordable housing for low-to moderate-income households, fosters sustainable communities, and cultivates opportunities for residents to improve their lives in collaboration with local supportive services. Much of the public housing stock in Tallahassee is over forty years old and is well-maintained by the housing authority. Over time, we will work toward the redevelopment of our housing stock. A principal plan for redevelopment was recently completed for our Orange Avenue Apartments.The Authority is governed by a volunteer seven-person Board of Commissioners appointed by the City of Tallahassee Commission. Through formal adoption of policy, they ensure that the Authority is fiscally responsible and operates in an efficient manner.
The Authority consists of three (3) distinctive residential Public Housing communities, (aka Asset Management Properties or AMPs), located in the incorporated areas of Tallahassee, Florida. There are a total of 346 residential units consisting of 41 single-family detached homes, and 12 duplex units. The Authority also owns and maintains a 93-unit Low-Income Housing Tax Credit apartment community.
The Tallahassee Housing Authority is working to improve efficiency so that all our customers have access to information and services.
Explore the various links on our website to find available rentals, services, more about our programs, and information about payments.
Demolition & Revitalization
The Impact of Redevelopment
Arriving at the decision to redevelop the Orange Avenue Apartments was not easy. The property was approaching 50 years of usage, wear and tear. The buildings along Orange Avenue were built in a floodway, and the underground infrastructure was crumbling. The bedrooms were small, the property lacked amenities, and clotheslines dotted the property because the units were not equipped for washers and dryers. Overall, while the property was well maintained and 99% leased up, it was obsolete. THA determined that tearing down and reconstructing the Orange Avenue Apartments would be the best course of action to improve the lives of its residents, and foster equitable growth in South City.
After a rigorous procurement process, THA selected Columbia Residential, LLC as its co-developer and embarked on a comprehensive planning effort. For the next year, residents and community stakeholders engaged through workshops and meetings that culminated in the completion of a master plan to demolish 200 apartments and build 500 apartments on the 29-acre site. The developed community will include amenities such as a swimming pool, playground, computer center, conference room, fitness center, walking trail along Orange Ave., interior bike parking room, and on-site services that will help to create vibrant, supportive communities. Phase I will be finished in the spring of 2024. Phase II will be finished in the fall of 2024.
As with other cities around the country, Tallahassee residents have struggled to find quality available housing. With demand outpacing supply, the cost for housing has increased exponentially, while
incomes have only risen slightly. This lack of affordable options has contributed to an increase in poverty, homelessness, and instability within our communities.The completion of the new Orange Avenue housing community will help change that and serve as a model for other communities facing similar challenges. It will demonstrate that it is possible to create sustainable, mixed-income communities that provide affordable housing, job opportunities, and access to essential services and amenities. According to the City/County Office of Economic Vitality, the economic impact of the THA's Orange Avenue Redevelopment is estimated to create 1,073 jobs, more than $48 million in income or wages and approximately $97.7 million in total economic output. Construction (temporary) impact will create 797 one-time jobs with an additional 276 indirect and induced jobs. These jobs are not permanent jobs, rather, when the project is complete the construction employment demands created by the project will cease.
Construction (temporary) impacts will result in $82 million in direct economic output (total economic activity generated by the project), with an additional $40.7 million in output from indirect and induced economic activity.
Construction (temporary) direct impacts will result in $35.8 million in one-time income, with an additional $12.2 million in income from indirect and induced jobs. The jobs associated with construction are not permanent jobs, rather, when the project is complete, those employment demands created by the project will cease. THA hosted a job fair at the site to take applications for contractors and subcontractors looking for labor. Additionally, we partnered with the Tallahassee Community College who will provide free job training (and certification where necessary) in the construction trades through a grant they received from the State.
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Big Bend
BGCBB and THA
The mission of the BGCBB is to enable all young people to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Club membership is free to Tallahassee Housing Authority residents, and enrollment is accepted at any time.
The Boys & Girls Club of Big Bend provides youth development activities, at no cost, to the residents of the Springfield and Pinewood Place communities. The program operates Monday through Friday from 3:00 PM to 6:30 PM after school. During the summer, the hours extend from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
At the beginning of each Boys & Girls Club program, the boys and girls are greeted by staff and then served a healthy snack. Afterwards, the boys and girls begin their "Power hour", during which they complete homework assignments and receive tutoring in any subject that may present them with difficulty. After completing homework, the children participate in one of the character and citizenship building activities. These programs teach young people how to make positive decisions and develop good character traits. Prior to ending the day, the youth participate in a high-yield activity that gets them moving and energized. These activities include football, basketball, and dance. The Boys & Girls Club provides a positive environment in which the youth are encouraged to evolve into responsible, caring, and productive citizens.
For more information, click here to Email Kacy Dennis or call 850.656.8100.
Click here for BGCBB Club MembershipSpringfield Updates
Springfield has 38 renewal memberships and an average daily attendance of 35 youth.
This month Pinewood honored the member of the month, 2nd grader C. Jones. Mr. Jones enjoys coming to the club for tutoring and getting help with his homework. Thanks to the Power Hour and reading program he is more comfortable and confident about reading out loud. Mr. Jones plans to become a police officer in the future. Members who received A/B honor roll were treated to an ice cream social in celebration of their grades. The teens participated in the super clean sweep and cleaned up and beautified Tom Brown Park. Club member L. Burkes received an amazing opportunity through the club. Ms. Burkes has been given the opportunity to be the mural artist at the Mahan location of Anytime Fitness and for the next three
locations scheduled to open up.
Tom Brown Clean Up
Member L. Burkes picking up supplies for mural art.Pinewood Place Updates
Pinewood has 49 renewal memberships and an average daily attendance of 30 youth.
This month at Pinewood, we honored the member of the month, kindergartener Z. Harris. She really enjoys the triple-play aspect of the club. She enjoys being active and states that the club has taught her the importance of staying healthy. This month members at Pinewood were treated to an outing to go see the Jungle Book play at Falon Theatre. Club member C. Holiday was selected to speak at the March board meeting. She spoke on the importance of the Boys & Girls Club and how it has impacted her life. The Royalty Dance Company competed in their first dance competition and placed first in their category and in overall dance. Club Member M. Moore has made major academic progress, improving failing scores to A's this grading period. Great Job!
Member of the Month
Royalty Dance Company
Jungle Book Field TripWeekly Activities
- Second Harvest delivery dates for Pinewood
Place: 1st Tuesday, 3rd Tuesday, every Thursday, 1st
Friday of every month.- Second Harvest delivery dates for Springfield: 2nd
Tuesday and Thursday from 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM."Great things happen to those who don't stop believing, trying, learning, and being grateful."
- Roy T. Bennett
Resident News & Events
Upcoming Events
Budget and Credit Workshop
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau provided free financial materials and we are working to create a workshop agenda that includes a keynote speaker and additional financial resources. Date TBDJob Opportunity!
Housing Choice Voucher Specialist
The position duties include a wide range of activities related to determining and documenting applicant and/or participant eligibility, income, rent and contractual relationships with owners in support of the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) operations using written administrative policies and procedures. The position requires full accountability for assigned cases including accurate and complete files, resolution of customer service cases, and responsiveness to participant and landlord inquires. Salary $17 per hour | please send resumes to Dana Green.
Second Harvest of the Big Bend
Locate a food pantry near you by clicking here
Second Harvest of the Big Bend provides healthy food to relieve residents in emergency circumstances and distress year-round.Free Events
Havana Reggae Festival - Saturday May 20th at 11:00 AM
5F Farm Event Center, 8583 Salem Rd, Quincy, FL
Freedom's Eve Emancipation Concert - Friday May 19th from 7:00 PM -11:00 PM
Adderley Amphitheater, 1001 S Gadsden St, Tallahassee, FL
Tallahassee Farmers' Market - Saturday May 6th from 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Tallahassee Farmers' Market, 2904 Kerry Forest Pkwy, Tallahassee, FLLocal Events
Tallahassee Nights Live: SPRING JAM - Sunday May 7th from 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM
The Moon, 1105 E Lafayette St, Tallahassee, FL
Click Here to find tickets | $15 General Admission, $40 VIP Floor Seats
Tallahassee Job & Career Fair - Wednesday May 24th from 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
North Florida Fair, 441 Paul Russell Rd, Tallahassee, FL
Click Here to reserve a spot | Free Admission
Tallahassee Cars & Coffee - Saturday May 20th from 8:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Winn-Dixie, 1525 W Tharpe St, Tallahassee, FL
Free!
Resident Resources
Upcoming Events
Budget and Credit Workshop
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau provided free financial materials and we are working to create a workshop agenda that includes a keynote speaker and additional financial resources. Date TBD
Digital Literacy Event
May 5th | Fregly Community Center | 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
This event is hosted by the Family Self-Sufficiency Program. In this event, you will the basics of using digital tools and technologies such as online security, digital communication, and GPS navigation. Please contact Victor Jean or 850.385.6126 ext 305 with any questions.
Free Food Pantries in Tallahassee and Leon County
Good News Outreach, Food Pantry
548 East Bradford Road, Tallahassee, FL 32303
850.412.0016
Distributes free food, meals, clothing, and more to senior citizens and low-income families across Leon County, Florida.
Call the center to get information on programs administered.Wildwood Church, Our Father's Storehouse
100 Ox Bottom Road, Tallahassee, FL 32312
850.894.1400Church of Christ
Multiple locations
Click Here for Locations
Free food is available for individuals and/or households.Promise Land Ministries Lighthouse, Inc.
20 Church Road, Crawfordville, FL 32327
850.926.3281Capital Area Community Action Agency, Inc.
309 Office Plaza Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32301
Food, shelter, meals, and grant programs are offered for short-term needs. They also have applications to Florida and federal government programs, such as SNAP benefits or free lunches for children.Salvation Army, Foodbank/Pantry
5016 West Tennessee Street, Tallahassee, FL 32304
850.222.0304
Services include clothing, thrift store, holiday assistance or gifts, food, and social services. Senior citizens may be able to receive a home-delivered meal. They also serve Easter, Thanksgiving, or Christmas meals, as well as give out boxes of free groceries from the pantry.ECHO
702 West Madison Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32304
850.224.3267
May is Affordable Housing Month!
Take the opportunity to collectively advocate for affordable housing
for everyone!
Resident Resource Links
Salvation Army
The Salvation Army offers special one-time assistance to help you pay your rent.
Leon County School Calendar
Catholic Charities, NWFLT, Emergency Assistance
Free food and meals help with electric bills, grocery vouchers, Christmas and Thanksgiving meals, and more.
Domestic Violence Protections (VAWA)Leon County Human Service Resources
Florida License on Wheels (FLOW)
Florida Licensing On Wheels (FLOW) brings Florida Dept. of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles services to various sites around the city on various dates. Check the Florida Dept. of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website for the calendar. Services include changing from out-of-state to a Florida license, renewals, duplicates of lost or stolen
license, and state-issued I.D. cards, address/name changes.
Fees are $25 for a state-issued photo I.D. and $48 for Florida driver's license renewal. Fees are waived for people experiencing homelessness who have a letter from the shelter where they are staying.
Florida Dept. of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
CLICK HERE to visit the website.
850.617.2000Driver's License Status
To find out your outstanding tickets and the costs owed, click here.
To find out the cost of obtaining records or other license-related fees, click here.Social Security Card
Apply for a free replacement Social Security card online at www.ssa.gov or in person by bringing a state-issued I.D. card (not prison I.D.) to the local Social Security office Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM.
Applications can be found on-line or completed in person at the Social Security office. Once you submit your application, you will receive a letter stating that you have applied for a replacement Social Security card, and it will take 2 weeks to receive your replacement Social Security card.
Social Security
2002 Old St. Augustine Rd., Suite B-12, Tallahassee, FL 32301
866.248.2088 or 800.772.1213Education
Adult & Community Education, Leon County Schools
Provides classroom programs for persons 16 and older: Adult Basic Education, GED classes and testing, High School Credit, academic programs for disabled adults, and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL.) Some courses are offered online. Tuition is $30 per semester, but students should ask about fee waivers and vouchers for
eligible individuals.
Front desk hours: Monday-Thursday 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM, Friday 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Click here to visit the website.
Email the Adult & Community Education, Leon County Schools
526 Appleyard Dr., Tallahassee, FL 32304
850.717.2020
Resident Highlights & Community News
Neighborhood Updates
Security!
Pinewood Place is installing surveillance cameras!
ATTENTION Pinewood Place Residents
Please do not send small children to take out the trash who cannot reach the dumpster door. They are placing the bags on the ground instead. Management has also observed adults who dispose of their garbage in this same manner. Residents should not fill trash bags to the point they are too heavy to lift inside the dumpster.
Section VIII. (G) of your Lease states that Residents are to:
"Dispose of all garbage, rubbish, and other waste (including used cooking oil) from the dwelling in a sanitary and safe manner only in containers approved by THA" and to "Refrain from, and cause members of Residents household or guest to refrain from littering or leaving trash and debris in common area."
ATTENTION Scattered Sites Residents
Please keep your lawns cut this summer. Individuals residing in a scattered site home asssume the responsibility of the upkeep of the lawn. According to your lease, Section VI, Item (e)(2): THA may move a Resident into another unit if it is determined necessary to rehabilitate or demolish Resident's unit or if maintenance conditions in the Resident's unit, building or site pose an immediate, verifiable threat to life, health or safety of the Resident or family members that cannot be abated within 24 hours.
World News
Air quality
About 1 in 4 people in the US - more than 119 million residents - live with air pollution that can hurt their health, according to a new report from the American Lung Association. People of color are disproportionately affected, as are residents of Western cities. California had 10 of the 25 most ozone-polluted cities. New York, Chicago and Hartford, Connecticut, were the only three on that list east of the Mississippi River, according to the report.
Al Lawson | Community Champion for the Southside
Lawson successfully secured millions of dollars to address our district's most pressing needs, including South City's work to create a world-class Early Childhood Learning Center, which is supported by local university education departments and the Leon County School Board.
Did you know that children in the Southside community are currently 2.5 times more likely to enter kindergarten without the skills necessary to be successful in school? This center will not only serve children 0 - 5 years old living in Southside Tallahassee, it will provide comprehensive wrap-around services for area families, with a focus on breaking the cycle of poverty, and it will provide professional development and training opportunities for all early learning providers in our area. Lawsons longtime commitment to our community by contributing to the South CIty Foundation was celebrated on April 25th at a reception where he received the Foundation's inaugural Community Champion Award
Happy Residents!
Pinewood Place received much needed lighting around the complex, and residents are very grateful. One resident stated, "I am very happy to finally see what's going on around my area. Thank you, THA!"
Pest Control Schedule
Pinewood Place
2nd Wednesday
Hidden Pines
2nd Thursday
Scattered Sites
4th Wednesday
THA News & Highlights
Employee Spotlight
Karl Lofton and Anthony Grant
Thank you for your hard work in making our units look brand new!
Happy Mother's Day
"I really saw clearly, and for the first time, why a mother is really
important. Not just because she feeds and also loves and cuddles
and even mollycoddles a child, but because in an interesting and
maybe an eerie and unworldly way, she stands in the gap. She
stands between the unknown and the known."
- Maya Angelou, "Mom & Me & Mom"