Overview of RAD at Seneca Ridge

 
The purpose of this page is to keep HOC stakeholders constantly informed during its transition to Project-Based Vouchers through the Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program; however, it is specifically designed for all households affected by the conversion.
 

Property specific key developments, start and completion dates, vital contact information, and when possible, pictures or samples are provided in the Fact Sheet for all phases of the project. The information presented will inform residents about RAD and will help them engage with the agency throughout the transition process. All RAD-related information pertaining to HOC can be located on this page.

Please bookmark this page and check back for the latest RAD updates affecting your property. The page will be updated on an as needed basis. A weekly visit to the RAD webpage is recommended to remain informed on all developments.
 
Seneca Ridge RAD 2.10.15 Meeting

On February 10, 2015, at 7:00 p.m., HOC held a meeting for Seneca Ridge residents in the Tony Davis Family Resource Center. The meeting was facilitated by Zachary Marks, Assistant Director of New Development at HOC, Ellen Goff and Jay Shepherd. Staff from HOC’s Resident Services, Property Management, and Office of Legislative and Public Affairs were also present during the meeting. The purpose of the meeting was to update residents on RAD as it pertains to the relocation process at Seneca Ridge. The information below was shared during the meeting.
  • January 1, 2015 the property became Project-Based Section 8. A total of 16 units will become market rate rental units but resident services will remain on the property.
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  • Residents will be relocated to renovated vacant units. The vacant units will come from the vacancies that were created as a result of the households that chose to move out of Seneca Ridge.
  • Vacant unit renovations will start by April 1, 2015. Contractors will work in batches of at least 10 to 15 units at a time. It should take approximately four weeks to complete each batch.
  • Construction is expected to be complete in June 2015. At the latest, residents will move into their new unit in July 2015.
  • HOC will try to prevent “renovations in place.”
  • All approved reasonable accommodations will take place the new unit.
  • Construction work hours are Monday to Friday from 7am to 5pm. Contractors may work on Saturdays. Construction may be delayed due to the rain.
  • HOC will provide written 30-day notices to everyone when it is time to move.
  • Residents will be appropriately housed.
  • Moving assistance in the form of boxes, tape, storage space and movers will be provided to all households. Movers will be provided even if residents are moving to the unit next door.
  • Residents will sign a new lease when they move into their new unit.
  • A survey was provided for residents to complete and they should be returned by Friday. A copy of the survey is available at the top of this page.
  • Single family households will more than likely have to relocate to a two bedroom unit.
  • There may be opportunities to move to another community.
  • Residents may have an opportunity to relocate to Ken Gar, Parkway Woods, Seneca Ridge, Sandy Spring Meadows, Town Centre Place and Washington Square.
  • Post-renovation pictures were shared. The units will receive a complete renovation. (see the PowerPoint presentation for the pictures). Over head lights will be provided in every room. Units will be remediated for mold and humidity sensor fans will be installed in bathrooms to prevent mold. The property’s drainage system will be repaired.
  • Meetings may not take place on a monthly basis.
  • The property’s waiting list will open around July 2015 for the general community. Feel free to encourage others to move in Seneca Ridge’s freshly renovated community.
  • Factors for new unit assignment are number of household members, age gender and relationship of family members approved reasonable accommodation
  • If an in-place renovation must occur, residents may have to temporarily renovate to a vacant unit or hotel during some of the stages. They have to sign a temporary occupancy agreement. The same level of moving assistance and storage will be provided if a resident desires to stay in-place during renovations.

Meeting Questions and Answers

  • Q: Will the trash removal process change? A: There are not any planned changes to the trash removal process at this time. HOC may consider a “Trash Day”
  • Q: Can residents be provided with a trash pickup time? It comes so early so residents miss the trash pick-up A: Two days a week pick-up is not feasible. There may be a roll-in dumpster on the property during the moving process. We are going to stick with one time a week. Residents are encouraged to put their trash out the night before the schedule pick up day. HOC will also meet with the contractor to see if it possible for a larger trash bin.
  • Q: Can larger families have two trash receptacles? A: HOC will take this suggestion into consideration.
 

Phase One: Application Submission

 

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) approved the RAD application, submitted by HOC, for Seneca Ridge on, December 18, 2013.

Phase Two: Planning the Renovation

HOC began planning the property’s renovation on February 1, 2014. Developing an efficient renovation plan took approximately six months to complete.
 

Planning the Renovation Updates

  • HOC’s Commissioners approved the development and financial plan for the property.
  • HOC submitted it plan to HUD on October 17, 2014.
  • HUD has agreed to review HOC's plan and provide feedback within 60 days of submission, or by December 18, 2014.
  • Upon completion of HUD's review process, a RAD Conversion Commitment (RCC) is issued to HOC signaling the formal approval to begin RAD conversion and mobilizing renovations to the property. HOC expects to commence in 2015.

Phase Three: Start Renovations

Contractor Information

To be determined.
 

Contact Information

HOC’s commitment is to remain transparent and keep all stakeholders informed of RAD-related developments. Most importantly, HOC is committed to keeping affected households actively involved in the conversion process. Below is key contact information for RAD-related questions, concerns, or comments.

 
Contact person for renovation plan feedback: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
 
Contact person during renovations: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
 
 

Upcoming RAD Meetings

TBD