Washington Square PowerPoint Presentation

Overview of RAD at Washington Square

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.
 

 

text-align: justify;">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.
 
Washington Square RAD 2.10.15 Meeting
On February 10, 2015, at 5:30 p.m., HOC held a meeting for Washington Square residents in the Jean A. Smith 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 the Office of Legislative and Public Affairs was also present during the meeting. The purpose of the meeting was to update residents on RAD as it pertains to the relocation and renovation process at Washington Square. The information below was shared during the meeting.

For the households that are relocating out of Washington Square

  • Property Management, Housing Resources Division and Resident Services will coordinate the relocation.
  • 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.
  • Moves are anticipated to begin on February 23, 2015.
  • The lease effective date is March 1, 2015.
  • Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. via email or at (240) 627-9687 to schedule a move. Residents must be able to provide Ms. Wright with move dates in order for her to coordinate with the moving company.
  • Please let Michelle know if you have any special circumstances during the move. Elderly, valuables, large furniture, medical equipment, etc.
  • A roll-off dumpster will be parked on the property for at least one month.
  • Residents may leave large items in their unit. HOC will dispose of the item. The resident must clearly mark the item as trash.
  • Once a household receives their move date, it must coordinate with utility companies and the school for appropriate student assignment.
  • Residents must attend one of the six available briefings, after they receive a Project Based Voucher, to receive their certificate of Eligibility in order to complete the move.
 
   
 
Relocation Questions and Answers
Q: Will I receive keys the day I sign my lease?
A: Residents will receive their keys on the day that they move.-
Q: What happens if there was a change in my household?
A: Complete an Interim Packet and contact Michelle Wright?-
Q: How long are the briefings?
A: Briefings last approximately two hours. One hour is allocated to covering the material and the other hour is allocated to questions and answers.
 
 
For the residents that are staying on the property after renovations
  • Residents have already signed their leases.
  • Washington Square is no longer Public Housing it is now Project-Based Section 8.
  • All units will be renovated to a higher standard. The community center and offices will also be renovated. A Hot Spot will be available in the community center. The kitchen will be renovated similar to the units and the floor will be renovated.
  • The property will become mixed-income. Half of the renovated units will be market rate renters.
  • This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.and This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.are your HOC Construction team.
  • 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 Washington Square.
  • Vacant unit renovations will start by April 1, 2015. Contractors will work in batches of at 10 to 15 units at a time. This should take approximately four weeks to complete.
  • 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. The washing machine and dryer will be in its own room and not in the kitchen. The playground will be upgraded with brand new equipment. A shelter will be provided to cover the front door.
Meetings may not take place on a monthly basis.
 
The waiting list will open around July 2015 for the general community. Feel free to encourage others to move on the property.
  • 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.

Phase One:Application Submission

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) approved the RAD application, submitted by HOC, for Washington Square on March 26, 2014.

Phase Two: Planning the Renovation and Relocation

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

Renovation and Relocation Planning 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 Relocations

HOC projects that it will begin relocating Washington Square Households in October of 2014. All residents should be relocated by December of 2014.

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