| APAH Announces Affordable Housing Honorees
Ron Carlee and John Shooshan will be recognized at the 2012 APAH Annual Fundraiser on October 2, 2012 | "APAH will honor Ron Carlee, former Arlington County Manager, for his steadfast commitment to Arlington's affordable housing policy, and John Shooshan, for his unwavering leadership in our County's effort to end homelessness," said APAH President/CEO Nina Janopaul, at a recent event to thank APAH's past contributors. "They will be honored at "Celebrate of Affordable Housing," APAH's Annual Fundraiser Event, on October 2, 2012, at the Clarendon Ballroom in Arlington, VA." Ron Carlee,
 | |
L to R: John Shooshan, Ron Carlee, APAH Chair Rita Bamberger, APAH President/CEO Nina Janopaul |
currently chief operating officer of the International City/County Management Association, served as Arlington's County Manager from 2001-2009. He supported the development of committed affordable housing and expansion of housing opportunities for people with special needs. During his tenure more than 1,100 housing units were committed to long-term affordable rents with the overall stock of affordable housing rising to approximately 14% of all rental housing. John Shooshan, CEO and President of The Shooshan Company, and Co-chair of the Leadership Consortium of the 10 Year Plan to End Homelessness, established the 100 Homes Campaign Fund. He worked closely with the County and created an unprecedented private/public partnership dedicated to providing affordable housing to our most vulnerable citizens. He founded The Shooshan Company in 1986 and today he leads their newest development endeavor, Founders Square, a 5.35 acre mixed-use project that combines 1.2 million square feet of density with a 2 acre park in Ballston. He previously served on the Arlington County Affordable Housing Roundtable, a nonprofit, for-profit and government collaborative that developed the current Affordable Housing Policy. For more information see APAH's News Release. |
| Buchanan Gardens Playground Opens
Young residents enjoy new equipment | |
Progress continues on Buchanan Gardens Apartme nts. The new playground opened recently and is in active use by young residents. Seven of 11 buildings are renovated and to date APAH has retained 65% of the residents who were with us when construction began a year ago. |
| Columbia Grove Resident Services Program
Easter Egg Hunt a big success |
Young Columbia Grove re sidents enjoyed spectacular Spring weather while searching for hundreds of Easter eggs hidden throughout the property. The Easter eggs were donated by Arlington County-based Corporate Executive Board, a public company located in Rosslyn.
"Financial Recovery Tips" program focused on financial education
APAH's Columbia Grove residents learned "Financial Recovery Tips," at a recent bilingual program presented by Jorge Laura, Housing Outreach Coordinator, for Arlington's Department of Community Planning, Housing and Development. |
| Arlington County Board Passes the Budget
FY2013 includes increased funding for affordable housing | |
The Arlington County Board adopted a $1.052 billion budget on April 21 that includes increased funding for affordable housing:
· $9.5 million in funding for the Affordable Housing Investment Fund -- The Board added $2.8 million in one-time funding to the proposed $6.7 million.
· $2.2 million for Housing Grants -- This one-time additional funding will provide rental subsidy for older adults, people with disabilities and working families with children, bringing the total to $8.6 million.
· Housing Study -- The County will initiate a housing study to assess gaps in programs and identify potential funding strategies.
These and other initiatives (maintenance of County-owned facilities and infrastructure, employee compensation and core services) will be funded by a 1.3-cent increase in the real estate tax rate. |
|
Arlington Mill Update
Construction on Arlington Mill Residences on track to begin in August |
Construction at the Arlington Mill Community Center site (Columbia Pike and S. Dinwiddie St.) is in full swing as the underground  parking garage continues towards a summer completion. APAH recently announced Bank of America as the Low Income Housing Tax Credit equity partner and selected Hamel Builders as the general contractor. APAH will begin construction atop the parking garage in August 2012. The wood-frame construction four-story apartment building, adjacent to the Arlington Mill Community Center, will be completed before December 2013. Amenities include free underground parking and laundry facilities on each floor. 80% of the apartments are family-sized units (2 and 3 bedrooms). 79% of the 122 units will be affordable to those earning 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI); 10% of the units are affordable to those earning 40% of AMI; and 10% are affordable to 50% AMI. |
| Volunteer Arlington Day
E*TRADE team rids Columbia Grove of invasive ivy |  APAH greatly appreciates the efforts of volunteers from the Ballston-based E*TRADE staff who participated in the Chamber of Commerce's Volunteer Arlington Day at Columbia Grove. They helped to rid the property of invasive English Ivy that was growing on trees, walls and shrubbery. |
|
Mark Your Calendar for Upcoming Events
APAH, County and housing events encourage local participation | |
APAH Annual Fundraiser - October 2, from 5:00 pm-8:00 pm at the Clarendon Ballroom.
State of Affordable Housing - May 16, from 6:30 pm-8:00 pm, at the Walter Reed Community Center, Alliance for Housing Solutions invites Arlingtonians to learn more about the need and status of affordable housing in Arlington.
Open Door Monday - Every Monday evening (except government holidays) from 7:00 pm-9:00 pm at various locations. Arlingtonians are encouraged to participate in Arlington Chair Mary Hynes' PLACE -- Participation, Leadership and Civic Engagement -- Initiative. All residents are welcome to attend any session to speak to a County Board member. No appointments are needed. Come and speak about the importance of affordable housing in Arlington. |
|
|
|
