Commissioners' Update - Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing ...

AGENDA 

NRHA Commissioners’ Meeting 

February 8, 2010 – 8:00 a.m. 

201 Granby Street, 12 th floor 

I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF COMMISSIONERS’ MEETINGS 

January 11, 2010 Board of Commissioners’ Meeting 

II. REMARKS 

Executive Director Update 

Chairman of the Board Comments 

Commissioners’ Comments 

III. 

DEVELOPMENT OPERATIONS 

1) Resolution Authoring the Issuance of Refunding Bonds for the Benefit of 

Fort Norfolk Retirement Community, Inc. in an Aggregate Principal Amount 

Not to Exceed $10,000,000 and the Execution of Related Documents 

Presented by James Gehman 

Chief Development Officer 

IV. 

FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE OPERATIONS 

1) Previous Month’s Activities 

a) Disposition Activities 

b) Contract Activities 

c) Anticipated Requests for Proposals, Qualifications, or Quotations and 

Invitations for Bids 

2) FY2010 Mid-Year Budget Update – there will be a presentation 

V. HOUSING OPERATIONS 

1) NRHA Public Housing Assessment System (PHAS) Management Assessment 

Presented by Donnell Brown 

Chief Housing Officer 

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AGENDA 

NRHA Commissioners’ Meeting 

February 8, 2010 – 8:00 a.m. 

201 Granby Street, 12 th floor 

V. HOUSING OPERATIONS (continued) 

2) Application Implementation of the Federal Transit Administration 

(FTA) Job Access Reverse Commute (JARC) Funds 

Presented by Donnell Brown 

Chief Housing Officer 

VI. 

NEW BUSINESS 

VII. 

COMMITTEE MEETING NOTES 

None 

VIII. CLOSED MEETING 

The next meeting is Monday, March 8, 2010

January 11, 2010 

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MINUTES OF MEETING 

The Commissioners of the Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing 

Authority (the “Authority”) met in a regular monthly 

meeting at the 201 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA at 8:10 A.M. 

on Monday, January 11, 2010. 

The meeting was called to order by Chairman W. Sheppard 

Miller, III. Upon roll call those present and those absent 

were as follows: 

Present: 

Ms. Hattie Anderson 

Mr. Curtis Anderson 

Mr. F. Nash Bilisoly 

Dr. Linda Horsey (arrived at 

8:15 a.m.) 

Mr. L. Robert Layton 

Mr. W. Sheppard Miller, III 

Absent: 

Mr. Robert J. Soble 

Also present were Shurl R. Montgomery, Secretary; 

Timothy A. Coyle, Attorney, various staff members and one 

member of the media. 

. . . 

I. Approval of Minutes of Commissioners’ Meeting 

The Chairman presented the previously circulated 

minutes of the November 25, 2009 and December 11, 2009 

Board meetings. Upon motion of Mr. Layton, seconded by Mr. 

Anderson, both sets of minutes were unanimously approved by 

the five Commissioners then present (Ms. Anderson, Mr. 

Anderson, Mr. Layton, Mr. Bilisoly and Chairman Miller). 

II. Remarks 

. . . 

A. Executive Director Update 

Executive Director Montgomery’s list of activities 

accomplished since the last Board meeting was previously


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circulated to the Board. Several items were summarized and 

briefly discussed by Mr. Montgomery. 

1. Efforts are ongoing to recover from Advantis 

and/or St. Joe Company approximately $115,000. The 

Commissioners will continue to receive updates of material 

developments in the litigation. 

2. Chairman Miller, Commissioner Curtis Anderson, 

Former Chairman Bruce Bishop and Mr. Montgomery recently 

appeared on the City’s Norfolk Perspectives television show 

which will air for a week beginning Sunday, January 17, 

2010. 

3. The Authority’s liability insurance carrier is 

offering $5,000.00 of term life insurance to the 

Commissioners and full-time employees of the Authority at 

no cost. The Chairman and several Commissioners asked a 

number of questions concerning the offer and whether it 

was, in fact, at no cost to the Authority. Mr. Montgomery 

indicated that he would report back to the Chairman and 

that if indeed the insurance would be at no cost to the 

Authority, the Commissioners would participate. 

4. There will be a public hearing tomorrow before 

City Council for a rezoning of 115 E. Liberty Street 

(property owned by the Authority) to permit construction of 

eight single-family homes. 

5. Information was distributed concerning an ice 

skating party for youth living in public housing. 

6. Work continues on the repositioning of The 

Waterside. The $350,000 allocated by the City for 

refurbishment has been spent and Festevents continues to 

provide programming at the facility. 

B. Chairman of the Board and Commissioner Comments 

1. At 9:30 this morning, Mr. Norman will brief the 

Commissioners on the community health workers initiative 

and introduce the first graduating class. 

2. The East Beach Production Report was distributed 

to the Commissioners.


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3. The Martin Luther King, Jr. breakfast will be 

held at 7:30 a.m. on January 18, 2010 at the Ted Constant 

Center. The Authority has purchased a table and 

Commissioners are invited to attend. 

4. The Resolution authorizing the issuance of 

refunding bonds for the benefit of Fort Norfolk Retirement 

Community will be moved up on the agenda to accommodate the 

schedules of Mr. Volder and Mr. Consolvo. 

C. Commissioners’ Comments 

None. 

. . . 

III. Development Operations 

1) Resolution Authorizing the Issuance of Refunding 

Bonds for the Benefit of Fort Norfolk Retirement Community, 

Inc. in an Aggregate Principal Amount Not to Exceed 

$22,500,000 and the Execution of Related Documents 

Mr. Jim Gehman introduced Mr. Neal Volder and Mr. 

George Consolvo, Bond Counsel. Mr. Consolvo advised that 

the bonds were being refunded to provide for a long term 

fixed interest rate rather than a variable interest rate. 

After discussion, upon motion of Mr. Layton, seconded by 

Mr. Bilisoly, the following Resolution was adopted with 

five affirmative votes (Ms. Anderson, Mr. Anderson, Mr. 

Layton, Mr. Bilisoly and Chairman Miller) and one 

abstention (Dr. Horsey). 

RESOLUTION NO. 8998 

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF REFUNDING 

BONDS FOR THE BENEFIT OF FORT NORFOLK RETIREMENT 

COMMUNITY, INC., IN AN AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT 

NOT TO EXCEED $22,500,000 AND THE 

EXECUTION OF RELATED DOCUMENTS 

WHEREAS, under the Virginia Housing Authorities Law, 

Chapter 1, Title 36 of the Code of Virginia of 1950, as 

amended (the Act), the Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing 

Authority (the Authority) has been given the power to issue 

refunding bonds for purposes of paying bonds previously


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issued by it for any of its purposes, including, without 

limitation, bonds previously issued to finance projects 

located in areas designated by the Authority as 

redevelopment areas in which there is the need to eliminate 

blight; 

WHEREAS, the Authority issued its $20,000,000 Variable 

Rate Demand First Mortgage Revenue Bonds (Fort Norfolk 

Retirement Community Inc. - Harbor's Edge Project) Series 

2004B (the Series 2004B Bonds) to finance for the benefit 

of Fort Norfolk Retirement Community, Inc. (the Company), 

the acquisition, construction and equipping of a senior 

living community known as Harbor's Edge (the Project) 

located on an approximately 4.4 acre site in the area of 

the City of Norfolk, Virginia known as Atlantic City or 

Fort Norfolk, which has been designated by the Authority as 

a redevelopment area in which there is the need to 

eliminate blight; 

WHEREAS, there has been described to the Authority 

the plan of refinancing of the Company whereby the 

Authority would issue additional bonds (the Series 2010 

Bonds) under that certain Trust Indenture dated as of 

October 1, 2004 (the 2004 Indenture), by and between the 

Authority and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as trustee (the 

Trustee), and apply the proceeds of such Series 2010 Bonds 

to (a) currently refund the outstanding principal balance, 

the redemption premium, if any, and the accrued interest 

with respect to the Series 2004B Bonds, (b) fund any 

required reserve fund, and (c) pay costs of issuance of 

the Series 2010 Bonds; 

WHEREAS, a public hearing with respect to the Project 

and the Series 2010 Bonds is not required either by 

Virginia law or Section 147(f) of the Internal Revenue 

Code of 1986, as amended; 

WHEREAS, the Company has elected to proceed 

immediately with implementing its plan of refinancing 

described above, whereby the Authority would issue and sell 

the Series 2010 Bonds pursuant to one or more Purchase 

Contracts, each to be dated the date of its execution and 

delivery (collectively, the Purchase Contract), among the 

Authority, the Company and one or more financial 

institutions or investment banks to be selected by the 

Company; and 

WHEREAS, the Company has requested that the Authority 

assist with the plan of refinancing by authorizing the


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Chairman or Vice Chairman of the Authority, upon the advice 

of counsel to the Authority and of Bond Counsel appointed 

hereunder, and subject to the limitations set forth herein, 

to review and approve (a) the Purchase Contract and (b) the 

other documents required to be executed and delivered by 

the Authority in connection with the issuance of the Series 

2010 Bonds, including, without limitation, the following 

documents (collectively, the Bond Documents): 

(i) A Supplemental Trust Indenture (the 2010 

Supplement) by and between the Authority and the Trustee, 

supplementing and amending the 2004 Indenture and 

authorizing the issuance of the Series 2010 Bonds, together 

with the form of the Series 2010 Bonds; and 

(ii) A First Amendment to Loan and Security 

Agreement (the First Amendment) by and between the 

Authority and the Company, amending that certain Loan and 

Security Agreement dated as of October 1, 2004 (the Loan 

Agreement), together with the form of the First Amendment 

to Promissory Note, amending the promissory note executed 

and delivered by the Company pursuant to the Loan 

Agreement. 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE NORFOLK 

REDEVELOPMENT AND HOUSING AUTHORITY: 

1. The Authority determines that the issuance of the 

Series 2010 Bonds will be in accordance with the Act and in 

furtherance of the purposes for which the Authority was 

organized, and the Authority agrees to assist the Company 

in the plan of refinancing described above by the issuance 

of the Series 2010 Bonds pursuant to terms to be approved 

by the Authority as described herein. 

2. The Chairman or Vice Chairman of the Authority, 

either of whom may act, is authorized to review and approve 

the Purchase Contract and the Bond Documents; provided, 

however, that (a) the interest rates for the Series 2010 

Bonds shall not exceed eight percent (8%) per annum, (b) 

the aggregate principal amount of the Series 2010 Bonds 

shall not exceed $22,500,000, and (c) the final maturity of 

the Series 2010 Bonds shall not exceed thirty (30) years 

from the date of issuance of the Series 2010 Bonds. It is 

understood and agreed that the Company will negotiate and 

determine (i) the financial institution or institutions or


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investment bank or banks that will be party to the Purchase 

Contract and that will purchase the Series 2010 Bonds, (ii) 

any replacement Trustee to be appointed in the 2010 

Supplement, (iii) the aggregate principal amount, interest 

rates, maturities, redemption features and other terms of 

the Series 2010 Bonds, and (iv) the final terms of the 

Purchase Contract and Bond Documents. The Chairman or Vice 

Chairman is authorized and directed to approve the 

determinations made by the Company (as described in (i) 

through (iv) above) so long as such determinations are 

consistent with the limitations set forth in (a), (b) and 

(c) of this paragraph. The execution and delivery of the 

Purchase Contract and Bond Documents by the Chairman or 

Vice Chairman shall constitute conclusive evidence of the 

Authority's review and approval thereof, subject to the 

foregoing limitations. 

3. The Chairman or Vice Chairman, either of whom may 

act, is authorized (a) to execute the Purchase Contract and 

the Bond Documents on behalf of the Authority, and to 

deliver such documents upon payment for the Series 2010 

Bonds, (b) to deem any disclosure document with respect to 

the Series 2010 Bonds final to the extent required by 

Federal securities laws, and (c) to execute and deliver the 

Series 2010 Bonds. The Secretary or any Assistant 

Secretary of the Authority is authorized and directed to 

place the Authority’s seal on the Series 2010 Bonds. 

4. The Authority appoints Kaufman & Canoles, a 

Professional Corporation, as Bond Counsel to supervise the 

proceedings and approve the issuance of the Series 2010 

Bonds. 

5. Each officer of the Authority is authorized, upon 

the advice of counsel to the Authority, to execute and 

deliver on behalf of the Authority such instruments, 

documents or certificates and to do and perform such things 

and acts as they shall deem necessary or appropriate in 

carrying out the transactions authorized by this Resolution 

or contemplated by the Purchase Contract or the Bond 

Documents, and all of such actions previously done or 

performed by the officers or commissioners of the Authority 

are in all respects approved, ratified and confirmed. 

6. All costs and expenses in connection with the 

issuance of the Series 2010 Bonds, including the fees and


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expenses of the Authority, shall be paid promptly from the 

proceeds of the Series 2010 Bonds, to the extent permitted 

by law, or from funds provided by the Company. If for any 

reason the Series 2010 Bonds are not issued, it is 

understood that all such fees and expenses shall be paid 

promptly by the Company upon presentation of an invoice and 

that the Authority shall have no responsibility therefor. 

The Company shall also pay the Authority’s annual 

administrative fee as required by the Loan Agreement, as 

amended by the First Amendment. 

7. This Resolution shall take effect immediately 

upon its adoption. 

2) Ballentine Facility Presentation 

Mr. Jim Gehman gave a PowerPoint presentation, a copy 

of which has been filed with these minutes. The Chairman 

clarified that the presentation today was simply an update 

and that a more complete presentation and thorough 

discussion will be held during the Commissioners’ policy 

meeting in April. 

3) Resolution Authorizing the Execution of Amendment 

No. 3 to Master Development Agreement Between the Authority, 

the City of Norfolk, SLNWC Investment Company, L.L.C. and 

SLNWC Holding Company for the Construction of a Mixed Use 

Development in the Downtown North Redevelopment Project, and 

Related Action 

Mr. Jim Gehman reported that the Authority is primarily 

a conduit for the City of Norfolk’s agreement with the 

developer for the Wells Fargo building. The Chairman added 

that the latest amendment will have no negative financial 

impact on the Authority. Upon motion of Mr. Layton, 

seconded by Mr. Anderson, the following Resolution was 

adopted with all six of the Commissioners in attendance 

voting in favor of the Resolution: 


RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF 

AMENDMENT NO. 3 TO MASTER DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT 

BETWEEN THE AUTHORITY, THE CITY OF NORFOLK,


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V. Housing Operations 

A. Housing Operations Quarterly Report 

Ms. Donnell Brown summarized the quarterly report 

and advised the Commissioners that on January 22, 2010 the 

public housing waiting list will be opened and remain open 

until March 5, 2010. She also reported that the vacant 

unit turn time has been decreased to 17 days and is now 

only 2 days shy of the 15-day goal. Five new employers 

have been added to the workforce development list. The 

Housing Choice Voucher Program continues to achieve scores 

which make it a high performer. In response to Dr. 

Horsey’s question concerning the number of residents who 

are employed, the Chairman indicated that at the next 

policy meeting a breakdown by community would be provided. 

In response to a number of questions from Mr. Layton, Dr. 

Horsey and Ms. Anderson, the Commissioners were advised 

that REAC inspection scores have two components, that the 

change in rent standards for the Housing Choice Voucher 

Program were implemented so that more families could 

receive vouchers, that contractors receiving ARRA funds are 

required to use their best efforts to hire residents, and 

that Housing Choice Voucher “port out” numbers can be added 

to the quarterly report. Mr. Layton again congratulated 

Ms. Brown and the housing division on an excellent report. 

VI. New Business 

None. 

. . . 

. . . 

VII. Committee Meeting Notes 

None. 

. . .


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VIII. Closed Meeting 

Discussion and consideration of the disposition of 

publicly held real property in the East Ocean View 

Conservation and Redevelopment, Cottage Line Conservation, 

and Berkley IV Redevelopment areas as authorized by Section 

2.2-3711.A.3. of the Act. 

Upon Motion of Dr. Horsey, seconded by Ms. Anderson, 

the following Resolution was unanimously adopted with all 

six Commissioners in attendance voting in favor of the 

Resolution: 


RESOLUTION CONVENING A CLOSED MEETING 

JANUARY 11, 2010 

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Authority will convene in a 

closed meeting pursuant to the Virginia Freedom of 

Information Act, as amended (the "Act"), to discuss the 

following matters which are specifically exempted from 

public disclosure by the code section referred to below: 

a. Discussion and consideration of the disposition of 

publicly held real property in the East Ocean View 

Conservation and Redevelopment, Cottage Line Conservation, 

and Berkley IV Redevelopment areas as authorized by Section 

2.2-3711.A.3. of the Act. 

IX. Certifying a Closed Session 

Upon Motion of Mr. Layton and seconded by Ms. Anderson, 

the following Resolution was unanimously approved with Ms. 

Anderson, Mr. Anderson, Dr. Horsey, Mr. Layton and Chairman 

Miller voting in the affirmative. Mr. Bilisoly had left 

the closed meeting at 10:00 a.m. and was not present for 

this vote.


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RESOLUTION CERTIFYING A CLOSED MEETING 

JANUARY 11, 2010 

WHEREAS, the Authority has convened a closed meeting 

on this date pursuant to an affirmative recorded vote and 

in accordance with the provisions of the Virginia Freedom 

of Information Act; and 

WHEREAS, Section 2.2-3712.D of the 1950 Code of 

Virginia, as amended, requires a certification by this 

Authority that such closed meeting was conducted in 

conformity with Virginia law; 

NOW, THEREFORE, upon motion duly made and seconded, BE 

IT RESOLVED, that the Authority hereby certifies that, to 

the best of each Commissioner’s knowledge, (i) only public 

business matters lawfully exempted from open meeting 

requirements by Virginia law were heard, discussed or 

considered in the closed meeting, and (ii) only such public 

business matters as were identified in the motion convening 

the closed meeting were heard, discussed or considered by 

the Authority. 

. . . 

The Chairman reconvened the public meeting at 10:20 

A.M. Ms. Donnell Brown introduced Mr. Julius Norman, 

Manager of Workforce Development, who reported on the 

Authority’s healthier lifestyle program using community 

health workers. Under the program, residents are recruited 

and trained for a healthier lifestyle using a ten-week 

curriculum. The first graduating class of residents was 

present and all were congratulated on completing the 

course. This initiative has been viewed as a pilot program 

by HUD and other cities are now looking into replicating 

what the Authority has accomplished (such cities include 

Columbia, Wilmington, Charlotte, Durham and Portsmouth). 

The Chairman congratulated Mr. Norman and all of the 

graduates for a job well done.


Page 15 of 15 

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned 

at 10:33 A.M. 

___________________ 

Chairman 

________________________ 

Secretary

Executive Director’s Report 

Dates: January 8 – February 3 

Activities accomplished since last Board of Commissioners’ Meeting: 

Meetings 

‣ Attended the Salvation Army Meeting to discuss the KROC Center 

‣ Met with staff regarding project updates on various Ocean View properties 

‣ Attended the Residential Rehab Team Meeting to discuss Wards Corner 

‣ Attended the monthly Waterside Meeting 

‣ Attended meeting with staff regarding budget work sessions for 2010 

‣ Attended Executive Leadership Team Meetings with staff 

‣ Attended the Light Rail Presentation at City Hall 

‣ Attended the Waterside Tenant Meeting 

‣ Met with HR Director regarding compensation matters 

‣ Attended HRV Board of Managers Monthly Meeting 

‣ Met with Assistant Executive staff regarding various subjects and projects 

‣ Met with staff regarding property inventory system demonstration/workshop 

‣ Met with Chairman regarding February BOC Agenda 

‣ Met with staff regarding community projects 

‣ Met with Director of STOP Organization and staff 

‣ Participated on a conference call with HUD representatives on the ARRA Program 

‣ Met with Communications staff regarding Anniversary Campaign for July 2010 

‣ Attended Public Hearing on High Speed Rail at the cruise terminal 

‣ Met with representatives from the Hampton Housing Authority 

‣ Attended a meeting with Chairman and representatives from Habitat for Humanity 

‣ Attended meeting with budget staff regarding mid year financial report to the BOC

Resolution 

NRHA Board of Commissioners 

Subject: Resolution Authorizing the issuance of additional bonds for the Harbor’s Edge/Fort 

Norfolk retirement community project 

Executive Contact: Shurl Montgomery Date: February 8, 2010 

BACKGROUND 

The Authority issued $20 million in Revenue Bonds in 2004 (Series 2004 B Bonds) to help 

finance the construction of the Harbor’s Edge retirement complex in the area of the City of 

Norfolk known as Atlantic City or Fort Norfolk. 

A Resolution adopted on January 11, 2010 authorizes the issuance of up to $22,500,000 in 

additional bonds to refund the Series 2004B Bonds, fund reserves and pay issuance costs. 

The plan for the refunding of the Series 2004B Bonds has changed over the past month and 

SunTrust has agreed to purchase $10,000,000 of 2010 Bonds. As a result, a more specific 

Resolution is now needed to authorize the issuance of additional bonds in the amount of 

$10,000,000 to refund only a portion of the Series 2004B Bonds. The Resolution is specific to 

the refunding with SunTrust. 

The January 11, 2010 Resolution will be repealed since it will no longer be needed in connection 

with the plan for the refunding. 

The 2010 Bonds will be additional bonds issued pursuant to the original 2004 Trust Indenture. 

The issuance of the 2010 Bonds is not subject to federal tax law TEFRA requirements and does 

not require a public hearing. 

RECOMMENDED ACTION: 

The bond issuance will generate revenue to the Authority in the form of an annual fee. It does 

not commit the Authority to any financial obligation and all of the Authority’s costs will be 

reimbursed by the developer. 

Recommend approval of the resolution.

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF REFUNDING BONDS 

FOR THE BENEFIT OF FORT NORFOLK RETIREMENT COMMUNITY, 

INC. IN AN AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED 

$10,000,000 AND THE EXECUTION OF RELATED DOCUMENTS 

WHEREAS, under the Virginia Housing Authorities Law, Chapter 1, Title 36 of the 

Code of Virginia of 1950, as amended (the Act), the Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing 

Authority (the Authority) has been given the power to issue refunding bonds for purposes of 

paying bonds previously issued by it for any of its purposes, including, without limitation, bonds 

previously issued to finance projects located in areas designated by the Authority as 

redevelopment areas in which there is the need to eliminate blight; 

WHEREAS, the Authority issued its $20,000,000 Variable Rate Demand First Mortgage 

Revenue Bonds (Fort Norfolk Retirement Community Inc. – Harbor’s Edge Project) Series 

2004B (the Series 2004B Bonds) to finance, for the benefit of Fort Norfolk Retirement 

Community, Inc. (the Company), the acquisition, construction and equipping of a senior living 

community known as Harbor’s Edge (the Project) located on an approximately 4.4 acre site in 

the area of the City of Norfolk, Virginia known as Atlantic City or Fort Norfolk, which has been 

designated by the Authority as a redevelopment area in which there is the need to eliminate 

blight; 

WHEREAS, there has been described to the Authority the plan of refinancing of the 

Company whereby the Authority would issue additional refunding bonds (the Series 2010 Bonds) 

under that certain Trust Indenture dated as of November 1, 2004 (the 2004 Indenture), by and 

between the Authority and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as trustee (the Trustee), and apply the proceeds 

of such Series 2010 Bonds to currently refund a $10,000,000 portion of the outstanding principal 

balance of the Series 2004B Bonds (the Refunded Bonds); 

WHEREAS, the Authority has been advised that a public hearing with respect to the Project 

and the Series 2010 Bonds is not required either by Virginia law or Section 147(f) of the Internal 

Revenue Code of 1986, as amended; 

WHEREAS, the Company has elected to proceed immediately with implementing its 

plan of refinancing described above whereby the Authority would issue and sell the Series 2010 

Bonds to SunTrust Bank (SunTrust) pursuant to a Bond Purchase Agreement to be dated as of 

February 1, 2010 (the Purchase Contract), among the Authority, the Company and SunTrust; and 

WHEREAS, the Company has requested that the Authority assist with the plan of 

refinancing by approving the issuance and sale of the Series 2010 Bonds and by authorizing the 

Chairman or Vice Chairman of the Authority, upon the advice of counsel to the Authority and of 

Bond Counsel appointed hereunder, to executed and deliver (a) the Purchase Contract and (b) the 

other documents required to be executed and delivered by the Authority in connection with the 

issuance of the Series 2010 Bonds, including, without limitation, the following documents, 

which have been presented to this meeting in substantially final form (collectively, the Bond 

Documents): 

(i) A Supplemental Trust Indenture dated as of February 1, 2010 (the 2010 

Trust Indenture Supplement) by and between the Authority and the Trustee, supplementing and

amending the 2004 Indenture and authorizing the issuance of the Series 2010 Bonds, together 

with the form of the Series 2010 Bonds; and 

(ii) A First Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement dated as of February 

1, 2010 (the First Amendment to Loan Agreement) by and between the Authority and the 

Company, amending that certain Loan and Security Agreement dated as of November 1, 2004 

(the Loan Agreement), together with the form of the First Amendment to Promissory Note, 

amending the promissory note executed and delivered by the Company pursuant to the Loan 

Agreement. 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE NORFOLK REDEVELOPMENT 

AND HOUSING AUTHORITY: 

1. The Authority determines that the issuance of the Series 2010 Bonds will be in 

accordance with the Act and in furtherance of the purposes for which the Authority was 

organized, and the Authority agrees to assist the Company in the plan of refinancing described 

above by the issuance of the Series 2010 Bonds and the sale thereof to SunTrust pursuant to the 

terms of the Purchase Contract. 

2. The form of the Series 2010 Bonds, including the aggregate principal amount, 

final maturity and fixed interest rate thereon of 4.25% per annum, is hereby approved; provided, 

however, that the Chairman or Vice Chairman of the Authority, either of whom may act, are 

hereby authorized to approve a different fixed interest rate thereon so long as such fixed interest 

rate does not exceed 4.75% per annum. 

3. The Chairman or Vice Chairman of the Authority, either of whom may act, is 

authorized, upon advice of counsel to the Authority, to review and approve the final form of the 

Purchase Contract and the Bond Documents. The execution and delivery of the Purchase 

Contract and Bond Documents by the Chairman or Vice Chairman shall constitute conclusive 

evidence of such review and approval thereof. 


authorized (a) to execute the Purchase Contract and the Bond Documents on behalf of the 

Authority, and to deliver such documents upon payment for the Series 2010 Bonds, and (b) to 

execute and deliver the Series 2010 Bonds and to assign, without recourse, to the Trustee the 

First Amendment to Promissory Note. The Secretary or any Assistant Secretary of the 

Authority, either of whom may act, is authorized and directed to place the Authority’s seal on the 

Series 2010 Bonds. 

5. The Authority appoints Kaufman & Canoles, a Professional Corporation, as Bond 

Counsel to supervise the proceedings and approve the issuance of the Series 2010 Bonds. 

6. The proceeds of the Series 2010 Bonds shall be applied to the redemption of the 

Refunded Bonds as provided in the 2010 Trust Indenture Supplement within 90 days of the 

issuance of the Series 2010 Bonds and the Trustee is hereby authorized and directed to call the 

Refunded Bonds for redemption in accordance with the optional redemption provisions set forth 

in the 2004 Indenture. 

2

7. The Series 2010 Bonds are hereby designated as, and shall constitute, "Qualified 

Tax-Exempt Obligations" for calendar year 2010 within the meaning of Section 265(b)(3) of the 

Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. 


authorized and directed to complete, execute and submit to the Internal Revenue Service its 

Form 8038 with respect to the Series 2010 Bonds. 

9. Each officer of the Authority is authorized, upon the advice of counsel to the 

Authority, to execute and deliver on behalf of the Authority such instruments, documents or 

certificates and to do and perform such things and acts as they shall deem necessary or 

appropriate in carrying out the transactions authorized by this Resolution or contemplated by the 

Purchase Contract or the Bond Documents, and all of such actions previously done or performed 

by the officers or commissioners of the Authority are in all respects approved, ratified and 

confirmed. 

10. All costs and expenses in connection with the issuance of the Series 2010 Bonds, 

including the fees and expenses of the Authority, shall be paid promptly from funds provided by 

the Company. If for any reason the Series 2010 Bonds are not issued, it is understood that all 

such fees and expenses shall be paid promptly by the Company upon presentation of an invoice 

and that the Authority shall have no responsibility therefor. The Company shall also pay the 

Authority’s annual administrative fee as required by the Loan Agreement, as amended by the 

First Amendment to Loan Agreement. 

11. The Series 2010 Bonds and the interest thereon shall be limited obligations of the 

Authority payable solely from the revenues and receipts of the Authority from the Company, and 

are secured by a transfer, pledge and assignment of and a grant of a security interest in the "Trust 

Estate" to the Trustee and in favor of the owners of the Series 2010 Bonds, as provided in the 

2004 Indenture. The Series 2010 Bonds and interest thereon shall not be deemed to constitute a 

debt, liability or general obligation of the Commonwealth nor of any political subdivision 

thereof, including the Authority, and shall not constitute an obligation to pay the Series 2010 

Bonds and the interest thereon or other costs incident thereto except from the "Trust Estate" and 

neither the faith and credit nor the taxing power of the Commonwealth nor any political 

subdivision thereof, including the Authority, is pledged to the payment of the principal of, or the 

interest on the Series 2010 Bonds. The Authority has no taxing power. 

12. The resolution of the Authority adopted on January 11, 2010, and entitled " 

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF REFUNDING BONDS FOR THE 

BENEFIT OF FORT NORFOLK RETIREMENT COMMUNITY, INC. IN AN AGGREGATE 

PRINCIPAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $22,500,000 AND THE EXECUTION OF 

RELATED DOCUMENTS" is hereby repealed and of no further force or effect. 

13. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption. 

3

CERTIFICATE 

The undersigned certifies that the above resolution was duly adopted by the 

commissioners of the Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority at a regular meeting duly 

called and held on February 8, 2010, and that such resolution is in full force and effect on the 

date hereof. 

Dated: _______________, 2010 

Executive Director, Norfolk Redevelopment and 

Housing Authority 

::ODMA\PCDOCS\DOCSRIC\5234916\8 

4

Disposition Report 

Land Sales Month Ending January 31, 2010 

EAST BEACH 

CONTRACT SALES 

PROJECT PROPERTY ADDRESS LAND AREA (SF) Land Proceeds FUND SOURCE 

PRICE 

(20%)* 

DEVELOPER REUSE 

FLOOR AREA 

IMPROVEMENTS 

(SF) 

S/F ROOM 

DISTRIBUTION 

VALUE OF 

IMPROV. 

COMMENTS 

Park Place Conservation 

Project 

Parcel 277 

236 W. 35th Street 4,144 $ 35,000 n/a CIP 

Hughes & Long 

Construction, LLC SF 1,917 3 bdrm $200,000 PRIDE Program 

Park Place Conservation Parcel 285 

Project 

517 W. 36th Street 3,867 $ 30,000 n/a CIP 

(*) East Beach - NRHA 20% land sale 

Hughes & Long 

Construction, LLC SF 1,510 3 bdrm $175,000 PRIDE Program 

(**) Pending Plan Submission/Sale 

Summary of Sales 

Fiscal Year 2010 Number of Parcels Disposed 

Contract Sales Value of 

Amount Improvements*** 

Cumulative Totals By Funding Source 

July 1 $ 27,500 $ 

- 

August 4 $ 282,800 $ 739,600 

CD $ 33,583.00 

September 1 $ 31,800 

CIP $ 368,605.00 

1st Qtr. Totals 6 $ 342,100 $ 739,600 

LOCAL 

CITY DONATION 

October 2 $ 72,500 $ 327,000 

SOUTH TRUST (Bank) $ 83,636.00 

November 2 $ 30,000 $ 120,000 

NDP 

December 0 $ - $ - 

BOND $ 23,776.00 

2nd Qtr. Totals 4 $ 102,500 $ 447,000 

CUR 

EMPOWERMENT ZONE 

January 2 $ 65,000 $ - 

"TBD" (BANK, BOND, CIP) 

February - $ - 

WORKING FUND 

March $ 509,600.00 

3rd Qtr. Totals 2 $ 65,000 $ 

- 

April 

May 

June 

4th Qtr. Totals 0 $ - $ 

- 

Fiscal YTD Totals (***) 12 $ 509,600 $ 1,186,600 

(***) SPECIAL NOTE: Value of Improvements total does not reflect ALL of East Beach - "TBD" values 

Summary of Acquisition Activity 

Description Number of Parcels Cost 

1st Quarter FY10 7 $ 3,074,900 

2nd Quarter FY10 17 $ 1,364,500 

3rd Quarter FY10 

4th Quarter FY10 

TOTAL 24 $ 4,439,400

COMMISSIONERS’ MONTHLY CONTRACT REPORT – Meeting Date: 02/08/10 

As set forth in Resolution No. 8053 adopted January 23, 1995, the below 

listed contracts, change orders, and bid activities are for the 

Commissioners’ information only, and no vote is required. 


New contracts issued between $30,000 and $99,999: 

1. None 

New contracts issued for $100,000 & above: 

1. None 

New Interagency Agreements $30,000 and over: 

1. None 

Change orders issued $30,000 and over: 

1. None 

Options exercised for $30,000 & above: 

1. 

2. 

KEY to contract type: 

C – Construction O – Other than Professional Services N – Not to exceed (ceiling) 

P – Professional Services G – Goods, Equipment, Materials, etc. F – Fixed amount 

KEY to ownership type, new contracts only: 

M – Minority owned 3 – Section 3 W – Woman owned 

BID ACTIVITY FOR CONTRACTS $100,000 AND ABOVE 

FOR THE MONTH ENDING January 31, 2010 

No Activity

Anticipated Requests for Proposals, 

Quotations and Invitations for Bids 

February 2010 

Type of Solicitations Projected Solicitation Date Initiating Department 

RFP, Grant Writing Consultants (i.e. Lead Removal and 

Brownfield's grant and others as needed) 

Pending Release 

Development 

RFP, Lamberts Point 26th Street Improvements 2/11/2010 Development (D&C) 

IFB, Replace Boiler Condensate (201 Granby St) 2/5/2010 Administrative Services 

IFB, Recondition Roof w/Aluminum Coating (201 Granby 

Street) 

2/5/2010 Administrative Services 

IFB, Replace Storm Doors, Calvert Square Feb 2010 (carrry over from Jan) Capital Fund 

IFB, Handicapped Accessibility Mods,Young Terrace Feb 2010 (carrry over from Jan) Capital Fund 

IFB, NRHA Mid-Rise Interior Improvements Feb 2010 (carrry over from Jan) Capital Fund 

Board of Commissioners 

Monthly Report: Anticipated RFPs, Quotations, and IFBs 

February 2010

FY2010 BUDGET 

PRESENTATION 

Brenda Wilson 

Director of Budget & Compliance

Resolution 


Subject: NRHA Public Housing Assessment System (PHAS) – Management Assessment 

Executive Contact: Donnell Brown Date: February 8 , 2010 

BACKGROUND 

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”) established a Public Housing 

Assessment System (PHAS) to assess the quality of a Public Housing Agency’s operating 

performance. The operating performance was assessed by the measurement, analysis and 

reporting of six specified management indicators – vacant unit turn time, capital fund, work 

orders, annual inspection of dwelling units and systems, security, and economic self-sufficiency. 

HUD required each Public Housing Agency to self-certify the results of its performance in the six 

areas measured under the system. 

In 2008 HUD proposed a rule to update and revise the Public Housing Assessment System 

regulations to reflect recent changes in public housing operations as a result of the conversion to 

asset management. A central part of this new performance measurement structure will be a 

system of on-site management reviews of each project. The on-site management reviews will 

replace the Management Operations Assessment self-certification. 

NRHA submitted its last self-certification Management Operations Assessment for fiscal year 

ending June 30, 2007. Fiscal year 2008 was considered a transition year and Public Housing 

Agency’s were not required to submit their Management Operations Assessment nor was the 

agency issued a new overall Public Housing Assessment System score. HUD issued a notice on 

January 12, 2010 regarding rules for Transition Year 2. The new rules require PHAs to submit 

their Management Operations Assessment based on the current PHAS rule no later than March 

13, 2010. 

Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority compiled the results of its Management 

Operations performance for fiscal year 2009 using the six management indicators under the 

current Public Housing Assessment System rule. A rating of “A” was received in all areas except 

Vacant Unit Turn Time which received a rating of “C”. Attached for your review is the 

Management Assessment Certification for fiscal year 2009 and Management Assessment (MASS) 

Certification Comparison spreadsheet for fiscal years 2001 through 2009. 

NRHA is hereby requesting that the Board of Commissioners of the Norfolk Redevelopment and 

Housing Authority approves and authorizes the certification and reporting to HUD of the required 

Public Housing Assessment system indicators, reflecting the performance of the Authority in the 

operation and administration of its public housing communities for the year ending June 30, 

2009. After the MASS certification has been approved by NRHA’s Board of Commissioners it will 

be submitted electronically to HUD. The deadline for submission is March 13, 2010. 

Recommendation: Approve resolution.

RESOLUTION CERTIFYING PUBLIC HOUSING ASSESSMENT 

SYSTEM (PHAS)-MANAGEMENT ASSESSMENT (MASS) 

WHEREAS, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”) has 

established a Public Housing Assessment System to assess the quality of a 

Public Housing Agency’s operating performance; and 

WHEREAS, under the Program, the operating performance of a Public 

Housing Agency is assessed by the measurement, analysis and reporting of 

six specified management indicators; and 

WHEREAS, HUD requires each Public Housing Agency to certify the results of 

its performance in the six areas measured under the system; and 

WHEREAS, the Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority has assembled 

and is prepared to certify the Authority’s performance indicator areas; 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOVLED, that the Board of Commissioners of the 

Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority hereby approves and 

authorizes the certification and reporting to HUD of the required Public 

Housing Assessment system indicators, reflecting the performance of the 

Authority in the operation and administration of its public housing 

communities for the year ending June 30, 2009. 

The undersigned hereby certifies that this is a true and correct copy of a 

resolution duly adopted at a meeting of the Board of Commissioners of the 

Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority held on February 8, 2010. 

Dated: _______________ 

____________________________________ 

Secretary, Norfolk Redevelopment and 

Housing Authority

Commissioners’ Update 


Subject: Housing Reinvention Activity Summary 

Executive Contact: John C. Kownack Date: February 8, 2010 

BACKGROUND 

The Housing Reinvention Team is pursuing the transformation of NRHA housing properties to 

provide for sustainable mixed-income communities, while continuing to seek resources and 

opportunities to maintain the number of housing units affordable to extremely low income 

families. The team’s long-term goals are as follows: 

Pursue mixed-finance initiatives to renovate or redevelop all NRHA housing properties as 

opportunities for replacement units and funding allow. 

Achieve a more balanced distribution of incomes within NRHA housing properties through 

workforce development activities, new admission and continued occupancy criteria, and 

increased marketing efforts aimed at attracting households between 30% and 80% AMI. 

 

Expand inventory of housing properties that can absorb a sustainable proportion of housing 

opportunities for extremely low income households (below 30% AMI). 

The status section of these reports will be used to summarize the current initiatives being 

undertaken by the Housing Reinvention Team. 

STATUS 

Through the use of public housing, Section 8 housing choice vouchers and project-based 

Section 8, NRHA was providing rental assistance to 6,276 households as of December 31, 2009. 

Approximately 4,900 of the households have incomes below 30% AMI ($20,350 for a fourperson 

household). We will continue to track the number of extremely low income households 

served by NRHA as various housing reinvention initiatives are implemented. 

Broad Creek 

The Authority will complete by June 30, 2010 its HOPE VI project on the former Bowling 

Green, Roberts Village and Roberts Village East public housing communities, as well as the site 

of the former Marshall Manor apartments. To date 400 apartments have been constructed of 

which 354 are assisted, 27 are low income affordable and 19 are market rate. In addition to 

the rental units, a total of 94 homeownership units are included on site, 70 in the Bowling 

Green section, 20 townhouses in the Village East section and four condominiums that are part 

of the 21-unit “Villas” project. Currently, 86 for-sale homes have been completed and 74 sold 

or under contract. The project also includes support for a planned total of 254 off-site 

homeownership replacement units, which will be assisted with closing cost and down payment 

assistance to first-time low/moderate income homebuyers. To date 204 homebuyers have 

been assisted off-site with HOPE VI funds. 

Beyond June 2010, approximately 170 new market rate and work force homeownership 

townhouses, single family detached dwellings, and condominiums are planned to be 

constructed at Village Center. Under the terms of the grant close-out, Village Center is no 

longer considered part of the Broad Creek HOPE VI project. However, Village Center 

represents an important component of the redevelopment of Broad Creek area. To proceed, 

significant infrastructure construction is needed to support the planned development. It is 

projected that the climate for public or private funded infrastructure improvements will 

Page 1 of 3 Revised 2/13/08

improve considerably once emerging initiatives such as the Ray and Joan Kroc Community 

Center, the redevelopment of Moton Circle and the City’s support for a new Broad Creek 

regional library move forward. 

Grandy Village. In 2008, NRHA closed on LIHTC and tax-exempt bonds to provide additional 

funding to provide air conditioning in existing units, enhance wetlands restoration and provide 

a new community/educational center at Grandy Village. To date central air conditioning and 

heating systems have been installed in 253 units, the community center is currently under 

construction along with improvements to the waterfront to provide access via a pier and Kayak 

launch. The mixed-finance renovations and improvements are part of a broader effort to 

revitalize Grandy Village without a HOPE VI style redevelopment by using the Public Housing 

Capital Fund Program (CFP), LIHTC and tax-exempt bonds to perform renovations, demolish 

selected units and implement site improvements to support the construction of new housing 

units. The ongoing renovation of Grandy Village, has included improvements to 341 units, 

demolition of 54 units, development of 22 new family apartments, replacement of utilities, 

street improvements, renovation of the gymnasium, restoration of the waterfront and 

development of a new community center. Funds expended or committed to date exceed $40 

million. 

Construction of community/education center is to be completed by June 2010. Childhood 

education programming will be provided at the center for up to 132 children in partnership 

with Norfolk Public Schools and STOP, beginning this September. Staff also continues work on 

architectural and engineering activities support additional residential development at Grandy. 

Mission College Apartments. Through a created entity, NRHA received approval from the 

Virginia Housing Development Authority (VHDA) to receive 9% Low Income Housing Tax 

Credits (LIHTC) that will support improvements to Mission College Apartments. Through a 

combination of LIHTC equity and mortgage financing, the project has provided for over $8 

million in unit renovations as well as improvements to the management office and the 

construction of a new clubhouse and pool. All physical improvements were completed in 

December 2009. Project closeout and completion of permanent financing is anticipated by 

September 2010. 

Moton Circle. In 2006, the Authority began redevelopment planning for Moton Circle. 

Working with the residents, broader community and the City through a charrette process, a 

proposed redevelopment plan was developed in support of a HOPE VI application. The 

Authority pursued HOPE VI funding unsuccessfully in 2006 and 2007. 

Although the Authority has been unsuccessful in its applications for HOPE VI funding, the 

redevelopment of Moton Circle remains an important objective. To that end, in August 2009 

the Board authorized the Executive Director to pursue the demolition and redevelopment of 

Moton Circle. A demolition application was submitted in August 2009 and approval from HUD 

is anticipated later this month or early in March. 

NRHA will pursue funding options for the redevelopment of the site including development with 

and without HOPE VI. HUD plans to release a HOPE VI grant notice of funding availability 

(NOFA) sometime this year as well as the first demonstration grant for Choice Neighborhoods, 

a program identified to either complement or replace HOPE VI beginning next year. Staff is 

monitoring and evaluating these and other grant and funding opportunities as efforts continue 

at Moton Circle. 


Based on an August submittal the projected timeline for the demolition of Moton Circle is as 

follows: 

Date 

August 10, 2009 

August 14, 2009 

Late February/Early March 2010 

March through Nov 2010 

November 2010 

June 2011 

Activity 

NRHA Board Authorization Application 

Submission of Demolition Application to HUD 

Anticipated Date for HUD Approval 

Relocation of Moton Circle Residents 

Begin Demolition 

Complete Demolition 

Oakleaf Forest. NRHA is making significant improvements to the street configuration in 

Oakleaf Forest, including new loop roads to improve access through the community, the 

creation of additional parking spaces, and removal of the center median to improve safety. 

The site improvements are being implemented now with funding in the amount of $3.5 million, 

provided through the Public Housing Capital Fund Program (CFP) with resources provided 

under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. This significant investment can be used 

to leverage low income housing tax credits in order to make additional interior and exterior 

improvements. The community last underwent significant renovations from 1996 through 

1998. While air conditioning (a/c) was recently installed in all Oakleaf Forest units, there is 

still a need for interior and exterior improvements that would allow the community to appeal 

to a broader range of families eligible for assisted housing. A mixed finance project will allow 

Oakleaf Forest to be a workforce housing community. A 9% LIHTC application was 

unsuccessful in 2009. Alternative financing options are being reviewed to provide resources 

for the interior improvements, possibly utilizing a combination of tax exempt bonds and 4% 

tax credits. 

Additional Projects. Staff continues to seek opportunities to develop or acquire and improve 

additional rental units in a manner that supports healthy sustainable communities. These 

efforts could include new construction on existing or expanded NRHA property or acquisition of 

existing units or cleared land for renovations or new development. 

FUTURE ACTION 

 

 

 

 

 

Pursue FY-2011 funding from the City for infrastructure supporting Village Center in 

Broad Creek. 

Continue to monitor grant and funding opportunities 

Pursue development of additional rental units to support stated goals 

Pursue funding for renovation or revitalization of existing multi-family rental 

communities. 

Continue to update the Board of Commissioners on Housing Reinvention activities. 




Subject: Low Income Public Housing – Family Self Sufficiency (FSS) 

Executive Contact: Donnell Brown Date: February 8, 2010 

BACKGROUND 

FSS program was established in 1990 by Section 554 of the National Affordable 

Housing Act. It is a successor program to the project self-sufficiency and 

operation bootstrap programs. Regulations’ governing the FSS program is 24 CFR 

984. 

FSS is a HUD program that encourages communities to develop local strategies to 

help voucher and public housing residents obtain employment that will lead to 

economic independence and self-sufficiency. Locally, NRHA works with a host of 

agencies such as the: Department of Human Services, Norfolk Public Schools, 

Virginia Employment Commission, and other local partners to develop a 

comprehensive program that gives participating families the skills needed to 

obtain specific goals and objectives. 

Families (head of household only) that are selected to receive a voucher or a 

public housing dwelling unit are eligible to participate in the 5-year program. 

The NRHA FSS counselor and the participating family member execute an FSS 

Contract of Participation (Cop) that specifies the rights and responsibilities of both 

parties. The 5-year FSS contract specifics goals and services for each participant. 

Participants must fulfill all requirements in order to obtain full program benefits. 

The FSS contract requires that the participant comply with the lease that all family 

members become independent of welfare, and the head of the family seek and 

maintain suitable employment. Possible sanctions for noncompliance with the FSS 

contract are terminated from the FSS program, forfeiture of the FSS escrow 

account, withholding or termination of supportive services, and termination of the 

housing assistance. 

Escrow accounts: NHRA has established an interest-bearing FSS escrow account 

for each participant. An escrow credit based on increases in earned income of the 

family is credited to the accounts during the term of the FSS contract. NRHA may 

make a portion of the escrow account available to the family during the term of the 

contract to enable the participant to complete an interim goal such as education. 

Revised 2/13/08

STATUS 

In 2008 NRHA was awarded a Low Income Public Housing FSS grant of $121,000. The grant 

paid for two FSS Counselors. During, 2008/2009 there was 125 participants enrolled in the 

program. 

The current year the FSS enrollment is 146 participants. 

FUTURE ACTION 

NRHA was recently awarded an additional grant of $136,000 to continue the program in 

2010/2011. 

Revised 2/13/08



Subject: FY2011 Budget Calendar for Commissioners 

Executive Contact: Clara Graves, Chief Financial Officer Date: February 8, 2010 

BACKGROUND 

The annual budget development process is a formal method through which NRHA establishes its 

program priorities, goals and service levels for the upcoming year. The annual budget 

development process is ongoing throughout the year; however, the actual formulation of the 

FY2011 budget began in January, 2010 and ends with the final review and formal adoption of 

the Budget. 

STATUS 

The intent of this transmittal is to prepare and apprise you of key dates in the process which 

requires your involvement for the success of the FY2011 budget cycle. 

FUTURE ACTION 

Presentation of a Proposed FY2011 Budget scheduled for April 19,2010. 

Revised 2/13/08

Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority 

FY2011 Proposed Budget Calendar 

Commissioner Schedule 

Monday, February 8, 2010 

FY2010 Mid Year Budget Update 

Monday, March 8, 2010 

Operating Budgets – Process 

Monday, April 12, 2010 

Proposed Budget Publication 

Monday, April 19, 2010 

Present Proposed Budget to Board 

Conduct Public Hearing 

Monday, May 24, 2010 

Adopt Proposed Budget

Agenda Item 


Subject: : APPLICATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION 

(FTA) JOB ACCESS REVERSE COMMUTE (JARC) FUNDS 


BACKGROUND 

July of 2008 the Board of Commissioners approved for staff to apply for $252,000 from Federal 

Transit Administration (FTA) Job Access Reverse Commute (JARC) grant to support the activities 

and goal of the Workforce Development Program. The approved grant funded support salaries 

($168,000) and leasing of three vans (84,000). 

The funds are currently being used to supplement the salaries of the transportation supervisor, 5 

transportation aides and Resource Development Administrator. The Resource Development 

Administrator is responsible for the collection of data that will be necessary to contribute to the 

regional program study. 

Research continues to suggest that reliable and dependable transportation to be a critical barrier to 

employment for low-income residents. NRHA has been and is the only consistent provider of 

transportation service to low –income residents in public housing. Although HRT is available, the bus 

routes and times are a huge challenge to getting workforce development program participates to 

and from jobs, training and employments sites. The funding has provided an average of 1,500 rides 

per month. 

NRHA is requesting authorization to apply for additional $184,000 operational cost made available 

in the 4 th round of funding to continue the Workforce Development Transportation Program. The 

funds will be used to continue supplementing the salaries of the transportation team. 

Recommendation: Approve resolution

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS’ UPDATES 

Meeting Date: Monday, February 8, 2010 

1) Hampton Blvd. Redevelopment Project 

2) 26 th Street/Lamberts Point 

3) St. Paul’s Quadrant Update 

4) Berkley/Liberty Street 

5) Campostella Heights – Disposition Parcels 2200 A, C, and D 

6) New Facility at Ballentine 

7) 2010 General Assembly Update 

8) Annual Plan 2010 (Draft) 

9) Housing Reinvention Activity Summary 

10) Family Self-Sufficiency Grant 

11) FY2011 Budget Calendar 

12) Social Media 

13) New Website Performance 

14) RECENT ARTICLES & CORRESPONDENCE/UPCOMING EVENTS 

1) Board Meeting Schedule for 2010 

2) Business Success Information Flyer. Event to be held February 25, 2010. 

(See flyer for more pertinent information) 

3) NRHA Finalist for Public Relations News Award 

(See #3 for more information) 

4) NAHRO Washington Update/2011 HUD Budget Proposal 

5) Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce - 

2010 Norfolk State of the City 

Annual State of the City Address 

Friday, February 19 at 12:00 p.m. 

Norfolk Waterside Marriott 

235 E. Main Street 

(Business Attire) 

6) Commissioners: There will be a brief meeting to discuss our e-communications 

following the regular meeting.



Subject: Hampton Blvd. Redevelopment Project 

Executive Contact: James E. Gehman Date: February 8, 2010 

BACKGROUND 

On October 22, 2009 an order was entered into court by Judge Louis Sherman giving the 

Authority the right to acquire three properties owned by Tom Arney and one property owned by 

Ronnie Boone, Jr. Mr. Arney decided not to appeal, Mr. Boone instructed Joe Waldo, his 

attorney, to appeal. The next step was to get trial dates to hear the argument on just 

compensation. Dates have been set in February, March and April, 2010. 

STATUS 

After futile attempts to get information from Mr. Arney as to his expert witness and what value 

he was going to testify to, Don Schultz (Crenshaw, Ware and Martin) filed Motions for Summary 

Judgment on all three of Mr. Arney’s properties. On January 19, 2010 Judge Sherman heard 

testimony by Don Schultz. Mr. Arney did not appear. Judge Sherman awarded Summary 

Judgment on two of Mr. Arney’s properties. This means the fair market value for those two 

properties is what the Authority had offered. On January 28, 2010 Judge Sherman awarded 

Summary Judgment on the third property owned by Mr. Arney which again the set the fair 

market value as what the Authority had offered. 

FUTURE ACTION 

The money for these properties will be deposited into the court the first week of February, 2010 

and the order granting title to the Authority will be entered soon after. The trial date for the 

Boone property is set for May 3, 2010. 

Revised 2/13/08



Subject: 26 th Street / Lamberts Point 


BACKGROUND 

The 14 townhouse lots offered in our RFP issued December 10, 2009, are on the north side of 

26 th Street between the predominately residential uses to the north and the commercial/ 

industrial area to the south. NRHA specified some townhouse plans that would be a good 

transition between the competing uses, as well as address the findings of the Market Analysis 

done previously. These are to be market-rate, owner-occupied units with a Homeowner’s 

Association. 

The work to reconstruct 26 th Street has been advertised for bids and the work should be 

completed in about six months. The selected developer will need to contract with an architect 

to develop final plans. This would take place concurrent with the site work. 

STATUS 

On January 15, 2010, we received three proposals: Associated Contracting Services, Inc. 

(ACS/Ken Jolley), Howerin Construction Corp. (Bobby Howerin) and Tivest Development and 

Construction (Dwight Etheridge). Each of these builders has a similar ranking in our Builder 

Performance Ranking, and a long history of partnership with NRHA. Their submissions are 

being evaluated by staff, and we expect to offer a recommendation by the end of the month. 

FUTURE ACTION 

After developer selection and contract execution, we anticipate construction to begin in about 

six months. 

Revised 2/13/08



Subject: St Paul’s Quadrant 


BACKGROUND 

At the monthly St. Paul’s Area Advisory Committee (SPAAC) meetings one or more of the 

guiding principles are discussed with the committee. 

Guiding principles are: 

• Replacement of public housing units on one-for-one basis. 

• Invest in resources for safe, healthy, rewarding living. 

• Reconnect missing links (end isolation created by existing roadwork by reconnecting 

some roads to downtown such as Church Street). 

• Remove barriers to pedestrian mobility. 

• Enhance historic properties such as churches by improving the physical setting. 

• Address storm water (flooding) issues. 

• Provide recreation and open space opportunities. 

• Address economic segregation by providing quality housing for all income levels. 

• Build a community by involving residents and churches and enhancing cultural and 

economic diversity. 

Thursday January 7, 20109 the SPAAC held a meeting on the 10 th floor at City Hall. 

Meeting Topic-Create a neighborhood 

a. Overview of theme- Create a neighborhood 

b. Replace public housing units on a one –for-one basis 

c. Address economic segregation 

d. Invest in resources for safe, healthy, rewarding living. 

The guiding principles that were discussed were: Address economic segregation and Invest in 

resources for safe, healthy and rewarding living. 

Ben Carlson a consultant with Goody Clancy provide an overview of the make up of mixed 

income communities and illustrative examples of how economic segregation could be addressed 

in the new community. (Att.1) 

Rhae Parkes a consultant with EJP discussed some of the programs needed as it relates to the 

guiding principle Invest in resources for safe, healthy, rewarding living. (Att.2) The SPAAC will 

continue the discussion of program and services needed at the February 4, 2010 meeting. 

The meeting notes for the January 7th meeting are attached (Att.3) 

Revised 2/13/08

STATUS 

The agenda for the February 4th meeting is attached (Att.4). A full report will be provided in 

the March Board report. 

FUTURE ACTION 

The NRHA Board of Commissioners’ will continue to receive monthly update on each advisory 

committee meeting. The next monthly meeting is scheduled for Thursday, March 4, 2010 at 

City Hall. 

Revised 2/13/08



Subject: Berkley / Liberty Street 


BACKGROUND 

In August 2009, Berkley IV Disposition Parcel 1602 was awarded to Howerin Construction for 

development of 8 single-family homes. Parcel 1602 is located on the south side of Liberty 

Street just east of Main Street. The site is currently zoned C-2 and IN-1 thus requiring a 

rezoning to R-8 to facilitate the single-family development. During November 2009, the 

rezoning application was submitted to the Planning Commission who in turn unanimously 

recommended that the rezoning be approved. The required Public Hearing was scheduled for 

January 12, 2010. 

On January 6, 2010, we received a letter from New Hope United Church of Christ opposing the 

rezoning of Parcel 1602. The church is located on Liberty Street adjacent to parcel 1602. Their 

letter states that they would like acquire the site for future expansion. 

During the January 12, 2010 Public Hearing, the church voiced their opposition and we were 

asked by Councilman Riddick to see if some “compromise” could be reached. 

STATUS 

In response to Councilman Riddick’s request, staff met with New Hope United and has 

tentatively proposed issuing a 12 month option to the church reserving 2-3 sites for parking. 

While the church’s letter states the desire to construct a resource center, daycare facility, and 

senior housing complex, their more immediate need is additional parking. Staff is currently 

working to determine the feasibility of this option and its impact on the overall development. 

FUTURE ACTION 

Anticipate reaching some compromise with the church and proceeding with the rezoning within 

the next 30 days. 

Revised 2/13/08



Subject: Campostella Heights Disposition Parcels 2200 A, C, & D 


BACKGROUND 

In August 2009, Campostella Heights Disposition Parcels 2200 A, C, & D were awarded to 

Associated Contracting Services for development of 3 single-family homes. In addition to the 3 

new homes, the developer is also responsible for constructing an ornamental fence with brick 

end walls, a center wall, and intermediate piers along the west property line of the site. Other 

features include a new sidewalk, new planting beds, and a 10’ wide grass verge. This site 

improvement has been referred to as the “Campostella Gateway” and the design was approved 

by the civic league in May 2009. While the sidewalk, planting beds, and verge costs are funded 

through the City and NRHA, the fence is part of the development paid by the builder. 

During January 2010 as the site improvement work commenced, the recently elected 

Campostella Heights Civic League President, Keela A. Boose voiced concerns regarding the 

previously approved design. 

STATUS 

Staff is attempting to schedule a meeting with Ms. Boose to explain that the cost of the fence is 

the responsibility of the builder and that its’ installation is more for the aesthetic appeal of the 

new homes versus a gateway to the neighborhood. NRHA is willing to delete the Campostella 

Heights lettering on the brick center wall. However, neighborhood entrance signs are the 

purview of the City of Norfolk. 

FUTURE ACTION 

Staff anticipates meeting with Ms. Boose within the next 10 days and going forward with the 

current design. 

Revised 2/13/08



Subject: New Facility at Ballentine 


BACKGROUND 

Through a competitive RFP process, NRHA procured the architecture and engineering firm Clark 

Nexsen to design a consolidated new headquarters facility for NRHA at 910 Ballentine 

Boulevard. Following execution of the contract in June, Clark Nexsen completed an intensive 

programming process, working closely with all NRHA departments to identify the staff, 

functions, operational and spatial needs of the organization. This work culminated in a written 

and graphic Building Program, which serves to guide the design phases of the project. 

NRHA staff and Clark Nexsen also completed research on recently-constructed Public Housing 

Authority headquarters around the country and confirmed that our proposed amenities and 

design strategies are complementary with national trends. 

STATUS 

The preliminary or Schematic Design phase of the project was completed in November and 

Clark Nexsen has been progressing with the Design Development phase. This work involves 

further refinement of the floor plans, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing and other 

building systems, and studying a number of options for the exterior character of the building. 

Staff continues to develop energy efficient/green building strategies for the facility and has 

determined it is possible to achieve the goal of becoming Norfolk’s first LEED Gold certified 

building. 

The recent Design Development submittal by Clark Nexsen included a detailed professional cost 

estimate indicating that the project remains within budget. 

In conjunction with the design work on the new headquarters building, NRHA has procured a 

consultant to evaluate the market opportunities and provide a report with options and 

recommendations for the reuse of the 201 Granby Street facility. 

FUTURE ACTION 

Future actions include internal meetings with NRHA departments to refine the design of 

departmental spaces and general coordination with the public, including the neighborhood, city 

council and staff, and other interested constituents to ensure general understanding and 

support of this effort. 

Completion of the design work and market study is scheduled to correspond with the April 26, 

2010 Policy Meeting of the Board. 

Revised 2/13/08



Subject: 2010 General Assembly Update 

Executive Contact: Ed Ware Date: February 8, 2010 

BACKGROUND 

Sixty-day session kicked off January 12 and ends March 13. Bills of interest to NRHA are 

outlined below. 

STATUS 

1) State Housing Trust Fund would provide a reliable source of grants and low interest loans 

funds that could be used in a variety of way to increase affordable housing supply. 

Twenty-five percent of State Trust Fund would be used to match communities that 

established local funds such as Norfolk. Guidelines for Fund would be established by 

Department of Housing and Community Development and administered by VHDA. Trust 

Fund bills have passed both the House and Senate in different years. Key is finding a 

substantial, dedicated source of revenue that House, Senate and Governor can agree on. 

New options being explored include tax revenues from sale of building materials. The 

Commonwealth’s daunting fiscal challenges make it likely that 2010 will be an uphill 

fight. Keeping the issue visible during the session and advancing discussion of agreeable 

revenue sources will be primary goals of 2010. (Thirty-nine states have Housing Trust 

Funds.) No bills introduced this year because of huge budget shortfall. 

2) HB 960 enabling legislation for local Housing Trust Funds would clearly establish that 

any Virginia locality may create and administer a local Fund. Currently this must be done 

on a jurisdiction-by-jurisdiction basis. Presently Norfolk, Charlottesville, Arlington and 

Fairfax have Funds each having a different mechanism for replenishment. This bill is 

pending before the House Committee on Counties, Cities and Towns. 

3) Existing special real estate assessment procedures for affordable housing with long-term 

use restrictions are not handled uniformly by local assessors. Local tax assessors are 

required to establish market values for affordable housing that reflect rent and income 

restrictions placed on these properties through a variety of programs. Since there are no 

uniformly used procedures to determine these values, assessments vary widely from 

locality to locality. In addition the law does not apply to housing projects with five units 

or less. This results in higher tax levies and limits ability of properties to remain 

affordable. The Virginia Department of Taxation has indicated that General Assembly is 

responsible for further refining law and providing clearer guidance. HB 233 was 

introduced to deal with this issue and is pending before the House Finance Committee. 

Revised 2/13/08

4) HB 997 extends City of Norfolk and NRHA’s ability to acquire property for the Kroc Center 

through the use of eminent domain from July 2010 to July 2011. The bill passed the 

House Courts of Justice Subcommittee #1 and is pending before the full Committee. 

5) HB 264 requires housing authorities to adopt written policies concerning “no trespass” 

policy or barment from premises owned by authority to include written notice of policy to 

tenant, posted signs, right to hearing for alleged violator as well as appeal process. The 

bill apparently addresses a local city of Alexandria issue and ignores the fact that 

legislation was adopted in 2004 directing housing authorities to establish “no trespass” 

policies based on guidelines from the Attorney General. The Virginia Association of 

Housing and Community Development Officials oppose the legislation as redundant and 

unnecessary. HB 264 was tabled February 2 by the House Committee on General Laws 

(Subcommittee #1) 

6) HB 1152 provides housing authorities (administering established affordable dwelling unit 

programs) with the opportunity, and exclusive right, to purchase an affordable dwelling 

unit at a foreclosure sale for amount not to exceed maximum controlled sales price of 

unit. 

FUTURE ACTION 

An update will be provided for the March board meeting. 

Revised 2/13/08



Subject: Draft Annual Plan 2010 

Executive Contact: John C. Kownack Date: February 8, 2010 

BACKGROUND 

The Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act (QHWRA) of 1998 requires housing authorities to complete a 

five-year plan and an annual plan. We are developing our eleventh annual plan (2010) and we are preparing 

to enter the second year of our 3rd five year plan (2009 through 2013), beginning July 1, 2010. The plans 

include information on NRHA’s major goals, objectives, and strategies for public housing and Section 8, such 

as demolition/disposition, site based waiting lists, requirements/mandates by HUD and our objectives and 

strategies for achieving our mission. 

STATUS 

The attached draft 2010 Annual Plan is being displayed at various sites throughout the City of 

Norfolk and will be available for a 45-day public review and comment period from February 5 

through March 22, 2010. Highlights of the draft plan are provided below: 

Changes anticipated in the administrative policy for the housing choice voucher program 

include: mandatory usage of the Enterprise Income Verification System (EIVS); revised 

grievance procedures; and mandatory use of rent reasonableness for determining 

payment standards. 

Changes anticipated in the Admission and Continued Occupancy Policy (ACOP) for public 

housing includes mandatory usage of EIVS and revised grievance procedures. Also under 

consideration are revisions to applicant suitability criteria relating to home visits, landlord 

references, and criminal history records. 

Increases in “Flat” or maximum public housing rents for public housing communities 

included in the draft plan. Again, it is emphasized that rents would only increase for 

families where 30% of their income is in excess of the current Flat rent amount 

Distribution and acceptance of public housing applications at various locations and through 

various means as needed and advertised. 

Consideration is being given to the establishment of a revised waiting list preference 

ranking system that combines the current “Need and Earned” preferences list into one 

weighted preference list. 

In PIH Notice 2009-21, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) 

strongly encourages Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) to implement non-smoking policies 

in their public housing units in order to provide increased public health protection for 

residents of public housing. NRHA staff raised the non-smoking issue during the Resident 

Annual Forum on December 8, 2009. There were mixed reactions from the residents on 

whether NRHA should adopt a non-smoking policy. Some stated that it should be their 

right to smoke inside their home, while others believed that secondhand smoke negatively 

impacted other non-smoking residents. The draft plan references the non-smoking policy 

issue but does not include any changes in policy. Further discussion and research is 

needed before a recommendation on this subject is reached. 

As in past years, the draft 2010 Annual Plan will continue to outline various Housing 

Reinvention goals and initiatives for the next several years and decades. Initiatives 

referenced in the draft plan include: 

Page 1 of 2

o 

o 

o 

o 

o 

o 

Continued revitalization efforts in Grandy Village, including site improvements that 

could create developable parcels for additional housing units; 

Redevelopment of Moton Circle; 

Participation in the City of Norfolk’s St. Paul’s Quadrant planning process (Tidewater 

Gardens); 

Pursuit of a mixed-finance initiative to renovate Oakleaf Forest; 

Planning for renovations to Diggs Town in 2013; and 

Development of new affordable rental housing units for families, seniors and the 

disabled. 

Remaining 2010 Annual Plan Calendar of Events 

February 2010 

February 5 through March 22 – 45-day public review period 

8 th - Provide an update to the Board of Commissioners 

9 th - Meet with RAB 

23 rd – Meet with RAB 

Throughout - Communicate with residents via community newsletters, meetings, etc. 

Throughout - Meet with various agencies/organizations 

March 2010 

2 nd – Meet with RAB 

8 th – Brief Board of Commissioners on draft plan 

16 th – Meet with RAB 

22 nd - Public hearing at Ruffner Middle School 

23 rd – Meet with RAB 

30 th – RAB meet to develop final comments on plan 


Throughout - Meet with various agencies/organizations 

Throughout - Revise draft as needed 

April 2010 

12 th - Present proposed plan to Board of Commissioners for approval 

12 th through 14 th - Finalize plan as needed 

15 th - Submit approved Plan to HUD electronically 

16 th - Distribute approved plan and post on NRHA’s website. 


Attachment: Draft 2010 Annual Plan 

Page 2 of 2



Subject: Low Income Public Housing – Family Self Sufficiency (FSS) 


BACKGROUND 

FSS program was established in 1990 by Section 554 of the National Affordable 

Housing Act. It is a successor program to the project self-sufficiency and 

operation bootstrap programs. Regulations’ governing the FSS program is 24 CFR 

984. 

FSS is a HUD program that encourages communities to develop local strategies to 

help voucher and public housing residents obtain employment that will lead to 

economic independence and self-sufficiency. Locally, NRHA works with a host of 

agencies such as the: Department of Human Services, Norfolk Public Schools, 

Virginia Employment Commission, and other local partners to develop a 

comprehensive program that gives participating families the skills needed to 

obtain specific goals and objectives. 

Families (head of household only) that are selected to receive a voucher or a 

public housing dwelling unit are eligible to participate in the 5-year program. 

The NRHA FSS counselor and the participating family member execute an FSS 

Contract of Participation (Cop) that specifies the rights and responsibilities of both 

parties. The 5-year FSS contract specifics goals and services for each participant. 

Participants must fulfill all requirements in order to obtain full program benefits. 

The FSS contract requires that the participant comply with the lease that all family 

members become independent of welfare, and the head of the family seek and 

maintain suitable employment. Possible sanctions for noncompliance with the FSS 

contract are terminated from the FSS program, forfeiture of the FSS escrow 

account, withholding or termination of supportive services, and termination of the 

housing assistance. 

Escrow accounts: NHRA has established an interest-bearing FSS escrow account 

for each participant. An escrow credit based on increases in earned income of the 

family is credited to the accounts during the term of the FSS contract. NRHA may 

make a portion of the escrow account available to the family during the term of the 

contract to enable the participant to complete an interim goal such as education. 

Revised 2/13/08

STATUS 

In 2008 NRHA was awarded a Low Income Public Housing FSS grant of $121,000. The grant 

paid for two FSS Counselors. During, 2008/2009 there was 125 participants enrolled in the 

program. 

The current year the FSS enrollment is 146 participants. 

FUTURE ACTION 

NRHA was awarded an additional grant of $136,000 to continue the program. 

Revised 2/13/08



Subject: Social Media 

Executive Contact: Ed Ware Date: February 8, 2010 

BACKGROUND 

Providing information regarding the social media tools used by NRHA’s Communications & 

Marketing (CAM) Department. 

STATUS 

Because of tight budgets, more and more businesses are turning to social media as marketing, 

advertising and PR tools. Marketers are using these new, often free and, therefore, more costeffective 

tools versus the old, traditional marketing methods. NRHA is actually on the forefront 

for housing authorities utilizing such media and is creating a fresh image for this 70-year-old 

organization. 

CAM currently uses the following social media tools: 

Twitter – “Twitter had 21 million US visitors in July 2009. Regarding its users, 35- to 54-yearold 

individuals make up the largest segment.” (Twitter 101 for Nonprofits, Frank Berry) 

Twitter started as a social messaging service, but has since evolved into a powerful business 

application. A Twitter message, called a “tweet,” is limited to 140 characters and can be about 

anything. Because of the character limitations, messages are concise and to the point. 

CAM uses Twitter (“NRHANorfolk”) as a marketing and PR channel to inform 

customers/potential customers about NRHA projects, events and other pertinent information. 

CAM uses Twitter to post items such as the Annual Report and Year in Review Video, news such 

as Awards and recognition, timely news from news sources or NRHA press releases, and 

upcoming events (business seminars, etc). During NRHA’s first authority-wide food drive, 

updates were posted regarding how many pounds of food were donated by employees. 

Because the number of characters allowed per tweet is minimal, it is helpful to post links to 

more information. These links are shortened using the tinyurl.com website that converts 

lengthy webpage URLs to shorter ones. Ex: a press release posted on NRHA’s website looks like 

this: http://www.nrha.us/newsandevents/pressreleases/nrha-property-improvements-fundedstimulus-package-underway 

That is too many characters to be useful for a tweet, so it is shortened using tinyurl.com to 

this: http://tinyurl.com/yap6z9c 

Twitter is an opt-in service – people choose who they follow. People/companies decide to follow 

someone based on their tweets and whether they find them helpful or interesting to them. Just 

because someone is following you/your company doesn’t necessarily mean they read all tweets 

closely. Most Twitterers (the term “twits” is discouraged) follow hundreds or thousands of 

people and only scan tweets at intervals. However, that scan gets NRHA’s foot in the door. 

Revised 2/13/08

To date, NRHA has 77 followers and follows 21 users. NRHA’s followers include Sen. Yvonne 

Miller, Downtown Norfolk Council, US Army Corps of Engineers – Norfolk District, NJ&G, Nicole 

Livas with WAVY/Fox, and Inside Business, to name a few. NRHA follows the Urban Land 

Institute, HUD FHA, LEED for Homes, HUD News and local media, among others. 

Facebook – Facebook is a social networking site where individual users and companies can add 

“friends,” send messages, create fan pages, post events, etc. While the site was initially 

established for college students, it was eventually expanded to anyone and currently has more 

than 350 million active users worldwide. 

The site has expanded its privacy settings over the years, allowing users to determine just how 

much information is shared. Users are able to control who sees their profile information, contact 

information, applications and can even block other users from interacting with them altogether. 

NRHA is set up as “Norfolk Redevelopment” and currently has 156 friends, including Flagship 

Newspaper, Nauticus, East Beach Norfolk, Hampton Roads Magazine, NJ&G, Norfolk SPCA, 

reporters and local business people. 

Facebook allows CAM to post more information about NRHA, including the authority’s vision, 

mission, goals, founding, etc. Facebook also allows for photo albums, where CAM is able to 

upload photos from events such as groundbreakings, open houses, projects, neighborhoods and 

community events. CAM is also able to post events on Facebook – the most recent is the 

upcoming Small Business Seminar. There are 17 friends interested in participating in this event, 

to date. By posting events like these on Facebook, NRHA is able to reach an audience with no 

cost. 

Status updates are used to keep friends aware of NRHA’s actions. Recent posts include the 

opening of assisted-rental waiting lists, awards, news and events. Facebook now allows for 

friends to “like” the activity NRHA and other users post. For example, when the food drive was 

posted on NRHA’s status, another user not only “liked” the status, but also commented. This 

allows for user involvement and feedback on what NRHA is doing. 

Fan pages are another opportunity for users to be interactive with companies and programs. 

NRHA follows the pages of local media, the Virginia Department of Housing and Community 

Development and local universities. 

There are advertising opportunities available via Facebook and may be something NRHA will 

consider in the future. The ads run on the right-hand side of profile and home pages. The ads 

can be targeted to a specific age, sex and location. This is because each user is required to 

input this data in order to establish his/her profile and is therefore very reliable. Events and 

development projects would be prime advertising opportunities for NRHA on Facebook. 

YouTube – YouTube is a video sharing site where users can upload videos and share them with 

other users. Videos range from user generated and created to movie/TV clips, ads, video blogs 

and more. A majority of the content uploaded is created by individuals, but a number of media 

sources and companies also use the medium. Unregistered users may view videos, but one 

must be a registered user in order to upload any material. Account profiles created by users are 

referred to as “channels.” 

CAM has set up an NRHA channel where year in review videos and Channel 48 Norfolk 

Revised 2/13/08

Perspective clips have been uploaded. This is an area where CAM hopes to expand usage over 

the coming year. 

Digg – CAM has just started using Digg, a social news website where users can discover and 

share content from anywhere on the Internet by submitting links and stories. Users can then 

vote and comment on these submissions. Voting stories up and down is the site's cornerstone 

function, respectively called digging and burying. Many stories get submitted every day, but 

only the most Dugg stories appear on the front page. 

Find an article, image, or video online and submit it to Digg.com. The submission will 

immediately appear in “Upcoming Stories,” where other members can find it and, if they like it, 

Digg it. 

Once a submission has earned a critical mass of Diggs, it becomes “popular” and jumps to the 

homepage in its category. If it becomes one of the most popular, it qualifies as a “Top 10”. If a 

submission doesn't receive enough Diggs within a certain time period, it eventually falls out of 

the “Upcoming” section. 

Participate in the collaborative editorial process by “Digging” preferred items. A history of 

“Digging” can be shared with friends. 

If stories with bad links, off-topic content, or duplicate entries are discovered, they can be 

“Buried.” That helps rid the system of spam and the good articles can rise to the top. 

The system only works when users actively participate on a large scale 

Build a network by inviting friends so they can track and collectively find important news 

together. 

Stories can be emailed, as well. 

Opinions can be shared by commenting on stories, images, and videos as well as Digging and 

Burying comments by other users. 

FUTURE ACTION 

CAM will continue to research and explore social media opportunities and track the successful 

options. The staff plans to take advantage of training opportunities, including an upcoming 

virtual conference on social media being presented by the American Marketing Association. 

There are also plans to begin a blog for NRHA, which would then be advertised via the 

authority’s website and social media sites. 

We will be glad to meet with Commissioner’s following the regular board meeting to discuss in 

more detail. 

Revised 2/13/08



Subject: New Website Performance 

Executive Contact: Ed Ware Date: Feb.2, 2010 

BACKGROUND 

NRHA launched a new website in November. The website now has sufficient operating history to 

provide meaningful performance metrics. 

STATUS 

Two evaluation/measurement tools have been utilized to compare NRHA’s website with other 

redevelopment and housing authorities as well as HUD. Of 12 peer organizations across the 

country, NRHA placed at the top. 

 

 

www.websitegrader.com – Website Grader is a search engine optimization (SEO) tool 

that measures the marketing effectiveness of a website. It provides a score that 

incorporates things like website traffic, SEO, social popularity and other technical factors. 

Google Analytics - is an on-line web analysis tool that gives you rich insights into your 

website traffic and marketing effectiveness. It analyzes things such as how many visitors 

you have to your website, most viewed pages and how long they stay on the website. 

FUTURE ACTION 

We will continue to analyze and make improvements to our website. 

Revised 2/13/08

A website grade of 91/100 for www.nrha.us means that of the millions of websites that have previously been evaluated, 

websitegrader.com has calculated that this site scores higher than 91% of them in terms of its marketing effectiveness. The algorithm 

uses a proprietary blend of over 50 different variables, including search engine data , website structure, approximate traffic, site 

performance, and others. 

Website Authority Website Grade Google Page Rank Google Indexed Pages Traffic 

www.nrha.us NRHA 91 3 863 4,064,689 

www.rrha.org Richmond 52 3 235 3,127,370 

www.dchousing.org DC 76 5 131 2,719,003 

www.bostonhousing.org Boston 91 5 1570 2,163,344 

www.baltimorehousing.org Baltimore 87 5 323 979,616 

www.shra.org Sacramento 68 4 1710 989,931 

www.cha-nc.org Charlotte 75 5 333 3,056,963 

www.saha.org San Antonio 64 5 1220 3,022,849 

www.hapdx.org Portland 79 5 1260 1,340,355 

www.atlantahousing.org Atlanta 80 4 560 1,071,158 

www.thecha.org Chicago 83 6 726 662,491 

www.hud.gov HUD 78 7 n/a 8,863 

Website Grade 

100 

Website Grade 

80 

60 

40 

20 

0 

NRHA 

Richmond 

DC 

Boston 

Baltimore 

Sacramento 

Charlotte 

San Antonio 

Portland 

Atlanta 

Chicago 

HUD 

Authority

Visits 8605 

(A visit happens when someone or something (robot) 

visits your site. It consists of one or more page 

views/ hits. One visitor can make multiple visits to 

your site.) 

Pageviews 41,378 

(A pageview is each time a visitor views a page on 

your website, regardless of how many hits are 

generated. Pages are comprised of files. Every 

image in a page is a separate file. When a visitor 

looks at a page (a pageview), they may see 

numerous images, graphics, pictures etc. and 

generate multiple hits.) 

Avg. Time on Site 4:52 

Google Analytics (Jan. 1 2010 to Jan. 31, 2010) 

Time on site is one way of measuring visit quality. If 

visitors spend a long time visiting your site, they may 

be interacting extensively with it. However, Time on 

site can be misleading because visitors often leave 

browser windows open when they are not actually 

viewing or using your site. 

New Visits 64.45% 

A high number of new visitors suggests that you are 

successful at driving traffic to your site while a high 

number of return visitors suggests that the site 

content is engaging enough to keep visitors coming 

back. 

Traffic Sources 

Direct Traffic (User entered the exact web address 23.56% 

Referring Sites (User clicked a link to our website 

from another website) 

Search Engines (User search for our website on a 

search engine such as Google) 

Most Visited Pages (besides main page) 

Job Listings 

Rental Properties 

Apply for Public Housing 

Rent 

19.74% 

56.70% 

Top keyword searches: norfolk 

redevelopment, nrha, norfolk 

housing authority, nrha norfolk 

va, norfolk redevelopment

8 

7 

6 

5 

4 

3 

2 

1 

0 

Google Page Rank (The lower the number the better) 

Richmond 

DC 

Boston 

Baltimore 

Sacramento 

Charlotte 

San Antonio 


Atlanta 

Chicago 

HUD 

Authority 

Google Indexed Pages (# of pages on website that google searches) 

Series1 

NRHA 

Richmond 

DC 

Boston 

Baltimore 

Sacramento 

Charlotte 

San Antonio 


Atlanta 

Chicago 

HUD 

NRHA 

2000 

1500 

1000 

500 

0 

Authority 

Series1 

Pages Indexed 

Page Rank

DC 

HUD 

Chicago 

5,000,000 

4,000,000 

3,000,000 

2,000,000 

1,000,000 

0 

Traffic (# of visitors to the website) 

Boston 

Baltimore 

Sacramento 

Charlotte 

San Antonio 


Atlanta 

Authority 

Series1 

Richmond 

NRHA 

Visitors

Resolution 


Subject: NRHA Public Housing Assessment System (PHAS) – Management Assessment 

Executive Contact: Donnell Brown Date: February 8 , 2010 

BACKGROUND 

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”) established a Public Housing 

Assessment System (PHAS) to assess the quality of a Public Housing Agency’s operating 

performance. The operating performance was assessed by the measurement, analysis and 

reporting of six specified management indicators – vacant unit turn time, capital fund, work 

orders, annual inspection of dwelling units and systems, security, and economic self-sufficiency. 

HUD required each Public Housing Agency to self-certify the results of its performance in the six 

areas measured under the system. 

In 2008 HUD proposed a rule to update and revise the Public Housing Assessment System 

regulations to reflect recent changes in public housing operations as a result of the conversion to 

asset management. A central part of this new performance measurement structure will be a 

system of on-site management reviews of each project. The on-site management reviews will 

replace the Management Operations Assessment self-certification. 

NRHA submitted its last self-certification Management Operations Assessment for fiscal year 

ending June 30, 2007. Fiscal year 2008 was considered a transition year and Public Housing 

Agency’s were not required to submit their Management Operations Assessment nor was the 

agency issued a new overall Public Housing Assessment System score. HUD issued a notice on 

January 12, 2010 regarding rules for Transition Year 2. The new rules require PHAs to submit 

their Management Operations Assessment based on the current PHAS rule no later than March 

13, 2010. 

Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority compiled the results of its Management 

Operations performance for fiscal year 2009 using the six management indicators under the 

current Public Housing Assessment System rule. A rating of “A” was received in all areas except 

Vacant Unit Turn Time which received a rating of “C”. Attached for your review is the 

Management Assessment Certification for fiscal year 2009 and Management Assessment (MASS) 

Certification Comparison spreadsheet for fiscal years 2001 through 2009. 

NRHA is hereby requesting that the Board of Commissioners of the Norfolk Redevelopment and 

Housing Authority approves and authorizes the certification and reporting to HUD of the required 

Public Housing Assessment system indicators, reflecting the performance of the Authority in the 

operation and administration of its public housing communities for the year ending June 30, 

2009. After the MASS certification has been approved by NRHA’s Board of Commissioners it will 

be submitted electronically to HUD. The deadline for submission is March 13, 2010. 

Recommendation: Approve resolution.



Subject: Hampton Blvd. Redevelopment Project 


BACKGROUND 

On October 22, 2009 an order was entered into court by Judge Louis Sherman giving the 

Authority the right to acquire three properties owned by Tom Arney and one property owned by 

Ronnie Boone, Jr. Mr. Arney decided not to appeal, Mr. Boone instructed Joe Waldo, his 

attorney, to appeal. The next step was to get trial dates to hear the argument on just 

compensation. Dates have been set in February, March and April, 2010. 

STATUS 

After futile attempts to get information from Mr. Arney as to his expert witness and what value 

he was going to testify to, Don Schultz (Crenshaw, Ware and Martin) filed Motions for Summary 

Judgment on all three of Mr. Arney’s properties. On January 19, 2010 Judge Sherman heard 

testimony by Don Schultz. Mr. Arney did not appear. Judge Sherman awarded Summary 

Judgment on two of Mr. Arney’s properties. This means the fair market value for those two 

properties is what the Authority had offered. On January 28, 2010 Judge Sherman awarded 

Summary Judgment on the third property owned by Mr. Arney which again the set the fair 

market value as what the Authority had offered. 

FUTURE ACTION 

The money for these properties will be deposited into the court the first week of February, 2010 

and the order granting title to the Authority will be entered soon after. The trial date for the 

Boone property is set for May 3, 2010. 

Revised 2/13/08

Revised 2/13/08

RECENT ARTICLES & 

CORRESPONDENCE/UPCOMING EVENTS

Board of Commissioners Meeting Dates 

Year 2010 

Regular Meetings Alternate Meetings Policy Meetings 

January 11 

February 8 

March 8 

April 12 

May 10 

June 14 

July 12 

August 9 

September 13 

October 11 

November 8 

December 13 

25 

22 

22 

-- 

24 

28 

-- 

23 

-- 

25 

22 

-- 

-- 

-- 

-- 

26 

-- 

-- 

26 

-- 

27 

-- 

-- 

27

We Care about the Success of Your Business 

Learn about financial resources 

available for your business 

• SBA Loan Programs 

• Micro and Traditional Lenders 

• Bonding 

• Norfolk’s Aesthetic 

Improvement Grant 

. . . and much more!!! 

When: 

February 25, 2010 

9:00 A.M. -1:00 P.M. 

Registration required - 

Click here to register 

For questions 

contact Joann Johnson 

at 757-314-1533 or 

ecoopstemp@nrha.us 

Where: 

City of Norfolk Workforce Development Center 

201 East Little Creek Road 

Norfolk, Virginia 23505

For More Information: 

Kelly R. Williams 

kwilliams@nrha.us 

757.314.1645 

For Immediate Release 

NRHA Finalist for PR News Award 

Norfolk, VA (January 28, 2010) – Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority’s 

(NRHA) video campaign “Under One Roof” has been selected as a finalist in PR News’ 

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Awards program in the category of Video 

Program. “The competition was fierce and to place as a finalist is a major 

accomplishment,” according to Mary Lou French, PR News Awards Coordinator. 

The other finalists in this category are: Coca-Cola Enterprises– CCE Virtual Facility 

Tour; The Baron Edmond de Rothschild Chemical Dependency Institute of Beth Israel 

Medical Center NY, NY - In My Backyard: Dispelling the Myths About Methadone 

Treatment; Consolidated Edison - The Power of Green Video Series; Seattle City Light - 

Shrinking Big Foot. 

The year 2008 was an exciting one for Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority 

(NRHA). The Authority’s new five-year strategic plan created a new direction with an 

energy and focus that’s clearly making a difference – and helping NRHA make a 

difference within the community. 

To emphasize these changes, NRHA embarked on a new communications program with 

an annual report, achievements video and new marketing look. The theme, “Under one 

roof,” pulled together the full range of products, programs and services delivered by an 

exceptional staff. These highlights were put together in print and video format – a first for 

this nearly 70-year-old organization. 

The “Under one roof” campaign supported the goals established in NRHA’s strategic 

plan: 

Quality housing opportunities for all; 

Sustainable mixed-income communities; 

A strategic business approach; 

Community engagement and support. 

Each goal provided an opportunity to showcase the efforts made by NRHA to improve 

the City of Norfolk, provide opportunities to residents and offer employees occasions for 

involvement.

The achievements video was unveiled at NRHA’s 2008 annual meeting held right before 

the holidays. It provided a visual reminder of everything accomplished over the course of 

the year and an opportunity for various departments to see the efforts put forth by their 

peers; providing recognition and a sense of pride in what the organization does day in and 

day out. 

The 2008 achievements video has been posted on NRHA’s website and intranet as well 

as the authority’s own YouTube channel. 

In recognition of this achievement, each finalist will receive an award during PR News’ 

awards luncheon at the National Press Club in DC on February 24, 2010. 

About NRHA 

Founded in 1940, NRHA is a national leader in community revitalization and fostering 

sustainable mixed-income communities. As the largest redevelopment and housing 

authority in Virginia, NRHA plays a key role in making Norfolk the city of choice to 

build, work, play and live. 

###

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