Millville Housing Authority

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Parent: Hammer lawbreakers

By JASON LADAY NJ.com
January 27, 2010

MILLVILLE - Evictions at housing complexes administered by the Millville Housing Authority continue to increase, as the authority implements its zero-tolerance lease enforcement policy.

MHA Executive Paul Dice on Tuesday stated the authority successfully gained possession of four units in the past month, following municipal court decision in the MHA's favor.

He added that there are currently 11 eviction cases pending court action. All of the cases involve eviction for not paying rent.

"We're going to maintain the zero-tolerance policy," said Dice. "It's not something we want to be doing, but with decreased funding from state and federal sources, this is how the Millville Housing Authority has to do to stay functioning.

"We are reasonable, but my take is that once it goes to court, my answer is no. Staffs cost money."

Tuesday's MHA meeting was full of nodding heads, with many in attendance softly saying "good" as Dice was reading the eviction figures.

However, some evicted residents feel they have been wronged, and that they are victims of an unfair policy.

Catherine Collins received her eviction notice on Dec. 23 of last year, owing $673 for her $154-per-month apartment at Riverview East.

She said she suffers from strokes and chronic arthritis, and that her only source of income are the monthly Social Security checks she collects.

"I think it's not fair; they're not even trying to make arrangements with people," said Collins, who added officials refused her when she offered to pay $300 towards her back rent after a judged ruled against her on Jan. 20.

"These are old people, disabled people, with no where else to go," she said. "It's not right."

According to Collins, she was given eight working days after the court ruling to vacate. She said that the only place she has to go is to stay with her daughter.

"She lives in a hotel with her husband" as well as other family members, added Collins.

Dice and MHA Commissioner James Parent also stated the authority would "act against" tenants who threaten staff and building council officers or otherwise break the law.

The authority has pressed charges against two men in connection with harassment incidents last month, in which the accused allegedly threatened to shoot Dice and harm Ivy Evans, chief operations officer for the authority.

A third employee, who the MHA has declined to name, was also threatened, officials said.

Those who assaulted the fourth employee, by striking him in the back of the head with a blunt object, remain at large, said MHA officials.

According to Dice, the incidents are a result of the now year-old policy of strictly enforcing the MHA's lease conditions - including those regarding friends and family of residents who are not listed on any residential lease but continue to live in MHA facilities.

The pair are scheduled to appear in Cumberland County Court next month, said Dice.

Parent was particularly vocal in his calls for going after those who threaten violence against MHA staff and building council officers.

"I know the work you folks are trying to do, and that's not the environment you should have to work in," said Parent. "I think we should all be (at Cumberland County Court) en masse.

"I hope the judge hammers (the two accused) like no one else."

To MHA staff present at the meeting, Parent stated: "I want you to know that the board will always support you in these cases."

© 2010 Bridgeton News

© 2010 NJ.com All Rights Reserved.

	Press Release About Us > News & Press Releases > Press Release Parent: Hammer lawbreakers By JASON LADAY NJ.com January 27, 2010 MILLVILLE - Evictions at housing complexes administered by the Millville Housing Authority continue to increase, as the authority implements its zero-tolerance lease enforcement policy. MHA Executive Paul Dice on Tuesday stated the authority successfully gained possession of four units in the past month, following municipal court decision in the MHA's favor. He added that there are currently 11 eviction cases pending court action. All of the cases involve eviction for not paying rent. "We're going to maintain the zero-tolerance policy," said Dice. "It's not something we want to be doing, but with decreased funding from state and federal sources, this is how the Millville Housing Authority has to do to stay functioning. "We are reasonable, but my take is that once it goes to court, my answer is no. Staffs cost money." Tuesday's MHA meeting was full of nodding heads, with many in attendance softly saying "good" as Dice was reading the eviction figures. However, some evicted residents feel they have been wronged, and that they are victims of an unfair policy. Catherine Collins received her eviction notice on Dec. 23 of last year, owing $673 for her $154-per-month apartment at Riverview East. She said she suffers from strokes and chronic arthritis, and that her only source of income are the monthly Social Security checks she collects. "I think it's not fair; they're not even trying to make arrangements with people," said Collins, who added officials refused her when she offered to pay $300 towards her back rent after a judged ruled against her on Jan. 20. "These are old people, disabled people, with no where else to go," she said. "It's not right." According to Collins, she was given eight working days after the court ruling to vacate. She said that the only place she has to go is to stay with her daughter. "She lives in a hotel with her husband" as well as other family members, added Collins. Dice and MHA Commissioner James Parent also stated the authority would "act against" tenants who threaten staff and building council officers or otherwise break the law. The authority has pressed charges against two men in connection with harassment incidents last month, in which the accused allegedly threatened to shoot Dice and harm Ivy Evans, chief operations officer for the authority. A third employee, who the MHA has declined to name, was also threatened, officials said. Those who assaulted the fourth employee, by striking him in the back of the head with a blunt object, remain at large, said MHA officials. According to Dice, the incidents are a result of the now year-old policy of strictly enforcing the MHA's lease conditions - including those regarding friends and family of residents who are not listed on any residential lease but continue to live in MHA facilities. The pair are scheduled to appear in Cumberland County Court next month, said Dice. Parent was particularly vocal in his calls for going after those who threaten violence against MHA staff and building council officers. "I know the work you folks are trying to do, and that's not the environment you should have to work in," said Parent. "I think we should all be (at Cumberland County Court) en masse. "I hope the judge hammers (the two accused) like no one else." To MHA staff present at the meeting, Parent stated: "I want you to know that the board will always support you in these cases." © 2010 Bridgeton News © 2010 NJ.com All Rights Reserved.