Millville Housing Authority

Press Release

About Us > News & Press Releases > Press Release

MILLVILLE: MHA institutes "one strike" policy for tenants

By JOEL LANDAU
The Daily Journal
November 26, 2008

MILLVILLE � Millville Housing Authority residents who commit a felony will now face a "one strike and you're out" policy.

The authority's Board of Commissioners passed the new policy at Tuesday's meeting. The new procedure enables the authority to evict tenants who commit a crime, engage in drug-related activity or alcohol abuse. The authority can also evict tenants if their guests engage in this type of activity on the authority's property, said MHA solicitor Jen Webb-McRae.

Former U.S. President Bill Clinton implemented the policy in 1996, Webb-McRae said.

"The policy holds residents accountable for their actions on and off the premises," said MHA Executive Director Paul Dice. "It's one of a few tools the authority has to enforce rules and create a sense of family."

The board discussed the need to crack down on people living in units that are not the approved tenants, but Dice said there are many obstacles to bring this type of case to court, and the authority must document a lot of evidence. The authority will ask the residents for assistance to prove the cases against the illegal tenants.

Also at Tuesday's meeting, the board finalized its agreement with former Director of Housing Operations Jim Hertig.

Hertig, who worked for the authority for 17 years, left the authority on Nov. 1, because he said he wanted a break and was unhappy with the less responsibility he had under the authority's new asset management program. The new structure established property managers over the MHA's nine complexes and scattered sites.

Under the agreement, Hertig's resignation will take effect on Jan. 1, so he will be credited his accrued vacation time, said board chair Larry Miller.

Hertig's position will be eliminated. Bob Clendaniel is the new property manager for Holly Berry Court.

The authority received its first rent check from the Cumberland County Department of Health, which will move into the MHA's former administrative offices above the Holly City Family Center on Dec. 1, and pay $60,000 a year in rent.

A very enthusiastic Dice showed copies of the check at the meeting.

"I'm going to frame it like businesses frame their first dollar," he quipped, adding the 40-50 new employees working downtown will also have a positive economic impact for the city.

	Press Release About Us > News & Press Releases > Press Release MILLVILLE: MHA institutes "one strike" policy for tenants By JOEL LANDAU The Daily Journal November 26, 2008 MILLVILLE � Millville Housing Authority residents who commit a felony will now face a "one strike and you're out" policy. The authority's Board of Commissioners passed the new policy at Tuesday's meeting. The new procedure enables the authority to evict tenants who commit a crime, engage in drug-related activity or alcohol abuse. The authority can also evict tenants if their guests engage in this type of activity on the authority's property, said MHA solicitor Jen Webb-McRae. Former U.S. President Bill Clinton implemented the policy in 1996, Webb-McRae said. "The policy holds residents accountable for their actions on and off the premises," said MHA Executive Director Paul Dice. "It's one of a few tools the authority has to enforce rules and create a sense of family." The board discussed the need to crack down on people living in units that are not the approved tenants, but Dice said there are many obstacles to bring this type of case to court, and the authority must document a lot of evidence. The authority will ask the residents for assistance to prove the cases against the illegal tenants. Also at Tuesday's meeting, the board finalized its agreement with former Director of Housing Operations Jim Hertig. Hertig, who worked for the authority for 17 years, left the authority on Nov. 1, because he said he wanted a break and was unhappy with the less responsibility he had under the authority's new asset management program. The new structure established property managers over the MHA's nine complexes and scattered sites. Under the agreement, Hertig's resignation will take effect on Jan. 1, so he will be credited his accrued vacation time, said board chair Larry Miller. Hertig's position will be eliminated. Bob Clendaniel is the new property manager for Holly Berry Court. The authority received its first rent check from the Cumberland County Department of Health, which will move into the MHA's former administrative offices above the Holly City Family Center on Dec. 1, and pay $60,000 a year in rent. A very enthusiastic Dice showed copies of the check at the meeting. "I'm going to frame it like businesses frame their first dollar," he quipped, adding the 40-50 new employees working downtown will also have a positive economic impact for the city.