Low Income Tax Credit
Shoulderblade Elderly Complex with solar energy panels installed
This last month has been so busy for everyone involved with the LIHTC Project at the Shoulder Blade complex (SBC). Mike Speelman, Project Manager, gave notice that the phase one rehabilitation has been completed and had the first 18 units and various common areas inspected by Larry Bartlett, Inspector Division Manager. Larry approved all work, and Mike and Larry signed off on the Certificates of Occupancy and placed the units in service on January 29, 2010. Our first tenants started moving in on the same day. All of the previous residents who were eligible have moved in the new side now. The tenants are pleased with the new apartments and are starting to decorate them up to finish making them home. One of the components we are all excited about is the 50kW solar energy system that was recently completed by our contractor, Independent Energy Systems, of Bozeman. This solar system is the largest in the State of Montana. Another first in Cheyenne Country.
Evelyn Flying is pictured in her newly renovated apartment
The first 18 units are nearly rented up so if you are interested in one please get an application. You can call in and we will mail you one or come on down and we will give you an application, and, also we can go over and take a look at one of the new apartments. Even if you just want to think about it and only want to take a peek at one of the units that great, cause we are very proud of the work we have done. We are getting used to managing this property under new policies and procedures and trying out different strategies regarding security, resident services and, energy management. One of the things we tried was to lock outside entrances at 6 pm to 6 am and that did not work well so the doors are now locked at 10 pm until 6 am which restricts entrance to the building during those hours. In the old side there were problems with individuals being intoxicated and partying, security will be managing that issue very closely, that kind of behavior will not be tolerated. Dean Braine, Ryan Kaline and Robert Cunningham are continuing to finish some of the smaller punch list items, but all in all a great big thanks to Mike
This last month has been so busy for everyone involved with the LIHTC Project at the Shoulder Blade complex (SBC). Mike Speelman, Project Manager, gave notice that the phase one rehabilitation has been completed and had the first 18 units and various common areas inspected by Larry Bartlett, Inspector Division Manager. Larry approved all work, and Mike and Larry signed off on the Certificates of Occupancy and placed the units in service on January 29, 2010. Our first tenants started moving in on the same day. All of the previous residents who were eligible have moved in the new side now. The tenants are pleased with the new apartments and are starting to decorate them up to finish making them home. One of the components we are all excited about is the 50kW solar energy system that was recently completed by our contractor, Independent Energy Systems, of Bozeman. This solar system is the largest in the State of Montana. Another first in Cheyenne Country.The first 18 units are nearly rented up so if you are interested in one please get an application. You can call in and we will mail you one or come on down and we will give you an application, and, also we can go over and take a look at one of the new apartments. Even if you just want to think about it and only want to take a peek at one of the units that great, cause we are very proud of the work we have done. We are getting used to managing this property under new policies and procedures and trying out different strategies regarding security, resident services and, energy management. One of the things we tried was to lock outside entrances at 6 pm to 6 am and that did not work well so the doors are now locked at 10 pm until 6 am which restricts entrance to the building during those hours. In the old side there were problems with individuals being intoxicated and partying, security will be managing that issue very closely, that kind of behavior will not be tolerated. Dean Braine, Ryan Kaline and Robert Cunningham are continuing to finish some of the smaller punch list items, but all in all a great big thanks to Mike Speelman for a job well done.We are now starting the abatement work and demolition of phase two work. That work should take about 45 to 60 days and then we will start the rehab work. We are looking for a July 4, 2010, Grand Opening. On a side note, Ernie Robinson, the Tax Credit Administrator completed training and testing and is now Nationally Certified in LOW INCOME HOUSING TAX CREDIT COMPLIANCE-TaCCs. This certification is required by IRS and the State for the property manager of a Tax Credit Project.COME ON DOWN AND TAKE A LOOK AT ONE OF OUR APARTMENTS and remember that we have moved the elderly feeding from the main building to the double wide at the parking lot.
(from the January 2010 newsletter)
SECTION II: INDIVIDUAL UNIT STATUS AND NOTES
PHASE I
Units #18-35 – 1 and 2 bedroom multifamily/elderly units
Status and Notes:
• At the time of this site visit, all units and community spaces were 100% complete with only minor
clean up or punch list type work remaining.
o The rough mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems are complete.
o The HVAC PTACK system and baseboard heaters for each unit are in place.
o The fire detection system is installed.
o All exterior wall and ceiling insulation (thermal) is complete.
o The sound insulation in between each dwelling unit and at the wall adjacent to community space was applied,
o Gypsum board was hung on all wall and ceiling areas. The tape and texture process is
complete and all walls are painted.
o All exterior and interior doors are installed, including hardware.
o All exterior windows have been replaced with new and trim needed to parch area around
exterior masonry was in place,.
o New metal roofing has been installed over approximately 100% of the building along with
the fascia and soffits. NCTHA has not approved the replacement of fascia materials and is
requesting the contractor replace with a different material that will provide a better look
and quality. Replacement will begin soon.
o The photovoltaic system installation was in progress at the time of the January site visit and
was expected to complete in installation over Phase I by the end of the week.
Deficiencies:
• No deficiencies noted.
Progress Photos: Phase I Units:
PHASE II
Units #1-17, Dayroom #143, Community Kitchen/Dining room, SBC offices, public restrooms, sauna room, and all associated hallways, storage, mechanical rooms and laundry areas are currently being occupied/utilized by tenants and staff. Upon completion of Phase I units, all tenants will be permanently relocated into the newly renovated units. NCTHA is in the process of relocating office and food services staff off site in preparation of the rehabilitation of Phase II. An abatement meeting is scheduled for January 28th and Abatement on Phase II should begin on or before February 15th.
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From the December 2009 Newsletter
The month of December was an exciting month watching the first phase of the Shoulder Blade complex come together. Mike Speelman was a busy boy keeping the contractors feet to the fire to have a December complete ion, and he did it. The NCTHA hosted an open house for the first 18 apartments that were turned over to housing by the contractors. There was nothing but praise from the elders and family who attended the open house and viewed the fresh new look at the complex. The NCTHA sponsored the daily Tribal elderly meal at the Charging Horse Bingo Hall, Meredith McConnell catered the meal, and we all shared delicious roast beef, mashed potatoes, corn, bread, and dessert. A presentation by Joe Rodriquez of a beautiful mounted buck mule deer rack on a morning star base made of pine harvested on the reservation and processed at the Northern Cheyenne sawmill when it was running. The artist, Billford Curley Sr., is an elder and completed the work in 2001 depicting our Culture as the Morning Star people here in our homeland with the wildlife, plants, human resource, and continued respect we have for the circle of Life. We had about 230 people attend the event. We wish to extend a special thank you to Charles Little Old Man for the blessing ceremony.
Sue Olp of the Billings Gazette came down and looked at our project and did a very nice piece on the complex that was on the front page on December 22, 2009. In the article it was mentioned that we have a library in the new facility and are looking for donations of books. We have had several donations of books. We offer a gracious thank you to Joe and Carol Oberth of Colstrip and Patricia McAllister of Billings who have started our library off with some great books. We are still looking for more reading material if anyone is interested in making a donation. Also, on that note we are trying to raise funds to purchase a computer and wide screen TV for the library.
We are still taking applications for residency at the complex. Remember that this is a low income housing opportunity for elders 55 years and older for our Tribal membership. Contact Ernie Robinson, Palmeda Fisher, or just come on down to the housing Authority office and get an application or have questions answered.
Abatement and Demolition will start in February for the second phase of the project. The feeding facility will be moved to a double wide trailer in the complex parking lot on the west entrance. The Rosebud County Welfare office will be moved also, watch for signs. There will be some minor inconviences but bear with us it will be worth it. We will show apartments to interested applicants by appointment. Come see us.
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From the October 2009 Newsletter
Over the last three months rehab work has been moving along quickly. Project manager Mike Speelman has been pushing hard to finish phase one. By the end of December, Phase One of the Shoulderblade Complex will be complete and the first 18 units will be ready for move in. Move in will begin in January 2010. The new apartments are going to first class. There will be new appliances, new heating and air conditioning units. All new from Flooring to ceiling. There will be an open house on Thursday December 31, 2009.
Its time to get your applications in. There are a few apartments left so give a call and we will get you an application or come on down to the Housing Authority Office and pick one up. Applicants must be 55 years or older, income eligible, and enrolled Northern Cheyenne members. The remaining 17 units will be ready for move in about July of this coming summer, 2010. It first come first served, so hurry and get those applications in. For more information contact Palmeda Fisher, Housing Occupancy Manager, Fern Standing Water, Occupancy Specialist, or Ernie Robinson, Tax Credit Administrator.
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From the September 2009 newsletter
It has been a busy month for the Tax Credit Program. As published last month the current project is the Renovation of the Shoulderblade Elderly Complex units which are 1 and 2 bedrooms apartments. There are going to many exciting new changes to the Complex. The renovation is going to include dramatic improvements towards a more energy efficient facility, new appliances, new cabinets, and fixtures, plus more. Construction is in full swing on the first phase of the project, which is renovating 18 of the units. Right now the schedule is to begin move in to the first 18 units in January of 2010. The current tenets that are eligible are first on the list to receive the units and then we will go to a waiting list of eligible applicants to continue to fill vacant units until all units are occupied. The second phase of the project is scheduled to be complete by July 2010 with move in of tenets in August 2010. Currently there are still not enough applicants to fill all vacancies, so hurry and get your applications in. Some of the eligibility standards are the head of household must be an enrolled Northern Cheyenne Member, at least 55 years of age, and an income level in the 30 to 60 percentile of the local medium income level for this area. The standards are all in the revised Shoulderblade Complex Policy and Procedure Handbook. Applications are available at the Housing Authority Office in Lame Deer. You can call in and give us your address and we will mail you an application which must be filled in completely and accurately. After the application is completed and submitted to the Housing Authority Office an interview must be scheduled. You may schedule your interview prior to bringing in your completed application, so that you only need to make one trip.