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Frequently
Asked Questions
Questions most frequently asked by residents are shown below. Click
on any of the questions to find the answers, or simply scroll down
to view all questions and answers. If you don't find the answer to
your question here, please e-mail
us or call us at 201.868-8605.
What are my rights as a public housing
resident?
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The
right to live in decent, safe, and sanitary housing. |
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The
right to have repairs performed in a timely manner, upon request,
and to have a quality maintenance program run by the Housing
Authority. |
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The
right to be given reasonable notice, in writing, of any non-emergency
inspection or other entry into their apartment. |
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The
right to organize as residents without obstruction, harassment,
or retaliation. |
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The
right to post materials in common areas of their building informing
other residents of their rights and of opportunities to involve
themselves in resident/management matters. |
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The
right, subject to applicable house rules, to use appropriate
common space or meeting facilities to organize or to consider
any issue affecting the condition or management of the property. |
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The
right to be recognized by the Housing Authority as having a
voice in residential community affairs. |
What are my responsibilites as a public housing
resident?
Residents
of public housing have certain responsibilities to ensure that the
housing development in which they reside remains a suitable home
for both them and their neighbors. Residents are responsible for:
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Complying
with the rules and guidelines that govern their dwelling lease. |
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Paying
the correct amount of rent on a timely basis each month. |
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Providing
accurate information to the Housing Authority at the certification
or recertification interview to determine their eligibilty for
assistance, and consenting to the release of information by
a third party to allow for verification. |
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Conducting
themselves in a manner that will not disturb their neighbors. |
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Not
engaging in criminal activity in the unit, common area, or grounds
of their housing devleopment. |
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Keeping
their unit clean and not littering the grounds or common areas. |
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Disposing
of garbage and waste in a proper manner. |
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Complying
with local codes that affect the health or safety of the residence. |
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Maintaining
their apartment and common areas in the same general physical
condition as when they moved in. |
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Reporting
any defects in building systems, fixtures, appliances, or other
parts of the unit, the grounds, or related facilities to the
Housing Authority's management office. |
Is transportation available?
Bus transportation to the local Pathmark, Shop-Rite, Mill Creek
Mall, etc. is provided with pick-up and drop-off at the three senior
buildings (Cullum, Lawler, Terrace). In addition, scheduled van
transportation for doctor's appointments is available.
Are Meals on Wheels available?
Yes, Meals on Wheels are available.
Are there medical personnel on staff?
There is a nurse on staff for consultation with residents. The nurse
also does monthly blood pressure screenings.
Is there a nutritionist on staff?
Yes, there is a nutritionist on staff for consultation with residents.
Is there a counselor on staff?
Yes, there is a counselor on staff who meets weekly with the children
of Meadowview Village as part of the Drug Elimination Program.
Are children's programs offered?
There is a pre-school parent/child program for low-income residents.
How do I file a complaint/grievance?
All public housing residents have the right to request an informal
grievance hearing. Upon the filing of a written request, a resident
shall be entitled to a hearing before a Hearing Officer. A resident
may file a request for any dispute which a resident may have with
respect to the Housing Authority's action or failure to act in accordance
with the individual resident's lease or Authority regulations which
adversely affect the individual resident's rights, duties, welfare
or status. See the Housing Authority's Grievance
Procedures for details.
Are reasonable accommodations made for
persons with disabilities?
Yes. Sometimes people with disabilities may need a reasonable
accommodation in order to take full advantage of the Housing Authority
housing programs and related services. The Fair Housing definition
of a person with disabilities is: "A person with a physical
or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major
life activities, has a record of such an impairment, or is regarded
as having such an impairment. (The disability may not be apparent
to others, i.e. a heart condition.)"
When such accommodations are granted, they do not confer special
treatment or advantage for the person with the disability, rather,
they make the program accessible to them in a way that would otherwise
not be possible due to their disability.
Because disabilities are not always apparent, the Housing Authority
will ensure that all applicants/tenants are aware of the opportunity
to request reasonable accommodations. Anyone requesting an application
will also receive a Request for Reasonable Accommodation form. Notifications
of reexamination, inspection, appointment, or eviction will include
information about requesting a reasonable accommodation. Any notification
requesting action by the tenant will include information about requesting
a reasonable accommodation. All decisions granting or denying requests
for reasonable accommodations will be in writing.
Are
there tenant/resident groups I can join?
Yes, there are organized groups in each development:
Cullum
Towers: Paul F. Cullum Tenant Association
Lawler
Towers: E. A. Lawler Towers Seniors, Inc.
Terrace
Apartments: Terrace Senior Citizens Tenants Association
Meadowview Village: Meadowview
Village Tenants Association
What amenities are offered in Cullum Towers?
The
basement level of Cullum Towers (which can be reached by elevator)
includes a dental center and laundry room. The lower level has a
community room, kitchen, storage room, and cloak room.
Click to view more information on Cullum Towers.
What
amenities are offered in Lawler Towers?
Lawler
Tower's community room separates the towers and contains furniture,
a pool table, a card table, shuffle board, and a television. The
first floor in Tower A has a kitchen,
laundry room, mail room, and public phone. The first floor in Tower
B has a conference room, counsling offices, and a mail room. The
second floor has a chapel and all purpose room (with sink, closet,
and two rest rooms). Click to view more information
about Lawler Towers.
What amenities are offered in Terrace Apartments?
Terrace Apartments have a community room located on
the first floor of the apartment building. The first floor also
has a chapel and storage room. Click
to view more information about Terrace Apartments.
What amenities are offered in Meadowview
Village?
Meadowview Village has a new community room located at 5826 Meadowview
Avenue. "Mommy and Me" classes are offered in this Community
Room, and free computer instruction and open labs will also be offered
here in the future (see our news and events
page about the coming Computer Technology Center). Meadowview Village
has a large playground as well as basketball courts.
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