CLPHA Press Room

From Starry, Inc.'s press release:

Starry, Inc., (the “Company” or “Starry”) a next generation licensed fixed wireless technology developer and internet service provider, today announced it has expanded its affordable, high-capacity internet service to the 164 households at Avalon Gardens, a Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA) community in the Green Meadows neighborhood of Los Angeles. Avalon Gardens is the ninth HACLA community to be connected to Starry’s affordable, high-speed broadband service and the fifth community to be connected as part of Starry’s work with Microsoft’s Airband Initiative. In addition, Starry announced plans with Microsoft to refurbish the Avalon Gardens community computer lab with new WiFi access, new computers, printers and accessories for use by residents.

Starry first launched its partnership with HACLA in June 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, to provide its Starry Connect service to the 601 households at Mar Vista Gardens in Los Angeles’ Del Rey neighborhood. In October 2020, Starry expanded on this effort with HACLA by collaborating with the Mayor’s Office of Budget and Innovation and Microsoft’s Airband Initiative to accelerate the availability of its low-cost, high-quality broadband service in four additional HACLA communities: Imperial Courts, Nickerson Gardens, Pueblo Del Rio and Jordan Downs. Reliable, affordable home broadband access has been critically important during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic to enable virtual learning, working from home and access to telehealth and social service resources. Through the collective efforts of Starry, HACLA, the Mayor’s Office, and Microsoft, more than 4,600 HACLA households now have access to an affordable broadband option through Starry.

“Access to a reliable internet connection is more essential today than ever for parents, students, job seekers, and folks looking to stay connected with their loved ones,” said Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti. “Through this program, Starry is providing the residents of Avalon Gardens with that connection and opening new doors of opportunity to employment, education, and more.”

“We believe every family deserves access to affordable, high-quality home broadband service and our goal with Starry Connect is to extend that access to communities we know are being underserved,” said Chet Kanojia, Starry co-Founder and CEO. “With committed partners like HACLA, the Mayor’s Office and Microsoft, we’re able to make affordable broadband access a reality for families who might otherwise go without. Having robust home internet access has never been more important and we’re proud to serve our HACLA families with a broadband service that is not just reliable, but delights. Thank you to our partner Microsoft for continuing to support our efforts to expand digital access and inclusion in public housing.”

“Here at the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles, we’re so happy to see our partnership with Starry going strong,” said HACLA President & CEO Doug Guthrie. “Many people are still working and learning from home, and it’s important that we make digital inclusion a priority. With Starry Connect now available at more than half of our public housing sites, we are well on our way to closing the digital inequity gap in our communities.”

Read Starry's press release.

From 303 Magazine:

Denver has changed quite a bit over the past decade. The population is growing at record rates, while affordable housing initiatives on the state level have stayed on the back burner as developers have reeled in on a booming housing market.

“Last year the real estate market went up 20% in ownership units; this year it’s projected to go up another 20%,” said David Nisivoccia, executive director of Denver Housing Authority (DHA).

Things are still looking up, though. Although Denver hasn’t done well in keeping up with the growing demand for affordable housing, over $62 million of gap bonds from the city will support DHA in 1,300 available affordable housing units, in addition to funding through the organizations Delivers for Denver (D3) Initiative, an attempt to kickstart the city’s Five Year Housing Plan.

The plan was announced last August and made a goal to cut the number of unhoused residents by half and increase income-restricted housing by 2026.

DHA is underway to complete seven of 11 projects, including the revitalization of the Sun Valley neighborhood, its most recent project.

In the Sun Valley neighborhood, DHA secured funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to complete 940 units. The neighborhood has an average household income of $14,460 and has largely been considered as one of the city’s most neglected neighborhoods.

Nisivoccia said the number of people moving to Denver, particularly those coming from more expensive cities who can afford to purchase a house here, drives up the real estate market.

In addition to affordable housing, DHA’s revitalization plan of Sun Valley will also improve the neighborhood’s landscape by featuring open spaces for local businesses, art installations and provide employment opportunities as well as better access to food, education and healthcare.

“The city and the county recognize the need for more affordable housing and I think the nation is waking up to the issue,” said Nisivoccia.

Read 303 Magazine's article "Affordable Housing in Denver Is Scarce and the Denver Housing Authority Is Stepping In."

From the New York City Housing Authority's press release:

Today, the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) and New York City Housing Development Corporation (HDC) closed on the financing of the latest Permanent Affordability Commitment Together (PACT) transaction to fund comprehensive renovations for 690 apartments (as well as the construction of three apartments) at Harlem River Houses and the adjoining Harlem River II campus. This latest conversion will enable NYCHA’s PACT partners to begin comprehensive upgrades to apartments and common areas; modernize building facades and provide façade repairs to landmarked buildings; upgrade elevators and security and heating systems; abate environmental hazards such as lead-based paint; invest in energy- and sustainability-related improvements; and address other needs identified by the residents at the developments. The rehabilitation is scheduled to begin this spring and is anticipated to be completed between 2024 and 2025. The two-year engagement process for residents of these developments entailed a range of communication methods, including dozens of in-person briefings for tenant association leadership and residents, as well as mailed notices, virtual meetings, conference calls, phone banking, flyers, digital and paper surveys, and recorded videos, among others.

With this latest closing, the PACT program has now generated over $3.4 billion in capital funding for nearly 15,500 apartments to facilitate comprehensive renovations, in addition to enhanced property management and social services, across New York City.

“This administration is living up to our Get Stuff Done motto for NYCHA residents,” said Chief Housing Officer Jessica Katz. “This pioneering partnership is bringing in the resources to make long-overdue improvements at Harlem River Houses, and we will always continue looking for innovative ways to deliver results for NYCHA residents. Thank you to NYCHA, HDC, and our PACT partners for their hard work to make New Yorkers’ lives better."

“These NYCHA campuses have a storied history, with generations of residents who have made New York City their home,” said NYCHA Chair & CEO Greg Russ. “Today’s announcement will help ensure that the future of these properties is as bright and dynamic as the legacy of its past – by marshalling significant capital investment and community resources for our residents."

Read NYCHA's press release.

From 90.5 WESA Pittsburgh:

The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh will apply for a $50 million grant for the Hill District in 2022, officials announced at a community meeting Tuesday night. The federal money, called a Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant, would be used to rebuild and expand the authority’s oldest housing development, Bedford Dwellings.

During a period of nearly 10 years, the plan would replace an existing 411 subsidized units as well as add a yet-to-be-determined number of market-rate ones. The Choice Neighborhoods program aims to “help communities transform neighborhoods,” according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. An application must clearly lay out how the authority intends to improve housing, support people and strengthen the larger community.

This year’s application process builds off ongoing work, officials said: HACP received a grant in 2016 to work with residents to create a plan for the area’s revitalization. The agency applied in 2018 to redevelop the lower portion of Bedford Dwellings, but HUD did not select the proposal for funding.

The authority’s Alexis Narotsky said it has worked with residents ever since to continue to build a plan. This time, the agency’s application will be to rebuild Bedford Dwellings in its entirety. In addition, she said, other development planned for the Lower Hill may help the authority’s application.

Read 90.5 WESA Pittsburgh's article "Pittsburgh’s Housing Authority plans a $50 million revitalization of Bedford Dwellings."