ECHO’s New Housing Action Items

Action Item
Sponsorship of local training opportunities on sustainable building practices for individuals, developers, builders, etc.
Action Steps
HANDS – proposes to sponsor an event early in the year (2010) on energy and alternative sources of energy;
HANDS’ Villa Maria Energy Audit Presentation - The presentation is an overview of the energy audit process that we are completing at Villa Maria Apartments – Phase I. HANDS is using the process experienced at Villa Maria as a learning tool to analyze all properties under management to establish capital needs priorities, maintenance and management improvements, and design and development improvements to improve the energy efficiency of our entire portfolio.
Once the audit process is complete we would like to share this presentation to the community at large for any interested parties as a learning tool on how energy efficiency improvements can improve the over-all living environment for tenants and result in savings to owners and sustainability of properties as affordable housing.

Erie County Planning – Updates to Subdivision Ordinance:
The Subdivision Ordinance is making progress, but is behind schedule. It was recommended for approval by the Erie County Planning Commission at its December meeting, and is now undergoing a legal review by the County Solicitor's Office. Once we get the go ahead from the Solicitor's Office, the adoption process will begin. The ordinance will be subjected to a 45 day review by local municipalities, the public, etc; and a public hearing will be held. In my opinion, it would be best to wait for completion of the legal review before the proposed new ordinance is heavily promoted or any presentations are given. At this point, it is unclear as to when this may be completed. My best guess is that it may be another month or two.
Due Date HANDS presentation on energy efficiency and alternative energy 5/15/10
Erie Co. Planning presentation 4/15/10


Action Item
Pursue ECHO’S adoption and promotion of the Keystone Principles
Action Steps
HANDS presented to the Growth Partnership on 11/11/09 on the objectives of ECHO and to establish next steps in creating a linkage between the business community and housing organizations. This presentation followed initial meetings with Mary Bula, Vice President of the GP, and the GP’s review of ECHO’s objectives. Continued contact with the GP will occur.
Due Date Follow Up on 11/11/09 presentation 3/1/10


Action Item
Develop a communication conduit to the builders
Action Steps
Builder’s Association has a mailing list of over 1,000 contacts; ECHO events/information can be included in BA mailings or list can be utilized for special mailings. BA can offer administrative support.

Regular communication on training and expo opportunities continues from the Builder’s Association to ECHO members.
Due Date Ongoing


Action Item
Develop a communication process with employers to promote ECHO


Action Steps
HANDS presented to the Growth Partnership on 11/11/09 on the objectives of ECHO and to establish next steps in creating a linkage between the business community and housing organizations. This presentation followed initial meetings with Mary Bula, Vice President of the GP, and the GP’s review of ECHO’s objectives
Due Date Follow up 3/1/10


Action Item
Promote Erie to developers and vice versa
Action Steps
HANDS presented to the Growth Partnership on 11/11/09 on the objectives of ECHO and to establish next steps in creating a linkage between the business community and housing organizations. This presentation followed initial meetings with Mary Bula, Vice President of the GP, and the GP’s review of ECHO’s objectives.
Due Date Follow up 3/1/10