The purpose of this Policy is to provide a smooth transition for relocation of the residents of the Goldsboro Housing Authority during the disposition, demolition, conversion or major renovation of housing units under the jurisdiction of the Goldsboro Housing Authority. All relocations during the disposition, demolition, conversion or major renovation will be considered permanent. Some special situations may be considered for temporary housing such as burned, damaged or unsafe dwellings. It is the intent of the Goldsboro Housing Authority (GHA) to abide by all state, local and federal laws in order to protect the rights of the residents. It is also GHA's intent to follow the guidelines contained in the Uniform Relocation Assistance Act.
The necessity of relocation is documented through in-depth surveys and studies done to increase the marketability and modernization of our existing apartments. Admissions and relocations will be done in accordance with the GHA admissions policies. Whenever possible a resident will be transferred to a development of his/her choice, however there are no guarantees (Comprehensive Grant Program Guidebook 7485.3G and Federal Regulations 49 CFR 24.203).
GOALS OF RELOCATION
The goals and objectives of this Relocation Policy are as follows:
l. To ensure that all residents are located in decent, safe and sanitary units of appropriate size according to the number of dependents and composition of the family;
2. To ensure that families (or individuals) requiring special facilities or structural amenities due to age, handicap, or health are relocated to units in developments where such needs can be most adequately met;
3. To ensure that all affected residents understand the relocation process and the options open to them for housing in other developments managed by the GHA;
4. To facilitate the rehabilitation of the target development through the relocation of residents in a timely and orderly manner;
5. To help residents with the adjustments necessary in the relocation.
SPECIFIC POLICIES
I. Determination of Resident Needs: The GHA will review carefully the current rent roll of the targeted development and determine unit size and additional criteria for the assignment of appropriate replacement units to each family affected by pending relocation. If the GHA determines that current assignment is inappropriate due to family composition, health or safety of the family, or related reason, the GHA may relocate the family or individual to an appropriate sized unit.
2. Individual Counseling and Referrals; The GHA will perform individual counseling with each relocating resident to ensure that each resident understands his/her rights and responsibilities under the Uniform Relocation Assistance Act. The resident will retain copies of all pertinent documentation, and a copy of this Relocation Policy will be located in each development office for the resident's review.
3. Determination of Handicap Assignments; Given the limited number of handicap units, the relocation policy aims at ensuring that families with members who are most in need of site modifications for the handicapped will be served with the least amount of disruption to the family and in the fewest number of moves. The following priorities regarding assignments to handicap units within the GHA's developments will be followed:
A. having verifiable handicaps;
B. the types of restrictions imposed by the handicap; and
C. size factors which may accommodate or aggravate the individual's status and needs.
4. Notification of Relocation; In order to reduce the potential for misunderstanding and increase cooperation in the relocation process, timely notices shall be issued which identify relocation assistance, condition of eligibility and procedures for payments. Specifically, the following notices will be issued:
A. General Information Notice- The purpose of this notice is to inform residents of the upcoming events. This notice will be issued 120 days prior to notice of relocation.
B. Notice of Relocation - Informs households to be relocated of their rights and levels of assistance under the Uniform Relocation Assistance Act. It will describe eligible relocation assistance, basic condition of eligibility and the procedures for obtaining relocation payments. The resident will also be informed that reasonable relocation advisory services, including referrals to replacement properties and other necessary assistance is available. A resident that receives a Notice of Relocation shall also receive a 90 day written notice prior to relocation.
5. Priority in Assignments: Families being relocated as a result of demolition, modernization, or other major renovations will receive priority over transfers and new move-ins in other developments or programs managed by the GHA.
6. Assistance in Moving Costs: Whenever a resident is permanently relocated to a comparable replacement dwelling in another complex/development, the GHA may elect to perform the move with current staff or through private contractors at no cost to the resident. Under the Uniform Relocation Act, the resident will receive $100.00 for incidental expenses.
All relocating residents shall be reimbursed for all utility transfer expenses and $100.00 incidental expenses incurred in connection with the relocation. This amount includes the cost of moving to the replacement dwelling as well as transfer of telephone, electricity and cable services. The GHA will not reimburse the resident for telephone and cable services not in place prior to the move (the resident must have had telephone and/or cable service prior to the relocation).
The GHA will install any ceiling fan(s) and/or air conditioning units from the displaced dwelling to the replacement dwelling.
7. Appeal procedure; If a resident being relocated disagrees with the PHA amount of reimbursable under this relocation policy. He or she may file a request for an appeal by submitting a written request for an appeal to the PHA Executive Director. If resident disagrees with the final determination from the Executive Director, the resident may submit a written appeal to the HUD Field Office for a determination. The determination from the HUD Field Office will be considered final.