Rehab work that wasn't completed or was improperly completed on this project is being re-bid by Skip Batten.  His estimate of additional cost is $40,000 plus.  Walter Leap's name was drawn from the Middletown Board of REALTORS random lottery to list this house.  It 
should have been completed months ago according to the $68,000 contract with Bose and Longworth of Middletown.

Subject: 1018 Hughes Street - Rehab of FHA "Dollar Home"
From: Nelsonself@aol.com
Date: Tue, 16 Sep 2008 23:15:07 EDT
To: dschiavone1@cinci.rr.com, amarconi@cinci.rr.com, bymyflwrs@fuse.net
CC: Paul@PaulRenwick.com, chrisamburgey@yahoo.com

*CONFIDENTIAL*
  
You might find it interesting to ask for a status report on the above project (1018 Hughes Street).  First of all, you might ask when was the rehab contract for this property signed.  Second, it would be interesting to find out how many days were allowed to complete the 
work.  Third, you might ask what is the current dollar amount of the contract.  Fourth, you might ask to see a copy of the after-rehab-appraisal that justified the expenditure of HOME Program funds.  Fifth, since Walter Leap has the listing for this property (random lottery system with Middletown Board of REALTORS), why is it taking so long to complete this project.  Sixth, is the contractor incurring penalties for failing to complete work within the allotted time?
  
The City also owns one other rehabilitated FHA Dollar Home at 2021 Logan.  Ray Stephens with Tenore Realtors has that listing.  Since I have been removed from direct involvement with demolition, code enforcement, down payment and housing rehab programs, it might be interesting to determine what marketing efforts are being made to sell this property that was rehabbed back 2006 and recently returned by NHS.

There are six other non-rehabilitated FHA Dollar Homes that were also returned by NHS.  What efforts are being made to market these properties?  They are targets for arson or vandalism.

 

There are five or six seriously delinquent rehab loans that Attorney Don Imhoff is working on for foreclosure purposes.  What plans does anyone have for dealing with these properties.

There is also a property at 508 Charles Street that the City acquired several months ago by deed in lieu of foreclosure.  It previously received a large amount of rehab funds.  Dick Morrison has the listing, but the property needs work in order to sell.  What are the plans for marketing this property>
  
My point is this, as each day passes we incur costs for grass cutting, property taxes, property maintenance, etc.  IS THERE A PLAN??

 

 

I did log on to take a quick read of your post. I will answer your post and others as I get the time. Like everyone else, I am pressed for time and I do have a business to run. I am in the planning stages of having a "town hall meeting" before the election. This would be called by me for the 3rd ward and opened to the public and for any staff or council members that may wish to come.

 

I always enjoy meeting with the public and the inpout from our citizens. I do work for our citizens. That is whom I am accountable to. I will get back to your post when I have the time.

 

Some of your post really gives me major gas!!! There is so much miscommunication, gossip, half truths, half lies, lies, distortion, etc that is floating out there in the public domain, that it is any wonder that our citizens have a hard time getting their arms around some of these issues.

 

As a buisnessman, one of the most difficult challenges that I had was being able to work within the framework of government. Business moves quick and is goal oriented. Government is slow and is process oriented. I have gone on record several times about I am for less government in our lives not more. I have had a hard time working with bureacrats but I learned real quick that you must be able to work within the system in order to get things accomplished for our city. I advocate open and transparent government.

 

Overall, I have been very impressed and pleased with the caliber of our city staff and employees. The majority are very dedicated and hard working city servants that do a great job with the resources within their budgets. They are no different than you and me. They are simply trying to make a living and doing the best they can day to day.

 

I work very hard to reach concensus and build relationships with people. I have learned that no matter who you are, people want to be treated fairly and with respect. Please do not get offended when I cut up with you or make some comment you may not like. I do like teasing people, especially when you start giving me gas!

 

I will get back to you. I must get going. Thank you for your time.

 

Tony Marconi

Middletown City Council