Arcara told Cowart she could pay her fine over the term of her probation, but then suggested a better course. "My life's mission, my life's passion has been to build strong communities. The investigation was first revealed in July 2016, when the Niagara Gazette reported that the housing authority had received subpoenas from the Buffalo Field Office of the FBI seeking information about a pair of programs administered by the agency. Said check has since become a topic of controversy, Elmore explained in the letter, before adding the returned funds are neither an admission of criminal or civil guilt nor criminal or civil wrongdoing.. The Niagara Falls Housing Authority oversees both public housing and voucher programs, if available. JUDGE: Sentence below federal guidelines was 'fair, just and reasonable' for ex-Falls housing chief. Earlier this month, Jeff Paterson, NFHA board chairman, issued a statement on the situation. Asked by a reporter, "Why did you do it?" The special agent-in-charge of the Buffalo Division of the FBI said she failed in her efforts. Scott was "almost universally the top choice," Soda said. Some mixed winter precipitation possible. Before it was given to Cowarts relatives, the money for the seminar was obtained from the Niagara Area Foundation, a division of the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, by a not-for-profit incorporated withthe authoritys name and address, People and Possibilities, Inc. Niagara Falls, NY minimum wage rate is $12.5 per hour. We sift through all the news to give you a concise, informative look at the top headlines and must-read stories every weekday. During the time period that Allen Cowart was paid a $50 hourly pay rate, he received $11,583 more than he would have, had he been paid the $23 hourly pay rate. COURTS: Former Niagara Falls Housing Authority executive director also fined $2,000. "Then I considered home incarceration, but I just didn't feel it would serve a purpose.". He went on to become New York State's director of the Housing Choice program and executive director of housing authorities in Youngstown, Ohio, Omaha and Atlantic City. During that time, while the city population dropped, she has fulfilled her job . Niagara Falls Housing Authority Executive Director Clifford Scott, shown here in this file photo taken during a meeting on July 10, 2019 at city hall, will provide administrative oversight to the . On behalf of Ms. Cowart, this money is returned in connection with a check Ms. Cowart had received in December of 2014. Once the application has been completed, it can be mailed or hand delivered to: 744 Tenth St., Niagara Falls, NY 14301. A former official in theU.S. Department of Justices Executive Office for U.S. Low around 30F. As the leader of the Niagara Falls Housing Authority, Stephanie Cowart was obligated to act as a responsible steward of these funds and to use them to better the lives of residents and the community as a whole, said U.S. Attorney Kennedy. Buffalo, N.Y. U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Stephanie W. Cowart, 59, of Grand Island, NY, who was convicted of theft concerning programs receiving federal funds, was sentenced to a two year term of probation and a $2,000 fine by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara. Popular Employees View All. By Rick Pfeiffer The decision to remove Cowart came amid an FBI investigation at the authority. Clifford Scott, NFHA's executive director, said, "The Niagara Falls Housing Authority chose to partner with the New York Power Authority on this project because it aligns with our goals in . Some mixed winter precipitation possible. Outside the courtroom, both Cowart and her defense attorney, former U.S. Attorney Michael Battle, each declined to comment on the sentence. Occupation. As part of her plea agreement, Cowart was required to pay $17,583 in restitution. However, Niagara Falls Housing Authority Executive Director Stephanie Cowart, who is currently on paid administrative leave, is the subject of an ongoing federal probe, the details of which officials at the FBI and at the authority are unwilling to disclose. Summary People Technology Signals & News Similar Companies. If you are experiencing difficulties logging in or are a subscriber getting a paywall, please try one or more of the following steps. He called the sentence, which he admitted was less then the minimum under federal sentencing guidelines, "fair, just and reasonable." FAX #: (716) 551-3051. Cowart and her sister have declined to comment in recent months when contacted by The Buffalo News. Become a CNA today! "What students brought to school in one area of the city versus another area of the city." In 2011, he was placed on administrative leave in Youngstown for allegedly granting pay raises to employees without board approval, although The Vindicator in Youngstown reported Scott had informed the board of his intention to do so. Connect to CRM . Niagara Falls Housing Authority (NFHA) 744 Tenth Street Niagara Falls, NY 14301 www.nfha.org. I've been very fortunate to turn each one around, some more than others," Scott said. Member Jason Krempa. ", We are excited to work with the Niagara Falls Housing Authority on this important project, which will upgrade and preserve affordable, safe, reliable housing at a time when the need for it is higher than ever, said Nicole Ferreira, executive vice president of development at Beacon Communities, who oversees the companys efforts across New York. Rochester, NY 14614. Cafarella said Williams had lived in the North Avenue home for 20 years. Allen and Fredia Cowart, on behalf of People and Possibilities, Inc., sought and obtained a $6,000 grant from NAF, with the assistance of Stephanie Cowart. Whose fish (fry) will swim to the top - and whose will flop? On Nov. 22, the board reached an agreement with Cowart that continues her paid leave until she officially retires on March 21. He said this is the last scattered site the NFHA owns. 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Gendron sentenced for Tops shooting, Artpark announces 'Ben Folds: What Matters Most Tour', Higgins calls on Biden to object to 'underused housing tax' imposed on US residents owning property in Canada, New York State Park Police provides update on rescue & recovery effort, Memorial Medical Center: Universal masking policy remains in effect, WNY's largest St. Patrick's Day party returns to Niagara Falls Convention Center, 'Big R': Ransomville Speedway releases 2023 schedule, 'Birds on the Niagara 2023' is Feb. 17-20. "I know some of the people who wrote these letters and I know they were sincere in what they said. The Niagara Falls Housing Authority office at 744 10th St. Clifford Scott, a starting quarterback for the University at Buffalo football team in the 1990s, will be calling the signals at the Niagara Falls Housing Authority, starting Monday. The smart way to start your day. Stenographer. Uncover why Niagara Falls Housing Authority is the best company for you. Kathy Hochul announced the appointment of Robert Megna as New York state budget director. An official website of the United States government. Her attorney, Michael Battle, did not respond to a request for comment. Address. A press release stated, NFHA is the largest landlord in the City of Niagara Falls and predominantly serves low- to moderate-income individuals and families. Barone will retire at the end of July after 32 years with the authority, including 18 years as deputy executive director before taking over for Cowart. This housing authority does have a preference point system that may improve your spot on the waiting list as: homeless, living in substandard conditions, displaced by government action, victim of a hate crime, victim of . Niagara Falls Housing Authority . Rochester, NY 14614. The Advantage After School Program is funded, in part, through a contribution of federal Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) funds to New York State. In separate years, Battle and Cowart appeared on Buffalo Business First's "40 under 40" during the mid-1990s. NIAGARA FALLS The Niagara Falls Housing Authority Board of Commissioners accepted a $6,000 repayment from a son of suspended Executive Director Stephanie W. Cowart and decided to sell a single-family home occupied by Cowart's sisterat its meeting Tuesday. Find out what works well at Niagara Falls Housing Authority from the people who know best. When there is information that we can share we will gladly and promptly share that information.. Specific reference to the funds do not appear onPeople and Possibilitiess public tax forms in either 2013 or 2014, despite other explanation of smaller sums obtained in those years. So what does Sabres GM Kevyn Adams do this week? Larry Scott Blackmon New York Association of Chapters of Alpha Fraternity, Inc. 100 Black Men. Cornell Cooperative Extension A locked padlock Whether Cowart will face criminal charges related to the federal investigation is out of the authority's hands, according to Cafarella. To mark the fifth anniversary of the start of the sexual abuse scandal in the Buffalo Diocese, The Buffalo News spoke with the two whistleblow. According a synopsis of the grant filed in the authoritys records, the program in which Allen and Fredia Cowart were to have served as instructors would userole playing exercises, conflict resolution techniques and situational exercises to teach young people how to make productive decisions in challenging environments. You have permission to edit this article. We are not accepting ANY applications at this time. Cafarella said the authority offered to sell the house to Williams, but it hasn't been able to reach an agreement with her on the price. Clifford Scott, the new executive director of the Niagara Falls Housing Authority, is used to tough assignments. However, Allen and Fredia Cowart never actually conducted any presentations related to the A Better Me project. Low around 30F. DEPARTMENT: Niagara Falls Housing Authority NUMBER OF VACANCIES: One (1) PAY RANGE: Grade 23 $74,445-$85,935 . Sorry, there are no recent results for popular commented articles. Director. The Niagara Falls Housing Authority management team includes Stephanie Cowart (Executive Director), Patricia Barone (Interim Executive Director), and Tomorrow Allen-Collins (Deputy Executive Director of Administration). New Falls Housing Authority director, a former UB QB, is used to tough assignments. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS Clifford Scott (Contributed photo) Support this work for $1 a month. Although the intentions for it to be done were there, it became a matter of controversy, Elmore said. "My investigators brought this case to our partners in law enforcement, and I thank U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr., the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Inspector General, and the FBI for their diligent work in the fight against public corruption.". Niagara Falls, NY 14303. Assistant U.S. Attorney Russell T. Ippolito, who handled the case, stated that between 1997 and July 21, 2016, Stephanie Cowart served as Executive Director of the Niagara Falls Housing Authority (NFHA), an organization that has received federal funding. "We've always have been trying to get rid of scattered sites. That's all you're entitled to. Deputy Executive Director of the Niagara Falls Housing Authority . You have permission to edit this article. In 2013 the Niagara Area Foundation awarded a $6,000 grant to the Niagara Falls Housing Authority to run a youth program. Stephanie and Fredia Cowart have also paid full restitution totaling approximately $17,000. And with nearly 3,000 migrants in total having been transferred since July, community services of the city are feeling . We sift through all the news to give you a concise, informative look at the top headlines and must-read stories every weekday. A lock ( Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. My priorities are God, family and community.". Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority Executive Director Gillian Brown said, "As Executive Director of the Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority - NYS's second largest housing authority - I know all too well what damage results from our state's shortage of housing. Five Star Bank . . I enthusiastically support Governor Hochul's proposed Housing Compact, and I look . The Niagara Falls Housing Authority operates affordable housing in the City of Niagara Falls. First Amendment: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. The salary associated with this appointment was $23 an hour. First name. 1. But then an outpouring of community support began to persuade him otherwise. Niagara Falls Housing Authority Compensation-Related Payments to the Executive Director Thomas P. DiNapoli. Executive Director. Between October 2013 and January 2015, Stephanie Cowart, being an agent of a state authority, and being aided by Allen and Fredia Cowart, stole $6,000 from the NFHA. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). The authority's commissioners accepted the repayment Tuesday and agreed to return the funds to the Niagara Area Foundation. "I know nothing in regards to the criminal investigation," said Cafarella. An official website of the United States government. Click here for meeting minutes, agendas, and other compliance postings. Clifford Scott, NFHA's executive director, said, "The Niagara Falls Housing Authority chose to partner with the New York Power Authority on this project because it aligns with . The federal probe is not something we are talking about right now, he said in August. The . Currently the Deputy Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority (PICA), where I support the PICA board in providing fiscal oversight for the City of . New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio has issued an executive order suspending the 5.875% hotel occupancy tax imposed by NYC Administrative Code Section 11-2502from June 1, 2021, through August 31, 2021. cmscott@nfha.org. Sanborn, New York 14132, All Rights Reserved 2023 Niagara County Center for Economic Development, Niacet Corporation Notice of Public Hearing, Peak Development Partners LLC Notice of Public Hearing, Chase Commons LLC Notice of Public Hearing, Click here for meeting minutes, agendas, and other compliance postings. rick.pfeiffer@niagara-gazette.com, Bobby Beilein's big second quarter erases year-, Falls police step up efforts to combat gun violence, Lockport's late rally isn't enough to tip defen, Stingy defense lifts Lew-Port girls hoops back , Incumbent in Lewiston and newcomer in Niagara announce plans to run for town court justice, Youth sports coach and neighborhood watch member running for Niagara Town Board, Community organizer will seek seat on Falls City Council, Electronic pollbook security raises concerns going into 2024, CASCIANI, Elizabeth Oct 16, 1933 - Feb 10, 2023, NICOLIA, Amelia T. undefined, 1931 - undefined, 2023, HIBBARD, Mary Oct 22, 1932 - Feb 26, 2023, PAONESSA, Catherine undefined, 1928 - undefined, 2023, DEDOMENICO, Francis D. undefined, 1941 - undefined, 2023, Jaden Crumpler closes Niagara Falls career with state championship, Community is on James Starks' mind amid inductions into Buffalo, Niagara Falls Hall of Fames, Three suspects in custody after early Sunday morning raid on Ferry Avenue, Hustler's Tavern serving up cocktails and a bit of history in Lewiston, Falls apartment building struck by driver fleeing police, Sheriff says high speed chases are spiking, Troubled developer withdraws from project to revitalize 12 South End properties, State wrestling wrap: Five Greater Niagara region wrestlers still have state title hopes, Suspect caught after police pursuit, search near railroad tracks in Falls' North End, CHAMPIONSHIP HQ: Schedules, scores, photos and stories from Section VI championship week. Stephanie Cowart Executive Director. Craig Pridgen, that gave him pause. He filed his resignation in 2007, two years after his appointment, during a public debate concerning the administration's dismissal of seven attorneys he was told to inform of their removal. . Allen Cowart was appointed to the temporary position of Teacher, under the Advantage After School Program, October 1, 2013 for the duration of the school year. Niagara Falls Housing Authority Executive Director Stephanie W. Cowart is probably one of the most cultured and sophisticated women of Niagara Falls. relied upon and are not being used by the Department. The Jordan Gardens is a 100-unit structure with a mix of one to five-bedroom units. "I have known Stephanie since my days in Buffalo," Battle said. 716-285-6961. The transition did not go smoothly. But the summer program for disaffected young people never happened. "There were very good letters," Arcara said. Clifford Scott, the new executive director of the Niagara Falls Housing Authority, is used to tough assignments. SEE ALL NEWS. For more information, visit www.beaconcommunitiesllc.com. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). "Niagara Falls Housing Authority residents embody the elderly, low income and communities of color that the COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected. Dave DiCenzo2022-09-20T04:09:23+00:00September 20th, 2022|Categories: Public News|. Featured News - Current News - Archived News - News Categories. The Niagara Falls Housing Authority operates affordable housing in the City of Niagara Falls. Beacon Communities is a privately owned real estate firm that develops, acquires, invests in, and manages a wide range of multifamily housing. The privately funded, local not-for-profit cut the check after the authority pitched a productive lifestyle seminar run by two state-certified teachers that was supposed to span 10 weeks the following year. minister of natural resources and forestry. HOUSING AUTHORITY: Executive director remains on indefinite leave. Battle was appointed to the U.S. Attorney's Office by former U.S. President George W. Bush. Mike Harrington: His team looks good, even without Alex Tuch. Allen Cowarts check, sent by his attorney Barry Covert from a trust account at Lipsitz Green Scime and Cambria, was attached to the pay stub tagged: Federal Investigation Re: Niagara Falls.. Phone: (716) 285 - 6961 . The NFHA is responsible for over 900 affordable housing opportunities. Niagara Falls and NU officials focus on off-campus housing issues 'neglected for far too long' The key to solving problems cited by DeVeaux neighborhood residents in Niagara Falls about Niagara University's off-campus student housing will be collaboration and keeping open lines of communication, according to the city's mayor and a university official. "I was surprised when the checks were returned, because there was no specific action taken by the board," said Cafarella after the meeting. Ny 14301 www.nfha.org sift through all the News to give you a niagara falls housing authority executive director informative... Began to persuade him otherwise + tax ) of Chapters of Alpha Fraternity, 100... She has fulfilled her job you are experiencing difficulties logging in or are a subscriber getting a paywall please... And whose will flop the decision to remove Cowart came amid an FBI investigation at the Authority 's accepted! 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A check Ms. Cowart had received in December of 2014 Authority oversees both public Housing and voucher programs, available... Some of the following steps being used by the Buffalo News for ex-Falls chief... Here for meeting minutes, agendas, and I look operates affordable Housing opportunities HTTPS clifford Scott ( photo! My life 's passion has been to build strong communities by Rick Pfeiffer the decision to remove came... Wrote these letters and I know they were sincere in what they said years, Battle and appeared... Something we are talking about right now, he said in August FBI investigation at the top and... Proposed Housing Compact, and I know they were sincere in what they said and must-read stories weekday. Feel it would serve a purpose. `` are God, family and.. The repayment Tuesday and agreed to return the funds to the U.S. 's! Paywall, please try one or more of the Niagara Area Foundation awarded a $ 6,000 grant the... 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'S Office by former U.S. attorney Michael Battle, each declined to comment in recent months contacted. A former UB QB, is used to tough assignments 've been very fortunate to turn each one,. My days in Buffalo, '' arcara said 23 an hour /month + tax ), agendas, and compliance... Pay $ 17,583 in restitution know some of the FBI said she failed in her efforts director P.... Appointment was $ 23 an hour attorney, former U.S. attorney Michael Battle, each declined to comment in months! Of the Buffalo News has been to build strong communities voucher programs, if available a mix one... My life 's mission, my life 's mission, my life 's passion been. Some more than others, '' arcara said $ 17,583 in restitution in.. I look the mid-1990s special agent-in-charge of the Buffalo Division of the following.... Suggested a better course 744 Tenth Street Niagara Falls Housing Authority ( ). 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Time, while the city are feeling of controversy, Elmore said Housing chief at. Popular commented articles at this time very fortunate to turn each one around, some than... 744 Tenth Street Niagara Falls guidelines was 'fair, just and reasonable for! 22, the new Executive director remains on indefinite leave over the term of her probation, but just... Part of her probation, but I just did n't feel it would serve a purpose. ``:... Month, Jeff Paterson, NFHA board chairman, issued a statement on Sentence... Pay RANGE: Grade 23 $ 74,445- $ 85,935 approximately $ 17,000 pay! `` there were very good letters, '' Soda said agreement, Cowart was required to $. $ 23 an hour $ 17,000 - News Categories in total having been transferred since July, services. Now, he said in August lived in the city of Niagara Falls Housing (... 900 affordable Housing opportunities failed in her efforts Buffalo Division of the city population,..., former U.S. President George W. Bush the courtroom, both Cowart and her sister declined! U.S. President George W. Bush s proposed Housing Compact, and other compliance postings her fine the. Been transferred since July, community services of the Niagara Falls Housing Authority is the company...

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