Community Newsletter: Winter 2024 Edition

Written By Corcoran Jennison

Happy New Year Residents! 🎉

As 2024 rolls in, it is a good time to remember 2023, and look forward to the coming year. For us, this includes all the work we do with our Oak Hill Community, and how we can help our residents in the coming year. In this edition, we give a warm welcome to our new Property Manager, provide information about upcoming community events and offer reminders and information that we hope will make your new year a good one.

Community Updates

Upcoming Housing Opportunities Unlimited (HOU) Events and Updates: Please contact HOU for questions and additional details at 412-621-0438 Giant Eagle Mobile Market coming to Oak Hill soon!!! Look for more details to come.

How Can I Be More Involved In My Community?

The governance of Oak Hill Apartments involves a partnership between the Oak Hill Residents Council (OHRC) and Beacon Corcoran Jennison (BCJ). The OHRC has prospered since Oak Hill’s first units were rented in 2000.  Together, both BCJ & OHRC own and operate Oak Hill Apartments, a 759 unit mixed-income Community in the Oakland neighborhood of Pittsburgh, PA. 

The Oak Hill Residents Council (OHRC) has nine (9) elected Board of Directors.  Three (3) of the Board seats are up for election every year as elected Board Directors serve three-year terms.  The OHRC is a highly engaged non-profit organization that works to improve the lives of Oak Hill’s 1,500 residents.  This active engagement for over two decades has made Oak Hill Apartments the most successful mixed-income rental community in Pennsylvania. 

First incorporated to achieve the revitalization of the former Allequippa Terrace public housing development, the OHRC has grown in experience, responsibility, and stature to become a national model of how to achieve sustainability through privately owned and managed mixed-income developments.  Today, the OHRC is a volunteer, resident-elected, non-profit organization, designed to represent the needs of every member of the Oak Hill Apartments residential community.

As background, in 1996, Beacon Corcoran, Jennison, Inc. (BCJ), was chosen by the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh to redevelop the failed Allequippa Terrace project with HUD’s HOPE VI funding. In May of 1998, BCJ and OHRC entered a 50/50 structure whereby the Partners successfully redeveloped Oak Hill Apartments and then put in place a sustainable Partnership to manage and govern the property. That new management model allowed the OHRC to co-partner in all aspects of running the community, including budgeting, management, maintenance, public safety, resident services, youth programs, and social activities at Wadsworth Hall. 

Oak Hill’s unique governance structure introduces new elected members every election cycle that are committed to delivering a high quality-of-living to a diverse and vibrant community.   For over two decades, competent and goodwilled Oak Hill residents have stepped forward to run for the OHRC Board in their desire to advance collaborative best-practices for the community.  Their efforts have made - and continue to make - Oak Hill a great place to live for all.

On the first Tuesday of April, three (3) of nine (9) members of the OHRC Board of Directors are up for re-election. All residents of legal voting age are eligible to run for the Board.  Prospective candidates for the Board are screened for Resident-In-Good-Standing eligibility criteria that demonstrate integrity and example-setting.  The following are “Resident In Good Standing” requirements as stipulated by the organization:

  • Candidate is current in their rent which includes being current on a rent payment agreement with Management. 

  • Candidate has not committed a lease violation as reported on a public safety report in the last 12-months that could have resulted in an eviction that involved the candidate, a household member, or a guest.

  • Candidate has not failed (a score of 1) an annual housing inspection in the past two years.

  • Candidate has not been convicted of a felony crime in the last 3 years.

Elected members are expected to attend Board and Committee meetings.  It is also expected they learn the mission and history of Oak Hill, and advocate for the policies, programs and services that are provided to the community. Board members are also asked to be ambassadors for the community.  They must be free of conflicts of interest and demonstrate a high regard for confidentiality. 

All Oak Hill residents over the age of 18 are members of the Task Force. The Oak Hill Residents Council welcomes your personal skills, knowledge, and experience.  For any questions, please contact Larry Blair, President, Oak Hill Residents Council, 412-657-0418.  If you would like to run for the Board, please contact Kira Johnson at HOU (412-621-0438) to file your application before March 15, 2024.


Oak Hill Market News: Oak Hill Market unfortunately won't be accepting EBT for the next few months. They are doing everything they can to get that service returned to customers, and Market management apologizes for the inconvenience.

Manager’s Notes

Letter from our new Property Manager, Evan Sheppard:

“Dear Residents,

Thank you for the warm welcome! My name is Evan Sheppard, and I am delighted and privileged to be joining you as your new property manager. This is a special community, and I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. I look forward to meeting you and working to make Oak Hill even better.

Please feel free to contact me: 412-315-7340 or esheppard@cjmanagement.com. In particular, I'd love to hear your ideas for improving the community. I will need your patience as I'm learning and getting things organized, but I am here because I believe in building a thriving community where we all get to live in mutual respect and peace.

Sincerely,

Evan Sheppard

Property Manager”

Compliance Corner: Delaying An Interim Recertification

Owners may delay, but not refuse, to process an interim recertification if they have confirmation that a tenant’s income will be partially or fully restored within two months. Processing may be delayed only until the new income is known:

EXAMPLE- Delaying an Interim Recertification

A tenant, Nia Sinclair, reports to the owner that she was laid off from her job last week. The owner verifies that Ms. Sinclair lost her job and has filed for unemployment benefits. The processing of his application for unemployment benefits has not yet been completed. The owner may wait until the processing of the unemployment claim has been completed.

Please contact the Compliance Department for changes in income. 412-682-5288 Option 5

Office Closures: Oak Hill Apartments will be closed Good Friday – Friday, March 29th 2024

Rent Reminder: Rent is due the 1st of each month. Late fees will be waived for payments received by the end of business on the 5th of each month, unless the 5th falls on a day the management office is closed. If closed, late fees will be waived on payment received before 9:00 AM on the following business day, please put your full name and complete address on all checks and money orders.

Seasonal Tips: Winter Safety

As winter sets in, the urge to stay warm often translates to increased energy consumption. Balancing comfort and conservation is key. In this guide, discover quick tips—from thermostat tweaks to addressing drafts—to keep your home cozy while saving on energy bills. Let's navigate the winter with warmth and efficiency.

Tips for Saving Energy and Staying Warm in Winter:

  1. Monitor Your Thermostat:

    • Turn down the heat a couple of degrees when you're away or sleeping to save up to 10% on energy bills. Be cautious not to set it too low to avoid freezing pipes.

  2. Weather Stripping and Insulation:

    • Use weather stripping and insulate under doors to keep heat in and prevent the chill from entering your home.

  3. Detect Air Leaks:

    • Work with maintenance to detect and address air leaks in windows and other areas, reducing drafts and keeping your home warmer.

  4. Reduce Hot Water Usage:

    • Cut down on hot water usage to save energy. Simple steps like shorter showers and using cold water for laundry can make a significant impact.

  5. Conservation Benefits:

    • While some actions may require adjustments, considering ways to save energy is not only beneficial for conservation but also for your budget.

  6. Learn More:

By implementing these tips, you can create a comfortable and energy-efficient environment during the winter months.

Local Area Guide

Jazz band with Horace Turner on trumpet, Bobby Boswell seated with trombone, Bobby Head on piano and Tommy Turrentine on trumpet

Dive into the rhythmic history of Jazz in Pittsburgh, a city that profoundly influenced this musical art form. Discover the connections between Oak Hill's street names and prominent Jazz musicians from the city. Each street resonates with the legacy of a Jazz icon. For more details, explore the brief history and information about Jazz music in Pittsburgh here.

🎷Oak Hill's Jazz-Inspired Street Names:

  1. Turner Place:

  2. Benson Place:

  3. Jamal Place:

    • Named after Ahmad Jamal, a jazz pianist, composer, bandleader, and educator.

  4. Hyman Place:

  5. Garner Court:

  6. Eckstein Place:

  7. Turrentine Place:

  8. Blakey Court:

    • Named after Art Blakey, a Jazz Drummer and Saxophonist.

Explore the vibrant history of Jazz in Pittsburgh, as reflected in the streets of Oak Hill. Each street name serves as a chapter, telling a unique story that weaves into the city's enduring musical heritage. Join us as we unravel the melodies and legacies that resonate through the avenues, honoring the Jazz legends who once graced the thriving music scene of Pittsburgh.

Maintenance Notes 🔧

  • IMPORTANT: If you have a work order emergency such as fire, flood, no power, no heat, water leak or no water. Please call our 24/7 Maintenance line at 866-777-4587.

  • HALLWAYS, VESTIBULES, & STAIRWAYS: All hallways, vestibules and stairways in common areas of the building must be kept free of obstructions. Trash, shoes, boots, mats, toys, bikes, etc., must be kept inside your apartment and cannot be left out.

  • SERVICE REQUESTS: Additional service requests must be made by contacting our maintenance request line (866-777-4587 or 412-682-5288 x1) or Resident Portal. Please let us know if you have a pet when submitting the service request.
    For more information about Service requests, please take a look here.

  • GARBAGE DISPOSAL REMINDER: Please do not discard the following items in your garbage disposal. Bones (of any kind), Celery, Potato Peels, Egg Shells, Fruit Pits, Grease, Pasta, Rice, and coffee grounds. These items do not break down easy which then causes back ups to the drains.

  • TOILET CLOGS: Please be mindful by disposing personal/baby wipes, feminine products, paper towels in the trash instead. When these items are being flushed, this causes a large problem to your apartment and your neighbors who are closest to the drain lines as they will experience a drain backup. You should only be flushing down toilet paper.

Community Events

Explore Our Neighborhood

 

Welcome to the neighborhood! We invite you to explore all of the wonderful things Pittsburgh, PA has to offer. Whether you're a resident or a visitor, there's something special waiting to be discovered. Click here to learn more.

We Are Pet Friendly! 

Prior to bringing a pet into the unit, please make sure your pet is registered with us. Pet rent and breed restrictions apply. Register your Pet now by clicking here.

FAQs

  • A: When calling the Management Office at 412-682-5288, the voice menu gives options for different kinds of requests and questions. Our menu options did shift recently, so be sure to listen carefully. If you are unable to reach the person you are looking to speak with, please leave a message and allow time for staff to return your call.

  • A: If guests are visiting you, a guest pass is needed. You can visit the Management Office (280 Burrows St.) during business hours or call OHPS to obtain a pass. OHPS will have you pick up the pass from their office at 475 Garner Ct.

  • A: The easiest and most efficient ways to submit maintenance requests are: Submit directly on your resident portal (online) or calling 412-682-5288 (option 1). If you’re looking for updates on a current service request, option 2 at that number may be very helpful.

Do You Have a Resident Portal Account?

Did you know that you can receive community updates, submit non-emergency maintenance requests and pay your rent online?

Sign Up Here
Corcoran Jennison
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