COPC Working Group on Housing

April 14, 2005

Minutes

In attendance: Kelly Hoffman, Laura Halula, Stacey Papa, Jamie Rayman, Harry Burner, Erin Ramsay, Jamie Cortazo

Ms. Ramsay reported that instead of placing dumpsters out for student move-out, large trucks will be used to pick up excess furniture. OPDC will also help advertise the city’s bulk pick up program.

Ms. Halula reported that over the weekend, volunteers first prepped a vacant lot in S. Oakland and then planed wildflower seeds. Partners included PA American Water and Valley Landscaping. Prepping the lots was done as part of the 11^th annual Pitt Project Oakland, which had the participation of about 300-400 volunteers.

Ms. Halula also reported that this year we’ve had 2,800 volunteers pick up 800 bags of trash!!

Ms. Ramsay reported that the off-campus housing survey can be converted to an on-line format, linked to OPDC’s website for about $200. Ms. Cortazo said SGB may have funding and she will look into it.

Once it is put on-line, we will place an ad in the Pitt News to encourage people to fill out the survey. We will also distribute flyers to students living off campus.

Ms. Cortazo reported that SBG has an electronic billboard that is used to swap furniture, textbooks, etc…It was suggested that an electronic billboard be developed to exchange unwanted furniture. CMU currently has one. Jamie Cortazo will continue to do research on this topic.

Ms. Rayman reported that she is compiling information on what type of resources the various international student organizations can provide to new incoming international students. She has developed a questionnaire that will be distributed to the different groups and once the information is compiled she will post on OIS’s website.

Ms. Cortazo and Ms. Papa are working together to develop a program to help students with off campus housing issues. They are looking at doing seminars for students, preparing a “move-out” brochure that has information on giving notice to the landlord, subletting, recouping a security deposit, etc.. Ms. Papa is interested in working w/ SGB on providing reduced cost legal assistance to students. Ms. Papa is looking for low cost office space in Oakland where she can meet with students.

Ms. Hoffman said she would look into whether there is potential to use the previous COPC space in the storefront office of 235 Atwood.

Ms. Ramsay reported that Ms. Feathers would like everyone to know that property owners in S. Oakland received the “notice to enter property” from the turnpike commission. After receiving the federal record of decision, the Turnpike Commission is allowed to start acquiring property for the future construction of the Mon Fayette Expressway.

The next COPC Working Group on Housing will be: May 19^th at 2:30 at OPDC.