Community Outreach Partnership Center (COPC)

Working Group on Housing Meeting

 Tuesday, October 16, 2001, 12:00-1:30

2017C Cathedral of Learning

University of Pittsburgh

MINUTES

              I.      Introductions, Announcements, and Minutes

In attendance:

Andrew Aurand, Sungsoo Hwang, GSPIA; Kathy Boykowycz, OCC; David Blenk, Megan Bursic, Sasha Angus, Kelly Hoffman, OPDC; Edwin Nwabugwu; Stephanie Schoenberg, Tracy Soska, John Wilds, COPC Staff

 The group recognized the minutes from the September Housing meeting.

                     II.      Review of COPC Housing Priorities

Tracy reviewed a two-page summary of the Working Group on Housing’s objectives and activities as outlined by the COPC grant.  This document will assist to ensure the Working Group’s efforts reflect our priorities.  The summary is attached below. 

                  III.     Oakland Housing Summit

Megan reported on the progress of the Focus Group Committee.  Five homeowner focus groups (two in Central Oakland and three in South Oakland) will be conducted.  Jeff Alexander, President of SGB, has delegated an officer to recruit participants for the student focus group.  The student focus group will be held on November 7, 2001 from 7:00 to 8:30pm.

Kelly reviewed the questions that will be asked of the focus groups and requested suggestions.  Discussion ensued.  It was recommended that five to eight questions be developed covering the following housing issues: accessibility, landlords, neighbors, safety, cleanliness/maintenance, discrimination, personal preferences.

The next Focus Group Committee meeting is tomorrow, October 17 from 1:00 to 2:00pm at OPDC.

                   IV.      Other Business

The Working Group on Housing will meet the second Tuesday of each month from 12:00 to 1:30pm in 2017C Cathedral of Learning, unless otherwise noted.  Be sure to mark your calendar in advance and plan on attending.

Oakland Code Enforcement Task Group is meeting tomorrow, October 17 from 2:00 to 3:00pm at the Oakland Senior Center.

Upcoming Conferences include:

Friday, October 26 2001 - 8:30am – 4:00pm (reception follows) at the William Pitt Union.

Regional Coalition of Community Builders presents “Keeping Our Communities Working” – workforce development with a grassroots perspective.  For conference fees, schedule and more information call (412) 624-3711

October 28-30, 2001

The Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference on Lead-Safe Housing and Healthy Homes.  For programs, hotel and registration information call Kim Levi at 1-800-6522.  Continuing education credits are available.

November 9-11, 2001 - Chatham College

The WASTE Summit: Women Assessing the State of the Environment.  For more information, contact the Rachel Carson Institute at (412) 365-1361 or rci@chatham.edu.

Future Issues:

         The Working Group on Housing will address the following issues at upcoming meetings:

         Fair Housing for International Students , Steve Paikin, Fair Housing Partnership

         Disability Housing in Oakland , Maureen Cook, Peoples Oakland; Ken Thompson, School of Medicine

        Building and Zoning Code Inspections, Kathy Boykowycz, OCC; Jimmy King, Oakland Building Inspector