April 2023 519 E. Main/Liberty Street CNI Newsletter
Development Update
The Liberty Street and 519 East Main sites will be redeveloped in four phases. Each phase will involve the following steps:
- Temporary or permanent relocation of residents from buildings to be demolished.
- Demolition of existing buildings.
- Construction of new housing units.
- Return of residents (for residents who choose to return to the site).
The first phase of the redevelopment, Elizabeth Street Apartments, has begun. Residents were relocated from existing buildings on the northeast portion of the Liberty Street site (closest to the intersection of Liberty and Elizabeth Streets) in 2021. The buildings have been demolished and construction of a new building is scheduled to begin this summer and be completed by the end of 2024. The new building will contain 72 one, two and three-bedroom apartments for individuals and families.
The future phases include:
- Phase 2: Commerce Street (southeast portion of Liberty Street site, along Elizabeth and Commerce Streets)
- Phase 3: Dillard Street (west half of Liberty Street site, along Dillard and Liberty Streets)
- Phase 4: Main Street (current location of 519 E. Main Street building)
Development Timeline
- 2021:
- Phase 1 Relocation
- Phase 1 Relocation
- 2022:
- Phase 1 Demolition
- Choice Neighborhood Grant Awarded
- 2023:
- Phase 2 Relocation
- Phase 2 Demolition
- Phase 1 Construction Start
- Phase 3 and 4 Relocation
- Phase 2 Construction Start
- 2024:
- Phase 3 and 4 Demolition
- Phase 3 Construction Start
- Phase 1 Completed
- 2025:
- Phase 2 Completed
- Phase 2 Completed
- After 2025:
- Completed of Phases 3 and 4
Residents' Right to Return
Residents temporarily relocated as part of the 519 E. Main/Liberty Street redevelopment have the right to return to the site when new units become available. No additional screening will be required. Residents must remain compliant with their leases while living in DHA properties to be eligible to return.
Choice Neighborhoods Initiative (CNI)
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) awarded DHA a $40 million Choice Neighborhoods Implementation (CNI) grant. Grant funds will be used to support the construction of replacement housing, to provide a range of supportive services for residents who are being temporarily relocated, and to make investments to support businesses and community institutions in the surrounding neighborhood.
| Erik Smith, CNI People Lead Erik is the primary point of contact between residents and DHA on CNI-related activities. He oversees the delivery of employment, education, and healthcare services for residents. |
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| Karen Lado, CNI Project Manager Karen is responsible for the overall management of the $40 million CNI grant. She oversees the housing development program and neighborhood investments. |
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| Housing to Home (HTH), Relocation Contractor The HTH team provides support to residents through the relocation process, from identifying temporary housing to organizing the move. |
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| Property Management, 519 E. Main/Liberty St. The DHA Property Management team is responsible for leasing, maintenance, and repairs of the existing units at 519 E. Main and Liberty Street. |
Wondering Who to Contact?
For general questions about CNI and the redevelopment of 519 E. Main + Liberty Street:
DHA CNI Hotline, (919) 695-9058 (leave a message) or CNIquestions@dha-nc.org
For questions about relocation:
Kim Graham, Relocation Manager, Housing to Home,
(919) 321-9372, ismael@housingtohome.com
For problems with relocation or to request CNI services:
Eric Smith, CNI People Lead,
(919) 698-8006, esmith@dha-nc.org
For maintenance requests:
24/7 Maintenance Call Center
1.844.RING.DHA (746.4342)
For other property management concerns at 519 E. Main/Liberty Street:
Chris Moore, Property Manager,
(919) 972-0250, cmoore@dha-nc.org
COMING SOON!
The CNI Resource Center, located in Apt. 106 at 519 E. Main, will offer in person access to case managers and service providers.
Save the Date
Join Us for Our Next Resident Listening Sessions
The CNI Team holds Resident Listening Sessions on the last Tuesday of the month, at 10 am and 5:30 pm. These meetings offer a chance for residents to get updates on the relocation process and construction schedule, learn about available services, and ask questions or request help. Meetings are held in the Multipurpose Room at 519 E. Main. The next meetings are scheduled for April 25th at 10 am and 5:30 pm.
The Three Stages of Relocation
Stage 1: Preparing to Move
- Housing to Home (HTH) contacts residents to complete survey in order to understand residents' relocation needs and preferences.
- HTH identifies temporary housing options for residents.
- Once resident has accepted a temporary housing option, HTH assists with move by providing packing materials and/or helping to pack, moving belongings to new home, and helping with unpacking.
Stage 2: Temporary Housing
Temporary housing options may include:
- Comparable unit in another DHA-owned property.
- Voucher to rent apartment owned by a private landlord.
- Combination of comparable units in another DHA-owned property followed by voucher to rent apartment on private market.
Stage 3: Permanent Housing
Once the new units are built at the 519 E. Main/Liberty site, residents have the choice to:
- Return to a new unit at the 519 E. Main/Liberty site.
- If temporarily housed at another DHA property, remain permanently at that property.
- If temporarily housed with a voucher, continue using the voucher to secure permanent housing.
What is a Notice of Eligibility (NOE) and Why Are You Getting One?
Residents at 519 E. Main and Liberty Street will be receiving a Notice of Eligibility (NOE) for Relocation Assistance. This official notice informs residents who will be temporarily displaced of their rights during relocation and of available relocation assistance. The NOE also lists who to contact with questions or concerns about relocation.
You don't need to move right away. As a next step, you'll be contacted during the month of April by DHA's relocation contractor, Housing to Home, to complete a relocation survey. These surveys are essential for DHA to document your relocation needs and priorities. Please make sure the management office has your updated contact information so we can reach you!
