Nonprofit; Niagara Falls, NY; Employees. April Simpson Former Tenant Association President Queensbridge Houses. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Soda, the chairman of the Housing Authority board, recounting Scott's job interview. Assistant U.S. Attorney Russell T. Ippolito, who is handling 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. Seven were interviewed, and four received second interviews. Company Summary. ", Cowart told Arcara she had always tried to be "an advocate for the needy and disadvantaged.". {{start_at_rate}} {{format_dollars}} {{start_price}} {{format_cents}} {{term}}, {{promotional_format_dollars}}{{promotional_price}}{{promotional_format_cents}} {{term}}, Sabres place Alex Tuch on injured reserve; top-line winger's status is uncertain, Paula's Donuts to move Clarence store that faced backlash for tax breaks to Amherst, Nebraska cheerleader competes by herself at state competition, but crowd doesn't let her feel alone. But Cowart was facing a possible maximum sentence of 10 years in prison for her guilty pleato stealing federal funds in a scheme involving her son and daughter-in-law. The salary associated with this appointment was $23 an hour. Eighteen people applied for the executive director job last November, Soda said. In stealing public funds, the defendant put her own interests ahead not only of taxpayers but of the very people she was supposed to be helping, said U.S. Attorney Kennedy. Alma mater. All three presentlyserve on the NFHAs board of commissioners, the authoritys primary governing and oversight body, along with former Falls schools Superintendent Cynthia Bianco, who retired from the district last year but remains an NFHA board member. "We are dedicated to promoting self-sufficiency and improving the overall quality of life of those that we serve," said Stephanie Cowart, the Housing Authority's executive director. Downtown Niagara Falls near the Seneca Niagara Casino. Scott's career numbers were 555 completions in 1,101 attempts, for 7,578 yards and 43 touchdowns. "I was sacked 10 times in one game," Scott said. The pleas are the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Adam S. Cohen; the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Brad Geary; and the Office of New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, Division of Investigations. Gov. Edit Details Section. . An official website of the United States government. We sift through all the news to give you a concise, informative look at the top headlines and must-read stories every weekday. Clifford Scott Current Workplace. The Niagara Falls Housing Authority operates affordable housing in the City of Niagara Falls. Her attorney, Michael Battle, did not respond to a request for comment. According a synopsis of the grant, filed in the authoritys records, Allen and Fredia were designated to serve as instructors for the program and would use role-playing exercises, conflict resolution techniques and situational exercises to teach young people how to make productive decisions in challenging environments. The money was to be used for A Better Me, a project that was to teach children and youth the importance of proper etiquette, what bullying is and what they can do about it and to teach educational empowerment tools. The NAF grant proceeds for the A Better Me project were deposited directly into the NFHAs operating account. But said he has been looking to get back into an executive director's role and to return to Western New York. 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. Across New York state, the Department of Environmental Conservation says Black . The NFHA is responsible for over 900 affordable housing opportunities. Cowart's son, Allen Cowart, and his wife, Fredia, both teachers, were to administer the program,but the program was never created. Executive Offices 744 Tenth Street Niagara Falls, NY 14301 (716) 285-6961 Anthony Spallino Towers 720 Tenth Street Niagara Falls, NY 14301 (716) 285-5505 Manager: Margaret Anne Smith Henry E . . For more information, visit www.beaconcommunitiesllc.com. Lock You have permission to edit this article. Previous to his state office, Battle served as a judge on Erie County's family court bench. 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Secure .gov websites use HTTPS Executive Director, Executive Director, Administration. SEE ALL NEWS. The Niagara Falls Housing Authority is committed to removing as many obstacles as possible to empower individuals and families to reach these goals. You have permission to edit this article. "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.". None available. "We are committed to empowering and enriching the Niagara Falls community." The average salary in Niagara Falls, NY is $47,000. Niagara University President Rev. He resigned after less than a year, for what the PressofAtlanticCity.com reported were "personal reasons related to his family.". Niagara Falls Housing Authority votes to give 18 months of dental insurance coverage to former executive director Stephanie Cowart. A resolution to allocate initial funding resources was passed April 12 by the Niagara Falls Housing Authority board of commissioners. relied upon and are not being used by the Department. Winds light and variable.. Cloudy. Low around 30F. Niagara Falls Housing Authority Executive Director Stephanie Cowart has enlisted the service of a prominent Washington D.C. attorney who was once the top federal prosecutor in Western New York. Last name. On Nov. 22, the board reached an agreement with Cowart . Fortunately, not all public servants are similarly motivated, and those who abuse their positions of trust, such as Cowart, can be brought to justice by those who, like our state and federal law enforcement officers who worked this case, faithfully serve the public with honor and integrity., Public corruption is the FBIs top criminal investigative priority because it poses a fundamental threat to the way government and communities operate every day, said Kevin P. Lyons, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of the FBIs Buffalo Division. "I was surprised when the checks were returned, because there was no specific action taken by the board," said Cafarella after the meeting. Attorneys, Battle supervised the office's 93 lawyers until his resignation. The sentencing brought to an end a more-than-two-year-long investigation into Cowart, who served as the Niagara Falls Housing Authority's executive director from 1997 until her retirement from . Scott, a Grand Island native and a veteran public housing administrator, has signed a three-year, $115,000-a-year contract as executive director. The housing authority owns and manages 9 facilities which total 914 units across the city. Beacon Communities is a privately owned real estate firm that develops, acquires, invests in, and manages a wide range of multifamily housing. In 2019, Ms. Farrell launched Grow Community Food Literacy Centre in her hometown of Niagara Falls, Ont., where she has been an elementary-school teacher. Box 69 Niagara Falls, NY 14302-0069 Phone Number (716) 286-4327. and direct supervision is received from the Executive Director and/or Deputy Executive Director with scheduling of work assignments periodically reviewed. He said the decision to sell the house had nothing to do with the investigation of Stephanie Cowart. Phone: (716) 285 - 6961 . However, Allen and Fredia Cowart never actually conducted any presentations related to the A Better Me project. Then, with a long audible sigh, Arcara sentenced Cowart, 59, to two years of probation and a $2,000 fine. Since July, he spoke to the Gazette on one occasion. Cafarella said the board is now looking for a replacement as executive director. Through the provision of public housing apartments and the management of Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers, the Niagara Falls Housing Authority serves low-income families and . A scheme that U.S. District Court Judge Richard Arcara said left him deeply troubled. Cowart said nothing and walked away. 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. Our own internal review is ongoing. 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. (Niagara Falls, NY) - The Niagara Falls Housing Authority (NFHA) Board of Commissioners has selected Beacon Communities LLC as the Co-Developer on the Harry S. Jordan Gardens Housing Complex Redevelopment in Highland/Beech, City of Niagara Falls, New York. Government lawyers had asked Arcara to impose a "guideline sentence. The Jordan Gardens Redevelopment in Highland Beach. Scott takes over from Patricia L. Barone, who has been acting director for the past three years, since Stephanie W. Cowart was forced out in a corruption scandal that ended with criminal convictions for Cowart, her son and her daughter-in-law. The house at 2168 North Ave. is called a "scattered site" house because it is not part of a centralized group of authority properties. Scott said the city government also was taken over by the State of New Jersey at the time. Cloudy. Cowart, who appeared before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara, pleaded guilty to theft of federal funds and acknowledged signing off on a teaching job and a training . Member Jason Krempa. Patent trader. 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 . Cowart and her sister have declined to comment in recent months when contacted by The Buffalo News. Longtime local football fans might remember him as Cliff Scott, who was the starting quarterback for the University at Buffalo Bulls from 1991 to 1994. Read More. "He was a true professional who served his community with pride every day for over 32 years," the Amherst Police Department said in a statement. Address. Join to apply for the Board Member role at The Leadership Agency. They are difficult to manage," said Dobbs. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). Regarding Fredia Cowart, Elmore said she was not a part of the program because she suffers from significant health problems and fell ill during the time the program was to be administered. The special agent-in-charge of the Buffalo Division of the FBI said she failed in her efforts. Niagara Falls Housing Authority is part of the Government industry, and located in New York, United States. I dont expect any announcements about the executive director to be made today. There is a federal investigation under way. ", 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. Edit Highlights Section. Conrad ran unsuccessfully for an at-large seat on the Buffalo Public Schools Board of Education in 2019. But then an outpouring of community support began to persuade him otherwise. Dave DiCenzo2023-01-12T16:21:35+00:00November 14th, 2022|Categories: Public News|Tags: bank on buffalo, buffalo, Doris Jones Community Resource Center, New York, NFHA, Niagara Falls, Niagara Falls Housing Authority, NY|. Official websites use .gov Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Everything you need from a bank, coming to your neighborhood. Battle was appointed to the U.S. Attorney's Office by former U.S. President George W. Bush. Allen Cowart falsely claimed that he was performing the work of two teachers under the Advantage After School Program and was paid more than two times the normal hourly pay rate for one teacher position. Highlights. By Rick Pfeiffer The sentence was exactly what Cowart and her lawyer requested. Find out what works well at Niagara Falls Housing Authority from the people who know best. Clifford Scott . We sift through all the news to give you a concise, informative look at the top headlines and must-read stories every weekday. The Niagara Area Foundation (NAF) was established in 2000 by citizens of Niagara County who were employed in the private and non-profit sectors, to provide support and charity-oriented philanthropic initiatives for residents in Niagara County. The NFHA then paid Allen and Fredia Cowart for work purportedly done on the project. Occupation. Join a rapidly growing career with potential for upward mobility. That cash had come to the authority in the form of a grant from the private, not-for-profit, Niagara Area Foundation. "We've always have been trying to get rid of scattered sites. In addition, a check for $3,000, which was returned by Cowarts son through his attorneys law firm, came attached to a pay stub that makes reference to a federal investigation in the city of Niagara Falls. At that time, Cowart was placed on paid administrative leave by the housing authoritys board of commissioners. Assistant U.S. Attorney Russell T. Ippolito, who is handling 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. Phone: 716-773-7676 mills. Samuel M. Ferraro Center, Suite One
"Please accept my heartfelt regrets.". (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). "If I was you," the judge said, "I'd pay that fine as soon as you can and get on with your life.". Director Management 1 phone number found . Some mixed winter precipitation possible. Sorry, there are no recent results for popular commented articles. 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. Rochester, NY 14614. Keep reading with unlimited digital access. Lock "Evidence did not demonstrate that any prosecutable criminal offense was committed with regard to the removal," the Justice Department wrote in a letter to lawmakers in 2010. 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. So what does Sabres GM Kevyn Adams do this week? "I know nothing in regards to the criminal investigation," said Cafarella. The smart way to start your day. A locked padlock I don't understand how this lady could have had this moment of greed, maybe? Niagara Falls Housing Authority Executive Director Stephanie W. Cowart is probably one of the most cultured and sophisticated women of Niagara Falls. Associate Professor of Business Administration, SUNY Erie Community College, Executive Director, Niagara Falls Housing Authority. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. However, Stephanie Cowart directed that effective October 23, 2013, her son was to be paid an hourly rate of $50. DEPARTMENT: Niagara Falls Housing Authority NUMBER OF VACANCIES: One (1) PAY RANGE: Grade 23 $74,445-$85,935 . Niagara Falls Health Equity Task Force: . Winds light and variable.. Cloudy. Director. Medaille University . Dave DiCenzo2022-05-05T20:29:44+00:00May 5th, 2022|Categories: Public News|. Niagara Falls Community Development | 745 Main Street, P.O. 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 . "(That means) you're entitled to work hard and get a paycheck. Niagara Frontier Publications. He moved to Atlantic City, N.J., to become executive director of its housing authority in 2016. And now, more than three years later, all of the money has been returned to the authority by the son of Stephanie Cowart and his wife. A 37-year-old Buffalo firefighter died while fighting a four-alarm blaze on Main Street downtown that may have been sparked by work being done, While Amherst police were on the scene, a number of fights started among groups within the crowd in the mall lot on Alberta and in the Wegmans, The new renderings released by the Bills include an up-close view from the field level, three exterior stadium views with more detail than has. All materials appearing on this Web page and website copyright 2023 Niagara Frontier Publications.No materials may be reproduced without the express written consent of Niagara Frontier Publications. "Niagara Falls Housing Authority residents embody the elderly, low income and communities of color that the COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected. The smart way to start your day. 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 federal probe is not something we are talking about right now, he said in August. On behalf of Ms. Cowart, this money is returned in connection with a check Ms. Cowart had received in December of 2014. The authority's commissioners accepted the repayment Tuesday and agreed to return the funds to the Niagara Area Foundation. 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