As a result, NFHA has embarked on an aggressive, community-led initiative to improve this long-time neglected area., "We believe a New York state investment in this community has the potential to kickstart economic development in one of the most underserved areas in the City of Niagara Falls,'' said Clifford Scott, executive director of the Niagara Falls Housing Authority. The Niagara Falls Housing Authority Board of Commissioners has tapped a Grand Island native to be its next executive director. Join to apply for the Board Member role at The Leadership Agency. Previous to his state office, Battle served as a judge on Erie County's family court bench. He said Williams is eligible for housing authority housing, so if she doesn't purchase the property, the board will find her suitable housing in another authority property. HOUSING AUTHORITY: Executive director's son, wife paid $6K for program that never took place. Bank on Buffalo present their donation to Niagara Falls Housing Authority Back to School event coming Friday, September 2nd. 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 Niagara Falls Housing Authority is committed to removing as many obstacles as possible to empower individuals and families to reach these goals. (Source: buffalonews.com) Stephanie W. Cowart, former executive director of the Niagara Falls Housing Authority, admitted Wednesday to working with her son and daughter-in-law to steal $17,580 from the authority and the state. 1859 Whitehaven Road, Grand Island, NY 14072 The Advantage After School Program is funded, in part, through a contribution of federal Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) funds to New York State. "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. Scott was "almost universally the top choice," Soda said. 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 . Winds light and variable. View All Employees . If you are experiencing difficulties logging in or are a subscriber getting a paywall, please try one or more of the following steps. But Battle said the probe was "not something we are talking about right now" when asked of the situation. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. On behalf of Ms. Cowart, this money is returned in connection with a check Ms. Cowart had received in December of 2014. Karen Abramaitys, Director 745 Main Street P.O. Bank on Buffalo present their donation to Niagara Falls Housing Authority Back to School event coming Friday, September 2nd. The federal probe is not something we are talking about right now, he said in August. Main Phone. cmscott@nfha.org. The agency has received multiple grants from the foundation in its history. She failed to honor the public position she held., "In a blatant abuse of power, longtime executive director of the Niagara Falls Housing Authority, Stephanie Cowart failed the very people she was hired to assist by diverting public funds to her relatives through exorbitant hourly wages and grants," State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli said. But the summer program for disaffected young people never happened. Highest paying jobs in Niagara Falls, NY are General Surgeon, Surgeon, and Obstetrics Gynecology Physician. The People and Possibilities board of directors has shuffled leadership over its life-span, but in the years 2013-14 included former city Board of Education President Carmellette Rotella, current BOE member Kevin Dobbs and Niagara County Legislator Owen Steed, D-Niagara Falls. Niagara Falls Community Development | 745 Main Street, P.O. You have permission to edit this article. "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. To mark the fifth anniversary of the start of the sexual abuse scandal in the Buffalo Diocese, The Buffalo News spoke with the two whistleblow. Between October 2013 and January 2015, Stephanie Cowart, being an agent of a state authority, and being aided by Allen and Fredia Cowart, stole $6,000 from the NFHA. The average salary in Niagara Falls, NY is $47,000. Soda said Housing Authority policies will require Scott to live in Niagara Falls. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. An official website of the United States government. Everything you need from a bank, coming to your neighborhood. Member Jason Krempa. "For most of my career, I have been a public servant," Arcara told Cowart. mini excavator. Winds light and variable.. Cloudy. When Stephanie Cowart used her power as the Executive Director of the Niagara Falls Housing Authority to steal money entrusted to her, she failed the people she was hired to serve.. Her attorney, Michael Battle, did not respond to a request for comment. Joanne N . Buffalo-Niagara Falls Area. 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 officials at the FBI and at the authority are unwilling to disclose. 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. 100 State Street Suite 500 Buffalo, New York. Niagara Falls Housing Authority. The Leadership Agency Buffalo-Niagara Falls Area. CONTACT: Barbara Burns In particular, the judge pointed to 30 letters, written by people as diverse as former Congressman John LaFalce, former Falls Police Superintendent John Chella, former Niagara University President Father Joseph Levesque, Niagara County Elections Commissioner Lora Allen and local pastors, the Rev. more people more possibilities. The sentence was exactly what Cowart and her lawyer requested. "Please accept my heartfelt regrets.". Hochul announces resources to help save on home energy bills, Niagara Falls: 17-year-old taken into custody for gun charges. 1. Mike Harrington: His team looks good, even without Alex Tuch. Yvonne is the Founder & CEO of Victory & Co., a HR and Coaching company where she challenges people to think differently about their business and human resources practices. the Niagara Falls Housing Authority, Create a Healthier Niagara Falls Collaborative, Representative Brian Higgins Office (NY-26), Heart, Love and Soul, Northpointe Council, 1199SEIU Healthcare Education Project, Community Missions, INC., and the Niagara Community Action Program, along with various . First name. "I lived my life, never expecting to appear in court under these circumstances," she said. Downtown Niagara Falls near the Seneca Niagara Casino. The board appointed Clifford Scott to the post. 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. Allen Cowart was previously convicted and is scheduled to be sentenced on July 9, 2018. A locked padlock Intake Process. Niagara Falls Housing Authority (NFHA) 744 Tenth Street Niagara Falls, NY 14301 www.nfha.org. More Information Niagara Falls Housing Authority The Niagara Falls Housing Authority provides stable, quality affordable housing opportunities for low and moderate income families throughout the local community. "I was sacked 10 times in one game," Scott said. 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. In separate years, Battle and Cowart appeared on Buffalo Business First's "40 under 40" during the mid-1990s. Over $31,600 in repairs to the property have been made to the house by the NFHA since 2011. City of Niagara Falls. The authority's commissioners accepted the repayment Tuesday and agreed to return the funds to the Niagara Area Foundation. As the leader of the Niagara Falls Housing Authority, Stephanie Cowart was obligated to act as a responsible steward of these funds and to use them to better the lives of residents and the community as a whole, said U.S. Attorney Kennedy. Allen Cowart was appointed to the temporary position of Teacher, under the Advantage After School Program, October 1, 2013 for the duration of the school year. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Executive Director. "I witnessed some of the inequities in the food system," she said. Stephanie Cowart Executive Director. The Niagara Falls Housing Authority operates affordable housing in the City of Niagara Falls. We are not accepting ANY applications at this time. Nonprofit; Niagara Falls, NY; Employees. U.S. Attorney's Office, Western District of New York, Former Head Of Niagara Falls Housing Authority Sentenced For Stealing Government Funds; Daughter-In-Law Also Sentenced, Seven Defendants Charged In Rochester Illegal Sports Gambling Business, Father And Son Arrested, Charged With Kidnapping Conspiracy In An Attempt To Force Their Daughter/Sister To Marry In Yemen, Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty To Lying To Probation Officer, Former Head Of Niagara Falls Housing Authority Sentenced For Stealing Government Funds; Daughter In Law Also Sentenced. The Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo declined to comment for this story. {{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. The smart way to start your day. Four months later, he left to become executive director in Omaha. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). In the post-colonial era the establishment of so-called 'peaceparks' that straddle the borders of states has come to be seen as a key not only to increasing tourism in the Southern African region, but also to the modernizing of conservation policies and the development of rural economies. Read More. Property Development. Minister of Mines. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). "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. Why the grant program was never administered also remains unclear, but thehousing authority and its executive director have long championed the necessity ofpositive role modeling and messaging in order to reach disconnected Falls youth. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. But said he has been looking to get back into an executive director's role and to return to Western New York. Elmore, with the law offices of Boyd and Elmore, did not return a further request for comment, including an explanation as to why the money, despite the illness, was not returned until a few months ago. Niagara Falls Housing Authority Executive Director Clifford Scott, shown here in this file photo taken during a meeting on July 10, 2019 at city hall, will provide administrative oversight to the . Asked by a reporter, "Why did you do it?" The board had some concerns and questions over that check.. 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. During that time, while the city population dropped, she has fulfilled her job . Cowart, the executive director of the Niagara Falls Housing Authority for nearly two decades, was put on paid leave on July 21 by the board. Conrad ran unsuccessfully for an at-large seat on the Buffalo Public Schools Board of Education in 2019. I can't get over this violation of public trust.". Phone: (716) 285 - 6961 . Details. Outside the courtroom, both Cowart and her defense attorney, former U.S. Attorney Michael Battle, each declined to comment on the sentence. Low around 30F. 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 . Clifford Scott, NFHA's executive director, said, "The Niagara Falls Housing Authority chose to partner with the New York Power Authority on this project because it aligns with our goals in . rick.pfeiffer@niagara-gazette.com, Bobby Beilein's big second quarter erases year-, Falls police step up efforts to combat gun violence, Lockport's late rally isn't enough to tip defen, Stingy defense lifts Lew-Port girls hoops back , Incumbent in Lewiston and newcomer in Niagara announce plans to run for town court justice, Youth sports coach and neighborhood watch member running for Niagara Town Board, Community organizer will seek seat on Falls City Council, Electronic pollbook security raises concerns going into 2024, CASCIANI, Elizabeth Oct 16, 1933 - Feb 10, 2023, NICOLIA, Amelia T. undefined, 1931 - undefined, 2023, HIBBARD, Mary Oct 22, 1932 - Feb 26, 2023, PAONESSA, Catherine undefined, 1928 - undefined, 2023, DEDOMENICO, Francis D. undefined, 1941 - undefined, 2023, Jaden Crumpler closes Niagara Falls career with state championship, Community is on James Starks' mind amid inductions into Buffalo, Niagara Falls Hall of Fames, Three suspects in custody after early Sunday morning raid on Ferry Avenue, Hustler's Tavern serving up cocktails and a bit of history in Lewiston, Falls apartment building struck by driver fleeing police, Sheriff says high speed chases are spiking, Troubled developer withdraws from project to revitalize 12 South End properties, State wrestling wrap: Five Greater Niagara region wrestlers still have state title hopes, Suspect caught after police pursuit, search near railroad tracks in Falls' North End, CHAMPIONSHIP HQ: Schedules, scores, photos and stories from Section VI championship week. Sentencing for the defendants is scheduled for April 5, 2018 at 12:00 p.m. before Judge Arcara. NIAGARA FALLS Applications are due April 30 for the Jean Hopkins Memorial . We do not know when we will reopen our waiting list. Director Management 1 phone number found . A Freedom of Information Act request sent by the Gazette revealed the documents that showed Allen Cowart, a teacher in the Niagara Falls City School District, and his wife, Fredia Cowart, also a district teacher, each returned $3,000 to the authority about a month after the FBIs interest was made public. Director. Rochester, NY 14614. For more information, visit https://nfha.org/. Fax: 716-773-7190. Larry Scott Blackmon New York Association of Chapters of Alpha Fraternity, Inc. 100 Black Men. Save . First Amendment: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. Cornell Cooperative Extension I've been very fortunate to turn each one around, some more than others," Scott said. 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. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio has issued an executive order suspending the 5.875% hotel occupancy tax imposed by NYC Administrative Code Section 11-2502from June 1, 2021, through August 31, 2021. Compare pay for popular roles and read about the team's work-life balance. In 2013, the Niagara Area Foundation awarded a $6,000 grant to the Niagara Falls Housing Authority to fund an extracurricular educational program for disadvantaged youths in the Cataract City. PHAS scores in other systems are not to be . Low around 30F. {{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. In existence for more than 70 years, the Niagara Falls Housing Authority is responsible for over 900 affordable housing opportunities. System, & quot ; I witnessed some of the inequities in the food system, quot! 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