Chairman submits resignation

Fayetteville Housing Authority searching for new leader

FAYETTEVILLE — The Housing Authority board needs a new chairman.

Mike Emery submitted his resignation Tuesday. Emery said in a letter to the city the past two years on the board have been incredibly stressful, and he saw a side of local politics he never wants to see again.

“When you manage to get on the unpopular side of a group, person or issue, you can expect some resistance,” Emery said. “However, the torment that I have witnessed the executive director and staff of the FHA endure, along with myself being a target over the course of two years, is nothing short of vicious.”

Public outcry over what to do with one of the authority’s properties, Willow Heights at 10 S. Willow Ave., reached a fever pitch over the past few months. A plan to sell the property and move residents to an expansion of another property the authority manages was shunned, with several members of the public calling for a renovation of Willow Heights instead. The City Council held a special meeting July 24 and made six recommendations to the authority regarding its annual and five-year plans.

Emery’s position on the board and his spot on the city’s Environmental Action Committee will become vacant effective 5 p.m. Friday. Emery said he will focus his charitable efforts elsewhere.

“I ask just one thing from the city administration, that being for someone to step in to prevent the harassment and unprofessional treatment being extended to the executive director and staff of the Fayetteville Housing Authority from multiple sources,” he said.

Emery’s resignation leaves three members on the five-member board, just enough for a quorum. Commissioner Chris White stepped down July 25 following the City Council’s special meeting.

The authority board will try to hold a special meeting next week to select a new chairman among the three remaining board members and replace Emery’s name on its financial accounts.

Executive Director Deniece Smiley said all the checks the authority writes have to have two signatures. The board needs to select a new chairman as soon as possible, she said.

“Operations will continue to go forward as much as I can,” Smiley said. “I just won’t be able to pay any invoices.”

The board has 45 days to appoint a new member after Emery’s resignation takes effect. The same goes for White’s spot on the board. Its next regular meeting is scheduled Aug. 23.

Other business awaits the board’s consideration. Smiley attended a workshop for nonprofit groups and organizations seeking federal Community Development Block Grant money Wednesday. Administrators with the city’s Community Resources Division went over the details and requirements for applying.

There is $60,000 available for public services and $130,000 for public facilities up for grabs next year. Money for facilities has to go to a structural or attached element of a building, so something such as window

air-conditioning units wouldn’t qualify, but central heat and air would, said Yolanda Fields, community resources director. Public services has a broader definition, and can be used for everything from vehicles to supplies.

Smiley said the authority will look into the possibilities, but the board has to approve any applications. The deadline to apply is 5 p.m. Aug. 31. One of the council’s recommendations to the authority was for it to apply for CDBG money.

Commissioner Melissa Terry said the first step is to get housekeeping items in order, although other issues could come up, such as a CDBG application or voiding the contract to sell Willow Heights, which was also one of the council’s recommendations.