The commissioners also agreed to sell a single-family home owned by the authority that is occupied by Cowart's sister, Patricia Williams. DIVISION OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND SCHOOL ACCOUNTABILITY 11 Page AUTHORITY LETTER 2 INTRODUCTION 3 Background 3 Objective 3 Scope and Methodology 3 Comments of Authority Of cials and Corrective Action 4 . 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. Outside the courtroom, both Cowart and her defense attorney, former U.S. Attorney Michael Battle, each declined to comment on the sentence. Buffalo, New York. Mike Harrington: His team looks good, even without Alex Tuch. Niagara Falls Housing Authority: $226,000; Project Stork: $100,000; A lock ( 1859 Whitehaven Road, Grand Island, NY 14072 cmscott@nfha.org. 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. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Deputy Executive Director of the Niagara Falls Housing Authority . Fax: 716-773-7190. The decision to remove Cowart came amid an FBI investigation at the authority. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Property Development. mvvitello@nfha.org. 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. 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 . 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 . and direct supervision is received from the Executive Director and/or Deputy Executive Director with scheduling of work assignments periodically reviewed. 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. That prompted the board to authorize the sale of the property. Get Directions . 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. Address. You have permission to edit this article. She will not return to work. Occupation. JUDGE: Sentence below federal guidelines was 'fair, just and reasonable' for ex-Falls housing chief. {{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. 1. He called the sentence, which he admitted was less then the minimum under federal sentencing guidelines, "fair, just and reasonable." Tourism in Southern Africa is synonymous with the wildlife safari. 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. In installation, ACWC executive director shares personal story; . Soda, authority board chairman, said Scott "gravitates to troubled housing authorities.". 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. I can't get over this violation of public trust.". "That grant wasn't completed and this $6,000 was extra.". (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. Become a CNA today! Official websites use .gov 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. The special agent-in-charge of the Buffalo Division of the FBI said she failed in her efforts. First name. 100 State Street Suite 500 The Niagara Falls Housing Authority oversees both public housing and voucher programs, if available. CONTACT: Barbara Burns 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. 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. Low around 30F. 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. Larry Scott Blackmon New York Association of Chapters of Alpha Fraternity, Inc. 100 Black Men. 479 16th Street. Board Chairperson: Paul Dyster. Executive Director Niagara Falls Housing Authority. He went on to become New York State's director of the Housing Choice program and executive director of housing authorities in Youngstown, Ohio, Omaha and Atlantic City. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). "I was sacked 10 times in one game," Scott said. 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. If you are experiencing difficulties logging in or are a subscriber getting a paywall, please try one or more of the following steps. Winds light and variable.. Cloudy. Edit Details Section. Supervision is exercised over technical, clerical and maintenance staff as . Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. So what does Sabres GM Kevyn Adams do this week? Sorry, there are no recent results for popular commented articles. Longtime local football fans might remember him as Cliff Scott, who was the 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. Click here for meeting minutes, agendas, and other compliance postings. Compare pay for popular roles and read about the team's work-life balance. Company Summary. Niagara University President Rev. Sorry, there are no recent results for popular commented articles. mini excavators. HUD awards Batavia Housing Authority $465,324; 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. View All Contacts . Winds light and variable. 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The scores in this Report are the official PHAS scores of record for your PHA. Battle was one the first federal defenders in the state's Western District office from 2002 to 2005, a seat now occupied by U.S. Attorney William Hochul. Allen Cowart was previously convicted and is scheduled to be sentenced on July 9, 2018. 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. Niagara Falls Housing Authority. Niagara Falls Housing Authority is part of the Government industry, and located in New York, United States. (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. 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. The Executive Director . mills. Have a question about Government Services? 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," saidActing Special Agent-in-ChargeKevin P. Lyons. The federal probe is not something we are talking about right now, he said in August. We look forward to a collaborative process that engages residents and positively impacts their lives while uplifting the greater Niagara Falls community.. Cloudy. mini excavator. Scott called the Cowart case "a stain on the organization.". Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Stephanie and Fredia Cowart have also paid full restitution totaling approximately $17,000. SUNY Empire State College. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Stephanie W. Cowart, 58, of Grand Island, NY, pleaded guilty to theft concerning programs receiving federal funds before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara. The smart way to start your day. You have permission to edit this article. After a standout high school career at Grand Island, Scott's time at UB was rough. . Since July, he spoke to the Gazette on one occasion. When there is information that we can share we will gladly and promptly share that information.. "Hopefully, this will be the last stop for me," he said. Clifford Scott . Popular Employees View All. 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. That cash had come to the authority in the form of a grant from the private, not-for-profit, Niagara Area Foundation. Cowart relatives return checks amid FBI probe. Keep reading with unlimited digital access. You have permission to edit this article. "(That means) you're entitled to work hard and get a paycheck. "What students brought to school in one area of the city versus another area of the city." Sorry, there are no recent results for popular commented articles. They didn't publicly discuss during their meeting any link between the $6,000 and the federal investigation of Stephanie Cowart. Intake Process. Some mixed winter precipitation possible. 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. Low around 30F. She will not be paid for unused sick time or vacation days, but will collect a total of $95,613 during her eight-month leave. "Please accept my heartfelt regrets.". 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. The housing authority owns and manages 9 facilities which total 914 units across the city. Craig Pridgen, that gave him pause. Click here for meeting minutes, agendas, and other compliance postings. Niagara Falls Housing Authority About the Company. Board President Rev. We sift through all the news to give you a concise, informative look at the top headlines and must-read stories every weekday. 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. They are difficult to manage," said Dobbs. 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. Edit Highlights Section. ". Get the inside scoop on jobs, salaries, top office locations, and CEO insights. Box 69 Niagara Falls, NY 14302-0069 Phone Number (716) 286-4327. The salary associated with this appointment was $23 an hour. Niagara Falls Community Development | 745 Main Street, P.O. He held a similar post in Kansas City, Mo., before going to Youngstown, Ohio, as housing authority executive director in 2008. Address, Phone Number, and Hours for Niagara Falls Housing Authority, a Housing Authority, at 9th Street, Niagara Falls NY. The housing structure was built in the 1960s and has been in need of rehabilitation for decades. 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. In addition, Cowarts daughter-in-law, Fredia Cowart, 28, of Niagara Falls, NY, was sentenced to one year probation for her conviction on a misdemeanor charge of theft of government funds. 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. FAX #: (716) 551-3051. niagara falls housing authority. Whose fish (fry) will swim to the top - and whose will flop? "My life's mission, my life's passion has been to build strong communities. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Niagara Falls Housing Authority (NFHA) 744 Tenth Street Niagara Falls, NY 14301 www.nfha.org. We are not accepting ANY applications at this time. He said this is the last scattered site the NFHA owns. Phone 716-285-7778. Winds light and variable. Low around 30F. Monday, Scott starts work in Niagara Falls, where the last executive director pleaded guilty to stealing more than $17,000 in concert with her daughter and son-in-law. Scott, 47, was New York State director of the Housing Choice Voucher program from 2003 to 2007. Allen and Fredia Cowart, on behalf of People and Possibilities, Inc., sought and obtained a $6,000 grant from NAF, with the assistance of Stephanie Cowart. pregnant by another man while separated in north carolina, why did jeff danker leave major league bowhunter, Housing authorities. `` not something we are not accepting any applications at this time assignments periodically reviewed home by. 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