Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority

The Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) is a governmental organization responsible for the ownership and management of low-income housing property in Cuyahoga County, Ohio. The organization was founded in 1933, making it the first housing authority in the United States.^[1]

History

1930s poster promoting Lakeview Terrace

During the 1930s, Cleveland Councilman Ernest J. Bohn, led an effort to create public housing for low-income families. At that time, low income families in very poor conditions. Bohn sought out unsafe tumbledown shanties, known as "fire-traps", to replace with improved, affordable housing that struggling families could use to improve their livelihood and progress to home ownership. The first development to break ground was Olde Cedar in the Central neighborhood, becoming the first public housing development in the country and receiving its first occupants in 1937. This development would soon be followed by Lakeview, Outhwaite Homes and Woodhill Homes, all of which are now eligible for designation on the National Register of Historic Places. The first high-rise constructed for public housing was the Cedar Extension High-Rise, built to accommodate seniors. It was first occupied in 1955.

During the 1960s and 70s, in addition to the developments CMHA was building, the organization began acquire existing properties from many different local sources.

Following the establishment of the Section 8 Program with a law enacted by Congress in 1974, subsidies were offered for low income families seeking residency in privately owned housing. CMHA began administering the program at this time.

During the 1990s, CMHA improved safety for the residents of its properties by pioneering the use of defensible space design concepts such as private entryways, exterior lighting, and perimeter fencing. CMHA also opened the first residential substance abuse treatment center in the country-- Miracle Village, at Outhwaite Homes. Other notable milestones for CMHA in the 1990s include a primary healthcare clinic and the Carl B. Stokes Social Services Mall, a one-stop shopping facility offering social, health-related, career counseling, and training services. This facility was the first of its kind in the nation.

Developments

High rises

Senior high rises

Family properties

Located throughout Cuyahoga County

CMHA Police

CMHA maintains a full service police department responsible for safety and security on all the premises owned by CMHA. The Police Department employs Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy Certified Sworn Peace Officers as well as Security Officers for the execution of Law Enforcement and Security duties.

History

In 1969, CMHA stood up an Estate Patrol Unit in charge of housing security. John Carman was hired by CMHA as its first Chief of Security. In 1973, Darlice Olgetree was appointed Chief of Police.

In the 1970s the department increased its size to 60 members and the "Notice To Violator" initiative was created, enabling lease enforcement for CMHA.

The 1980s saw the appointment of Bernard Buckner as Chief of the Safety and Security Division. The Police Department would also see an increase in authority for its officers with new legislation.

In 1985, House Bill #129 was passed, allowing CMHA to hire fully sworn officers with the same training that municipal departments require, formally certifying the CMHA Police as a Law Enforcement Agency.

During the 1990s Anthony H. Jackson was appointed as Chief of Police and the Department achieved accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, becoming the first housing authority police to do so.

In 2002, CMHAPD relocated its police headquarters from the lower levels of Willson Tower to a new location on Woodland Avenue formerly known as the Carr Center. The new building houses a Communications center and other administrative offices.^[2]

Police units

• Community Policing
• Complaint Investigations
• Crime Suppression
• Dispatchers
• Juvenile Division Youth Gang Unit
• K-9 Unit
• Police Officers
• Safety Management
• Security Protection Officers
• Special Investigations
• SWAT Team

Equipment

The CMHA police issues standard equipment such as pepper spray, baton, handcuffs, taser, and sidearms to its officers. Mountain bikes are also issued to select officers assigned to bike patrol.

Vehicles used by CMHA Police include the Crown Victoria Police Intercepter,^[3] Dodge Charger,^[3] and the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter.^[4]

References

External links

• CMHA About Us
• CMHA PD Annual report