744 Tenth St. Niagara Falls, NY 14301 | Phone: (716) 285-6961 | Fax: (716) 285-3407 | TDD: 1-800-545-1833 x 405 CONTACT: Barbara Burns Have a question about Government Services? A federal court case, involving the former executive director of the Niagara Falls Housing Authority, has led to a number of reforms at the agency, meant to improve oversight. The Niagara Falls Housing Authority operates affordable housing in the City of Niagara Falls. SUNY Empire State College. The average salary in Niagara Falls, NY is $47,000. 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. PHONE: (716) 843-5817 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 witnessed some of the inequities in the food system," she said. PHAS scores in other systems are not to be Everything you need from a bank, coming to your neighborhood. Contacts. {{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. "I know nothing in regards to the criminal investigation," said Cafarella. Niagara Falls Housing Authority executive director retains Michael Battle. Some mixed winter precipitation possible. However, Allen and Fredia Cowart never actually conducted any presentations related to the A Better Me project. Director Management 1 phone number found . Mike Harrington: His team looks good, even without Alex Tuch. Our communities include: Packard Court, Beloved Community, Harry S. Jordan Gardens, Anthony Spallino Towers and Henry . Phone 716-285-7778. You have permission to edit this article. 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|. Clifford Scott . 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 . 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. ". 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. (Mount Kisco, N.Y.) 1956-current, August 26, 1972, Page 2, Image 2, brought to you by Chappaqua Library, and the National Digital Newspaper Program. Become a CNA today! 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. Buffalo, New York. In September, after the investigation was underway, two checks for $3,000 each were sent to the authority on Cowart's son's behalf. Minister's Award for Innovation and Excellence in Woodlot Management. Connect to CRM . She will not return to work. mini excavator. 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. mills. Iesha Sekou CEO & Founder Street Corner Resources. cmscott@nfha.org. We sift through all the news to give you a concise, informative look at the top headlines and must-read stories every weekday. "I was sacked 10 times in one game," Scott said. Battle was not a significant part of the Department of Justice's subsequent investigation, which concluded without filing charges, according to national media reports from the time. Main Phone. 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. Then, with a long audible sigh, Arcara sentenced Cowart, 59, to two years of probation and a $2,000 fine. "He said he was the most sacked and most intercepted quarterback in UB history," said Frank A. The board had some concerns and questions over that check.. 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. "If I was you," the judge said, "I'd pay that fine as soon as you can and get on with your life.". Niagara Falls Health Equity Task Force: . 479 16th Street. Sorry, there are no recent results for popular commented articles. Samuel M. Ferraro Center, Suite One He called the sentence, which he admitted was less then the minimum under federal sentencing guidelines, "fair, just and reasonable." In 2013 the Niagara Area Foundation awarded a $6,000 grant to the Niagara Falls Housing Authority to run a youth program. 1859 Whitehaven Road, Grand Island, NY 14072 The Niagara Falls Housing Authority board of commissioners has selected Beacon Communities LLC as the co-developer on the Harry S. Jordan Gardens Housing Redevelopment in the Highland/Beech area of the City of Niagara Falls. Jul 7, 2019. First name. For general and filing information visit the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance. Allen Cowarts check, sent by his attorney Barry Covert from a trust account at Lipsitz Green Scime and Cambria, was attached to the pay stub tagged: Federal Investigation Re: Niagara Falls.. 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 . "(That means) you're entitled to work hard and get a paycheck. We look forward to a collaborative process that engages residents and positively impacts their lives while uplifting the greater Niagara Falls community.. 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. City of Niagara Falls. Box 69, Niagara Falls, NY 14302 | phone: (716) 286 8800 | fax: (716) 286 8809 . He said the decision to sell the house had nothing to do with the investigation of Stephanie Cowart. Shining a light on issue of environmental justice across New York state. If you are experiencing difficulties logging in or are a subscriber getting a paywall, please try one or more of the following steps. Fax: 716-773-7190. Medaille University . The salary associated with this appointment was $23 an hour. Occupation. The average hourly pay is $22.0 in Niagara Falls, NY. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Across New York state, the Department of Environmental Conservation says Black . Some mixed winter precipitation possible. Intake Process. The agency has received multiple grants from the foundation in its history. Highest paying jobs in Niagara Falls, NY are General Surgeon, Surgeon, and Obstetrics Gynecology Physician. 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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. 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. 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. Clifford Scott, a starting quarterback for the University at . Soda, authority board chairman, said Scott "gravitates to troubled housing authorities.". Executive Director, Niagara Falls Housing Authority Member Robert B. Cliffe . Niagara Falls Housing Authority corporate office is located in 744 10th St, Niagara Falls, New York, 14301, United States and has 41 employees. 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. Arcara told Cowart she could pay her fine over the term of her probation, but then suggested a better course. 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. 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. Our own internal review is ongoing. "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. 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 smart way to start your day. The smart way to start your day. Michael Battle confirmed Friday that he and his firm had been retained by Cowart, whom the authority's board of commissioners placed on indefinite paid administrative leave in May for unspecified reasons. We sift through all the news to give you a concise, informative look at the top headlines and must-read stories every weekday. more people more possibilities. The smart way to start your day. In addition, Cowarts son and daughter-in-law, Allen, 31, and Fredia, 28, both of Niagara Falls, NY, pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of theft of government funds which carries a maximum penalty of one year in prison and a $100,000 fine. 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. Neither Covert nor any members of the NFHA board responded to requests for comment. He moved to Atlantic City, N.J., to become executive director of its housing authority in 2016. Yvonne is a Partner with DistruptHR which hosts annual event here in Niagara bringing together speakers and leaders for an . View All Employees . Niagara Falls Housing Authority. Address. 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. Over $31,600 in repairs to the property have been made to the house by the NFHA since 2011. Some mixed winter precipitation possible. "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. 100 State Street Suite 500 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. You have permission to edit this article. If you are experiencing difficulties logging in or are a subscriber getting a paywall, please try one or more of the following steps. But it wasn't all bad. NFHA is the largest landlord in the . BUFFALO -- In a courtroom packed with dozens of Niagara Falls community leaders and others, Stephanie Cowart told a federal judge she never expected that she would face the prospect of prison. 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 . 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I've been very fortunate to turn each one around, some more than others," Scott said. 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. Cafarella said the board is now looking for a replacement as executive director. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. {{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. Scott spent a year as director of leased housing for the Yonkers Housing Authority, before returning to Youngstown and working in the private sector. Featured News - Current News - Archived News - News Categories. Uncover why Niagara Falls Housing Authority is the best company for you. Cowart and her sister have declined to comment in recent months when contacted by The Buffalo News. The board appointed Clifford Scott to the post. On Nov. 22, the board reached an agreement with Cowart that continues her paid leave until she officially retires on March 21. 1859 Whitehaven Road, Grand Island, NY 14072 Phone: 716-773-7676 Fax: 716-773-7190 Currently the Deputy Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority (PICA), where I support the PICA board in providing fiscal oversight for the City of . Allen Cowart's attorney, Barry Covert, labeled one check dated Sept. 9 "Federal Investigation re: Niagara Falls.". Vice President, International at S'well . During his UB career, Scott was sacked 140 times, which is indeed the school's all-time record. 716-285-6961 x302. Five Star Bank . Member Jason Krempa. The sentence was exactly what Cowart and her lawyer requested. "We've always have been trying to get rid of scattered sites. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. 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. Kathy Hochul announced the appointment of Robert Megna as New York state budget director. Actually, he was sacked 12 times by Hofstra in 1993, according to Brian Wolff, UB director of athletic communications. . Niagara Falls Housing Authority is part of the Government industry, and located in New York, United States. Earlier this month, Jeff Paterson, NFHA board chairman, issued a statement on the situation. Cowart said nothing and walked away. 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