Around the Industry: NAHB, 50+ Housing Council Member News

NAHB Forming Focus Group on Section 8 Vouchers in Assisted Living

NAHB is seeking members to participate in a focus group discussion about using Section 8 housing vouchers in assisted living facilities (ALFs). Participation will require providing construction and operating cost information on current or recent projects.

NAHB believes that HUD should establish higher Fair Market Rents (FMRs) for ALFs than for other multifamily units. NAHB is arguing that FMRs are too low in many communities to permit the use of Section 8 vouchers in ALFs, and that the problem arises because rents (not including payment for services) typically are higher in ALFs than in standard rental units due to higher costs of construction and operations. HUD has asked NAHB for evidence that documents the cost differences. The focus group's purpose is to gather the necessary information.

To participate in the focus group or for additional information, contact Claudia Kedda at ckedda@nahb.com or 800-368-5242 x8352 by Nov. 2.

Changes at Wattenbarger Architects

Stephen C. Wattenbarger, AIA, of Wattenbarger Architects PLLC, announced leadership transitions for the firm. Ross A. Jones, AIA, assumes the duties of president and CEO, and Wattenbarger will take on the role of chairman. Along with the transition to president and CEO, Jones will take ownership of the firm, overseeing firm operations, management, and growth. Jones has been with Wattenbarger since 1994 as principal, leading key projects and playing a strategic role in the firm’s business operations.

As chairman, Wattenbarger will expand his role as primary business developer and continue as principal on a variety of projects. Wattenbarger founded the firm in 1987, moving the exclusive focus to seniors housing in 1991. Today, Wattenbarger employs 15 full-time professional staff.

Sullivan Group Expands to Northern California

Sullivan Group Real Estate Advisors, a San Diego-based independent market research and analysis division of The Ryness Company, has added veteran real estate professional Dean Wehrli as vice president and manager of its Sacramento, CA, office, where he will oversee projects in the Northern California, Central Valley, and Reno areas.

Wehrli will manage residential advisory services for a variety of clients, including lenders, developers, public agencies, and homebuilders. "The increasing demand for real estate consulting in Sacramento and the surrounding markets is driven by the tremendous amount of growth in those areas," said Tim Sullivan, president of Sullivan Group. "Dean will strengthen our team by adding vital insight to the home building industry in these emerging regions."

Protect Your Workers ... and Your Profits

The failure to properly train workers is one of the top 15 most frequently cited OSHA standards in residential construction and could cost a company up to $7,000 for a single serious violation.

The new English-Spanish Jobsite Safety Video, developed by NAHB, provides an overview of the key safety issues residential builders and workers need to focus on in order to reduce accidents and injuries and to comply with OSHA regulations. The Jobsite Safety Video is based on the popular “NAHB-OSHA Jobsite Safety Handbook,” and both can be used to form an essential, comprehensive residential construction safety-training program.

The Jobsite Safety Video is available as two 20-minute videos — one in English, the other in Spanish — and one on DVD. Order the Jobsite Safety Video online from BuilderBooks.com, or call 800-223-2665. [Return to top]