A SUCCESSFUL ANNUAL MEETING AND A NEW BOARD ELECTION

It was gratifying to see so many residents participating in the 2008 Annual Meeting. Through this exciting democratic process we have succeeded in electing five new board members and reelecting one existing board member to our eleven person board of directors for Roxbury Tenants of Harvard. It is my pleasure to enthusiastically welcome these new members, as well as our returning directors for what will surely be another dynamic and productive year.

For the coming year we will be studying, discussing, and making decisions regarding the following major priority items:

· The redevelopment of the old Mass Mental building, which will allow RTH to build a 15 story structure that contains approximately 136 affordable housing units (both home ownership and rental), and 10,000 square feet of community space on the ground level.

· Integrating “green” strategies into both the new and existing facilities and residences at all RTH properties.

· The enclosure of the swimming pool for year round use for our residents and the redevelopment of the Bob and Theresa Parks Community Center.

· The construction of a new recreational facility next to the Fenwood Inn with money pledged by BWH.

· Continuing the upgrading and renovation of the Old Neighborhood homes and properties, including landscaping.

In addition, we will also be focusing attention on concerns that were raised at the Annual Meeting, including problems with elevators in high rise Mission Park buildings and addressing community security concerns and other resident quality of life issues such as trash, rodents, traffic, noise, etc.

While focusing our attention on the tasks ahead, it is also important, I believe, to remember some of the major capital improvements we have made over the past few years. The newly build Levinson Plaza has transformed our communal “front yard.” Our residents are fully enjoying the new tree shaded benches, landscaping and walking paths as never before. In our communal “backyard” we have built four beautiful and safe barbeque pits for our residents’ use. To sign up for the barbeque areas, please contact Cornu Management Company.

The Flynn Building Deck has also been completed and is ready for resident use. This beautiful balcony is located on the 7^th floor of the Flynn Building and has a panoramic view of the entire surrounding neighborhood. It has lounge chairs, umbrellas, and card tables – a perfect spot to read a book, chat with friends, or just relax and enjoy the remaining days of summer. To gain entrance to the Flynn Deck, please contact Theresa Parks or Laura Adams at the Flynn Kitchen.

In the Old Neighborhood we have constructed a beautiful retaining wall and planted an environmentally friendly “eco-lawn.” The 42 Francis Community Park will be completed in the next two months and will then be ready for community use as well.

We should all share in the pride of these impressive improvements to our community. I can truly say that RTH is among the most beautiful and most “livable” affordable housing communities to be found anywhere. In order to build on these achievements, I and our board members strongly encourage all of our residents to participate fully in the discussions and decisions regarding these priorities. The decisions that we make together this year will be reflected in our community for years to come. I and my staff look forward to working with you through board committees, community meetings, and one-on-one. Our doors are always open; please come in with your ideas, suggestions, and concerns.