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Dear James
Welcome to the first issue of the Sunnyside Up Newsletter. We are excitied to bring you the news of a change in the Sunnyside neighborhood in Morgantown, West Virginia. Stay tuned, there are great things happening in Sunnyside!
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New Director Named |
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Jim Hunt was named Executive Director of the Sunnyside Up Project and began work on August 1, 2007.
Hunt came to the Sunnyside Up organization after a sixteen year career with the West Virginia Housing Development Fund, where he led the Fund's efforts in Northern West Virginia. He was instrumental in implementing the housing and infrastructure needs for the Federal Bureau of Investigation's CJIS Division relocation to Harrison County and the High Technology Consortium in Marion County. He also was director of the West Virginia Housing Development Fund's Statewide Demolition Program, which removed hundreds of vacant and dilapidated properties throughout West Virginia.
He is a 1973 graduate of West Virginia University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education and a minor in Speech Communication. Hunt worked as an undergraduate in the Speech Department with Dr. Leonard Davis and considers him a mentor and an inspiration. .
In 2006, Jim Hunt was elected as President of the National League of Cities; the nation's oldest and largest organization serving municipal governments. He is the first West Virginian to serve as an officer of the National League of Cities in its eighty three year history. His presidential topic, "Building a Nation of Inclusive Communities" is one of the most successful initiatives of the National League of Cities and has grown to include over 175 cities, representing over 19 million citizens. For his efforts, Jim was selected 2006 Municipal Leader of the Year by American City and County Magazine.
Jim is married to his wife Pam and they have two children, Sarah, a WVU graduate and professor at the University of South Carolina at Lancaster, SC and Jason, a student at Fairmont State University. |
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Six Things Every Student Should Know About Apartment Safety |
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As thousands of students head into town for fall classes, many will be living in an apartment for the first time in their life. "There are some simple safety tips that every student should know", said Jim Hunt, Executive Director of Sunnyside Up, the non-profit organization working to revitalize the Sunnyside neighborhood in Morgantown. Sunnyside up has adopted the slogan, Keep it Safe, Keep it Clean for the upcoming year. "We appreciate the tremendous effort local landlords are making to provide safe and clean rental units for our incoming students and we are committed to creating a safe and clean environment. The following are six ways to insure a safe rental experience.
- Make sure that windows and doors work and that locking mechanisms are functional. If locks are missing or if windows are painted shut, notify your landlord immediately. If you are sleeping on a second floor unit, make sure that areas below the window are clear and free of obstructions or large bushes. Remember, a primary exit may be blocked by flames or smoke.
- Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. If they are not working, notify your landlord immediately. Never remove batteries or disconnect the detectors.
- Do not overload electrical outlets. Extension cords should not be run under carpets or furniture. Never remove the ground plug from a three prong outlet. Any electrical appliance that creates heat, i.e. irons, microwaves, curling irons, etc. should not be connected to an extension cord. If you see smoke or detect excessive heat from any appliance, disconnect immediately.
- Meet with your roommates and discuss safety issues. Determine a place to meet if you have to evacuate your apartment. Share cell phone numbers and put each roommate on the quick dial. Also, program local emergency numbers into your cell phone.
- Keep valuables secure. Items such as laptops, ipods, jewelry, etc. are favorite targets of thieves. Label your items on the outside and on interior areas, like battery compartments. Take pictures of your items and the interior of your apartment with a digital camera and send copies to a parent or trusted friend for documentation in case of a theft.
- Be aware of your surroundings when returning to your apartment, especially after dark. If a door is unlocked, be aware that someone may have entered your apartment. If you feel uneasy, use your cell phone and get to a well lit area out of your apartment. It is always better to be safe than sorry.
Apartment living can be fun, but it comes with responsibility. Don't let a careless moment, create a lifetime of regret. Look out for your roommates and have a great year.
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Featured Article |
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The Sunnyside Up Project:the Campus Neighborhoods Revitalization Corporation (CNRC) is a collaborative partnership between the City of Morgantown and West Virginia University that is working to implement a Revitalization Plan for the Sunnyside neighborhood. The neighborhood encompasses more than 130 acres of land between Campus Drive, Jones Avenue, Eighth Street and the bank of the Monongahela River.
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Keep it Safe,
Keep it Clean |
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Sunnyside Up has adopted a new slogan that we hope will convey our core message of safety and cleanliness. You will begin to see this slogan around the neighborhood and in print. Landlords and property owners are beginning to realize that the safety and appearance of their properties, affects the ability to rent to today's students. Students and their Parents have a multitude of choices and few will put up with substandard rentals. So get on the bandwagon, Keep it Safe, Keep it Clean. |
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Stories from Sunnyside |
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Thousands of students have called the Sunnyside neighborhood home for a portion of their college career. We are going to feature stories from Sunnyside as a regular feature of this newsletter. If you have a story, please share it with our readers. If you are a famous Hollywood star or super successful businessperson, tell us how you honed your craft in the little village of Sunnyside. If you still owe parking tickets or bail money, we promise to keep it confidential. E-mail your stories to thehuntgroup@msn.com
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Homeownership |
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A common misconception about the Sunnyside neighborhood is that it is all student rentals. The house pictured above is one of many single family homes. Sunnyside is a great place to live and convenient to just about everything. If you want to invest in a great, older home, contact our office. We have information on 1st Time Homebuyer Programs and Employee Assisted Housing programs. Be part of the positive change in Sunnyside.
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