BY PAUL MITCHELL
North Country This Week

CANTON – The Canton Housing Authority is now under the watchful eyes of the Village of Potsdam Housing Authority and Executive Director Robert Santamoor.

“The oversight of the Village of Canton Housing Authority is through a management agreement with the Village of Potsdam Housing Authority. The Village of Potsdam Housing Authority is assisting where we can to help the Village of Canton Housing Authority,” stated Santamoor. “We have only been on site for approximately two weeks. So far, we feel we have been well received by tenants and staff.”

The Canton Housing Authority oversees 217 units at 35 and 37 Riverside Drive and Law Lane Apartments, 10 Law Lane, Canton.

The Potsdam Housing Authority was approached by the Canton Housing Authority board of directors to initiate the management role.

“The Village of Canton Housing Authority approached us due to the many positive changes made at the Village of Potsdam Housing Authority,” said Santamoor. “We have been on board since March 1.”

In January, residents voiced their displeasure with a new trash policy where residents had to take their trash to the first floor versus being able to walk it down the hallway to a trash room.

“We have returned the service of picking up trash on each floor of the high rises daily,” Santamoor noted. “When the phone rings a staff member picks up to answer any questions the caller may have. In this type of business, like most, there is always room for improvement to better serve the Canton community.”

Santamoor reported that the Housing Authority is currently not at capacity and that they operate using a waiting list.

“As your name comes up on the waitlist, you are offered an apartment and taken off the waitlist assuming you qualify,” he remarked.

Interested applicants can either stop by the office at 37 Riverside Drive to pick up an application or go online to submit an application.

“We are committed to providing a range of safe, secure, suitable and affordable housing opportunities to low income family, elderly and disabled households in a fair manner. We are committed to fair and non-discriminatory practices throughout all of our programs,” the Canton Housing Authority website states.

“The Village of Canton Housing Authority has a great staff willing to help all of the residents of the Village of Canton Housing Authority. The staff have been and will be instrumental in all changes that may be coming in the future,” said Santamoor.

The former executive director was Amanda St. Marie-Wright.