Recently the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) began a drive for healthier environments at all multifamily properties.  Smoking was banned from all public housing properties, and private owners of affordable multifamily properties are now allowed to voluntarily declare their properties “smoke free.”  

After closely watching market conditions in specific areas, and analyzing the pros and cons of taking this step, Crossgates Inc. has begun the process of going smoke free at three properties within our portfolio. Somerset Towers (Somerset, PA), Greenville House (Greenville, PA), and Twin Towers (Mt. Lebanon, PA) will all be smoke free by the end of 2018.  

Local staff are working with their residents to make the change successful, providing materials and counseling from UPMC for Life Health Plans and other organizations such as the American Cancer Society and American Lung Association.  Residents seem to be accepting this new policy, which will reduce property operating expenses while increasing overall resident satisfaction and health with our buildings.  

Should these initial properties be successful, it is our intent to expand the policy to our entire multifamily portfolio.