Volunteer Spotlight
Written by Robin Caserta | April 2005
Morris Habitat’s Property Management Team never stops moving in its search for land. Bruce Katona is the chair and Jim Mullen is their real estate lawyer. Their difficult task is to locate affordable properties, decide if sites are buildable, and negotiate with owners.
Bruce Katona has chaired the team for two years and has served on the Board of Directors for 5 years. After site acquisition, Bruce will seek the necessary approvals and ultimately obtain a building permit at the end of the process. Bruce needs the help of other people in the never-ending search for land. He asks you to keep your eyes and ears open for new possibilities, such as seeking out homes in your own neighborhood which may be for sale by foreclosure.
Jim Mullen has been a Habitat volunteer since 1994, including a 6-year term on the Board of Directors. He is a real estate lawyer and has been able to help Habitat by drafting and negotiating contracts for the purchase of land. He also reviews documents during the due diligence review period and represents Habitat at the closing of title to the land. Once Habitat owns the land, if variances or site plan approvals are needed, he will help prepare the application to the appropriate municipal Board and represent Habitat at the public hearing on the matter. Jim has also represented Habitat by preparing the closing documents and appearing at the closing to convey the home to the new Habitat family.
We are quite appreciative of the commitment Bruce and Jim and their team members have made to create Habitat successes in our communities.