AGENDA #8b
MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor and Town Council
FROM: W. Calvin Horton, Town Manager
SUBJECT: Recommended 2004-2005 Community Development Program
DATE: April 26, 2004
The attached resolution would:
(1) Approve a plan for use of $711,000 of 2004-2005 Community Development funds; and
(2) Authorize the Manager to incorporate the Community Development Plan into the Consolidated Plan developed with Orange County, Hillsborough and Carrboro for submittal to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development on May 14, 2004.
SUMMARY
At the March 24, 2004 public hearing, we presented to the Council a preliminary proposal for the 2004-2005 Community Development program. We do not propose any changes to that proposal.
The U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has informed us that the Town will receive $711,000 of Community Development funds in fiscal year 2004-2005.
RECOMMENDED PLAN
The recommended plan is based on applications for funding submitted by agencies and comments received at public hearings held by the Council on February 2 and March 24, 2004.
Public Housing $206,000
Renovation of Airport Gardens $150,000
Refurbishing Program $ 50,000
Playground Equipment $ 6,000
Neighborhood Revitalization $121,700
Orange Community Housing and Land Trust $100,000
Comprehensive Rehabilitation Program $100,000
Community Services $ 81,700
Chapel Hill Police Dept. Youth Programs $40,000
Family Resource Center $15,000
Cooperative Extension $13,700
YMCA $13,000
Administration $101,600
Total $711,000
The Town of Chapel Hill has received Community Development grants since 1975 under the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974. This legislation provides funds to cities and counties to carry out activities that benefit low- and moderate-income families including: housing repair, public improvements, acquiring land for housing and economic development.
The primary objective of the Community Development program is to develop viable urban communities, by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment and expanding economic opportunities for low- and moderate-income households. Federal regulations define low-income as up to 50% of the median income and moderate-income as up to 80% of the median family income. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), 80% of the current median income for a family of four in the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill Metropolitan Statistical Area is $69,800 (please see Attachment 1 for the 2004 Median Household Income by Household Size).
Since the mid 1980’s, the Council has used a significant amount of Community Development funds for the renovation of public housing communities, affordable housing projects and neighborhood revitalization. Funds have been used to rehabilitate the exterior of public housing apartments, for drainage improvements, and to refurbish the interior of apartments. Over the past several years, the Council has also budgeted funds for affordable housing development such as the Legion Road and Meadowmont Townhomes and a Habitat for Humanity subdivision on Rogers Road, neighborhood revitalization activities with EmPOWERment, Inc., and community service activities programs with the YMCA, Community Cuisine and the Orange County Literacy Council. Please see Attachment 2 for a summary of the 2003-2004 Community Development program.
The Consolidated Plan
In May 2000, the Town and Orange County submitted to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development a five-year Consolidated Plan covering fiscal years 2000–2001 through 2004–2005. The purpose of the Plan is to identify and prioritize the housing and community development needs for Chapel Hill and Orange County. The Plan also suggests how the Town and the County will address the needs over a five-year period.
Each year, we are required to submit an update to the 2000-2005 Consolidated Plan that includes an annual plan for spending Community Development and HOME Program funds. The Plan for use of Community Development funds is approved by the Council and the HOME Program Plan is approved by the Council, the Orange County and Hillsborough Commissioners, and Carrboro Board of Aldermen.
This year’s update to the Consolidated Plan will include the 2004-2005 Community Development and HOME Program Plans as well as updates on housing and community development initiatives and programs in Orange County. We have also prepared a draft Consolidated Plan for the Council’s consideration.
Public Participation Process
On February 2, 2004, the Council held the first public hearing to receive ideas from citizens about how funds could be spent in 2004-2005 in five areas: the Capital Improvements Program, the Town Budget, the Community Development Program, the HOME Program and the Capital Fund Grant for public housing activities. A second hearing was held on March 24, 2004 to receive citizen comments on a preliminary Community Development, HOME, and Capital Fund Grant Programs.
Similar to last year, we asked agencies requesting Community Development and/or HOME Program funding to submit a standardized application. The application requested detailed information about the agencies requesting funds and the proposed projects. The application also included a list of eligible Community Development activities, as well as a list of the housing and community development priorities from the 2000–2005 Consolidated Plan adopted by the Council in April 2000. We believe that this process allowed agencies to more clearly understand the criteria by which the projects would be evaluated. This application process, along with monitoring procedures (including site visits to each agency to evaluate progress), is designed to improve overall Community Development performance.
Please see Attachment 3 for a summary of Community Development related comments and requests received at the February 2 and March 24, 2004 public hearings and a summary of applications received.
DISCUSSION
Five-Year Plan
In April 2000 the Council adopted a five-year plan (Please see Attachment 4). The plan includes a projection of Community Development funds through fiscal year 2004–2005, and proposes an amount of funds budgeted for each activity. The plan serves as a guide to the Council when considering the use of future Community Development funds. This plan does not take into account the increase in the Town’s allocation. We will update the five-year plan next year as part of the 2005-2006 through 2009-2010 Consolidated Plan process.
The plan proposes to continue funding public housing renovations, affordable housing projects, and community service activities over the next five years.
The original five-year plan was based on an estimated Community Development grant of $446,000. In 2003-2004, the Town’s grant increased to $723,000. This year’s allocation decreased slightly to $711,000. This funding level allows the Town to consider an enhanced level of housing, neighborhood revitalization, and community service activities.
Recommended 2004-2005 Community Development Plan
We recommend the following activities for the 2004–2005 Community Development grant:
Public Housing Activities: $206,000
1. Renovation of Airport Gardens: $150,000
We recommend that the Council budget $150,000 to help fund renovation of the Airport Gardens public housing community. Funds would be used along with Public Housing Capital Grant funds and previously allocated Community Development funds to renovate the twenty-six unit community. We also recommend that $15,000 of this amount be used to pay a portion of the Assistant Housing Director’s salary for oversight of the renovation project.
Proposed renovation work would include the abatement of lead-based paint and asbestos, replacement of water and sewer lines to OWASA standards, installation of new washer and dryer hook-ups, replacement of wall and base cabinets and countertops to include new range hoods and sinks, replacement of windows and screens, replacement of interior and exterior doors, replacement of furnaces including air conditioning and water heaters, replacement of floor tiles, replacement of bathtub liners and surrounds, bathroom fixtures, plumbing and electrical upgrades, and interior and exterior painting. Funds will also be used for site improvements including replacement of asphalt driveways and parking lots; planting new shrubs, and replacement of storm drainage systems and retaining walls. Due to the extent of building improvements, the relocation of residents will be required and the work will have to be scheduled in phases.
2. Refurbishing Program: $50,000
We recommend that the Council appropriate $50,000 of Community Development funds to continue the public housing refurbishing program. This program includes repainting and minor repairs of public housing units.
3. Installation and Repair of Playground Equipment: $6,000
We recommend that the Council budget $6,000 to repair and replace playground equipment at various public housing sites.
Neighborhood Revitalization: $121,700
We recommend that the Council budget $121,700 of Community Development funds to continue neighborhood revitalization activities in the Northside, Pine Knolls, and public housing neighborhoods. Activities must serve households earning less than 80% of the HUD published area median income. Funds could be used for the following activities: second mortgage assistance; property acquisition and/or renovation; code enforcement; demolition; public improvements such as installation of sidewalks, curb and gutter improvements or parks and recreation facilities; or community service activities. This year, we recommend that the funds be used primarily for public improvements in the Northside neighborhood.
We recommend that the Council continue to authorize the Manager to approve specific projects for use of these funds in accordance with the guidelines mentioned above. We also recommend that the Council continue to authorize the Manager to approve converting Neighborhood Revitalization funds into grants to Orange Community Housing and Land Trust as opportunities appear to achieve long term affordability of housing projects to be placed in the Land Trust.
Comprehensive Rehabilitation Program: $100,000
We recommend that the Council allocate $100,000 for a comprehensive rehabilitation program to renovate owner-occupied housing in the Northside neighborhood. Funds would be used to provide deferred loans to owners earning less than 80% of the area median income.
In April 2003, the Council budgeted $150,000 of 2003-2004 Community Development funds for this activity. The Council approved guidelines for this program on April 14, 2004. At that time, we informed the Council that we would contract with Orange County to oversee the rehabilitation work, and that Town staff would be responsible for the administrative portion of the program (i.e. qualifying households). We propose to continue this model.
Orange Community Housing and Land Trust: $100,000
We recommend that the Council allocate $100,000 to Orange Community Housing and Land Trust to reduce the prices of ten townhomes in the Vineyard Square Development. Funds would be provided as a grant to the Land Trust. Funds would be used to reduce the sales price of three-bedroom townhomes from $115,000 to $105,000. Townhomes would be sold to first time homebuyers, earning less than 80% of the area median income. In addition, once subsidized, the homes could not be sold to households earning more than 80% of the median income.
Community Services: $81,700
We recommend that the Council allocate funds for four community service activities that meet the Community Development regulations:
1. $40,000 to the Chapel Hill Police Department to fund the following youth programs:
· $31,900 to continue the Youth Work Program for youths ages 14-17 living in the Pine Knolls, Northside and public housing communities. During the summer, approximately thirty youths would work twenty hours per week in various Town Departments and local non-profit organizations. During the school year, ten of these children would continue to work approximately ten hours per week. Youths would also be required to participate in workshops focusing on financial education, career development, and improving interview skills.
· $2,600 for educational programs for youths living in the Northside, Pine Knolls, or public housing communities including an academic awards program a mentoring and leadership program for young men, a support program for parents of young children to help them to begin teaching their children to read, and trips to college campuses. Programs would be coordinated with the Town’s Police, Housing and Parks and Recreation Departments, and would provide structured activities and emphasize components that will improve academic skills, prevent drug abuse and drug-related crime, leadership development, and career planning.
· $5,500 for the Career Explorers Program. This program is designed for high school aged youth who reside in Northside, Pine Knolls, or public housing neighborhoods. Six youths will be placed in work sites in the business community. Youths would work thirty-six hours per week and spend an additional four hours sharing work experiences, learning financial skills, and participating in career exploration experiences. Funds would be used to supplement funds paid by the local businesses.
2. $15,000 to the Orange County Family Resource Centers to continue to operate an after school enrichment program at the South Estes Family Resource Center located in the South Estes Drive public housing community.
3. $13,700 to North Carolina Cooperative Extension to operate a ten week program for thirty overweight youths and their families focusing on nutrition, physical activity, and psycho-social skills to promote a healthier lifestyle. The program would be held at the Chapel Hill – Carrboro YMCA. Recruitment for the program will target residents of public housing, as well as other lower income areas of Chapel Hill and Carrboro. Funds would be used to provide scholarships to Chapel Hill residents. Please see Attachment 5 for letters of support submitted by NC Cooperative Extension.
4. $13,000 to the Chapel Hill–Carrboro YMCA to continue operation of after school programs for children living in the Pine Knolls neighborhood and the South Estes Drive public housing community. Funds would be used to provide scholarships to eligible children.
Program Administration: $101,600
We recommend that the Council allocate $101,600 for administration of the Community Development program and related housing programs. Currently, the Community Development staff administers Community Development Program, the Revolving Acquisition Fund, and the Housing Loan Trust Fund, works with other Town departments and non-profit organizations that receive Community Development funding from the Town to implement activities, coordinates activities with the HOME Program Consortium, monitors compliance with Performance Agreements and federal regulations, administers housing loans and grants provided by the Town over time, and coordinates with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to achieve compliance with federal regulations.
We propose to continue to use funds for the Community Development Coordinator’s salary and benefits, a portion of the Long Range Planning Coordinator’s salary, a part-time Community Development Program Monitor, and a part-time financial position. These costs total approximately $95,100. The balance of funds, approximately $6,500, would be used for overhead costs.
That the Council adopt the attached resolution that would:
(1) Adopt the following 2004-2005 Community Development Plan:
Public Housing $206,000
Renovation of Airport Gardens $150,000
Refurbishing Program $ 50,000
Playground Equipment $ 6,000
Neighborhood Revitalization $121,700
Orange Community Housing and Land Trust $100,000
Comprehensive Rehabilitation Program $100,000
Community Services $ 81,700
Chapel Hill Police Dept. Youth Programs $40,000
Family Resource Center $15,000
Cooperative Extension $13,700
YMCA $13,000
Administration $101,600
Total $711,000
(2) Authorize the Manager to incorporate the 2004-2005 Community Development Plan into the Consolidated Plan developed with Orange County, Carrboro and Hillsborough for submittal to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development on May 14, 2004.
ATTACHMENTS
1. 2004 Median Household Income Chart (p. 10).
2. Summary of 2003-2004 Community Development Program (p. 11).
3. Summary of Comments and Community Development Requests (p. 14).
4. Five Year Community Development Plan (p. 20).
5. Letters of Support for the NC Cooperative Extension proposal (p. 21).
A RESOLUTION APPROVING ACTIVITIES FOR THE 2004-2005 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM (2004-04-26/R-12)
WHEREAS, the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill held two public hearings to receive ideas from citizens about how Community Development Block Grant funds could be spent in 2004-2005;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that based on the Town’s allocation of $711,000 of Community Development Block Grant funds, the Town Council approves the following 2004-2005 Community Development Block Grant Program Plan:
Public Housing $206,000
Renovation of Airport Gardens $150,000
Refurbishing Program $ 50,000
Playground Equipment $ 6,000
Neighborhood Revitalization $121,700
Orange Community Housing and Land Trust $100,000
Comprehensive Rehabilitation Program $100,000
Community Services $ 81,700
Chapel Hill Police Dept. Youth Programs $40,000
Family Resource Center $15,000
Cooperative Extension $13,700
YMCA $13,000
Administration $101,600
Total $711,000
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Council authorizes the Manager to carry out the program, including specific projects for use of Neighborhood Revitalization funds and conversion of Neighborhood Revitalization funds into grants for Land Trust projects, in accordance with guidelines in this memorandum.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Council authorizes the Manager to incorporate the 2004-2005 Community Development Plan into the Consolidated Plan developed with Orange County, Hillsborough and Carrboro for submittal to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
This the 26th day of April, 2004.
2004 Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill MSA
|
Household |
100% of Median |
80% of Median |
|
1 |
$48,860 |
$39,950 |
|
2 |
$55,840 |
$45,650 |
|
3 |
$62,280 |
$51,350 |
|
4 |
$69,800 |
$57,050 |
|
5 |
$75,380 |
$61,600 |
|
6 |
$80,970 |
$66,150 |
|
7 |
$86,550 |
$70,750 |
|
8 |
$92,140 |
$75,300 |
Source: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
NOTE: HUD has adjusted the income limits for this area due to unusually high incomes and housing costs
3/2004
2003-2004 Community Development Plan
Adopted April 28, 2003
On April 28, 2003 the Chapel Hill Town Council approved the following activities for use of $728,250 of Community Development Block Grant Funds:
Public Housing Activities: $221,000
4. Renovation of Airport Gardens
The Council budgeted $165,000 to renovate the Airport Gardens public housing community. Currently 2002-2003 Community Development funds are being used for the design work for this project. Funds will be used along with Public Housing Capital Grant funds and previously allocated Community Development funds ($100,000 of 2003-2004 funds) to renovate the twenty-six unit community. Renovation work will include the abatement of lead-based paint and asbestos, replacement of windows and screens, replacement of interior and exterior doors, replacement of furnaces, replacement of floor tiles, replacement of bathtub liners and surrounds, bathroom fixtures, plumbing and electrical upgrades, and interior and exterior painting.
2. Refurbishing Program
The Council appropriated $50,000 of Community Development funds to continue the public housing refurbishing program. This program includes minor repairs of public housing units.
3. Installation and Repair of Playground Equipment
The Council also budget $6,000 to repair and replace playground equipment at various public housing sites.
Comprehensive Rehabilitation $150,000
The Council budgeted $150,000 for the renovation of owner occupied housing in the Northside neighborhood. We estimate that these funds will rehabilitate a minimum of four houses and provide for contract staff support. Based on experience with HOME funded housing rehabilitation projects in the Northside Neighborhood, the cost to completely rehabilitate a house has ranged from $25,000 to $35,000. If Community Development funds are used for rehabilitation, federal regulations require correction of all minimum housing code violations.
We will contract with Orange County Department of Housing and Community Development to oversee the rehabilitation work. Town staff would be responsible for the administrative portion of the program (i.e. qualifying households).
As with the Comprehensive Rehabilitation program funded through the HOME Program, funds would be provided as deferred loans to qualified homeowners that could be forgiven over time (typically twenty years, depending on the amount of the loan). The funds would be repaid to the Town if home was sold or conveyed to heirs that do not meet the income guidelines of the program within the affordability period (typically twenty years).
Neighborhood Revitalization: $115,750
The Council budgeted $115,750 of Community Development funds to continue neighborhood revitalization activities in the Northside, Pine Knolls, and public housing neighborhoods. Funds could be used for second mortgage assistance, property acquisition or renovation, code enforcement, demolition, public improvements such as installation of sidewalks or road improvements, or community service activities. Activities must serve households earning less than 80% of the HUD published area median income.
The Council reserved $20,000 of these funds to expand the Police Department’s summer youth work program for youths living in the Northside, Pine Knolls, and public housing communities. The youths work approximately twenty hours per week in various Town Departments and possibly with local non-profit and for profit businesses. Funds are also used for administrative costs associated with operating this program. Approximately 15 to twenty youths would be recruited and interviewed by Town staff.
In general, funds will be used to focus on improving living conditions in the Sykes Street area of Northside. We will continue our efforts in this area by working with neighborhood residents, EmPOWERment, Orange Community Housing and Land Trust, and the Sykes Street Steering Committee. We will also continue an interdepartmental effort with the Police Department, Planning, Inspections, and Public Works to improve the neighborhood environment. Specific activities in the Northside area could include acquisition and rehabilitation of housing for homeownership, code enforcement, and where necessary, demolition of unsafe homes, construction and repair of sidewalks using the Town’s sidewalk priority list, and other public improvements.
Affordable Rentals, Inc.: $80,000
The Council budgeted $80,000 to Affordable Rentals, Inc. to purchase a house in Chapel Hill. The property will be used as permanently affordable rental housing.
Community Services: $41,500
The Council allocated funds for the following three community service activities that meet the Community Development regulations:
Program Administration: $120,000
The Council allocated $120,000 for administration of the Community Development program and related housing programs. Currently, the Community Development staff administers the Community Development Program and the Housing Loan Trust Fund, coordinates efforts with non-profit organizations that receive Community Development funding from the Town, coordinates activities with the HOME Program Consortium, monitors compliance with Performance Agreements and federal regulations, administers housing loans and grants provided by the Town over time, and coordinates with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to achieve compliance with federal regulations.
We will continue to use funds for the Community Development Coordinator’s salary, a portion of the Long Range Planning Coordinator’s salary and a part-time contract Community Development Program Monitor. These costs total approximately $93,000. This year we propose to use approximately $20,000 for financial accounting services, and $5,000 for assistance with the administration of the proposed comprehensive rehabilitation program. The balance of funds, $2,000, would be used for overhead costs.
The following outlines the responsibilities of the existing Community Development staff:
We believe that the increase in our grant amount and expansion of program activities will increase the complexity of our financial record keeping. Therefore, this year we recommend allocating Community Development funds for part-time financial accountant services
Summary of Comments and Community Development Requests
The citizen comments rec9eived at the February 2 and March 24, 2004 public hearings and applications for funding are summarized below. We note that all agencies that requested funding were required to submit an application.
Activities eligible for Community Development funding must meet one of three National Objectives:
· Benefit low- and moderate-income persons; or
· Aid in the prevention or elimination of slums and blight; or
· Treat urgent needs posing an immediate threat to public health and welfare.
Examples of eligible activities include acquisition and /or renovation of property, second mortgage assistance, and site development.
The following comments and applications were considered:
1. Chapel Hill Department of Housing
The Chapel Hill Department of Housing requests $455,000 of Community Development Program funds for the following purposes: $313,000 to pay a portion of the cost to renovate twenty-six apartments in the Airport Gardens public housing community; $76,000 to continue the Five-Year Refurbishing Program to refurbish about thirty-eight apartments; $60,000 and to replace the roofs on the buildings at the Oakwood public housing community and the South Estes Drive Community Center; and $6,000 to install and repair playground equipment.
Staff Comment: The recommended Plan includes $150,000 for the renovation of Airport Gardens, $50,000 for refurbishing apartments and $6,000 for playground equipment. The Town’s public housing is an important source of affordable rental housing and the Town’s investment in this property should be maintained. The $150,000 would help with the cost of renovating the eight remaining units at Airport Gardens, and includes $15,000 for a portion of the Assistant Housing Director’s salary for oversight of the renovation work.
We propose to use current year (2003-2004) Community Development Neighborhood Revitalization funds to replace the roofs on the buildings at the Oakwood public housing community and the South Estes Drive Community Center. The renovation of public housing units is an eligible Community Development activity.
2. Chapel Hill Department of Housing – Transitional Housing
The Chapel Hill Department of Housing requests $125,000 of Community Development funds to purchase a home for the Transitional Housing Program. Funds would be used to acquire and renovate a house. The Transitional Housing Program provides a supportive environment that fosters a transition to private market housing for public housing residents.
Staff Comment: The recommended Plan does not include funds for this program. The preliminary 2004-2005 HOME Program Plan includes $125,000 for the acquisition of a house for the Town’s Transitional Housing Program.
3. Habitat for Humanity of Orange County
Habitat for Humanity requests $200,000 of HOME and/or Community Development funds for predevelopment costs (surveying, engineering and design) and infrastructure costs for the development of a 17-acre vacant tract of land on Sunrise Road. Habitat also made a request for these funds at the February 2, 2004 public hearing.
At the March 24 public hearing, Habitat Board Member John Terrell acknowledged that Habitat was not recommended for funding because of timing. He also stated that Habitat would need approximately $500,000 over the next five years for the Sunrise Road Development, and requested funds from the Town’s Housing Loan Trust Fund for predevelopment costs. Board Member Bob Reda also stated that Habitat would return next year to ask for funds for this project, and that Habitat could use assistance in the current year for predevelopment costs.
Staff Comment: The recommended Plan does not include funding for this project. Federal Regulations do not allow Community Development funds to be used for pre-development costs for new construction projects. Using funds for architectural design costs for new construction projects is not an eligible Community Development activity.
We do not recommend allocating funds for the infrastructure costs because Habitat has informed us that infrastructure funds would not be spent during the 2004-2005 fiscal year. Therefore, we recommend that the Council consider funding for this portion of the project using future year Community Development funds.
4. Orange Community Housing and Land Trust
At the February 2, 2004 Public Hearing, Orange Community Housing and Land Trust requested $100,000 of Community Development funds to subsidize ten townhomes in the Vineyard Square development. The funds are requested as a permanent grant to the Land Trust. Funds would be used to reduce the sales price of three-bedroom townhomes from $115,000 to $105,000. Townhomes would be sold to first time homebuyers earning less than 80% of the area median income. In addition, once subsidized, the homes could not be sold to households earning more than 80% of the median income. According to the application submitted by the Land Trust, the townhomes are scheduled to be completed in the Summer of 2005.
Staff Comment: The recommended Plan includes $100,000 for this request. Providing funds for second mortgage assistance will assist with increasing affordable housing opportunities in the community.
5. Rogers Road Neighborhood
Mr. Tom Tucker spoke on behalf of residents in the Rogers Road neighborhood. Mr. Tucker explained that residents were requesting extension of sewer service to Purefoy Road.
Staff Comment: An application was not submitted for this project. One of the Council’s proposed goals is to complete a Small Area Plan for the Rogers Road area in 2005. We recommend that this request be reconsidered in future years after more planning has been completed. A combination of Community Development and HOME Program funds may be appropriate.
The use of funds for public service activities is eligible under federal Community Development regulations. Examples of public service activities includes programs concerned with employment, crime prevention, child care, health, drug abuse, education, fair housing counseling, energy conservation, homebuyer down payment assistance or recreational needs. The amount of Community Development funds used for public services cannot exceed 15% of the Town’s Community Development grant ($106,650 in 2004-2005).
In addition to meeting one of the National Objectives listed above, community or public service activities must provide:
(1) a new service; or
(2) a quantifiable increase in the level of an existing service than what was provided over the last fiscal year.
In the past, the Council has funded public service projects that support other Community Development objectives and activities, especially public housing and Neighborhood Revitalization. Some emphasis has also been placed on job training for low-income residents. We evaluated the following applications in terms of previous performance and their relationship to other Community Development objectives. In general, we are recommending that some funding be set aside for community services, but that the Council emphasizes housing objectives as contained in the Consolidated Plan.
The following comment was received at the March 24, 2004 public hearing:
Orange County Literacy Council
Lucy Lewis, Executive Director of the Orange County Literacy Council stated that the agency has received funding from the Town for the past six years for its computer literacy labs in public housing communities and that progress has been made with its repeat students. The agency is currently working with the staff to redesign the program after frequent changes in staff. The agency is not requesting 2004-2005 Community Development funds but will return to the Council next year to ask for additional funds.
Staff Comment: We will continue to meet with the Literacy Council to develop a program with more defined program goals and benchmarks.
The following agencies submitted applications for Community / Public Service activities:
1. Chapel Hill Police Department
The Chapel Hill Police Department requests funds for three programs:
1. $31,900 to continue the Youth Work Program for youths ages 14-17 living in the Pine Knolls, Northside and public housing communities. During the summer, approximately thirty youths would twenty hours per week in various Town Departments and local non-profit organizations. During the school year, ten of these children would continue to work approximately ten hours per week. Youths would also be required to participate in workshops focusing on financial education, career development, and improving interview skills.
2. $2,600 for a variety of programs for youths living in Pine Knolls, Northside or public housing communities. Programs would be coordinated with the Town’s Housing and Parks and Recreation Departments, and would provide structured activities and emphasize components that will improve academic skills, prevent drub abuse and drug-related crime, leadership development, and career planning.
3. $5,500 for the Career Explorers Program. This program is designed for high school aged youth who reside in Northside, Pine Knolls, or public housing neighborhoods. Six youths will be placed in work sites in the business community. Youths would work thirty-six hours per week and spend an additional four hours sharing work experiences, learning financial skills, and participating in career exploration experiences. Funds would be used to supplement funds paid by the local businesses.
Staff Comment: The recommended Plan includes $40,000 for these programs. Based on our on-going monitoring reports received, the program met the goals established in the 2003-2004 Performance Agreement. Twenty youths participated; both supervisors and youths reported that it was a positive educational experience. In addition, the program supports the Town’s current neighborhood revitalization efforts in the Northside, Pine Knolls and public housing communities.
2. Chapel Hill – Carrboro YMCA
The Chapel Hill – Carrboro YMCA requests $13,000 of Community Development funds to continue operation of After School Programs for children living in the Pine Knolls and South Estes Drive Family communities. At the March 24 public hearing, Executive Director Jerry Whorton stated that he supported the Manager’s preliminary recommendation.
In response to questions from the Council, Mr. Whorton also explained that the Town’s funds would be used to provide scholarships for Chapel Hill youths, and that the YMCA’s program differs from the school system after-school program because it provides transportation for youths from school to the YMCA, and back home at the conclusion of the program. Mr. Whorton also explained that the Chapel Hill –Carrboro YMCA recognizes domestic partnerships as families and are eligible for the family membership rate.
Staff Comment: The recommended Plan includes $13,000 to the YMCA to continue its after school program for youths living in the Pine Knolls and South Estes Drive public housing communities. Funds would be provided in the form of scholarships for eligible children.
Since 1994, the Town has provided Community Development funds to the YMCA for its After School Program at the Pine Knolls Community Center. In 1999, the YMCA established a similar program for youths living in South Estes Drive public housing community. In the current year, three children from Pine Knolls and fourteen children from South Estes are being served by these programs. The YMCA continues to operate a program that meets the goals and objectives established by the Performance Agreements.
3. Orange County Family Resource Centers
The Orange County Family Resource Centers requests $15,000 of Community Development funds to continue to operate an after school program at the South Estes Drive public housing community. The Center would provide free after school care for about thirteen children.
Staff Comment: The recommended Plan includes $15,000 for this project. We believe that the provision of after school services is an important activity and supports the Town’s efforts in providing services to public housing residents. This would be the second allocation of funds for this agency. To date, the after school program funded by 2003-2004 funds has met the goals and objectives established by the Town’s Performance Agreement.
4. North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service, Orange County Center
NC Cooperative Extension and the Orange on the Move Coalition requests $13,700 to develop a 10-week interdisciplinary program for overweight youth, or those who are at-risk for becoming overweight and their parents. The program would focus on nutrition, physical activity, and psychosocial skills for thirty over weight youth and their adult caregivers, with specific focus on low income and minority youths. At the March 24 public hearing, Alice Pettitt, Extension Agent, Family Agent, stated that she supported the Manager’s recommendation for funding the agency.
Staff Comment: The recommended Plan includes $13,700 for this new project. Community Development funds would be used to support youths living in Chapel Hill who lived in households earning less than 80% of the area median income. We believe that this program would support the Town’s current neighborhood revitalization efforts in the Northside, Pine Knolls, and public housing communities. Funds would be used to provide scholarships to Chapel Hill residents.
|
Activity |
2000–2001 |
2001–2002 |
2002–2003 |
2003–2004 |
2004–2005 |
|
Public Housing Renovation |
$120,000 |
$120,000 |
$120,000 |
$120,000 |
$120,000 |
|
Public Housing Refurbishing |
$70,000 |
$60,000 |
$60,000 |
$50,000 |
$50,000 |
|
Neighborhood Revitalization |
$72,600 |
$79,000 |
$79,000 |
$80,000 |
$80,000 |
|
Meadowmont Townhomes |
$80,000 |
$80,000 |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
|
Affordable Housing Projects |
$0 |
$0 |
$71,000 |
$80,000 |
$80,000 |
|
Community Services |
$47,000 |
$47,000 |
$56,000 |
$56,000 |
$56,000 |
|
Administration |
$76,400 |
$80,000 |
$80,000 |
$80,000 |
$80,000 |
|
TOTAL GRANT |
$466,000 |
$466,000 |
$466,000 |
$466,000 |
$466,000 |