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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 05-04-1999 - 7bORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Action Agenda Item No. ~ - b ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: May 4, 1999 SUBJECT: Consolidated Housing Plan Annual Update/1999 HOME Program DEPARTMENT: Housing/Community Development PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/1~ ATTACHMENT(S): Annual Update (seperate cover) Resolution INFORMATION CONTACT: Tara L. Fikes TELEPHONE NUMBERS: - - ezt. 2490 Hillsborough 732-8181 Chapel Hill 968-4501 Durham 688-7331 Mebane 227-2031 PURPOSE: . To adopt a resolution approving the 1999 Consolidated Housing_Plan Annual Update and' approve the proposed HOME Program Activities for 1999-2000_ ; BACKGROUND: . ~ , _ In 1995, a Consolidated Plan for Housing and Community Development Programs in Orange. County was developed and approved by the U.S. Department of Housing. and Urban Development (HUD). This document details the housing needs of very low income, low income and moderate income families and special population groups in addition to outlining: the strategies and plans .for addressing those needs. The Consolidated Plan is required for all communities receiving HOME funds and CDBG entitlement funds (Chapel Hill) and was. developed in 1995 by County and Town staff. Each yeaz, local communities aze required to submit an Annual Update to the Consolidated Plan to the State HUD Office by May 15~'. This Update includes the 1999-2000 Community Development Plan for the Town of Chapel Hill and the 1999-2000 HOME- Program Action Plan- for the Orange County HOME Consortium. Public hearings were held by the Chapel Hill Town Council on January 27 and March 30 and by the BOCC on Macch 3, 1999 to receive citizen comments regarding the Update prior to development. The Annual Update has now been developed by County and Town staff, and, as required by HUD, a public comment period was established by staff as April 14 -May 14, 1999. In order to inform the general public of this opportunity and encourage participation, a Notice of Public Comment was placed in the Chapel Hill Herald. Further, in accordance with the Orange County HOME Consortium Agreement approved in June 1996, as amended, the HOME Program Design for each year must be approved by all jurisdictions prior to submission to HUD. The Program Design is scheduled for approval by Chapel Hill on April 26, Carrboro on May 11, and Hillsborough on May 10. 2 FINANCIAL IMPACT: The Orange County HOME Consortium is scheduled to receive approximately $437,000 in federal housing program funding. There is also available approximately $20,000 in program income for a total of $457,000. The required total local government match is $98,328. Orange County's share of the match is $41,297. RECOMMENDATON(S): The Manager recommends 1) adopting the resolution approving the 1999 Consolidated Plan Annual Update; and 2) approving the proposed HOME Program activities for 1999-2000. 1 3 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ORANGE COUNTY 1999-2000 HOME PROGRAM DESIGN BE IT RESOLVED, by the Orange County Board of Commissioners, that the Commissioners as a member of the Orange County HOME Consortium approve the following activities for the 1999-2000 HOME Program. New Construction Funds would be allocated to Orange Community Housing Corporation, an approved Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) to assist in the construction of fourteen (14) new townhouses on Scarlett Drive ($74,000) and thirty-two (32) townhouses in the Meadowmont development. (Requested amount: $94, 000) $94,000 Housing Rehabilitation Funds would provide deferred loans to rehabilitate low-income owner-occupied and rental housing units. Homeowners with less than 60% of median income would be eligible for these loans. (No request received during the hearing.) 147,625 Funds would be allocated for the Urgent Repair Program administered by the Orange Community Housing Corporation. Eligible properties must have repair needs that pose a threat to the life, safety, or health of the occupants, or need accessibility modifications foran elderly or disabled occupant earning -. less than 50% of median income. (No request received during the hearing.) _ $60,000 Property Acquisition _ Funds would be used to assist the Orange-Person-Chatham , necessary, .rehabilitate houses in Orange County for. rental disabilities. (Requested amount: $1 S0, 000) Mental ..Health Agency acquire, .and if .: -: , , .occupancy by County residents with $60,000 Funds would be allocated to Habitat for Humanity of Orange County; Inc. to acquire lots for future building purposes. (Requested amount: $S0, 000) $50,000 Funds would be allocated to EmPOWERment, Inc. to assist in .the purchase of an eleven (11) unit apartment complex in the Carr Court neighborhood in Carrboro. EmPOWERment, Inc. would renovate the building and make the apartments available to families at 50% and below of median income. (Requested amount: $200, 000) $100,000 Program Administration $43,700 TOTAL PROGRAM FUNDS $ 555,325 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Manager is hereby designated as the authorized representative of the County to act in connection with the submission of this revision and to provide such additional information as may be required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. This the 4th day of May 1999. 1995 - 2000 CONSOLIDATED PLAN .FOR HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS IN ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA Including the Towns of Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Hillsborough 1.999 - 2000 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN April 1999 Draft Orange County Consolidated Plan for 1995-2000 Annual Update 1999-2000 Summary BACKGROUND In an effort to streamline several programs, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development now requires all jurisdictions that receive federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, federal HOME Program funds, Emergency Shelter Grants (ESG) and grants for Housing Opportunities for People with AIDS (HOPWA) to submit a Consolidated Plan for Housing and Community Development Programs. The Town of Chapel Hill. receives federal Community Development Block Grant funding each year and the Orange County HOME Consortium receives HOME funding each year. Since the Town of Chapel Hill is a member of the Orange County HOME Consortium, the County is permitted to submit one plan that details the housing needs and activities of the entire County including Chapel Hill. The Consolidated Plan not only serves as an application for each of the four programs, but also seeks to further the statutory goals of these programs through a collaborative process whereby a community establishes a unified vision of housing and community development acf~ns to address identified housing needs. The Orange County HOME Consortium submitted the 1995- 2000 Consolidated Plan to HUD on May 16, 1995 that was approved in July 1995. Each year, the Consortium is required to submit an annual update to the 1995 - 2000 Consolidated Plan to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development by May 15th. The last Annual Update was submitted to HUD on or about May 15, 1998. Prior to beginning to developing the 1999-2000 Annual Update, public hearings were held to hear citizen comments regarding housing and community development needs and proposed activities which should be included in the Plan. A public hearing was held by the Chapel Hill Town Council on January 27, 1999 and April 6, 1999 to receive citizen comments regarding housing needs and the proposed use of $434,000 in CDBG funds Chapel Hill will receive in the 1998-99 fiscal year, as well as $96,000 in program income, and $437,000 that the Orange County HOME Consortium will receive in the 1999-2000 fiscal year and $20,000 in HOME program income during this fiscal year. The Orange County Board of County Commissioners held a public hearing on March 3, 1999 regarding housing needs and the proposed use of $437,000 in HOME funds the County HOME Gonsortium will receive in the 1999-2000 fiscal year. After the Orange County hearing, a staff working group developed the draft Annual Update document. Once the draft was completed, citizens were allowed to review the document and provide comments to local staff during the official public comment period of April 14, 1999 to May 14, 1999. Each jurisdiction approved the Update prior to submission to HUD. Housing Priorities The Consolidated Plan for Orange County identified the following housing priorities for 1995-2000. 1. Provide rehabilitation assistance for very low and low income homeowners and renters. 2. Reduce the number of owner-occupied and rental housing units without indoor plumbing. 3. Provide assistance to households at less than 80 percent of median family income to connect existing public water and sewer systems. 4. Facilitate the construction of new or substantially rehabilitated housing units that are affordable to families below 60% of the area median income. 5. Facilitate the construction of up to 50 new units of rental housing affordable to very low and low income families. 6. Create transitional housing units for shelter residents who can live independently. 7. Assist local non-profit human service agencies to provide a continuum of housing options for special populations, including older adults, the disabled, the mentally ill, and persons with AIDS. Non-housing Community Develoament Priorities 1. Provide economic development opportunities to low and moderate income citizens in Chapel Hill. 2. Revitalize the business areas serving low income neighborhoods of Chapel Hill. 2 Description of Key Projects The 1995-2000 Consolidated Plan for Orange County and the FY1996, FY1997 and FY 1998 Annual Updates identified the following key projects: ^ Land acquisition, rehabilitation, and public services for children in the Pine Knolls neighborhood ($125,000). Four homes were purchased in the Pine Knolls community and approximately 46 children have participated in the after school program since 1996. ^ Infrastructure, including the upgrading of parking lots, sidewalks, landscaping, open areas, street furniture, street lights, signage, and traffic signals ($50,000). Funds ($40, 000) were used to construct sidewalks in low-income neighborhoods. The remaining $10,000 were n:directed to other Community Development eligible activities. ^ Rehabilitation of public housing in the South Estes Drive and Craig Gomains neighborhoods ($650,000). Approximately 44 units in the South Estes Drive Community and 30 units in the Craig/Gomains communities. ^ Housing rehabilitation deferred loans to low income owner and renter households ($661,475). Thirty-five (35) substandard dwellings in the County have been repaired to minimum housing standards. ^ Acquisition of eight units in the Carr Court neighborhood in Carrboro for substantial rehabilitation and sale to low income households ($162,500). This property was acquired, renovated, converted to six condominiums, and sold to frrsf-time homebuyers. ^ Construction of the InterFaith Council Project HomeStart transitional housing development on Homestead Road in Chapel Hill ($50,000). Construction of this facility is completed and the development is open and serving needy families. ^ Site Improvements at the Culbreth Park subdivision to facilitate new housing construction by Habitat for Humanity ($16,000) Site improvements were completed and a house was constructed for first time homebuyers. ^ Situ improvements for a small housing demonstration project on Scarlett Drive and Legion Road to be developed by the Orange Community Housing Corporation ($73,770). This project is presently being planned with construction scheduled to begin in late 1999. ^ Construction of transitional housing units for formerly homeless substance abusers to be built by Freedom House in partnership with InterFaith Council ($337,000) Construction is underway with completion scheduled for late 1999. ^ Acquisition and rehabilitation of two rental units by the Orange Person Chatham Mental Health Agency for a severe, persistently mentally ill county resident 3 ($80,000) Two rental units have been acquired, rehabilitated, and leased to clients of Orange Person Chafham Menfal Health Agency. ^ Support continued operation of the InterFaith Council Employment Project, a job training and substance abuse counseling program for shelter residents ($15,000) Eight (8) individuals participated in 1996-97. ^ Assist Habitat for Humanity with site improvements at six (6) building lots throughout the County ($123,000) Assistance has been provided for approximately two (4) lots to date. ^ Capitalization of a Community Neighborhood Revitalization Fund to support the purchase/rehabilitation or new construction in older, established communities. ($540,000) Nine houses have been purchased, rehabilitated, and sold to moderate income first-fime homebuyers in the Northside, Carr Court, and Lloyd Street communities. Also, a five (5) unit apartment building in the Pine Knolls neighborhood and a building in the Northside community that will be used for a small business incubator was acquired with Community Development grants. 4 CITIZEN PARTICIPATION On January 27, 1999 and March 30, 1999, the Chapel Hill Town Council held a public hearings to receive ideas from citizens about how funds could be spent in the Community Development Program, the HOME Program and the Comprehensive Grant. The hearings was intended to help the Town Council determine how aforementioned program funds could best benefit low- and moderate-income Chapel Hill .residents. Comments and funding requests received at this hearing are summarized below. Citizen comments. received at the January 27 and March 30, 1999 public hearings are summarized below. 1. Community Cuisine Will Alexander of Community Cuisine requested $37,000 of Community Development funds to continue operation of their culinary skills program. The program provides training sessions throughout the year and assists with job placement. The organization also sponsors a similar program for teenagers and the mentally ill. Funds would be used to sponsor programs and for administrative expenses. On March 30, 1999, Will Alexander and Michael Ullman, volunteer Executive Director requested that the Council reconsider its request for Community Development funding for the program. Staff Response: A portion of this request, $16,000 is included in the 1999-2000 Community Development budget. 2. Orange Person Chatham Mental Health Agency Pat Connolly of OPC Mental Health Agency requested $150,000 of Community Development and/or HOME Program funds to purchase and rehabilitate houses in Orange County for persons with disabilities. Staff Response: A portion of this request will be funded with 1999-2000 HOME Program funds. 3. Orange Community Housing Corporation Robert Dowling, Executive Director of the Orange Community Housing Corporation requested $230,000 of Community Development and HOME Program funds to develop forty-six affordable housing units: fourteen townhouses on Scarlett Drive (to be developed as a land trust); and thirty-two townhouses in Meadowmont. The houses will be developed for households earning less than 80% of the area median income. The March 30, 1999 recommended Community Development and HOME Program plans did not include funding for the development of the Meadowmont town houses. On March 30, 1999, Robert Dowling stated that development of this project was further along than anticipated and that the Corporation would begin incurring architectural and engineering costs for the project in fiscal year 1999 - 2000. 5 Staff Response: Approximately $70, 000 of 1999-2000 Community Development funds arse budgeted to the Orange Community Housing Corporation for the Scariett Drive Project The HOME Consortium proposes to budget $20, 000 of HOME Program income funds for the Meadowmont project. Costs for architectural design and engineering costs are not eligible Community Development activities, therefore, approximately $30, 000 will be budgeted from the Housing Loan Trust Fund for development costs for the project. 4. EmPOWERment Incorporated Myles Presler, Director of EmPOWERment Development funds and $200,000 of HOME apartment buildings -one in the Northside neighborhood. Inc. requested $175,000 of Community Program funds to purchase two different neighborhood and one in the Pine Knolls On March 30, Mr. Presler stated that EmPOWERment could not wait for bond funds to acquire these properties and that they needed full subsidy from Community Development or HOME Program funds for this project. Staff Response: Portions of these requests are funding in the 1999-2000 Community Development and HOME Program Plans. 5. Request for Rental Units Ms. Mildred Council requested that the Council consider supporting projects that would create affordable one bedroom rental units in Chapel Hill. Staff Response: We believe that the proposed allocations for projects requested by EmPOWERment Incorporated to acquire and renovate apartment buildings in Chapel Hill and Carrboro would address this request. The following comments and requests were received after the January 27, 1999 public hearing: 1. Orange County Literacy Council The Orange County Literacy Council requested $25,000 of Community Development funds to expand acomputer-based literacy program in the Town's public housing communities. The Literacy Council provides free tutors to operate the program. Funds would be used to purchase additional computers and equipment and administrative expenses. Staff Response: This program is included in the proposed Community Development Plan because it supports the Town's current efforts to provide programs to public housing residents. 6 2. GOOD WORK GOOD WORK requested $37,000 of Community Development funds to continue its small business development program in Chapel Hill. Staff Response: There is no recommendation to budget funds for GOOD WORK at this time. We have not received information documenting the success of its programs running in Chapel Hill. 3. Request for Neighborhood Revitalization Funds We received a request from EmPOWERment Inc., the Northside Community Association, the Pine Knolls Neighborhood Watch, the Lloyd Street Neighborhood Association and the Carr Court Neighborhood Association requesting $100,000 of Community Development funds for Neighborhood Revitalization Activities in the Pine Knolls and Northside Neighborhoods. Staff Response: Portions of these requests are funding in the 1999-2000 Community Development and HOME Program Plans. 4. American Red Cross On February 26, 1999, we received a request from the American. Red Cross asking the Council to consider granting the organization $75,000 over three years to purchase a building for their offices. Staff Response: It has been determined that this request would not be an eligible Community Development activity. Further, the project would not meet the HUD requirement that the project serve households earning less than 80% of the area median income. 5. Chapel Hill -Carrboro YMCA The Chapel Hill -Carrboro YMCA requested Community Development funds to continue operation of After-School Programs held at the Pine Knolls and South Estes Drive Family Resource Centers. Staff Response: Approximately $17, 500 of 1999-2000 Community Development funds for this activity. 6. Rosemary Street Parking Lot On March 15, 1999, a report was made to the Chapel Hill Town Council there was continuing collaboration with the Town of Carrboro to develop a parking lot at the corner of Rosemary Street and Sunset Drive. The Council has previously budgeted $15,000 of Community Development funds for this project, however, additional funds may be needed 7 to complete the project. In a memorandum to the Mayor and Council on March 15, 1999, the staff recommended that if the Council determined that improvements are required (i.e. reconstruction of the curb and gutter along West Rosemary Street to align with the curb and gutter west of Sunset Drive; reconstruction of the existing sidewalk along West Rosemary Street; and replacing the existing curb cut on West Rosemary Street with standard curb and gutter), we would obtain cost estimates for the improvements and return to the Council with a funding plan. Staff Response: The proposed 1999-2000 Community Development Plan includes budgeting $20,000 of Community Development funds for this project. HOME PROGRAM COMMENTS 1. Orange- Person-Chatham (OPC) Mental Health Agency Pat Connolly of OPC requested $150,000 of Community Development or HOME Program funds to purchase housing for lower income people with disabilities. Staff Response: We propose to budget $60, 000 of 1999 - 2000 HOME Program funds for this activity. 2. Habitat for Humanity of Orange County, Inc. Habitat for Humanity requested $50,000 of HOME Program funds to purchase land to build Habitat homes via letter. Staff Response: This requesf is included in the proposed 1999 - 2000 HOME Program plan. 3. EmPOWERment Incorporated Myles Presler, Director of EmPOWERment Incorporated, requested $200,000 of HOME Program funds to purchase an eleven-unit apartment building in the Carr Court neighborhood in Carrboro. In a memorandum dated April 13, Myles Presler requested that the Council consider a revision to the proposed plan (Memorandum attached). The HOME and Community Development program plans presented to the Council on March 30 budgeted funds for EmPOWERment and the Orange Community Housing Corporation as follows: 8 EmPOWERment Carr Court Sykes St. Community Development Orange Community Housing Corp. Scarlett Drive $75,000 $70,000 HOME $100,000 $74,000 EmPOWERment has requested reallocating funds as follows: Community Development HOME EmPOWERment Carr Court $174,000 Sykes St. Orange Community Housing Corp. Scarlett Drive $145,000 Staff Response: The HOME Consortium recommends budgeting $100,000 for EmPOWERment to acquire a building in the Carr Court neighborhood. Staff does not endorse the above outlined reallocation of funding as suggested by Mr. Presler. 4. EmPOWERment Inc., the Carr Court Neighborhood Association, the Northside Neighborhood Association, the Pine Knolls Neighborhood Watch and the Lloyd Street Association EmPOWERment, Incorporated and the neighborhood associations requested $120,000 of HOME Program funds for neighborhood revitalization activities in Orange County. Staff Response: Last frscal year, 1998-99, approximately $210, 000 of HOME Program funds were budgeted for neighborhood revitalization activities in Orange County. Eligible activities for this program include property acquisition, rehabilitation, and new construction of housing. Approximately $150, 000 of these funds remains unspent, though a portion of these funds is reserved for families living in the Northside neighborhood where house renovation is scheduled to be completed this Spring. No additional funding for this program is recommended at this time. 5. Orange Community Housing Corporation The Orange Community Housing Corporation requested $230,000 of HOME Program funds to construct a total of forty-eight town houses -fourteen on Scarlett Drive ($70,000 and thirty-two in the Meadowmont development ($160,000)). 9 The recommended plans for the HOME Program plans did not recommend funding for the development of the Meadowmont town houses. On March 30, 1999, Robert Dowling stated that development of this project was further along than anticipated and that the Corporation would begin incurring costs for professional services for the project (architectural design and engineering costs) in fiscal year 1999 - 2000. The Corporation requested $50,000 of HOME or Community Development funds for the project. Staff Response: The Consortium propose to budget $94, 000 of HOME Program funds to OCHC for the Scarlett Drive project ($74, 000) and the Meadowmont town houses ($20, 000). An additional $30, 000 will be budgeted from the Town of Chapel Hill Housing Loan Trust Fund for the Meadowmont project. The Orange County Board of Commissioners held a public hearing on March 3, 1999 to receive comments from the public regarding potential uses of available HOME funding. Comments received are as follows. 1. Pat Connelly from the Orange-Person-Chatham Mental Health organization stated that many of their clients live in substandard housing or are homeless. She asked for $150,000 in HOME funds to help people with special needs and very low income persons acquire standard rental housing. Staff Response: The HOME Program Council recommends the allocation of $63, 000 in 1998 HOME funding. Habitat for Humanity is a designated Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO). 2. Susan Levy, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity submitted a letter asking for $50,000 to acquire property throughout the County for future housing development. Staff Response: The HOME Program Council recommends fhe allocation of $50, 000 in 1999 HOME funding. Habitat for Humanity is a designated Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO). 3. EmPOWERment, Inc. asked for $200,000 in HOME funds to assist with the acquisition of an eleven-unit apartment building in the Carr Court neighborhood in Carrboro. Staff Response: The HOME Program Council recommends the allocation of $100,000 for property acquisition in the Carr Court community. Priority will be given to activities in the Northside community in Chapel Hill. 10 4. EmPOWERment, Incorporated and the neighborhood associations requested $120,000 of HOME Program funds for neighborhood revitalization activities in Orange County. Staff Response: Last fiscal year, 9998-99, approximately $290,000 of HOME Program funds were budgeted for neighborhood revitalization activities in Orange County. Eligible activities for this .program include property acquisition, rehabilitation, and new construction of housing. Approximately $150, 000 of These funds remains unspent, though a portion of these funds is reserved for families living in the Northside neighborhood where house renovation is scheduled to be completed this Spring. No additional funding for this program is recommended at this time. 4. The Orange Community Housing Corporation requested $120,000 of HOME Program funds to construct a total of forty-eight town houses -fourteen on Scarlett Drive ($70,000) and thirty-two in the Meadowmont development ($50,000). Stafif Response: The HOME Program Council recommends the allocation of $70, 000 for the Scarlett Drive project and $50, 000 for Meadowmont. Orange Community Housing Corporation is a designated Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO). 5. L. Lane Sarver, on behalf of the First Baptist Church, .requested that their proposed Section 202 apartment complex with 32 units for the elderly be included in the Consolidated Plan update. Staff Response: This project-will be included in the 1999 Update. 11 B. Resources The following federal resources are expected to be available during the coming Fiscal Year to address the priority needs and specific objectives identified in the strategic plan. Federal Programs CDBG funds $434,000 Town of Chapel Hill HOME funds $437,000 $ 20,000 Orange County HOME Consortium HOME Program Income Local Resources (Local General Fund) Town of Chapel Hill Housing Loan Trust Fund $65,000 Meadowmont, et. al Town of Chapel Hill $132,000 $40,313 CDBG Program Income HOME Program Match Town of Carrboro $11,799 HOME Program Match Town of Hillsborough $ 4,916 HOME Program Match Orange County $41,297 HOME Program Match TOTAL RESOURCES $1,186,325 12 C. Planned Activities HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM July 1, 1999 through June 30, 2000 Priority: Facilitate the construction of new or substantially rehabilitated housing units that are affordable to families below 60% of the area median. Funds would be allocated to Habitat for Humanity of Orange County, Inc., an approved Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) to assist in the acquisition of building lots in the County for future development Anticipated Beneficiaries: 3 families earning less than 50% median income Accomplishments: 3single-family homes Anticipated Completion Date: December 31, 2001 $50,000 Funds would be used by EmPOWERment, Inc. to acquire an eleven-unit apartment complex in Carrboro which they plan to rehabilitate and lease to low income families. Anticipated Beneficiaries: Eleven families earning less than 50% median inc. Accomplishments: Eleven substantially rehabilitated apartments Anticipated Completion Date: December 31, 2000 $100,000 Funds would be used by the Orange Community Housing Corporation to facilitate the construction of 14 new townhouses on Scarlett Drive in Chapel Hill ($74,000); and 32 new townhouses in Meadowmont in Chapel Hill ($20,000) Anticipated Beneficiaries: Accomplishments: Anticipated Completion Date: Families earning less than 48 single-family homes December 31, 2001 70 % median income $94,000 Priority: Provide rehabilitation assistance for very low and low income homeowners and rental housing serving very low and low income tenants. Funds would provide deferred loans to rehabilitate low income, owner-occupied and rental housing units. Homeowners with less than 60% of median income would be eligible for these loans. Anticipated Beneficiaries: 6 families earning less than 60% median income Accomplishments: 6 standard single-family homes Anticipated Completion Date: December 31, 2001 $147,625 13 Funds would be available for small emergency repair projects (i.e. leaking roofs) for housing occupied by low-income, elderly families. Anticipated Beneficiaries: 8 families earning less than 60% median income Accomplishments: 8 standard single-family homes Anticipated Completion Date: December 31, 2001 $60,000 Priority: To assist local nonprofit human service agencies to provide a continuum of housing options for special populations including older adults, disabled, mentally ill, and persons with AIDS. Funds will be used to assist the Orange-Person-Chatham Mental Health Agency with the purchase and renovation of dwellings for rental occupancy by persons with disabilities. Anticipated Beneficiaries: 2 families earning less than 50% median income Accomplishments: 2 standard single-family dwellings Anticipated Completion Date: December 31, 2001 $60,000 Program Administration: $43,700 Total Funds Available: $555,325 (includes 25% match calculation and program income) 14 TOWN OF CHAPEL HILL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM July 1, 1999 through June 30, 2000 The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has informed us that the Town of Chapel Hill will receive $434,000 in federal Community Development Block Grant funds for the fiscal year 1999-2000. In addition, the Town has received $96,000 of program income. Therefore, this plan is based on a total of $530,000. Priority: Provide rehabilitation assistance for very low and low income homeowners and rental housing serving very low and low income tenants. Funds would be used to renovate and refurbish eleven (11) units in the Craig / Gomains public housing community which were not renovated in 1998-99. The proposed work is in accordance with the Five-Year Public Housing Renovation and Refurbishing Plan. Proposed renovation work includes 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. $135,000 In addition, funds would be used to continue the public housing refurbishing program. This year, we estimate that forty (40) units scattered throughout the Town's public housing communities will be refurbished under this program. $80,000 This project is located at an existing public housing community which is in an area of both low/moderate and minority concentration. This is a continuation of the Town's efforts to renovate existing public housing communities. Anticipated Beneficiaries: 40 families earning less Phan 50% median income Accomplishments: 40 renovated apartments Anticipated Completion Date: June 30, 2001 Total $230,000 Funds would be used to assist EmPOWERment, Inc. to purchase and renovate an apartment building in the Northside community. Anticipated Beneficiaries: 8 families earning less than 50% median income Accomplishments: 8 standard apartment units Anticipated Completion Date: December 31, 2001 $75,000 15 Funds would also be allocated to the Orange Community Housing Corporation to fund site improvement costs for the Scarlett Drive Townhome Project. Anticipated Beneficiaries: 14 families earning less than 80% median income Accomplishments: 14 townhomes; 14 first-time homebuyers Anticipated Completion Date: December 31, 2001 $70,000 Funds would be allocated to the Neighborhood Revitalization Fund for activities in the Pine Knolls and Northside neighborhoods. Funds could be used for second mortgages, property acquisition or renovation, public improvements, or community service activities. Anticipated Beneficiaries: 2 families earning less than 70% median income Accomplishments: 2 standard dwelling units Anticipated Completion Date: December 31, 2001 $50,000 Funds would be allocated to the Orange County Literacy Council to expand its computer literacy program to all interested public housing residents. The funds would be used to purchase computer equipment and educational software and administrative support for on- site instruction. Funds would also be allocated to the Chapel Hill-Carrboro YMCA to continue operation of the After School Day Programs held at the Pine Knolls and South Estes Drive Community Centers. Funds would be used to assist with operating expenses for the program. This project is located in communities which are areas of both low/moderate and minority concentration. This is a continuation of the Town's efforts to revitalize these low- income neighborhoods. Anticipated Beneficiaries: Families with income less than 50% median income. Anticipated Completion Date: June 30, 2000 $20,000 Economic Development Funds would be allocated for the construction of a parking lot on the corner of West Rosemary Street and Sunset Drive in conjunction with the Town of Carrboro. $15,000 Program Administration $70,000 TOTAL $566,000 16 D. Geographic Distribution -See above program descriptions. E. Homeless and Other Special Needs Activities Orange County Continuum of Care Plan Orange County's Continuum of Care Plan uses as a foundation, work began by the Homeless Women and Children Task Force that was organized in 1991. The Orange County Commission for Women, with the support and approval of the IFC Community House Board, created a task force to study the issues surrounding homeless women and children. Specifically, there was a concern about the growing number, and special needs of homeless women and children coming to the IFC Community House -the local homeless shelter. In the summer of 1993, the Task Force presented a Community Report and Recommendations to the Orange County Board of Commissioners. Over 80 recommendations were made to public and private agencies to address a broad range of special needs and barriers to service delivery for homeless families. Subsequently, another county-wide task force was formed to plan for the development of housing options for homeless families in Orange County. The Orange County Board of Commissioners appointed members to serve on its Emergency Family Support and Shelter Task Force. The Task Force includes representatives from the Inter-Faith Council, Orange-Durham Coalition for Battered Women, Orange County Department of Social Services, Day Care Services Association, the Orange County Commission for Women, Orange-Person-Chatham Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse Authority, The Women's Center, and North State Legal Services, as well as representatives from the Towns of Carrboro, Chapel Hill, Hillsborough, and Orange County. -With the Task Force efforts as the background, this Continuum of Care Plan has the following components: 1. Emergency Shelter Assessment; 2. Transitional Housing and Necessary Social Services Needs; and 3. Plans for Permanent Supportive Housing. The examination of these components will assist the County in understanding the gaps in the provision of services to the homeless population and in developing strategies to address the identified gaps. Emergency Shelter Assessment The Inter-Faith Council (IFC), a local non-profit agency, began providing shelter for Orange County's homeless population in 1985. The shelter facility is known as Community House and is the only emergency housing resource for families in Orange County. It is designed to provide only short-term emergency shelter for families and singles. A recent report from Community House indicates 17 a dramatic increase in the housing needs of homeless persons in Orange County. From January 1 through December 1, 1994, the shelter served 879 individuals and operated at capacity almost every night. Of this number: 645 were male and 234 female. Further, 546 (61 %) were African-American; 272 (31 %) were White; 62 (7%) were Hispanic and approximately one percent were Native American and Other. The Community House served approximately 980 individuals during 1995. Approximately 60% of those that stay in the shelter claim housing issues as the premier life occurrence that lead them to the Triangle area seeking employment without adequate funds to get re-established. For battered women, emergency shelter is available only in the neighboring county, Durham County, at the Orange/Durham Coalition for Battered Women shelter. Many battered women from Orange County are unable or unwilling to use the Battered Women's Shelter in Durham. ,The primary reason for this is that a move to Durham can involve changing jobs or switching children's schools. There are also transportation challenges in accessing the shelter. The Community House as well as the Coalition for Battered Women have well established networks for identifying homeless families and domestic violence victims in Orange County. Organizations that may currently refer families to Community House and/or the Coalition include OPC Mental Health, IFC, Family Services Division, the Rape Crisis Center, Orange Congregations in Mission, the Department of Social Services, the Chapel Hill/Carrboro School District, Day Care Services Association, the Orange County Sheriff's Department, the local Helpline, area hospitals, local congregations, local police departments, and other emergency shelters in the Triangle area. However, the existing emergency shelters are only designed for short-term stays. Therefore, it was recognized that long term transitional housing was needed in this community. Transitional Housing and Supportive Housing_Needs Project HomeStart The Inter-Faith Council and the Orange/Durham Coalition for Battered Women received a $1.3 million dollar HUD Supportive Housing grant for the construction of transitional housing for their present client population. This new housing effort is named Project HomeStart on the county-owned building site on Homestead Rd. in Chapel Hill. Construction is completed and the housing has been occupied since the fall of 1998. Specifically, Project Home Start has three main components which will help to fill the transitional housing gap in Orange County: 18 1. Three congregate housing facilities, housing up to five families; 2. The leasing of 1.0 scattered site units, as a second stage of transition for those families leaving the congregate stage who are unable to move directly into permanent housing; and 3. A comprehensive package of services, case management, and housing placement that will help end the cycle of homelessness for families in Orange County. Several local human service providers have collaborated with the Inter-Faith Council and the Orange-Durham Coalition for Battered Women on Project HomeStart and have made specific commitments to the project. Freedom House .The Freedom House Recovery Center is developing drug and alcohol free housing for low income and homeless residents of Chapel Hill. This transitional housing is designed for twenty-four individuals in recovery from chemical dependency and should be completed and occupied by the end of 1999. The combination of structured transitional housing, substance abuse treatment, job skills training, and employment services will enable low income and homeless individuals an opportunity to rebuild their lives through sobriety and employment. The Orange County HOME Consortium designated $337,000 in the 1996 HOME Program for this project with construction set to begin during the Spring of 1998. Additional funding will be obtained from other public and private sources including $164,000 from the Orange-Chatham Criminal Justice Partnership Program to provide services at the transitional housing site. Permanent and Permanent Supportive Housing Homeless families presently face many barriers to finding adequate and affordable permanent rental .housing in Orange County. In the Chapel Hill/Carrboro area, families face competition with students who often pool incomes and drive up rents. In Northern Orange County, the existing rental housing stock is quite limited. To address this problem, for example, the Project HomeStart strategy/model will help address these barriers in several ways. Specifically, a Housing Coordinator will be responsible for aiding families in the difficult task of finding adequate, affordable, permanent housing. This person would also coordinate with the existing subsidized housing providers to match family needs with available resources. A unique case management system is planned which will provide follow-up support and services to 19 families for up to six months after they leave the transitional housing component. It is recognized that families will need assistance in transitioning from a highly supportive environment to one which encourages and fosters independence. Similarly, the Orange Person Chatham Mental Health Agency provides some limited housing counselor along with case management for their clients seeking rental housing. In preparation for the development of the 2000 Consolidated Plan, principal actors in the Continuum of Care delivery system in Orange County will be invited to a planning session to discuss current needs of the homeless and transitional housing population.and develop strategies for the future to address the identified needs. F. Removing Barriers to Affordable Housing Orange County enacted a density bonus for affordable housing in 1990, allowing up to 50% increase in density for developments that are all affordable and sold to qualifying low and moderate-income households. In June 1993, they adopted an ordinance establishing a system of impact fees to be collected in Orange County as well as the municipalities in the County. Presently, the fee is $750 per residential dwelling unit in the Orange County School District and $3,000 in the Chapel Hill/Carrboro School System. Revenue generated is used to finance a portion of the cost of new public school space recreated by new residential growth. Before enactment, the Board of Commissioners acknowledged the need to establish a policy to cover low-income residential construction. The Board of County Commissioners has adopted a policy for reimbursement of impact fees for non-profit housing organizations serving first-time homebuyers at 80% and below of median income within budget restraints. On March 4, 1998, the Board of County Commissioners approved a policy revision to include rental housing developed by non-profit organizations. Within the designated urban services areas of Chapel Hill where access to employment, transit, day care, schools, and public utilities is located, the supply of vacant land is small and the price is high. In addition to the high cost of plan preparation, processing fees, utility installation, street improvements, and lengthy review schedules all add to development costs. In response, the Chapel Hill Town Council has responded by making special accommodations for assisted housing development including: waiving processing fees, expediting review schedules, and modifying street improvement requirements. Currently, the Chapel Hill Zoning ordinance provides a density bonus for rental projects that include units affordable to low-income families. As developers and non-profit organizations interested in housing development begin to identify the actual cost impact of local development regulations, the Town may consider subsidies or regulatory flexibility to encourage development of affordable housing. 20 In Carrboro, the zoning ordinance offers flexibility in the design of infrastructure, and includes a wide variety of allowable housing types, including mobile homes, modular homes, townhomes, and condominium developments. The review process is streamlined to avoid unnecessary delays, and the resulting supply of affordable units is relatively large. In Hillsborough, while density bonuses are not provided for in the Zoning Ordinance, other regulations are supportive of affordable housing including numerous overlay and mobile home park districts that allow single-wide mobile homes. Also; double-wide mobile homes, duplexes and modular homes are allowed in all residentially zoned areas including the Historic District. Site plan review for multi-family development is expedited by the use of consultants and approvals can generally be obtained in about three months. G. LEAD BASED PAINT HAZARD REDUCTION The jurisdictions will evaluate the prevalence of lead-based paint in housing units in the County and begin planning to reduce the present lead-based hazards. Lead abatement will be prescribed for all dwellings targeted for housing rehabilitation efforts. In addition, all assisted housing tenants will be informed of the hazards of lead based paint. The County Health Department provides on-going consultation to local Housing staff. H. ANTI-POVERTY STRATEGY Human Services Welfare Reform Task Force Orange County Human Services Advisory .Commission Vision/Mission Statement adopted by the Orange County Board of Commissioners in December 1991. Vision: Based on our community values of caring, respect, diversity, economic opportunity, the enhancement of self-worth and optimal health and safety, citizens of Orange County should contribute to and participate in the well-being of the community to the extent we are able. Mission: Orange County will use a coordinated, efficient, and effective network of resources that will provide a continuum of preventive and corrective services appropriate to promote economic, .emotional, physical, and social well-being for all citizens. On January 16, 1996, the Orange County Board of Commissioners appointed a Human Services Reform Task Force with a charge to: "Convene public and private sector stakeholders for 90 days and present recommendations to the Board on: measurable outcomes in human services, 21 human services priorities, an acceptable safety-net (essential elements of well-being) for adults and families with children, current resources available to meet the needs and gaps in the resources to support the needs." More than 40 citizens, including human service professionals, citizen activists, and human service consumers participated on the Task Force. The Task Force presented recommendations to the Orange County Board of Commissioners in October 1996. The group advised the following guiding principles for future program planning, development, and implementation. • Provide the essential elements of well-being, not otherwise accessible through the private, non-profit and public sectors. The essential elements of well-being are: Survival Growth/Development Econ Self-Sufficiency • Food • Health Care Work (income)/Training • Shelter • Safety Transportation • Clothing • Education Dependent/Child Care • Develop policies, regulations and guidelines that help realize the outcomes of well-being and economic self-sufficiency and that demonstrates cost savings, cost benefits, or cost effectiveness. Make investments in programs that contribute to outcomes of well-being and economic self-sufficiency and that demonstrate cost savings, cost benefits, or cost effectiveness. • Provide incentives to create jobs above the minimum wage to ensure economic self-sufficiency for all Orange County citizens. The 1997 Task Force Based on the foundation of the 1996 report, and the direction of the North Carolina General Assembly, more than 30 members of the original Task Force reconvened in October, 1997 to develop outcome goals, identify barriers and recommend strategies to overcome the barriers and achieve the outcomes. Task Force members represented both the public and private sectors. and included educators, clergy, business leaders, private non-profit managers and staff, retirees, community activists, human service professionals, and public assistance recipients. 22 This group developed, in accordance with the NC Department of Health and Human Services Work First regulations, the County's Work First Plan released in December 1997. Skill Development Center In July 1996 the County acquired a 13,000 square foot building at 503 W. Franklin Street in Chapel Hill to house a Skill Development Center for Orange County. The mission of the Center is to provide adequate training and services to allow all Orange County citizens to be self-sufficient and free of all public and private assistance. The mission will be accomplished by: supporting a holistic approach to coordinating skill development and job search services to citizens; creating a "one stop" information center for skill development and employment services; establishing formal linkages between existing supportive services and skill development opportunities; co-locating agencies offering training and employment services; designing training to better match emerging jobs and include but go beyond the basic "3 Rs", providing world of work skill training; and incentives to employers. Collaborative Agencies in the Skill Development Center A. Department of Social Services (DSS) -Work First B. Durham Technical Community College (DTCC) C. Joint Orange Chatham Community Action (JOCCA) D. Orange County Literacy Council E. Employment Security Commission (ESC) The Center opened in .January 1999 and is providing quality service to Orange County residents. Family Resource Centers There are four Family and Community Resource Centers in Orange County. They are located in the Pine Knolls community in Chapel Hill (an urban neighborhood with Section 8 housing); in Cedar Grove/Efland-Cheeks (a rural community) and in Trinity Court (a public housing neighborhood); and the Dobbins Hill Apartment Complex (an urban housing tax-credit project.). The mission of the family resource center project is to empower families and communities to improve the quality of their own lives and to raise healthy, self-reliant children who are 23 able to form fulfilling relationships. .Further, these centers will build a foundation of collaboration for a comprehensive county-wide approach to family support programs. Recognition of the need for a collaborative approach to create Family Resource Centers to address urgent family needs in the key areas in the County grew out of a planning grant funded by the Orange County Partnership for Young Children. Smart-Start In July 1993, the North Carolina General Assembly approved funding for 12 demonstration counties to participate in Governor Jim Hunt's Smart Start initiative. Orange County was one of the demonstration counties. The program is designed to provide every child age 0 - 5 in North Carolina access to affordable, high quality early childhood education and other crucial services. The program relies on the development of public-private partnerships and in Orange County, the Orange County Partnership for Young Children has developed the local partnership model. The Partnership promotes the vision -Every child between the ages of 0 and 5 will have access to quality, comprehensive early childhood services and educational experiences. This vision rest on eight, interlocking goals. 1. To improve early care and education services. 2. To provide economic support programs for low income families. 3. To advance the health of young children and their families. 4. To ensure that,. all young children are safe from violence. 5. To strengthen family education and support services. 6. To enhance mental health and early intervention services. 7. To improve the delivery of human services for young children and their families. 8. To educate the community about the value of early services for children. I. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT The Orange County Economic Development Commission, in 1988, developed an Economic Development Strategic Plan for the future of Orange County. In early 1995, the Board of County Commissioners appointed a 34 member Executive Committee to update the plan. The purpose of the Strategic .Plan is to ensure the desired quality of life in Orange County by encouraging economic development through investment in human resources, the expansion of .existing business, and the creation of diversified and environmentally safe businesses. The aim of this investment is to provide jobs for county residents and to increase the non-residential tax base, thus enhancing the quality of life and contributing to the financial well-being of Orange County residents and their local governments. 24 Recommendations were generated in the following seven areas and the goals established therein will serve as guide for the County's economic development activities. 1. Location and Types of Non-Residential Development 2. Infrastructure 3. Business Assistance, Retention, and Creation 4. Agriculture 5. Housing 6. Visitor. Services 7. Education and Training In most cases, the recommendations included in Economic Development Strategic Plan are consistent with existing goals and strategies developed within various topical areas. Source: Sustaining a Quality Community through Balanced Economic Growth Executive Summary May 14, 1996 Further, in 1996-97, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development provided economic development technical assistance to the Town of Chapel Hill. Consultants from the Enterprise Foundation met with Orange County housing providers, small business assistance organizations and job training organizations as a method of conducting a community assessment. In April 1997, the consultants returned to Chapel Hill to present their findings to the community. Key issues discussed included: • The impact of the University of North Carolina- Chapel Hill on housing, the downtown area and employment; • The Town's housing market including high cost, high demand, market constraints, displacement of the indigenous and senior populations, and the issue of land values; • Opportunities for the community to work with a recently established community development corporation, EmPOWERment, Incorporated, on a variety of affordable housing and economic development related projects; and • How welfare reform will affect the Town of Chapel Hill and its residents, specifically in the areas of transportation and job training. The consultants also made suggestions regarding how the Town could implement programs that would address the issues mentioned above. The suggestions include: 25 - Establishing incentives for affordable housing applications to all large scale developments; - Work with local non-profit organizations to establish a "Homebuyer's Pool" and a "Home Savers Club" for low and moderate income homebuyers; - Work with senior citizens to keep houses in the community through programs such as reverse mortgages, home sharing, assisted living facilities, and home repair; - Establish a pilot program that would assist those affected by welfare reform that would include vocational and entrepreneurial training, micro business lending and assistance with transportation. The consultants are expected to submit a written report of their findings and recommendations to the Town of Chapel Hill soon. At that time, the Town will make the report available to the public. Lastly, the recommended 1997-98 Community Development Plan allocates funds to GOOD WORK, anon-profit organization, for creation of a small business development program in Chapel Hill. This program would provide job training opportunities to lower income residents. In addition, the program would offer a comprehensive business development program that includes access to loans, entrepreneurial training, technical assistance and an ongoing network of peer support. GOOD WORK conducts extensive outreach into low income communities, targeting potential entrepreneurs who have a marketable skill but may lack the resources and expertise to successfully capitalize and manage a business. J. INSTITUTIONAL STRUCTURE. Important actors in achieving Orange County's low- income housing goals are: Public Institutions a. Orange County Housing and Community Development Department - Responsible for administration of the Section 8 program for the County; the CDBG small cities program and serves a lead agency for the Orange County HOME Consortium. b. Chapel Hill Department of Housing -Operates as the Town's Housing Authority, managing public housing in Chapel Hill and Carrboro. c. Chapel Hill Planning Department - Administrator of the Town's CDBG entitlement program. Also, responsible for long range planning and policy design for housing development, and implementing the Town's affordable housing program. 26 d. Town of Carrboro -The Manager's Office administers the Carrboro CDBG Small Cities program and the Planning Department is responsible for planning and policy design for housing development. e. Hillsborough Planning Department -Responsible for planning and policy development for the Town, including the recently-adopted 2010 plan. f. Orange County Economic Development Commission -Responsible for implementation of economic development initiatives in the County. Non-Profit Organizations a. Orange Community Housing Corporation - A nonprofit housing development corporation, whose operating budget is funded by Orange County, Chapel Hill, and Carrboro governing boards. OCHC is also a central clearinghouse for information about other non-profits' housing efforts, including Orange County Mental Health Association, AIDS Service Agency, local churches and other involved in housing assistance. b. Orange County Habitat for Humanity, Incorporated - A strong local affiliate of the national organization. c. InterFaith Council for Social Service -Operators of the homeless shelter and chief advocates for the homeless population. IFC also offers a program to prevent homelessness through financial assistance to families that are at risk of losing their permanent housing. d. Orange Congregations in Mission -Serves northern Orange County, offering programs that prevent homelessness through financial assistance to families that are at risk of losing their permanent housing. e. Joint Orange-Chatham Community Action Agency -The local community action agency offering a wide variety of rehabilitation, weatherization, counseling, and financial assistance to very low income families. f. Pine Knolls Neighborhood Development Association - anon-profit involved in .the construction of 20 housing units in the Pine Knolls neighborhood. g. EmPOWERment, Inc. - is a community development corporation that promotes models of community building, problem solving and social action to mobilize low-income communities to build shared vision and power for community change. h. Northside Community Association - is a neighborhood organization that represents people, issues and needs of the Northside Community. Emphasis is placed on preserving the existing community ad promoting affordable housing. 27 Most organizations listed above work closely together on housing issues. Local government staff work with the non-profits on a regular basis, since most nonprofit activities are supported with local funds. Communication could be improved between housing development agencies and social service agencies that provide support and empowerment for families receiving housing assistance. Private Industry a. Private lenders (especially those interested in achieving the lending goals of the Community Reinvestment Act), public lenders like FmHA, builders, realtors, and developers, whose assistance will be crucial to the success of any housing initiatives undertaken in Orange County. b. Utility companies develop construction and energy conservation standards to reduce energy costs. They also provide information and training on energy-saving practices in home, such as how to install insulation and weather stripping. Low interest loans are available from utility companies for the purchase and installation of insulation from utility companies for the purchase and installation of insulation, high efficiency heat pumps and other energy conservation measures. c. Many commercial banks have responded to the Community Reinvestment Act with programs to finance decent, affordable housing.. Banks. in Orange County with such programs include Wachovia, NationsBank, Central Carolina Bank, First Union National Bank, and Centura Bank, First Citizens and BB&T and Hillsborough Savings Bank. These special lending programs are targeted to households that do not qualify for the lenders' regular programs and may have rates slightly lower than conventional rates, lower down payment requirements or special underwriting treatment. K. COORDINATION OF RESOURCES. With the creation of Orange Community Housing Corporation, Orange County, Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Hillsborough demonstrated the desire to cooperate among the several jurisdictions to provide the best housing assistance that will serve the low and moderate income residents of Orange County. With respect to coordination of resources, all agencies will continue our history of communication regarding projects in progress, applications submitted to state and federal funding agencies, programs that are particularly successful or troublesome, and other sharing of information and sources of funds. The existing coordination of services has been furthered enhanced with the creation of the Orange County HOME Consortium whose members include Orange. County, Carrboro, Chapel Hill and Hillsborough. Additionally, a group of non-profit housing service providers and several community activists have formed ABODE: Coalition for Housing Diversity in 28 Orange County to advocate for affordable housing issues in the County. L. PUBLIC HOUSING RESIDENT INITIATIVES The Chapel Hill-Carrboro Resident's Council continues to receive funds from the Town's Comprehensive Grant Program. The Resident's Council membership is open to all public housing residents as well as any interested persons in the Chapel Hill community. The Council meets on the second Tuesday of each month at the offices of the Department of Housing. The following topics, among others, have appeared on their agendas: proposed HUD changes, activities for youth and crime prevention measures. Presently, the Resident's Council provides children's after school tutoring/mentoring programs with the help of over 40 volunteers. Children are learning to manage their time; express themselves with words and not. violent behavior; and appreciate the importance of such character building words as responsibility, respect, courage, perseverance, and honesty. In addition, the Council provides numerous referrals, including but not limited to, employment, physical and mental health, home safety and personal finances. The Town continues to provide an organizational structure that guarantees public housing residents a forum to voice complaints, needs, concerns and ideas that guarantees adequate response to residents through the monthly meeting of the Housing and Community Development Advisory Board. Through these meetings, public housing residents have participated in the management of the public housing program by providing ideas and comments on the public housing operating budget and the renovation needs of the apartments. 29 M. Public Housing TOWN OF CHAPEL HILL COMPREHENSIVE GRANT PROGRAM July 1, 1999 through June 30, 2000 Official Notification has not been received from HUD of the amount of the 1999-2000 grant. The following proposed plan is based on the 1998-99 amount of $399,000. Continuation of Renovation at Craig/Gomains Proposed renovation work includes: 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. $290,000 Associated Other Costs Includes the costs of general administration of the Comprehensive Grant Program, the cost of personnel to do day-to-day monitoring of the renovation work as required by HUD, maintenance training, relocation costs; and architect and engineering fees. $57,000 Resident Council Activities Funds would be used to support the staffing of the Resident Council by allocating funds for afull-time Community Organizer/Director, apart-time Program Coordinator, apart-time Center Director, and two (2) Van Drivers. See funding proposal in the Appendix. $52,000 TOTAL FUNDS AVAILABLE ~ $399,000 30