HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 05-03-2007-4eORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: May 3, 2007
Action Agenda
Item No. ~' - G
SUBJECT: Consolidated Housing Plan Annual Update/HOME Program
DEPARTMENT: Housing/Community Dev. PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) No
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Resolutions Tara L. Fikes, 245-2490
Annual Update Summary
PURPOSE: To adopt resolutions approving the 2007 Consolidated Housing Plan Annual
Update and the proposed HOME Program Activities for 2007-2008 and to authorize the
Manager to implement the HOME Program as approved by the BOCC including the ability to
execute agreements with partnering non-profit organizations after consultation with the County
Attorney.
BACKGROUND: In 2005, 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 (Orange County HOME Consortium) and CDBG entitlement
funds (Town of Chapel Hill).
Each year, local communities are required to submit an Annual Update to the Consolidated Plan
to the State HUD Office by May 15th. This Update includes the 2007-2008 Community
Development Plan for the Town of Chapel Hill and the 2007-2008 HOME Program Action Plan
or the Orange County HOME Consortium. Public hearings were held by the Chapel Hill Town
Council on January 31 and March 28 and by the BOCC on February 9, 2007 to receive citizen
comments regarding the Update prior to development and subsequent submission to HUD.
The current Orange County HOME Consortium Agreement establishes a HOME Program
Review Committee to provide general oversight of the program. Specifically, the Committee is
authorized to provide policy oversight for planning, operations, and evaluation of OHC and the
HOME Program. The Manager or his/her designee from each participating unit of local
government and one (1) elected official from each jurisdiction shall be a member. (The previous
County Manager appointed the current year Manager designee.) The OHC Program Review
Committee shall prepare a proposed HOME program design each year and consortium program
application to HUD, in compliance with the Act, the Regulations, and the Federal Program
Requirements, including reallocation of any funds from previous years not expended or any
repayments or other program income consistent with this Section. Each year's proposed HOME
program design and the consortium program application should be consistent with the
Consolidated Plan. Each year's program design shall be subject to the approval of each
consortium member's elected board. The proposed HOME program design will define a
strategy in sufficient detail to accommodate the collective and individual needs and priorities of
the County and Towns.
This year, as required by the Consortium Agreement, the HOME Program Review Committee
reviewed applications for HOME Program funding and developed the proposed HOME Program
Design for the 2007-2008 Program Year. A total of six (6) applications were received from local
non=profit organizations and other local governmental units requesting approximately
$1,220,000. There is approximately $810,005 in HOME funds and HOME Program match funds
available for Fiscal Year 2007-2008. The recommended program design is detailed in the
attached resolution.
Additionally, the HOME Review Committee recommends the reprogramming of prior year
HOME funds in the amount of $470,027 due to the non-commitment of these funds by local non-
profit organizations due primarily to changes in project plans. A public comment period as
required by HUD was established for April 15 -May 15, 2007 by notice in the Chapel Hill
Herald. Copies of the Annual Update were made available at the Chapel Hill and Orange
County Public Libraries.
Further, in accordance with the Orange County HOME Consortium Agreement approved in June
2005, 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 23
and the Town of Carrboro on May 1. The Town of Hillsborough approved the Program Design
on April 9th.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: The Orange County HOME Consortium is scheduled to receive
approximately $661,229 in federal housing program funding. The required total local
government match is $148,776. Orange County's share of the match is $59,511 which will be
allocated from County's General Fund Therefore, the total amount of HOME funds available is
$810,005.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board adopt resolutions
approving the 2007 Consolidated Housing Plan Annual Update and the proposed HOME
Program Activities for 2007-2008. Additionally, the Manager recommends that the BOCC
authorize the Manager to implement the HOME Program as approved by the BOCC including
the ability to execute agreements with partnering non-profit organizations after consultation with
the County Attorney.
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RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SUBMISSION OF
THE 2007-2008 ANNUAL UPDATE OF
FY 2005-2010 CONSOLIDATED HOUSING PLAN FOR ORANGE COUNTY,
NORTH CAROLINA
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Orange County Board of Commissioners, that the
Commissioners authorizes the County Manager to submit the Orange County Consolidated
Plan for Housing and Community Development Programs Annual Update to the U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development, including all understandings, assurances,
and certifications required therein.
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 .the
Annual Update and to provide such additional information as may be required by the U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development.
This the 3rd day of May 2007.
Moses Carey, Jr.
Chair
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RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING
THE ORANGE COUNTY FY 2007-2008 HOME PROGRAM DESIGN
AND FY 2004-2005; 2005-2006; AND 2006-2007 HOME PROGRAM_AMENDMENTS
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Orange County Board of Commissioners as a member of the Orange
County HOME Consortium approve the following activities for the 2007-2008 HOME Program.
Homebuyer Assistance
Funds would be allocated to the Orange Community Housing and Land Trust to assist first time
hornebuyers earning less than 80 percent of the area median income to purchase two single family homes
in Carrboro. Funds would be provided as a grant to the Land Trust.
(Requested amount: $140, 000) $140,000
Funds would be allocated to Orange County Habitat for Humanity to provide deferred payment zero-
interest second mortgages on twelve homes throughout Orange County. Homes would be sold to
households earning between 30 percent and 80 percent of the area median income.
(Requested amount: $250, 000) $250,000
Rental Assistance
Funds would be allocated for tenant based rental subsidies in support of the Orange-Person-Chatham
Mental Health Agency Homelessness Initiative to provide housing and support services to persons with
disabilities who are homeless. The rental subsidy program will be operated like the Section 8 Housing
Assistance Program and will be administered by the Orange County Housing and Community
Development Department.
(Requested amount: $354,240) $ 23,883*
*Total amount available with this allocation and prior year re-allocations is $207,910)
Operational Support
Funds would be allocated to Orange Community Housing and Land Trust as a Community Housing
Development Organization for administrative expenses.
(Requested amount: $30, 000) $ 30,000
New Construction
Funds would be allocated to Orange Community Housing and Land Trust to support aloes-income
housing tax credit application in the Winmore development in Carrboro. Funds would be used to acquire
land for this project. The Orange Community Housing and Land Trust would have the option to purchase
the units at the end of the tax-credit qualifying period of sixteen years.
(Requested amount: $300, 000) $300,000
Program Administration
TOTAL FY 2007-2008 HOME PROGRAM FUNDS
$ 66,122
$810,005
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Orange County Board of Commissioners as a member
of the Orange County HOME Consortium approves the following amendment for Fiscal Years 2004,
2005, and 2006 due to changes in project plans.
1. The reallocation of $70,000 in FY 2004 funds to Orange Community Housing and Land
Trust for Second Mortgage Assistance in the Winmore subdivision to Homebuyer Assistance
in the Culbreth Park and Tandler subdivisions in Chapel Hill.
2. The reallocation of $70,000 in FY 2005 funds to Habitat for Humanity for New Construction
for Sunrise Ridge to New Construction for the Purefoy Drive subdivision.
3. The reallocation of $26,000 in FY 2005 funds to Weaver Community Housing Association
for rental assistance to a Tenant Based Rental Assistance Program in support of the OPC
Mental Health Agency Homelessness Initiative.
4. The reduction of FY 2004, 2005, and 2006 funds to EmPOWERment for second mortgage
assistance from $334,000 to $250,000 for homebuyer assistance through Orange County.
The remaining $84,000 will be provided to a Tenant Based Rental Assistance Program in
support of the OPC Mental Health Agency Homelessness Initiative.
5. The reallocation of $120,000 in FY 2006 funds to Orange Community Housing and Land
Trust from second mortgage assistance in the Waterstone subdivision to homebuyer
assistance for land trust homes in Orange County.
6. The reallocation of $100,027 in FY 2006 funds to the Chrysalis Foundation to a Tenant
Based Rental Assistance Program in support of the OPC Mental Health Agency
Homelessness Initiative.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the County Manager is hereby designated as the
authorized representative of the County to act in connection with the submission of this plan and to
provide such additional information as may be required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development.
This the 3rd day of May 2007.
Moses Carey, Jr, Chair
Annual Upda4e 200fi
Orange County (Lead Entity)
200 South Cameron Street
Post Office Box 8181
Hillsborough, North. Carolina 27278
(919) 245-2490
(919) 644-3056 Fax
www.co.orange.nc.us
IVlay 15, 2006
EXECUTIVE SUI~INIARY
Orange County is well known for its rich history, outstanding educational and employment
opportunities, and diverse and friendly citizens. Nestled in the hills of the North Carolina
Piedmont, Orange County is located strategically between the Research Triangle Park and the
Triad cities of Greensboro, Winston-Salem and High Point. With more than 100,000 citizens,
Orange County includes historic Hillsborough, the County seat, Chapel Hill, home of the
University of North Carolina, and Carrboro, a former railroad and mill town. When Orange
County was founded in 1752, five Native American tribes lived in this area. The Town of
Hillsborough was the center of North Carolina politics in the colonial era and hosted the state's
Constitutional Convention in 1778, where North Carolina delegates demanded that a Bill of
Rights be added before they would ratify the U.S. Constitution.
Orange County lies on the western edge of the Research Triangle area, which is anchored on
three. sides by UNC-Chapel Hill, North Carolina State University and Duke University. Research
Triangle Park is home to leading technological companies and institutions. Orange County is
part of the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill, North Carolina Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA)
which comprises six Counties in the Research Triangle Area.
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,Housing Market Ana{ys.es __
General Market Conditions
Orange County's population has increased by more than 25% between 1990 and 2000 (rising
from 93,662 to 118,227). The County is expected to experience continued growth through 2010,
with the population increasing to a projected 140,750. The North Carolina Office of State
Planning estimates that the population in the County in 2003 is 120,881. While most of the
County's population is centered in Chapel Hill (46,798 in 2000), the areas experiencing the most
rapid growth are Carrboro and Hillsborough. It is estimated that almost one-third (32%) of
Chapel Hill's population are students enrolled at the University of North Carolina. Over 40% of
the County's population lives in Chapel Hill. Less than 20% of the population lives in other
municipalities with the remaining 39.4% living in the remainder of Orange County. The number
of households in Orange County, according to the 2000 Census, was 45,863, which represents
a 27% increase in households since 1990.
The racial composition of Orange County is changing. As a percentage of the total population,
whites make up 78 % of the County and the Town of Chapel Hill. Blacks comprise 13.8 % of
Orange County (11 % of Chapel Hill). The most dramatic increase in racial groups is in the
Hispanic community, where the population grew from 1,279 in 1990 to 5,273 by 2000,
representing a 312.3% increase and 4.5% of the total population in Orange County. The Asian
population grew 105.2% during this same period and now makes up 4.1 % of the total
population.
The unemployment rates for Orange County have been 2% or more below the statewide
unemployment rates and about 3% to 4% below the national unemployment rates for the past
10 years. In Orange County, unemployment has ranged from a low of only 1.1 % in 1999 to a
high of 3.2% in 2002.
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Median household income is likewise much higher than state and national averages. In 2004,
the median household income for Orange County was $69,800. This represents a 49% increase
in median income over the past 10 years. The median income in Orange County is about 20%
higher than the median family income for North Carolina and 21 % higher than the national
average. The estimated median family income in Chapel Hill is over $86,000. In terms of per
capita income, Orange County ranks fourth among all Counties in North Carolina and third
among Counties located in the Triangle region of North Carolina, according to data obtained
from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
Housing Market Conditions
In 1990, the total number of housing units in Orange County was 38,683. During the period
1990 to 2000, the total number of housing units increased by 27.4% to 49,289 units. Also during
this period, the number of owner-occupied units increased by 32.4% and represented over one-
half of all housing units in Orange County. In 2000, owner-occupied housing in Chapel Hill
represented 43% of all occupied units. In renter-occupied housing, structures with five or more
units continue to be the majority of the housing stock at 52.9% in 2000.
Average and median sales prices of both new and existing homes in Orange County for 2004
exceed $100,000. The lowest prices are reflected in the sales of condominiums and
townhouses. Sales prices for new detached homes exceed $250,000 for both new and existing
homes. The average sales price for unincorporated Orange County in 2004 was $296,890. In
2004, 20% of homes sold for less than $160,000 down from 24% in 2003 and 29% in 2002.
Almost two-thirds of single-family homes sold in 2004 had a sales price of $200,000 or more
with almost one half of those having a sales price over $350,000. Housing in the Chapel Hill.
area is currently among the most expensive in the Research Triangle. region. In 2003, the
average purchase price of a home in Orange County rose from about X261,895 to $280,592. In
Chapel Hill, the average purchase price was $320,913. Since 2000, the average purchase price
has increased 22.4% in Chapel Hill.
Rental housing in Orange County is dominated by larger apartment developments-those with
five or more units- which represent 52.9% of the renter-occupied housing in the County. The
median gross rent (rent plus utility expenses) for 2000 was $684. The 2005 fair market rents
(FMR) for atwo-bedroom apartment in Orange County is $779.
Public Housing Programs
The Orange County Department of Housing and Community Development is responsible for the
administration of the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program. The Department does not
operate public housing developments. Currently, the Department administers approximately 623
units of Section 8 assistance with approximately 1,278 people remaining on a waiting list as of
February 2006.
The Town of Chapel Hill Department of Housing administers 336 units of low-rent housing
located at 13 sites (12 in Chapel Hill and one in Carrboro). The department's goal is to refurbish
all 336 units of public housing over afive-year cycle using Community Development Block Grant
funds to pay for refurbishing work. The Department does not administer Section 8 tenant-based
rental assistance. According to its most recent PHA plan, there is a waiting list of 220 persons
for housing assistance from the Town of Chapel Hill's Department of Housing.
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Housing Needs_Assessr~ent
Renter Households
One-half of all renter households experience a housing problem, which represents a 0.8%
reduction since 1990. The percentage of extremely low-income renters who experience housing
problems has increased overall since 1990. However, among extremely low- income, very low-
income and low-income renters, there has been an overall reduction in the number of housing
problems.
Owner Households
n
Over 20% of all owner households experience a housing problem, which represents a 0.3%
increase since 1990. The percentage of extremely low-income owners. who experience a cost
burden over 50% increased since 1.990 to 49.3%. During this same period, however, extremely
low income owners experienced a slight decrease in any housing problems and in cost burdens
of more than 30%. Among very low-income and low-income owners, there has been an overall
increase in the number of housing problems.
Disproportionate Needs
Among renters, Hispanic households experience a disproportionately higher percentage of
housing problems' in Orange County. Among homeowners, African Americans, Hispanics and
Asian Americans experience a disproportionately higher percentage of housing problems. When
looking at all households (renters and owners), Hispanic and Asian American households
experience a disproportionately higher percentage of housing problems. Very low-income
households (those earning less than half of the area's median income) and extremely low-
income households (those earning less than 30% of.the area median income) have the greatest
number of housing problems, whether renters or homeowners.
Supportive Housing for Non-Homeless Persons with Special Needs
In examining supportive housing for persons with special needs, Orange County has considered
the needs of the elderly, persons with disabilities (including mental, physical and
developmental), alcohol'and substance. abusers and persons with HIV/AIDS.
People with supportive housing needs have special housing and care needs, largely because
they are out of the workforce and/or have substantial medical and care requirements. The types
of housing for the elderly (and all those with supportive housing needs) vary depending on the
services needed to meet the requirements of the residents. In general, those who provide
special housing needs offer an array of services. Efforts are made to~ensure maximum
independence in the least restrictive setting, but onsite support of those with special needs is
often required.
' Households with housing problems are those households occupying units without a complete kitchen or
bathroom, that contain more than one person per room and/or that pay more than 30% of their income to
cover housing expenses.
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Service providers for people with special needs face substantial challenges. In 2000, there were
7,164 elderly households in Orange County, of which, 61.2 % were low-income.
Developmentally disabled and mentally ill in the County both need case management, support
services, and outpatient treatment services for monitoring and treatment. Alcohol and substance
abusers have access to. outpatient services in Orange County, but are required to go out of the
County for residential treatment.
Orange County had 16 reported cases of HIV disease and eight cases of AIDS in 2004. This
represents a marked increase in the number of AIDS and HIV cases. While prevention, medical
and support services are available to people with HIV/AIDS, there is also a greater need for
permanent supportive housing.
Lead-Based Paint Hazards
Lead poisoning is one of the worst environmental threats to children in the United States. While
anyone exposed to high concentrations of lead can become poisoned, the effects are most
pronounced among young children.
There are as many as 12,058 occupied housing units in Orange County that contain lead-based
paint. Of these units with lead-based paint, 6,001 are owner-occupied and 6,057 are occupied
by renters. Up to 5,276 houses may have deteriorated lead-based paint. According to the 2000
Census, there are 16,540 households with annual incomes below $30,000. Applying the
assumption that as much as 35% of these low-income households contain lead-based paint
hazards results in an estimated 5,789 low-income households with lead-based paint hazards in
Orange County.
Barriers to Affordable Housing
As with other types of development, Orange County's supply of affordable housing is dictated by
a variety of factors, the most significant being project affordability, availability of land and
infrastructure, developer preference for building high-end housing, and government regulation.
To address the Educational Impact Fee, the Orange County Board of Commissioners adopted
an impact fee reimbursement policy, which provides funds to nonprofit housing developers
constructing rental and owner-occupied housing to enable them to pay the fee without passing
the cost to the prospective renters or homebuyers. With this reimbursement, the Board works to
alleviate barriers to affordable housing.
Impediments to Fair Housing
Based on the County's analysis of impediments affecting the furtherance of fair housing,
appropriate strategies have been designed and implemented to eliminate or reduce the impact
of those barriers. The following recommendations included in the "Fair Housing Plan" promote
fair housing within Orange County:
Increase the educational opportunities and provide training relating to Fair Housing through
workshops, forums and presentations
Target specific protected groups for fair housing information
Continue to consult with local lending institutions regarding their Community Reinvestment
Act activities.
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® Provide training to housing providers and consumers about their obligations and rights.
Homeless Assessment
Based on a point-in-time count conducted on January 25, 2006, the total number of homeless
people in Orange County was 237, Eighty-three (83) homeless persons in were in families,
including 51 children. Additionally, 39 chronically homeless persons were documented. These
numbers, however, do not include people who are doubled up, that are without a legal
residence of their own and temporarily staying with another person. The Orange County
Continuum of Care, with the Orange Person Chatham (OPC) Area Program serving as the lead
agency, coordinates the resources and services to support the homeless in Orange County.
There are prevention, outreach and supportive services available to Orange County homeless
to help alleviate their needs.
There is also an Orange County Partnership to End Homelessness which has formed following
the National Alliance to End Homelessness plan, "How to End Homelessness in Ten Years." In
March 2005, the governing bodies of Orange County committed funds to the Initiative and
authorized the creation of a workgroup to begin the process. The workgroup identified
community stakeholders and formed a formal Steering Committee with representatives from the
County and Town governing bodies and management; law enforcement agencies; school
systems; United Way; County and Town Chambers of Commerce; Economic Development
Corporation; business community; health care agencies; lending institutions; and the Builders
Association. Following the National Alliance to End Homelessness plan, the workgroup has
gathered research and data on homelessness and begun the process of creating aten-year
plan to end homelessness for Orange County.
The Orange County Continuum of Care, with the Orange Person Chatham (OPC) Area Program
serving as the lead agency, coordinates the resources and services to support the homeless in
Orange County. There are prevention, outreach and supportive services available to Orange.
County homeless to help alleviate their needs. There is also a vision to create a 10 year plan to
end chronic homelessness through the support of the Triangle Alliance to Resolve Chronic
Homeless (TARCH).
Non-Housing Community Development
Orange County and the Town of Chapel Hill believe that true community revitalization requires a
comprehensive set of strategies to ensure success. Rehabilitating or constructing residential
structures without improving the physical, social and economic environment in which they are
located does not automatically revitalize neighborhoods.
The public spaces and infrastructure used to support community development includes public
facilities, including neighborhood facilities, parks and numerous health facilities for specialized
care and medical research. The area's infrastructure includes water and wastewater treatment
facilities that provide sufficient server capacity to all townships. Streets include two major
interstates as well as hundreds of miles of primary and secondary highways. Public services
include support to handicapped and substance abuse services, employment training, health
services, and transportation for a wide variety of needs.
Anti-crime measures and youth programs work in and out of the school system to provide
awareness for students and increase public safety. There are three senior centers that provide
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classes, wellness programs, trips, and lunches for area seniors. Orange County and its Towns
also provide small business owners with a variety of information and assistance to promote area
economic development. The Orange County and Town of Chapel Hill Planning and Inspections
Department implements land use and environmental policies, zoning, building construction and
standards through a system of regulations to promote stable and quality development.
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,Annual Strategic Plan _ _ _ _ __
As a growing community, the Orange County and the Town of Chapel Hill must successfully
balance a diverse array of housing and community development issues. Given the range of
competing needs, the community must invest its scarce public resources wisely. Therefore, as a
general principle, the Town will attempt to expend public funds in a way that leverages the
commitment of private sector support whenever possible.
The following presentation utilizes this performance-centered approach to outline the County
and Town's approach to housing and community development in the upcoming year. This
approach includes identifying goals, objectives and strategies; determining what resources are
necessary to achieve these goals; analyzing and evaluating performance data; and using that
data to drive improvements in organization. All objectives and pertormance indicators are based
on a one year time frame.
Goal 1- Decent and Affordable Housin _for Lower-Income Households .
Priority 1:2 - Low income inters i~oUro AMI)'. (h~~t liue in substandard housin
Strategies: - Continue to fund the rehabilitation of existing rental housing units
- Monitor and enforce rent and property standards for completed projects
- Leverage existing Town and County resources by utilizing the federal low income tax credit, HUD
Section 202 and 811, and other programs to construct new rental housing
- Provide educational opportunities related to fair housing, tenant rights, etc.
- Continue to dialogue with the University of North Carolina -Chapel Hill on issues that affect
affordable rental o ortunities in the area
Output Indicators: - 32 additional affordable rental units (Orange County/Chapel Hill)
- 20 low income renters receive HOME funded rental assistance. (Orange County)
- 51 units of renovated public housing (Chapel Hill)
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Priorit 9' 4 -Low-income renters <80% AMI that are' oten6al. homebu ers
Strategies: - Provide down-payment and closing cost assistance to qualified homebuyers
- Provide homebuyer education and counseling with an emphasis on credit
- Provide acquisition, infrastructure, predevelopment and/or construction funding to eligible non-
profits and for-profits to develop affordable housing opportunities
- Establish homeownershi ro ram to assist existin Section 8 reci Tents
Output Indicators: - Provide water/sewer service for a subdivision assisting 20 additional lower income homebuyers
(Orange County/Chapel Hill)
Pno ~ 1.5'- Eliminate banierv~ to affordable housin ''
Strategies: - Challenge and encourage non-profit and for-profit affordable housing providers to share resources
and collaborate
- Seek legislation that would require all local governments to require new residential and commercial
developers in the County and Towns seeking zoning approval and/or permits to contain at least
15% affordable units in residential projects
- Utilize equity sharing and community land trust concepts to limit the dramatic escalation of housing
costs
Output Indicators: - 11 units of new affordable housing in mixed income developments (Orange County/Chapel Hill)
- Increased awareness of barriers to affordable housin Oran a Coun /Cha el Hill
Goal 2 -Provide Housing and Services for Populations with Special Neetls
Priority 2:2 Continuum of services'forspdcial populations including older adults;, disabled, mentally ill, persons with AIDS and
of=risk youth
Strategies: - Promote and make public service funds available to agencies that serve identified special
populations
- Partner with other funding agencies to encourage the development of transitional housing (SRO's,
group homes) that isservice-enriched
- Continue to strengthen partnership with local service providers
- Support applications for federal supportive housing funds
- Provide property acquisition funding to eligible non-profits and for-profits to develop permanent
housin for those with s ecial needs
Output Indicators: - 5 additional permanent housing units for those with special needs (Orange County)
- Provide communi services to 61 area outh Cha el Hill
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Goal 3 -Promote Neighborhood and Economic Development
Priority 3, 1'- Prc~mofe re!~ifalizafion in selected Chapel'Mill neighborhoods and economic development in genera( throughout the
County
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Strategies: - Strengthen partnerships with neighborhood associations (community pride, education, family
services, etc.)
- Work with neighbofioods to design and implement specific beautification strategies, including
neighborhood cleanups
- Promote recreational opportunities for area youth
- Prioritize one to two neighborhoods located in Chapel Hill and develop revitalization plans
accordingly
- Concentrate Town funding in selected neighborhoods to create maximum impact..Programs may
include redevelopment activities, CHDO Development-Infill and various rehabilitation programs.
- Build community capacity and better coordinate neighborhood services through the regular
dissemination of information. Examples may include Community Development Day workshops,
self-help workshops, activity updates, etc.
- Continue to work with area Chambers of Commerce and others to promote the economic
development of the community '
- Coordinate effort of various Town departments to concentrate resources into selected
Output Indicators: - Development of a small area plan for the Rogers Road Neighborhood and a Neighborhood
Conservation District for the Pine Knolls neighborhood (Chapel Hill)
Promote coun wide artnershi s that are dedicated to the economic develo merit of the Coun
Anti-Poverty Strategy
The 2000 Census reported that 15,318 people in Orange County (14.1 %) had incomes below
the poverty level-an increase of 3,576 people since 1990. In addition to their housing
problems, they often have other social service needs. They face a variety of problems that
prevent them from improving their economic situation, escaping poverty and obtaining adequate
and affordable housing.
Orange County and the Town of Chapel Hill have targeted significant CDBG and HOME
resources within core low-income areas to execute its anti-poverty strategies. These resources
will act as catalysts to invite additional public and private investment of capital and services;
increase the quantity and quality of affordable housing; and help low to moderate-income
residents acquire needed information, knowledge and skills to improve their employment
opportunities.
The anti-poverty strategy is the unifying thread that ties the housing, homeless, public housing
and non-housing community development strategies together as one comprehensive plan for
reducing the number of families that fall below the poverty level. The strategic plan, goals and
objectives noted throughout this part promote self-sufficiency and empowerment.
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~~4nnual Act6on F'~an
The following tables show the proposed sources and uses of funding available to Orange
County for the fiscal year 2006-2007 from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development. More detailed descriptions are provided in the Annual Plan portion of this
document.
Fiscal Year 2007?2008 Funding
Sourceoffunds _' Amounf
Gommunily Development Block Grant ~ 596,282
Community DevebpmentBlock Grant Reallocation ~~14,026
HOPv1E Investment Partnership Program Oo65,560
HOME h~"alchiny Funds $149,751
HOME Residual Funds X111 660'
Total ,_ $1,567,279
FiscaLYear 2007.2008 Funding _
Uses of Funds `Amount
HOME Program
Homeownership Assistance - OCHLT $140,OD0
Homeo~,vnership,Assistance -Habitat for Humanity $250,000
New Construction-.(Rental)Win~T~orc . .$300,000
Rental Assistance- Homelessness Initiative $'.23,883
Operational Support-'OCHLT $ 30,OD0
Adn~lnistration ~' 66,122...
'Communit, Dcvclopment Flock Grant
.Renovation ofPublic Housing $197,000
homeownership Assistance: OranGe Community Trust $100,000
Comprehensive Rehabilitation Program $'70,000
Neighborhood Revitalisation $ 95,808
Community Services $ 59,500
Program Administration $118,000
Total $1,5,48,902,
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Fiscal Year2004-2005 HOMEPro ram Fundin Amendment
Uses of Funds Amount
FROM: New Construction - Winmore (OCHLT) $70,000
T0: Homebuyer Assistance - Culb~eth Park/Tandler• $ 70,000
FROM: Hornebuycr Assistance - EmPOWERment $84,000
T0: RentaLAssistance - Homelessness'Initiative $84,600
Total $154,000
Fiscal Year 2005.2006 HOME Pro ram Fundin Amendment
Uses of Funds' 'Amount
FROM: tJe~,v Constructioh -Sunrise Road (Habitat) $ 70;000
T0: InL astructure - Purefoy Road $ 70,000
FROM:. Rental Assistance'- WCHA $26,000
T0: Rental Assistance -Homelessness Initiative $26,000
Total $96,000
Fiscal Year 2006-2007 HOME Pro ram Fundin Amendment
Uses of Funds 'Amount
FROM: Homebrryer Assistance - Waterstone $120,000>
T0: Horr~ebuyer Assistance -Land Trust homes $120,000
FROM: Rcnt~i~ Property Acquisition'- Chrysalis $100,027
T0:'-Rental Assistance -Homelessness Initiative ' $100,027
Total'. $220.,027
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Fiscal Year 2005-2006 CDBG' Program Funding Amendment
Uses of Funds Amounf
FROM: InfrastructurelResidual Funds $ 44,026'
T0: Neighborhood Revitalization 5 -'4,0?6
Total' $44,026'
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Proposed ~-ctaveties,and Proposes! 9'rojeci~s_ __
2007 - 2008 HOME Program Activities and Projects
1. Second Mortaaae Assistance: $290,000
Funds will be allocated to the following agencies for second mortgage assistance:
• $250,000 to Habitat for Humanity to provide second mortgages to twelve first time
homebuyers earning less than 80% of the area median income.
• $140,000 to the Orange Community Housing and Land Trust for homebuyer assistance
to two first time homebuyers earning less than 80% of median income.
2. New Construction -Rental Housinct : $300,000
• $300,000 will be allocated to Orange Community Housing and Land Trust to support a
Low-Income Housing Tax Credit rental housing application in the Winmore development
in Carrboro. Units would be available for tenants earning less than 60% of the area
median income.
3. Operational Support: $30,000
$30,000 will be allocated to Orange Community Housing and Land Trust for administrative
expenses related to its HOME Program funded projects. As a designated Community Housing
Development Organization for the HOME Program, the Land Trust is eligible to receive funds for
administration of a housing program.
4. Administration: $66,122
The remaining $66,566 would be allocated to the Orange County Housing and Community
Development Department for administration of the HOME program.
Community Development Bloclc Grant Activities and Projects
1. Renovation of Public Housing: $197,000
• Renovation of Public Housing: $165,000
Funds would be used along with Public Housing Capital Grant funds and previously allocated
Community Development funds to renovate the South Roberson Street public housing
community. The proposed renovation would include seven (7) of the fifteen (15) apartments in
the development. Funds would also be used to pay a portion of the Operations and Special
Projects Coordinator'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 interior and exterior doors, replacement of furnaces including
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air conditioning and water heaters, replacement of floor tiles, replacement of bathtub liners and
surrounds, bathroom fixtures, and plumbing and electrical upgrades. 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.
® Refurbishing Program: $30,000
Funds would be used to continue the public housing refurbishing program. This program
includes repainting and minor repairs of public housing units.
® Playground Equipment: $2,000
Funds would be used for the replacement of playground equipment in the public housing
neighborhoods.
2. Orange Community Housing and Land Trust - Homebuyer Assistance Program:
$100,000
Funds would be used for the Orange Community Housing and Land Trust Homebuyer
Assistance Program for existing Land Trust homes and for homes that will be brought into the
Land Trust in the Culbreth Park/Tandler neighborhoods. The Land Trust intends to combine
Community Development funds with HOME Program funds and funds from the Town's
Revolving Acquisition Fund to address the affordability and maintenance issues it is facing with
its existing inventory of homes. Funds will also be used to purchase and make necessary
repairs and improvements to homes in the Tandler and Culbreth neighborhoods and then resell
them as Land Trust properties to lower-income households.
3. Comprehensive Housing Rehabilitation Program: $70,000
Funds would be used for the Comprehensive Housing Rehabilitation Program to renovate
owner-occupied housing in the Northside and Pine Knolls neighborhoods. The Council has
previously allocated a total of $250,000 to this program. To date, four homes have either been
renovated or are in the final stages of renovation. We continue to market the program and
qualify applicants.
4. Neighborhood Revitalization: $95,808
Funds would be used to continue neighborhood revitalization activities in the Northside, Pine
Knolls, and public housing neighborhoods. Activities would serve households earning less than
80% of the HUD published area median income. Funds could be used for the following
activities: property acquisition, demolition, renovation; public and neighborhood improvements
such as sidewalks, curb and gutter improvements or parks and recreation facilities; second
mortgage assistance; or community service activities.
5. Community Services: $59,500
Funds would be used to allocate funds for three community service programs that meet the
Community Development regulations:
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® Chapel Hill Police Department Youth Employment Program:
$30,000 to the Chapel Hill Police Department to continue the Youth Employment Program,
which provides job skills training, employment experience, and economic opportunities to youth,
aged 14-18 living in the Pine Knolls, Northside and public housing communities whose families
earn less than 80% of area median income. During the summer, approximately thirty-five youth
would work up to twenty hours per week for seven weeks in various Town Departments and
local non-profit organizations. The youth would also participate in training on financial education
and job interviewing skills. Work-site supervisors and the youth employees will fill out
evaluations at the end of the program to help determine the success of the program.
$1.5,000 to the Chapel Hill Training Outreach Project (CHTOP) to continue the After School
Enrichment Program. This after school program operates at the Family Resource Center in the
South Estes public housing community, serving approximately fourteen elementary school-aged
children.
$14,500 to the Chapel Hill Carrboro YMCA After School Outreach Program to continue
operation of an after school program for children living in the Pine Knolls neighborhood and the
South Estes Drive and Airport Gardens public housing communities. Funds would be used to
provide scholarships to eligible children.
5. Program Administration: $118,000
Funds would be used for administration of the Housing and Neighborhood Services division of
the Planning Department. Funds would be used for oversight of the Community Development
program and related affordable housing programs, as well as coordination with the U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development to achieve compliance with federal regulations.
Funds would continue to be used to pay for a portion of the salaries of the Housing and
Neighborhood Services Planner and the Housing and Neighborhood Services Coordinator, and
the salary for the part=time Community Development Program Monitor. In addition to salaries,
funds would be used for overhead costs such as advertising expenses, business meetings and
training, supplies and professional services.
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