FY 2011 Year 28 CAPER1
City of Northampton Massachusetts
96-98 King Street/ Valley CDC
CONSOLIDATED ANNUAL PERFORMANCE AND EVALUATION REPORT
July 1, 2011 - June 30, 2012
Federal Fiscal Year 2011
CDBG Program Year 28
2
Executive Summary 1 - 6
Affordable Housing Narrative 7 - 13
Addressing Homelessness Narrative 13 - 17
Housing and Homeless Priority Needs 17 - 24
Housing and Homeless Collaborative Efforts 24 - 30
Northampton Housing Authority Activity 30 - 32
Public Facilities Priorities 33 - 36
Public Services Priorities 36 - 38
Public Infrastructure Priorities 38
Economic Development Activity 38 - 40
CDBG-R 40
Leveraged Resources 40 - 43
Project Summaries
Infrastructure/ Public Facilities / Economic
Development/ Housing / Public Services /
Planning and Administration
43 - 51
Geographic Distribution 51
Fair Housing Activity/ Lead Paint Abatement 52 - 53
Institutional Structure 54
Appendix: Homeless Count Summary, Financial
Summary Reports, Census Map, Legal Ad
3
INTRODUCTION
As a recipient of Federal Community Development Block Grant funds, the City is required to
prepare a five year Consolidated Plan that identifies the most critical community
development needs. Each successive year the City prepares an annual Action Plan that
articulates how those needs will be addressed. This performance report summarizes the
Annual Action Plan achievements.
This past year's programming addressed a majority of the high and medium priority
needs identified. All CDBG funds programmed this past year, including all available
funds remaining from prior years, were directed towards meeting the CDBG National
Objective of benefiting persons with low and moderate incomes and to the elimination
of slums and blight.
High Priority Needs Addressed
• Homeowner Housing Rehabilitation and Repair
• Preservation of Existing Affordable Rental Housing Stock
• Preservation of the Existing Shelter System
• Housing Support Services
• Emergency Food Assistance
• Services for Special Needs Populations
• Youth Programs
Medium Priority Needs Addressed
• Improvement of Public Facilities
• Micro Businesses Assistance
• Skills & Training Development
(Medium for Public Services, High for Economic Development)
4
The following chart summarizes the 2011 Program Year funding availability and
expenditures:
OBJECTIVE ADDRESSED ACTION
Assisting homeless persons obtain
affordable housing
CDBG support for the Inter-Faith Cot
Shelter, the Grove Street Inn
Assisting persons at risk of homelessness CDBG support for SRO Outreach, Manna
Soup Kitchen, First Call for Help, Survival
Center, Mass. Fair Housing Center,
Community Legal Aid
Retaining the affordable housing stock CDBG support for COA Home Repair
Program, New South Street Apartments
Meadowbrook Apartments
Increasing availability of affordable
permanent housing
Support for moving Habitat, VCDC and
Housing Authority projects forward
Providing affordable housing accessible to
job opportunities
CDBG support for New South Street Apts.
Improving the safety and livability of
neighborhoods
CDBG support for the COA Home Repair
Program and Meadowbrook Apartments.
Prior Year Funding $ 324,754.55
FY12 Grant Award $ 686,277
Program Income Received $ 58,096.06
Total Funds Available $ 1,069,127.61
Total Funds Expended $ 734,745.44
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Eliminating blighting influences and
deterioration of properties and facilities
CDBG support for Home Repair Program,
James House and Fairgrounds projects
Increasing access to quality public and
private facilities
CDBG support for Forbes Library, Grace
House and the Senior Center
Reducing isolation of income groups
through housing de-concentration
Support housing development projects
when proposed in City
Restoring and preserving special
properties
CDBG support for Fairgrounds
redevelopment and the James House
Conserving energy resources CDBG support for James House
renovation & Senior Center construction
Creating and retaining jobs CDBG support for Valley CDC Micro-
Business Assistance Program
Expanding micro businesses CDBG support for Valley CDC Micro-
Business Assistance Program
Provision of public services concerned
with employment
CDBG support for Literacy Project, Center
for New Americans, James House
Learning Center, Valley CDC Business
Assistance Program, Grove Street Inn,
Casa Latina
Availability of mortgage financing using
non-discriminatory lending practices
CDBG support for Mass. Fair Housing
Center & Valley CDC Homeownership
Center
Access to capital and credit for economic
development and asset building
CBDG support for Valley CDC Business
Assistance Center, Homeownership
Center, Literacy Project, Center for New
Americans
CDBG funding allocations were spread across a diverse array of projects and services, all
of which were targeted to meet the City's high and medium priority needs. A detailed
list of funded activities and annual accomplishments follows.
6
CDBG funded programs to assist those finding themselves homeless in Northampton
included staffing at the City's homeless shelters (Grove Street Inn and Interfaith Cot
Shelter). Many of the public services grant recipients such as Generation Q and the
Literacy Project's Passport to Success Program indirectly accomplish homelessness
prevention.
CDBG funded programs to help low and moderate income residents meet their basic
needs. The Northampton Survival Center received funding for their emergency food
pantry and Kid's Summer Food Program, which bridged the summer nutrition gap by
distributing free groceries for breakfasts and lunches to children who rely on the school
meal programs during the year. A meals program operated by the Manna Soup Kitchen
in downtown was available to the homeless and other persons with limited means.
For City residents who are renters, CDBG-funded activities included counseling for
households that felt they experienced discrimination. Efforts were made to inform real
estate professionals and rental property owners of their rights and responsibilities to
insure that a rental situation is beneficial for both parties. Additionally, the SRO
Outreach program provided housing stabilization support to residents of SRO units
through food pantry access and linkages to other service delivery systems.
For those households able to afford homeownership, the Valley CDC Program offered
counseling, guidance and referral to HOME assisted units in the area. Financial Literacy
workshops, fair housing workshops and First Time Homebuyer Sessions were all offered
to insure future homeowners are educated about the home buying process. The Mass
Fair Housing Center offered foreclosure prevention assistance to help maintain housing
stabilization once homeownership was obtained.
Economic development goals were furthered as work progressed on the Fairgrounds
Redevelopment Project, the James House Community Learning Center, Valley CDC's Micro
Business Counseling Program and the River Valley Market.
The City implemented its FYll CDBG Action Plan through the combined efforts of City
departments, the Northampton Housing Authority, area non-profit social service
agencies, local economic development organizations and non-profit regional and local
housing providers.
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Affordable Housing
The City of Northampton expended $101,819 of its available CDBG funds for housing and
homelessness activities. The components funded this past year were:
Council on Aging Home Repair $25,378.36
Valley CDC First Time Homebuyer Program $20,000
Housing Support Services/ SRO Outreach $15,941
Homeless Shelter Staffing (Grove Street/ Cot
Shelter)
$32,000
Fair Housing Services and AI Update $8,500
Total $101,819.36
The City's efforts to create and preserve affordable housing units and support housing
stabilization activities were supplemented by leveraging the following resources:
• HUD Self Help Homeownership Opportunity Funding
(Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity)
• HUD McKinney Vento Supportive Housing Program funding
• Federal SAMHSA funds
• HUD VASH vouchers
• Federal Affordable Home Loan Bank Funding (Habitat for Humanity)
• State HOME funds
• MA Department of Housing and Community Development programs
Affordable Housing Trust funds, Housing Innovations Fund
• Mass Housing and the Massachusetts Housing Partnership
• Community Preservation Act funds dispersed locally
Homeownership Housing Production
The next phase of housing development at Village Hill (formerly Northampton State
Hospital) began the permitting phase. Fall construction is planned. This phase will
consist of bungalow style homes constructed on small lots. The hope is that the sales
price will be affordable as work force housing (80-120% area median income).
MassDevelopment has said the market will dictate the final product. The Village Hill
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development as an urban mixed use urban neighborhood is taking shape. The
affordable units in the first and second phase are fully rented and have now been
operational for several years. A resident association is being formed to bring the mixed
income residents together communally. The commercial components are also starting to
move ahead. Plans are progressing for commercial/retail spaces, Kollmorgen has
completed their new building on the south campus and became fully operational there
this past year.
MassDevelopment made additional progress on implementation of the Master Plan by
making efforts to identify a developer for the Assisted Living development and Wright
Builders continued constructing the market rate single family homes and townhouses.
Schematic of the bungalow development as proposed by Pecoy Builders.
Soldier On continued its quest to secure funding sources to construct units for
Veteran’s on the Veteran’s Administration Campus in Leeds. An enhanced use lease has
been secured from the VA which allows the project to move forward. The development
will contain 60 units. 44 of those will be SRO’s with a cooperative form of ownership.
The remaining 16 units will be for women Veterans with children. All units are eligible
for inclusion in the statewide subsidized housing inventory. The lease from the VA was
granted for the maximum time period allowed - 65 years. Construction is anticipated to
commence next spring (2013). Soldier On has completed a similar project in Pittsfield
that won a “Door Knocker” award from HUD, one of 14 awarded nationally to honor
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models of Federal, state and local collaboration. The project in Northampton will be
designed and constructed similarly.
Soldier On continued to participate in Continuum of Care meetings and attended the
Next Step Collaborative monthly meetings. Soldier On is a valued partner in the quest
to end Veteran’s homelessness and they continued to make strides in creating and
maintaining a compassionate service delivery system for Veterans and their families
this past year.
Locus site plan for the Leeds campus project in Northampton
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Gordon H. Mansfield Veterans’ Community Completed in Pittsfield October 2011
Habitat for Humanity
Work continued this year at the Verona Garfield Habitat site. The first single family
stand alone newly constructed home was built. The home has handicap accessibility on
the main level and was built with the local vocational high school. The construction of
the Garfield Avenue extension was substantially completed and as-built drawings are
being completed for street acceptance by the City in 2013.
The site now contains a total of 3 single family homes all with female headed
households. There are 2 more single family homes planned for the site. One will be a 4
bedroom and the second will be a two bedroom handicapped accessible home. Funding
to complete work at the site has been secured from the Federal Home Loan Bank
applied for this program year. The 2 remaining homes will be constructed next year and
the following year.
The working relationship with the Building Program at Smith Vocational High School,
under the leadership of Larry Sawula, continues to provide mutual benefit and is a
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stellar example of community partnership. Habitat staff and volunteers continued to
support all the Habitat families during the year.
Habitat also completed the rehabilitation and resale of a unit at the Westhampton Road
development to a new family. The unit became vacant due to a death. Otherwise, all of
the families living in Habitat homes in Northampton are the original families, even
going back to the 1990’s.
The photo below shows the Garfield site (land donated by the City). The unit on the left
was completed in June of 2010; the unit in the middle - June of 2011 and the handicap
accessible unit on the right saw completion in June of 2012. The remaining units,
including the one on the market rate lot retained by the City, will be constructed across
the street.
Garfield Avenue Habitat Project
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Rental Housing Production
In the Annual Action plan, it was reported that Valley CDC’s King Street SRO project
would be completed and rented up around July 2011. The beautifully renovated
Victorian building located downtown (pictured on report cover page) was fully rented
by December of 2011. The project added 10 new SRO units to the inventory and
addressed a high priority of creating additional SRO units.
Of the 10 enhanced SRO units, 5 are designated for formerly homeless individuals. Each
unit has a bathroom and kitchenette. The building has on-site laundry and a community
room. Commercial space was made available for rent on the first floor. A lottery was
conducted on May 25th, 2011 for 5 apartments; the remaining 5 units were rented
through referrals from the homeless service provider community. Monthly rent is
$500.00 including utilities.
The Maple Avenue Sober Living/Gandara Center project became fully rented as of
November 2011. This project involved the acquisition of a duplex to provide 6 units of
housing for formerly homeless individuals committed to recovery. This was a Friends
of the Homeless initiative. Funding was secured from MassHousing CCRI’s program, a
Community Preservation Committee award and private fundraising. The property was
purchased by the Friends, then sold to the Gandara Center, who operates and manages
the program.
Rental Assistance
Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) Program- The VASH Program is
administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Leeds in
partnership with the Northampton Housing Authority. 50 additional vouchers were
received this past year, bringing the overall total to 280. Only 1 voucher has been issued
out of the most recent allocation, as staff is needed for case management functions (hiring
occurring now). Since July of 2011, the 50 vouchers issued out of that allocation have all been
utilized. Of the 230 available at the beginning of that year, 36 were placed in Northampton.
Other placements include 6 in Amherst, 11 in Easthampton, 9 in Greenfield, 64 in
Pittsfield, 48 in Springfield.
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Preservation of Existing Stock
The Home Repair Program administered by the Council on Aging conducted work at 6
households this past year. There were 3 loans and 1 grant award completed during the
program year and 2 projects carried over to the next year. Work ranged from porch and roof
repair to the installation of handicap bathroom hardware.
The Council on Aging has decided not to administer the program after this year. As
the CDBG allocation continues to decrease, it is no longer financially feasible for
them to allocate staff time and resources to operate the program. Gratitude is
expressed to Director Patte Shaughnessy and her staff for administering the
program for many, many years.
Homeownership Assistance
The Director of Valley Community Development’s Homeownership Assistance Program
assisted 52 households. All First Time Homebuyers were referred to the HOME funded
American Dream Down Payment Initiative (ADDI). Of the 52 served, 26 were first
time homebuyers and 26 were existing homeowners facing or at risk of foreclosure.
The Valley CDC is putting forward an application to the Community Preservation
Committee next year to provide foreclosure assistance. Pre-purchase households
worked on debt reduction, credit score improvement and savings for down payments.
Post purchase counseling is time intensive, involving negotiating with banks to accept
repayment plans, submission of loan modification packages and working with
households to reduce debt and increase income. Although foreclosure activity has
lessened in the region, cases continue to be seen locally. The countless hours worked
by Director Michelle Morris to get and keep people housed should be acknowledged.
Homeless Services
Homelessness Prevention
Community Action, the anti-poverty agency serving Franklin and Hampshire County
staff took the lead this past year working with court involved families facing
homelessness. After the ARRA HPRP funds ran out, staff continued doing the work,
finding financial resources where they could (ESG, Interfaith Help fund, Charles
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White Fund, State RAFT funds in Franklin County, Community Action’s Heat Up
Plus/ funds raised internally, the Salvation Army and small private pots).
The Community Action case advocate worked with 227 households in both counties
during the year. Of those, 100 families were able to preserve their housing. That
included 34 households without dependent children. 58 families accessed financial
assistance. 26 households from Northampton were assisted.
The Tenancy Preservation Program, operating throughout the Pioneer Valley assisted
6 Northampton residents this past year. Under the auspices of MassHousing, the
program worked to prevent homelessness among people with disabilities. TPP acts as a neutral
party between landlord and tenant and provides clinical consultation services to the Housing
Court. TPP operated in collaboration with a number of agencies and organizations:
The Housing Court Department of the Massachusetts Trial Court
The Massachusetts Departments of Children and Families, Developmental Services,
Housing and Community Development, Mental Health, Public Health, and Transitional
Assistance
The Executive Office of Elder Affairs
Public housing authorities
Private management companies
Local legal service agencies
The program targets individuals and families where a disability is both present and directly
related to the reason for eviction. TPP clinicians assess the reasons for the eviction, identify
needed services, develop a treatment plan to maintain the tenancy, and monitor the case. If the
tenancy cannot be preserved, TPP coordinates the tenant's transition to a more appropriate
placement, preventing homelessness whenever possible. Of the 6 households assisted in
Northampton, 5 tenancies were preserved. Of the 20 households assisted in Hampshire County,
(inclusive of the Northampton data), 15 tenancies were preserved, 3 moved to more appropriate
housing and 2 were evicted.
SRO Outreach Project - The SRO Outreach Coordinator was ever present in several of the
private and non-profit SRO’s in the community, holding coffee hours and linking individuals
with needed resources. A total of 207 people were served over the course of the year. Transport
to appointments, help with securing mainstream resources, availability of the emergency food
pantry are all interventions that preserve tenancies. This one person operation, focused on
housing stabilization and homelessness prevention is a critical component in our local service
delivery system.
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ServiceNet’s Drop-In Center - The day program located at 43 Center Street is “command
central” for serving the homeless and those at risk of homelessness. Described as the entry point
for intake into our service system, it opens the door every morning to between 20 and 40
individuals looking for a meal, a shower and a case manager to help them plan a course of
action for the future. With no real funding source for this work, ServiceNet staffers, in addition
to Health Care for the Homeless nurses and other service providers, interact daily, doing
housing search for those without homes and working to preserve tenancies for those already
housed. Approximately 165 unduplicated people were served this year. Many enter the shelter
system, either at the Winter Inter-faith Cot Shelter, or into the Grove Street Inn year round
shelter. But since both shelters are not open during the day, all the case management work
happens at the Drop In during the day.
Community Legal Aid - During 2011, CLA was selected as a new CDBG public services sub-
recipient. Formerly known as Western Mass. Legal Services, CLA will use the award to leverage
Federal ESG funds to create a position to be present in the Courts. A part time attorney will help
Northampton households prevent eviction and secure or maintain eligibility for subsidized
housing.
According to CLA’s application for funding….” 62% of renter households in the Springfield
Metropolitan Statistical Area are unable to afford the rent on a two bedroom apartment. The
study showed that a household earning minimum wage would need to work 85 hours each
week to afford a two bedroom units… For low-income tenants with rent subsidies… expert
legal assistance at critical times in the eviction and subsidy termination processes can preserve a
precious commodity, affordable rent - and can mean the difference between stability and
homelessness.”
The application also states that “the landlord in many public and subsidized eviction cases is
often represented by an attorney. In 2011, the Western Division of the Housing Court had the
second highest number of eviction cases in the state and only 5.6% of the tenants were
represented by counsel, compared to 59% of landlords. Also, a growing number of eviction and
subsidy termination cases are related to disabilities and reasonable accommodation”. In this
next year, CLA will work closely with the Tenancy Preservation Program, Community Action
and the Mass. Fair Housing Center to help families prevent homelessness.
* The work of Toni Hochstadt of Community Action, Linda Driscoll of the Tenancy Preservation
Program/Mental Health Association, Nancy Gonzalez-Silva of the Center for Human
Development’s SRO Outreach Project, Wanda Rolon and Mike Trembley of ServiceNet and
Claudia Phillips/ Health Care for the Homeless working at the Drop- In Center, should be
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acknowledged for their work day in and day out to keep folks moving forward in a setting of
diminishing resources.
Unit Production
Over the last year, the following efforts moved forward with regard to housing homeless
individuals and families:
Aids Care of Hampshire County received a McKinney funding award which will create
10 housing subsidies with support services for households impacted by HIV/Aids.
(However, due to the low FMR’s dictated by Northampton being in the Springfield
SMSA, the likelihood is strong the units will be found in Hampden County.)
Gandara House and Hampshire County Friends of the Homeless collaborated to bring 6
permanent supported housing units on line for the long-term homeless with histories of
substance abuse. Duplex is located in downtown Northampton.
ServiceNet’s SAMHSA grant funded permanent supported housing for individuals
through the Housing Plus Program. 15 units provided in Franklin and Hampshire
counties. Units require permanent housing subsidy, although support services may
discontinue in later years.
MASS-Mission SAMHSA Permanent Housing Project/ Three year Federal HHS funding
award to a collaboration of the Western Mass. Regional Network to End Homelessness,
UMass Medical Center in Worcester and Soldier On. Program provides intensive
services for chronically homeless individuals in Hampshire and Hampden counties.
Launched in January of 2012 housed 40 during this program year. Target for the first
operating year was 45 and 60 for the second year. 15 units were set aside by 4
organizations in Northampton for MASS Mission program participants.
On-going programs included Soldier On’s Veterans Village (13 units of permanent supported
housing) at the VA Campus in Leeds, Yvonne’s House in Florence ( 6 units for chronically
homeless, owned and operated by ServiceNet, Inc. the Center for Human Development’s
SAMHSA funded permanent housing units for families ( Solid Ground Program) which
contains some Hampshire county placements.
The goal in the 2007 Pioneer Valley 10 Year Plan to End Homelessness called for the creation of
510 new permanent supportive housing units for chronically homeless individuals. 59% of
those units have been created to date. The plan called for 100 new permanent supportive
housing units for chronically homeless families. 40% of the family units have been created. If
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the VASH units are included as well, those percentages increase to 82% and 40%. Significant
progress has been made regionally in the first 5 years of the plan.
*See Appendix for Data on Local and Regional Homelessness.
Housing and Homelessness Priority/Activity Chart
Need/
Priority
Strategy/
Program
Objective Outcome Number to
be served
Goal
Met
Homeless
Prevention
High
Priority
Create a family
outreach and
support
program for
court involved
households
Assisting
persons at-
risk of
becoming
homeless
Sustainability of
Decent Housing
Administered by
Community
Action
50 EL
50 LI
Yes
227 hh’s
ESG funds &
other sources
Advocate for
continued
funding for the
Tenancy
Preservation
Program
Assisting
persons at-
risk of
becoming
homeless
Sustainability of
Decent Housing
Supported
funding
application to
MassHousing
10 EL
10 LI
Yes
20 served/15
tenancies
preserved/ 2
evictions / 3
moved to
better
housing
Continue to
support the SRO
Outreach
Program
Assisting
persons at-
risk of
becoming
homeless
Sustainability of
Decent Housing
CDBG support
on-going/ CHD
SRO project
100 EL
50 LI
Yes
207 Served
Collaborate with
Highland Valley
Elder Services to
identify frail
elders living
alone
Assisting
persons at-
risk of
becoming
homeless
Sustainability of
Decent Housing
On-going / the
Center for
Human
Development
SRO project
15 EL
10 LI
Yes
4 disabled, 25
elderly
Support self-
sufficiency, life
skills attainment
programs
Assisting
persons at-
risk of
becoming
homeless
Sustainability of
Decent Housing
CDBG support for
public services
/SRO Outreach
100 EL
75 LI
Yes
207 served
18
Provision of
Emergency
Shelter
High
Priority
Continue to
support staff
capacity for
emergency
shelter system
Assisting
homeless
persons obtain
affordable
housing
Availability/
Affordability
On-going.
CDBG funding
for Cot program
and Grove St. Inn
250 EL Yes
181 Served at
Grove; 204 at
Cot
Improve the
physical
environment
and energy
efficiency at the
Grove Street Inn
Assisting
homeless
persons obtain
affordable
housing
Availability/
Affordability
Looking for
funding for
exterior painting.
100 EL
Yes Funding
found, for
spring 2013
Provide
rapid re-
housing
services.
High
Priority
Facilitate
coordinated case
management to
re-house those
who lose their
housing
Assisting
homeless
persons obtain
affordable
housing
Availability/
Affordability
On-going through
regional network
committees/
REACH
35 EL
15 LI
Yes
Support self-
sufficiency, life
skills attainment
programs
Assisting
homeless
persons obtain
affordable
housing
Availability/
Affordability
On-going support
to emergency
shelters and drop-
in Center
40EL Yes
165 served at
Drop-In
Center
Preservation
of
Affordable
Housing.
High
Priority
Capitalize the
Affordable
Housing Trust
Retention of
the affordable
housing stock
Sustainability of
decent, affordable
housing
Investigate CPC
application 2011
Still doing
research
No
Monitor and
intervene as
needed to
maintain
Subsidized
Housing
Inventory units
Retention of
the affordable
housing stock
Sustainability of
decent, affordable
housing
On-going. Begin
dialogue with
Leeds Village
Apartment owner
21 units
Leeds Village
expires in
2018
Begun
dialogue
with Mass
Housing
& owner
/new loan
tools
Re-establish a
Housing
Rehabilitation
Program
Retention of
the affordable
housing stock,
energy
efficiency,
housing
quality
Sustainability of
decent, affordable
housing
Have not located
funding. Will
outreach to
Pioneer Valley
Reg. Planning
0 units
Still doing
research.
No
Funding
source
identified
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Commission and
Hilltown CDC
Sustain and
improve existing
Single Room
Occupancy
Units
Retention of
the affordable
housing stock
Sustainability of
decent, affordable
housing
Finishing 2
projects started
last year.
Maples
Valley CDC
11 units
renovated
Yes
Support
landlords who
are providing
market rate
affordable units
Retention of
the affordable
housing stock
Sustainability of
decent, affordable
housing
Part of Housing
Partnership
Action Plan for
2011-
12/workshop
Letter
planned for
1/13 MF
owner
mailing
No
Provide
assistance for
rehabilitation
activities/
preserve stock
Retention of
the affordable
housing stock
Sustainability of
decent, affordable
housing
CDBG funding
for rehabilitation
work/ New South
Street and
Meadowbrook
Apartments
18 units /
improved &
term of
affordability
restriction
increased.
252 units/
sewer work
Meadow-
brook
complete but
not New
South St.
apts.
Creating
deed
restriction/
project
delayed due
to sale of
property.
Impact
Affordability
of Rental
Housing
High
Priority
Support
Northampton
Housing
Authority (local)
and HAP
Housing
(regional) rental
assistance
programs
Increase
utilization of
Section 8
rental
subsidies
Improved
availability
/affordability
Facilitate
networking for
VA VASH
workers/ VA
service linkages
and data
collection through
HMIS /on-going
35 New
VASH
vouchers
Yes
50 VASH
vouchers
recvd. FY11
All housed 26
in
Northampton
280 total
Establish Task
Force to increase
exceptions rents
and reconfigure
the regional
Standard
Increase
utilization of
Section 8
rental
subsidies in
Northampton
Improved
availability/
affordability
No action taken
to date; will
revisit this year.
Est. new
SMSA for
Northampton
No action
taken.
20
Metropolitan
Statistical Area
(Federal
Congressional
action required)
Advocate for
increased
funding for the
Massachusetts
Rental Voucher
Program
Increase
availability of
rental
subsidies
Improved
availability/
affordability
Did not occur in
State budget for
this year. Will
continue to
monitor/
advocate
0 new
vouchers for
EL
Yes
Program
increased for
new budget
year by 6
million.
Facilitate
complete
utilization of
HPRP, ICHH
funds for
housing
placement
activities (first,
last month’s and
security
deposits)
Increase
opportunities
for accessing/
obtaining
affordable
housing
Improved
availability/
affordability
Those funding
sources are
exhausted as of
June 30, 2011, no
new allocations.
Will look to CPC-
Trust fund,
churches and
Salvation Army.
0 EL h/holds Friends of the
Homeless
gave $4,000
to ServiceNet
for this use/
18 served.
Production
of Rental
Housing for
Individuals
High
Priority
Identify suitable
municipal land
and make
available for
housing
Increase
availability of
affordable
permanent
housing
New availability/
a suitable living
environment
Looking at
surplused Smith
College, church
and Clarke School
for the Deaf
properties
No
No parcels
identified
Clarke reuse
proposal
market rate
Pursue tax title
property for
affordable
housing
Increase
availability of
affordable
permanent
housing
New availability/
a suitable living
environment
Will continue to
monitor
None
identified for
LM
No
properties
identified
Convert existing
housing to
Increase
availability of
affordable
permanent
housing
New availability/
a suitable living
environment/
Sustainability
Rented up
King Street
SRO 10 new
units &
Yes
16 new units
in existing
housing
created
21
affordable
housing
Renovation of
existing
properties
Gandara
House 6
units
Promote Infill
development
Increasing the
availability of
affordable
permanent
housing
New availability/
a suitable living
environment/
Sustainability
Work with
Planning
Department to
identify
developers/
projects
0 units
proposed at
this time.
No sites were
identified
Identify and
implement
Housing First,
Safe Haven
projects
Increasing the
availability of
affordable
permanent
housing
New availability/
a suitable living
environment
Just completing
one, will pursue
Safe Havens
No project
identified at
this time.
No projects
moved
forward
Examine
adaptive reuse
and mixed use
possibilities for
affordable
housing
Increasing the
availability of
affordable
permanent
housing
New availability/
a suitable living
environment
Will continue to
pursue.
No project
identified at
this time.
No projects
moved
forward
Examine,
identify and
implement
enhanced SRO
projects
Increasing the
availability of
affordable
permanent
housing
New availability/
a suitable living
environment
Will continue to
pursue.
No project
identified at
this time.
No projects
moved
forward
Production
of Rental
Housing for
Families
High
Priority
Examine
locations and
designs to
accommodate
smaller
households/
cottage style,
accessory
apartments
Increasing the
availability of
suitably sized
affordable
housing
New availability/
a suitable living
environment
Will continue to
pursue.
No project
identified at
this time.
Plans begun
to hold
session on
senior co-
housing in
2013.
22
Convert existing
housing to
affordable
housing
Utilize
existing stock
New availability/
a suitable living
environment
Will continue to
pursue.
No project
identified at
this time.
No sites were
identified
Promote Infill
development for
smaller
households
Protect
undeveloped
areas
New availability/
a suitable living
environment
Will continue to
pursue.
No project
identified at
this time.
No projects
were
identified
Identify suitable
municipal
parcels for
development
Keep
developer
costs down
New availability/
a suitable living
environment
Will outreach to
owners.
One parcel
identified/
Florence
No projects
moved
forward.
Affordable
Home
ownership
Opportunity
Medium
Priority
Continue to
fund and
support the First
Time
Homebuyer
Program/
Increasing the
availability of
affordable
housing for
ownership
A suitable living
environment and
economic
opportunity/
Fully funded
CDBG request/
20,000
45 LM
households
served
Yes
52
served
Support area
foreclosure
prevention
programs/
efforts
Increasing the
availability of
affordable
housing for
ownership
A suitable living
environment and
economic
opportunity/
neighborhood
and economic
stabilization
Support of Valley
CDC and
HAP/funding
support letters
25 LI
households
served
Yes
26 served
Support post-
purchase
counseling;
budgeting and
financial literacy
programs
Increasing the
availability of
affordable
housing for
ownership
A suitable living
environment and
economic
opportunity/
neighborhood
and
economic
stabilization
Support of Valley
CDC and
60 LI
households
served
Yes
52 served by
Valley CDC
and 20+
Florence
Savings Bank
23
HAP/funding
support letters
Continue to
fund and
support Fair
Lending and
anti-
discrimination
practices and
programs
Increasing the
availability of
affordable
housing for
ownership
A suitable living
environment and
economic
opportunity/
neighborhood
and economic
stabilization
CDBG funded for
annual work
100 EL and LI
households
served
Yes
180 served
Maintain
and Provide
Housing for
At-Risk
Populations.
High
Priority
Identify ways to
continue the
programming
instituted
through the
State ICHH
funds and the
Federal stimulus
allocations
Increase the
supply of
supportive
housing to
enable
homeless and
special needs
populations to
live
independently
Increase
accessibility and
availability/ a
suitable living
environment.
Regional
Network applied
for 5 year
SAMHSA grant to
provide support
services for
homeless placed
in housing.
Partnered with
UMass Medical
for research
component.
50 EL
households
served
24 housed to
date
3 year grant
Continue to
assess the needs
of the seriously
mentally ill after
the completion
of the units at
the former
Northampton
State hospital
Increase the
supply of
supportive
housing for
homeless and
special needs
populations
Increase
accessibility and
availability/ a
suitable living
environment.
Will continue to
monitor through
DMH and State
Hospital
Advisory
Committee
0 units
planned at
this time
0 units
planned as
State
Hospital
build out
continues
Continue to
assess the needs
of the
developmentally
disabled after
Increase the
supply of
supportive
housing to
enable
Increase
accessibility and
availability/ a
suitable living
environment.
10 EL units
created / on
hold due to
lack of
funding.
Worked with
NHA to
move Burts
Pit project
forward/
24
the completion
of the
Northampton
Housing
Authority
project on Burt’s
Pit Road
homeless and
special
needs
populations
Advocate for
funding allocation
for Burt's Pit
Road project/
requires creation
of a State Bond
through DDS
10 units for
DDS
Identify funding
and locations for
a second
Yvonne’s House
and a Safe
Havens
Program
Increase the
supply of
supportive
housing to
enable
homeless and
special needs
populations.
Increase
accessibility and
availability/ a
suitable living
environment.
Yvonne's House 2
opened July 15,
2011. Will
continue work on
developing a Safe
Havens Program.
4-6 new EL
units created
Yes
6 EL units
created,
rented up
Housing and Homelessness Collaborative Efforts
Northampton Housing Partnership
The Housing Partnership (active since 1990) continued to meet monthly throughout
the past year. The Partnership advocates for affordable rental and homeownership units
by working with non-profit agencies, private developers and others to create and
preserve affordable housing. In addition to tasks associated with implementation of the
Housing Needs Assessment and Strategic Plan, it addressed the following this past year:
• Regular updates on the work of the Continuum of Care
• Regular updates from the Western Mass. Network to End Homelessness
• Updates from the Downtown Resource Center Work Group
• Session with the Planning Director to discuss surplus municipal property,
inclusionary zoning, new unit development options
• Session with the Director of the Northampton Housing Authority
• Monitoring of the unit creation at the former State Hospital
• Monitoring the language revisions to the Community Preservation Act law
• Initiating the updating of the Impediments to Fair Housing Analysis
25
• Identified support to families in subsidized housing as a primary goal for the
coming year, to address the numbers of homeless families in the hotels/motels and
the number of evictions of families currently living in assisted housing
The Partnership also acts as the City’s fair housing committee. To actively further fair
housing access and opportunity, it continued to work closely with the Massachusetts Fair
Housing Center. A CDBG planning and administration allocation was made to them to
update the Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing. (Summary provided in the fair housing
section)
Community Preservation Committee
By official City Charter, the Housing Partnership oversees funding recommendations for
CDBG housing activities and reviews all applications made to the City's housing draw
down fund. Funds for affordable housing projects have been limited due to the Senior
Center debt repayment obligation and the ever diminishing total allocation from HUD.
However, the Community Preservation Act fund has been able to support housing
projects and has successfully done so for the past several years. The two groups work
closely together. The local Community Preservation Committee requires applicants
coming before them for housing projects, to acquire an endorsement from the Housing
Partnership prior to the submission of the final application. Through this review process,
the Partnership can confirm for the CPC deliberation that the proposed project
addresses (or not) the priority needs articulated in the Housing Plan.
Unfortunately during 2011-12, no new housing projects were submitted to the CPC. The
Housing Partnership has plans to rectify that by doing outreach to insure applications
go in this year. There was an extra allocation made to the Friends of the Homeless in the
first round of 2011 for $30,000 to cover renovation cost overruns at the Maple Avenue
sober house. This dry spell was largely due to Habitat for Humanity continuing to work
on the Garfield Avenue site and projects in other communities, and Valley CDC being
embroiled in a lengthy permitting battle in Easthampton. The affordable units
mandated for completion at the State Hospital have come to fruition. The Partnership
and the Community Preservation Committee will need to work together in the next
year to identify additional production products.
During this past year, the State law governing the Community Preservation Act was
revised. Included in that was a clarification of what projects are eligible under the
“support for community housing” category. The definition now reads as follows:
26
“... shall include but not be limited to, programs that provide grants, loans, rental
assistance, security deposits, interest-rate write downs or other forms assistance
directly to individuals and families who are eligible for community housing, or to
housing, for the purpose of making housing affordable.”
Despite the current lull, the list of completed projects funded by the Community
Preservation Committee since the first funding round in 2008 is impressive.
Project CPA $ Leveraged Total Project
Budget
Habitat for
Humanity Garfield
Avenue
$120,000 $579,975 $699,975
Friends of the
Homeless Straw
Ave. / Housing 1st
$220,000 $175,000 $395,000
Housing
Partnership
Strategic Plan
$34,694 $0 $34,694
Valley CDC/ FTHB $26,161 $0 $26,161
Alliance for Sober
Living/ renov.
$37,540 $8,000 $45,540
Paradise
Pond/HAP
$26,627 $0 $26,627
Grove Street Inn $8,824 $0 $8,824
Valley CDC/ King
Street SRO
$225,000 $1,885,000 $2,110,000
Valley CDC Maple
Street SRO
$250,000 $1,765,000 2,015,000
VCDC- predev.
Fund 1
$10,000 $0 10,000
VCDC- predev.
Fund 2
$10,000 $0 10,000
VCDC
Development Fund
$80,000 $0 $80,000
Habitat Garfield 2
$60,000 $108,605 $168,605
Habitat Garfield 2
$60,000 $108,604 $168,604
27
Habitat Garfield 2
$60,000 $108,604 $168,604
Grove Street Inn
rehab
$36,950 $0 $36,950
Friends of
Homeless Sober
House 1&2
$150,000
$30,000
$185,000 $365,000
Total
$1,445,796
$4,923,788
$6,369,584
Next Step Collaborative
The Next Step Collaborative is the monthly gathering of all housing and homeless
service providers in the City. This group, active since 1994, is charged with the creation
and oversight of a coordinated and comprehensive care delivery system for the City's
low and moderate-income individuals and families, with specific focus on the homeless.
Facilitated by the City's Housing Planner, providers came together each month this last
program year to share information about services provided, service gaps and identified
issues that needed attention. This venue guaranteed that all participants were aware of
existing resources and gave agency staff the opportunity to check in with each other and
kept City staff informed about needs in the community.
Topics addressed last year included the need to relocate the homeless Drop In Center
to a more adequate space, street activity related to panhandling, homeless outreach
services, vacancies in the Easthampton SMOC properties, numbers and locations of
unsheltered homeless, shelter capacity issues, coordination with the Amherst Shelter
and meals programs.
Three County Continuum of Care
The City of Northampton continued to serve as the lead agency for the Three County
Continuum of Care, which administers Federal McKinney Vento homelessness funds for
the region. The Continuum included Franklin, Hampshire and Hampden counties with
the exception of the City of Springfield. Last year was the 16th year the City successfully
applied for and secured 1.4 million dollars for annually for 14 programs. Continuum
meetings were held monthly.
28
The decision was made during this past year to relinquish the lead agency role to
administer the McKinney Grant and oversee the Continuum. A Request for
Expressions of Interest was issued in the spring of 2012. After a review of responses
and an interview process, the Hilltown Community Development Corporation was
chosen to move the Continuum forward. Work commenced at the end of the fiscal
year to launch that transition process which may take several months.
The rationale for this transition was solely due to resource issues. The administration
fee for City staff to conduct the grants administration had not increased since the
early days of the program (1997). Contributions from other communities had helped
to fill the gap. For many years, $2,000 contributions had been received annually from
Westfield, Holyoke and Chicopee. Amherst contributed for 2 years and Easthampton
for one. Those cities were primarily using CDBG planning and administration funds
to make those contributions and all received cuts the last several years. The City
decided, although the commitment to participating in the regional solution to end
homelessness remains strong, to support a new agency taking on the role of lead
agency. City staff will work with Hilltown staff to accomplish a smooth transition.
Western Massachusetts Regional Network to End Homelessness
The City continued to participate in the Regional Network to End Homelessness this past year.
The Housing Planner was an integral member of the Management Committee, the Steering
Committee and the Governance Committee which all met at least monthly and represented the
Mayor at the quarterly Leadership Council meetings. The Mayor attended a session with all the
western Mass. Mayors and Town officials to commit their energies to a regional solution. The
City’s Housing Planner participated in the Individual Services Committee and encouraged the
launch of a work group focused on unaccompanied youth, attended the sessions on Housing
Sex Offenders, Discharge Planning with hospitals and jails and supported grant applications for
a SAMHSA project with the University of Massachusetts to support chronically homeless in
housing and a Workforce Development grant to empower homeless families from the Fireman’s
Foundation.
The Network has developed a stellar statewide reputation for consensus building and
improving coordination among all stakeholders. In addition to effective advocacy, progress
continued on the paradigm shift from a shelter based solution to housing. We have, however,
struggled mightily with the number of homeless families in motels in W. Springfield, Chicopee,
Springfield and Greenfield. The family service providers should be commended for working
29
together to implement DHCD’s HomeBase program and for continuing to find solutions to
serve and house ever increasing numbers of homeless families, with few resources.
Additional funding sources (Pioneer Valley United Way, The Community Foundation of
Western Mass,) have been secured to keep the Network Coordinator position funded. The first
and only Regional Network Coordinator, Pamela Schwartz is also a Northampton City
Councilor and the Chair of the Leadership Council for the Network, Lynne Wallace, is the Vice-
Chair of the Northampton Housing Partnership.
The City acknowledges the tremendous efforts of both individuals.
Western Massachusetts Inter-Agency Council on Housing and Homelessness
WMIC continued to meet quarterly this past year. This is a gathering of representatives of
State agencies, service providers and representatives of the 3 western Massachusetts
Continuums of Care. This body initiated the Housing First/REACH pilot project in
Springfield and has spawned extensive regional collaboration. The primary purpose of
WMIC is to identify barriers to effective service delivery that result from the lack State
agency coordination and works to break down those barriers. The Northampton Housing
Planner served as defacto staff to WMIC the past few years.
Each year the agenda is focused on a particular topic to define, identify the barriers that exist as
a result of State agency silos, develop an action plan and hopefully create a pilot project to test
new ideas and develop best practices. This year’s topics were eligibility issues for chronically
homeless individuals and employment.
The analysis of eligibility barriers yielded a pilot project called CRT - the Critical Response
Team. A group of high level state agency representatives will assemble when all standard paths
have been exhausted and clients have fallen through all cracks. The State ICHH has endorsed
the proposal (no financial resources required!) and State ICHH member agencies have
designated agency representatives working in western Mass. to serve on the CRT. Jay Levy at
Eliot Homeless Services, Jerry Ray from the Mental Health Association and Dave Modzewelski,
formerly DMH, now MHA formulated this task force and will activate it when necessary. Data
will be collected for evaluation purposes moving forward. Referrals for CRT will be made from
the monthly REACH meetings (Regional Engagement and Assessment of Chronically
30
Homeless) where providers come together for coordinated case management of those facing the
most challenges.
The employment focus began with presentations from the Regional Employment Boards and
CareerPoint in Holyoke to educate participants about the inherent disconnects between current
programs and serving the homeless. This investigation paralleled the creation of an action plan
for homeless families secured through One Family. Work will continue to implement the
recommendations of the Plan and a subcommittee that formed to put the grant application in
and monitor the process will now pursue funding for action steps. Hope is high that the
Fireman Foundation will make additional funds available for the implementation phase.
As the City of Northampton moves away from being the lead of the Continuum of Care, the
Housing Planner will cease to participate as heavily in regional efforts. She will continue to
represent the Mayor at the Leadership Council meetings, but her time will be spent on
Northampton projects primarily, going in to the new program year.
Cot Management Committee
This highly successful program operates in partnership with the City, ServiceNet, Inc. the
program administrator and a cadre of 400+ community volunteers that provide the
evening meal and over-night support for paid staff. The program operates from
November 1st to April 30th. The Housing Planner serves as the City representative on the
Management Committee that oversees the operation of the Hampshire Inter-faith
winter emergency shelter. The Housing Planner serves as an overnight volunteer once a
month to experience the program first hand.
Public Housing
The City of Northampton has an established working relationship with the
Northampton Housing Authority (NHA). CDBG funds have been committed to the
NHA by the City for various public housing improvements over the past several years.
The Mayor of Northampton appoints four of the five NHA commissioners, with the
fifth being appointed by the Governor. The NHA provides the City with copies of its
annual report and meeting minutes and was involved in the consultation process
undertaken for development of the 2010 Consolidated Plan and the Year 27 Action Plan.
31
The City’s CDBG Consolidated Plan and the NHA’s five-year plan are designed to be
consistent in their approach to meeting the housing and social service needs of the
City’s very low, low, and moderate income population. The City’s Housing and
Community Development Planner/CDBG Administrator worked with the Housing
Authority to coordinate the goals and objectives of the City’s CDBG Consolidated Plan
and annual Action Plan with the NHA’s five year strategy.
NHA Collaboration
During calendar year 2012 the NHA and the City of Northampton signed a co-operative
agreement whereby the City will share the services of its Energy and Sustainability
Coordinator for 5 hours each week. This service will allow the NHA to gain the
expertise and staff time needed to identify energy conservation measures, seek available
funding and institute those conservation measures.
Also in 2012 the NHA worked with Mass Broadband to establish high speed broadband
internet access to public anchor buildings located at NHA developments (generally
community buildings).
Public Housing Unit Condition and Planned Improvements
Unit Condition
The Northampton Housing Authority (NHA) rates the general condition of its public
housing stock as good. Over the last several years renovations to Northampton’s public
housing units have included new roofs at Cahill Apartments; high efficiency hot water
heaters and security cameras at McDonald House; cellar stairwell improvements and
new exterior paint at Florence Heights; auto door openers and security cameras at Salvo
House; construction of a storage shed at Grace House and auto door openers at Tobin
Manor Apartments. Additionally, state capital funding allowed the complete
replacement/ renovation of kitchen and baths at Hampshire Height, the NHA’s oldest
development.
Improvements
The following improvements and actions were recently completed at NHA
developments.
32
Florence Heights
• New perimeter fencing 2011
• Installation of new energy star domestic hot water heaters 2011-2012 (complete)
• Flooring replacement in selected units 2012
• Energy conservation measures; attic insulation 2012 (planning stage)
Forsander Apartments
• Roof replacement and column repairs 2012 (design phase)
• Energy conservation measures; attic, duct and hatchway insulation 2012 (ongoing)
Tobin Elderly Apartments
• Install automatic door openers 2010 / 2012
• Installation of new addressable fire alarm system 2012
• Energy conservation measures; attic insulation 2012
Cahill Apartments
• Roof replacement 2009
• Drainage improvements 2010
• Installation of HP access ramps and curb cuts 2011-12
• Energy conservation
• Community room upgrades 2012 (planning stage)
• Energy conservation measures; duct, attic and hatchway insulation 2012 (ongoing)
Salvo House
• Automatic door openers 2010
• Installation of security cameras 2010
• Installation of new passenger elevator power units 2011
• Waterproofing of freight elevator pit 2012
• Crack sealing parking lot 2012
• Purchase of new energy star refrigerators 2012
McDonald House
• Elevator cab upgrades 2011-12
• Fire alarm upgrade 2011-12
• Automatic door openers/ community room 2012
• Overhaul of emergency diesel generator 2012
• Rerouting of selected electrical circuits to the emergency generator 2012
• Flooring improvements in selected units and hp bathroom 2012
33
Grace House
• Construction of a storage shed 2009
• Kitchen improvements 2012 (currently in bidding stage)
Hampshire Heights
• Kitchen and bathroom renovations 2004
• Furnace replacement with high efficiency units 2009
Priority Public Facilities Needs/Objectives/Activities
Need/Strategies/Priority Level Strategy/Program Outcome
Construction of public
infrastructure to support
neighborhood and economic
revitalization.
High/Medium Priority.
Infrastructure design and construction
in targeted income eligible
neighborhoods or associated with
eligible private or non-profit
neighborhood, housing, or economic
development projects. Highest
priority is for drainage, sidewalks,
accessibility, and telecommunications
improvements because of limited
alternative sources of funds. Sewer,
water, roadway, traffic calming,
parking and other improvements have
medium priority due to alternative
available but limited funding sources
to support the need.
Access,
Sustainability
Conz St.
sidewalk
construction
finished.
Fairgrounds
drainage
engineering
study still
pending.
Streetscape improvements to
support neighborhood and
economic revitalization.
Medium Priority
Streetscape design, construction,
installation in income eligible
neighborhoods or associated with
eligible private or non-profit projects
including but not limited to sidewalks,
Access,
Sustainability
34
crosswalks/pedestrian signals and
other traffic calming/pedestrian safety
measures, accessible ramps/fixtures,
street trees/tree wells, street furniture,
bike racks, lighting, waste receptacles.
No projects
this program
year.
Public Parks/Recreation Areas
to support neighborhood and
economic revitalization.
Medium Priority
Park, playground, recreation
construction/improvement in income
eligible neighborhoods or associated
with eligible projects or to enhance
handicap accessibility.
Access,
Sustainability
No projects
this year.
Priority Economic Development Needs/Objectives/Activities *
Need/Priority
Level
Strategy/Program Outcome Number
Served
Increase business
development and
job
retention/creation
targeting low/mod
residents.
High Priority
Micro-business/small business
assistance technical
assistance/entrepreneurial
training to low/mod income
residents and qualified
businesses.
3 Workshops offered to broaden
outreach.
Access,
Sustainability
12 counseled
individually
14 workshop
attendees
Literacy, adult basic education,
English as a second language,
workforce readiness to low/mod
income residents, youth,
un/underemployed, under-
educated, non-English speaking
residents.
Access,
Sustainability
100+/
Literacy
Project &
Center for
New
Americans,
Gen Q
Predevelopment assistance and
small business loan program
Access,
Affordability,
Sustainability
26 total
through
VCDC
contract
35
Preserve and develop affordable
housing, studio, rehearsal, and
office space for artists and cultural
enterprises and integrate
L/MI/Special Need populations
into community cultural events.
Access,
Affordability,
Sustainability
No activity
this year.
Economic development
projects/revitalization to targeted
business development areas and
targeted business clusters
including but not limited to
business incubators, clearance,
new construction/expansion/
rehabilitation, brown-fields
redevelopment,
predevelopment/project planning
activities, job training, energy
efficiency/conservation, growing
local markets, CBDO assistance,
and activities that improve access
to services and opportunity by
L/MI residents (such as use of
electronic benefit Transfer (EBT)
cards at local farmers markets to
improve access to fresh
fruits/vegetables).
Access,
Sustainability
Fairgrounds
redevelopment
activity
progressed
this past year.
New exhibit
barns
operational.
Engineering
analyses
completed
using State
funds. No
CDBG funds
expended
during the
year. EBT
cards being
utilized at
farmers
markets
Infrastructure to
support business
development and
job
retention/creation.
Medium Priority
Infrastructure improvements to
targeted business development
areas and targeted business
clusters including but not limited
to sewer, water, drainage,
roadways, sidewalk/traffic
calming, parking, transit,
telecommunications.
Access,
Sustainability
Progress made
on drainage
improvements
at Fairground
Blighted Area,
sewer pump to
serve
industrial park
36
operational,
passenger
railway station
funding
secured.
Rehabilitation of
deteriorated
commercial or
industrial property.
Medium Priority
Targeted financial assistance for
rehabilitation/renovation to
address accessibility, deteriorated
buildings, code violations, and
energy efficiency.
Access,
Affordability,
Sustainability
No activity.
* Economic Development Coordinator position vacant as of 2/1/12
Priority Public Services Needs/Objectives/Activities
Need/Priority Level Strategy/Program Objective Outcome
Basic Needs
High Priority
Support of funding
applications targeted to
assist households with
basic needs:
Emergency fuel
assistance
Emergency food
assistance
Access to health care
Insure minimums of
quality of life are
met for health and
safety.
Sustainability of
decent housing;
Suitable Living
Environment and
economic
opportunity
Youth Programs
High Priority
Support of funding
applications targeted to
assist youth
After school
tutoring
Adult and peer
mentoring;
mediation skills
Recreational
programming
Enhance life skills
for successful
adulthood; secure
education and job
training for
homelessness
prevention and
viable independent
living
Sustainability of
decent housing;
Suitable Living
Environment and
economic
opportunity
Housing Support
Services
High Priority
Support of funding
applications that
provide support
services
Provide housing and
case management
support services for
successful tenancies.
Sustainability of
decent housing;
Suitable Living
Environment and
37
economic
opportunity
Services for Special
Needs Populations
High Priority
Support for Services for
special needs
populations including
services to the
following:
Persons with drug /
alcohol addictions;
Homeless youth;
homeless families with
severe barriers to self
sufficiency
Provision of not
only housing, but
support services for
acquisition of
healthy life skills;
homelessness
prevention
Sustainability of
decent housing;
Suitable Living
Environment and
economic
opportunity
Skills Development,
Training, Education
& Counseling
Medium Priority
Support applications
including but not
limited to the
development of:
Language and literacy
skills, transitional
education/workforce
development, computer
skills, employment and
training skills, life skills,
health/nutrition, energy
conservation
Enhancing life skills
to insure successful
education and
employment and
self-sufficiency;
homelessness
prevention
Economic
opportunity,
Suitable living
environment
Transportation
services
Medium Priority
Support of applications
for improved
transportation for end
users/ from areas of
low/mod households to
work centers
Improve linkages for
low/mod HH’s
between housing
and employment
Economic
opportunity, access
to health care, jobs,
education
Handicap services
Medium Priority
Support efforts of local
Committees and apply
funds for entrances,
curb cuts, interior
public building access
and flow
Improve
accessibility of
disabled to the
downtown, jobs,
public buildings and
services
Economic
opportunity; a
suitable living
environment;
improved
accessibility
38
Childcare services
Medium Priority
Support preservation
/creation of child care
subsidies
Improved ability of
heads of households
to pursue education
and employment
opportunities
Economic
Opportunity
Senior Center
High Priority
Debt service paid by
CDBG /approximately
$300,000 per year for
the next 2.5 years
Successful close out
of major public
facilities project
Improved
availability of
services for
elders/improved
quality of life
Removal of
Architectural
Barriers
High Priority
Survey public
buildings, commercial
buildings, public
infrastructure and park
facilities Installation of
sidewalk curb cuts
Eliminate/lessen
hardship to persons
with physical
disabilities.
Suitable living
environment
Work with Committee
on Disabilities and
Human Rights
Commission
Eliminate/lessen
Hardships for
persons with
physical disabilities.
Suitable living
environment
Park & Recreation
Facilities
Medium Priority
Construction of new
recreation facilities and
improvements to
existing park and
recreation facilities in
CDBG target areas and
public housing sites.
Enhance living
environment/
sustainability of
decent housing
Public Safety
Medium Priority
Support public safety
efforts including but
not limited to DARE,
crime prevention
targeting LMI residents
and neighborhoods
Address community
safety concerns and
lessen crime in
targeted areas.
Suitable living
environment
39
Public Infrastructure
The City of Northampton’s Department of Public W'orks completed the replacement of
1,450 linear feet of sidewalk and street refurbishing on Conz Street. This project is located
directly in front of a Northampton Housing Authority elderly high rise containing 192
housing units and the Northampton Senior Center. The sidewalk connects these sites
with the central business district. Conz Street is entirely within an eligible CDBG Block
Group. The immediate area is 75% residential based on a parcel by parcel analysis. Work
was completed in the prior program year, but CDBG payment was made in this program
year. No new projects were undertaken or completed in this program year due to lack of
CDBG funding availability.
Economic Development
River Valley Market (RVM) - In 2006 River Valley Market Inc. received funding for pre-
development activities related to the construction of an organic food store co- operative.
The market opened April 30, 2008. The grant agreement stipulated that 51% or more of the
jobs created in the first 18 months would be for people with incomes at 80% or below of area
median income. The program met that goal and was closed out last year. It was originally
anticipated that 120 jobs would be created. As of the close out date, 205 jobs were created; 77 for
people with extremely low incomes, 38 with low incomes, 62 with moderate incomes and 28
with non- low/moderate incomes. The market is thriving and 86% of the jobs created went to
people with low and moderate incomes!
Open positions continue to be posted through the Franklin Hampshire Career Center,
Franklin County Housing and Redevelopment Authority, Greenfield Housing
Authority, Springfield Housing Authority, Casa Latina, Community Action of Franklin,
Hampshire and North Quabbin, the Center for New Americans, The Massachusetts
Rehabilitation Commission, Community Enterprises, the Valley Opportunity Council,
the Literacy Project.
The Valley Community Development Corporation assisted 12 people interested in
starting micro-businesses. Counseling sessions were conducted and follow-up
telephone and email support was provided. Assistance included information on
starting a business, creating a business plan, governmental, financial and business
requirements such as insurance, legal and accounting resources, developing financial
projections, analysis of ways to increase revenue, structuring marketing and sales
campaigns and referrals to credit counselors when necessary.
40
1 new job was created, 10 full time and 8 part time jobs were retained.
The major CDBG funded public facility project continued to be the renovation of the
James House, a municipally owned building, into a Community Learning Center. The bulk
of the physical transformation has successfully concluded and programs have taken
occupancy! In FY 11, the City hired an architect to prepare renovation design plans, put
the project out to bid and hired a contractor to complete interior renovations which
included: an upgrade of existing offices and common areas, creation of 5 new classroom
spaces (from the former court room and basement holding cells), the HVAC system,
made energy efficiency improvements and installed photo voltaic panels. The Center for
New Americans and the Literacy Project moved in are providing adult basic education,
college readiness, job training, and family literacy programs. A grand opening
celebration was held in July of 2011.
The Northampton Community Education Consortium membership worked to expand
programming. Holyoke and Greenfield Community Colleges made plans to conduct
developmental reading and writing classes at the site. The plan is that program participants
from the two mainstay programs at the site, the Center for New Americans and the Literacy
Project, will attend the community college classes and pursue their educational attainment.
Expenditures during this past program year went towards heating and ventilation work. A
mobile computer lab was assembled. Private funds were utilized to purchase a cart and
laptops were donated by Smith College. A bid for exterior painting was issued in June of 2012.
Work will occur over the summer. Research is being done to identify a security system that
accommodates multiple building users.
CDBG-R
CDBG-R provided a total of $201,513 in a one-time allocation of funds to the City of
Northampton. A Substantial Amendment was made to the Year 25 CDBG Action Plan
for use of these funds. The City of Northampton used the funds to assist with the
renovation of the James House. That program is now closed out.
Leveraged Resources
41
Public Service
Sub- Recipients
Funding
Origin
Funding Source/
Program
Amount
Anticipated
Amount
Received
Casa Latina Federal Northampton CDBG $12,435 $10,000
Community Action $22,000 $5,500
Private United Way $35,000 $12,000
Big Brothers Big
Sisters
Federal Northampton CDBG $5,000 $4,000
State MA Service Alliance $7,500 $5,100
Private United Way $7,000 $10,000
Private Fundraising $30,000 $32,000
Private Donations $7,500 $3,300
SRO Outreach Federal Northampton CDBG $18,000 $15,941
Federal FEMA $1,200 $1,132
Private United Way $32,000 $32,000
Private Shelter Sunday $4,000 $8,100
Highland Valley Elder
Services
$5,000 $9,000
Valley CDC $3,000 $3,000.
Home City Housing $2,500 $2,500
Center for
New Americans
Federal Northampton CDBG $9,000 $18,727
(9,000 + PI)
State DOE-ABE $25,600 $76,563
Private· Community
$20,000 $20,048
Community
Action/1st Call
Federal Northampton CDBG $3,000 $3,000
Federal CSBG $16,121 $61,056
Private United Way $10,500 $15,000
Generation Q Federal Northampton CDBG $5,000 $3,000
Federal CSBG $21,500 $50,778
State DMH $63,314 $19,216
BAGLY $6,512 $35,945
State DPH/ Safe Spaces $10,660 $25,539
Literacy
Project
Federal Northampton CDBG $8,000 $9,000
42
Federal WIAYouth $2,500 $1,741
Private United Bank $500 $593
State DESE - $4,137
MANNA Federal Northampton CDBG $2,500 $2,500
Federal EFSP - $563
Private Shelter Sunday $7,500 $8,100
Private Donations $2,000 $838
Private Project Bread $2,000 $2,000
Mass Fair
Housing
Federal Northampton CDBG $2,500 $2,500
Federal HUD $200,000 $325,000
Inter Faith
Shelter
Federal Northampton CDBG $15,355 $15,000
Federal ESG $9,456 $9,506
State /Local Line item earmark $59,712 $48,429
Private Fundraising $30,000 $22,256
Private Deferred Payment Loan $10,000 $9,999
Grove Street Inn
Federal Northampton CDBG $17,000 $17,000
Federal ESG $55,070 $0
State
$162,879 $169,434
Private $60,000 $58,768
Survival
Center
Federal Northampton CDBG $15,000 $15,000
Federal EFSP Grant $8,700 $739
Local City of Easthampton $4,500 $5,000
Local Grant Income $20,044 $42,000
Private Project Bread $8,000 $8,000
Private United Way $32,966 $60,349
Private Misc. Grants $35,500 $68,156
OTHER
McKinney
Federal Dedicated HMIS
$80,080 $80,080
Franklin Hampshire/PH
$100,527 $100,527
Franklin Hampshire/TH
$242,300 $242,300
Paradise Pond Family
$22,312 $22,312
Soldier On Transitional
$72,450 $72,450
Vets Village $51,675 $51,675
James House Federal CDBG-R $201,513 Fully expended
43
Federal CDBG $17,868 Fully expended
Federal HUD EDI $95,000 Fully expended
Local Smith College $20,000 Fully expended
Local Home Depot $20,000 Fully expended
Conz Street
sidewalks
State Chapter 90 $2,000,000 Fully expended
Senior Center State and Local City
Construction
$1,400,000 On-going debt
Private Fundraising $400,000 Fully expended
Fairgrounds State State budget $4,000,000 On-going
PROJECT SUMMARIES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Infrastructure Improvements
Conz Street Sidewalks - HUD # 0711
Priority Need: High
Project Objective: Create a suitable living environment
Project Outcome: Sustainable neighborhood
Performance Measure: Access/Improvement to Streetscapes
Enhanced Pedestrian safety, reduce vehicular use
Accomplishment: Replacement of 1,450 linear feet of sidewalk directly adjacent
to the Northampton Senior Center and a 192 unit elderly
housing development. Connects both facilities to the central
business district.
Expenditure: $92,000; fully expended
Public Facilities Improvements
44
Senior Center Project Delivery Costs - HUD #0546
Priority Need: High
Project Objective: Create a suitable living environment
Project Outcome: Utilization of a fully operational senior center
Performance Measure: Completion of Project and release from Conservation Commission.
Accomplishment: Landscaping related to Conservation Commission order
Scheduling delay for Vocational School
Expenditure: CDBG $8,645.56; Activity closed in June 2012
Will refund next program year.
Senior Center Debt Service - HUD #0596
Priority Need: High
Project Objective: Create a suitable living environment
Project Outcome: Utilization of a fully operational senior center
Performance Measure: Debt payment made, operation fiscally solvent and fully operating
Accomplishment: Utilization of a fully operational senior center with extensive
programming, located downtown next to senior public housing
Expenditure: $328,101 ($206,000 Principal; 122,101 Interest)
James House Learning Center HUD # 0689
Priority Need: Medium - Other Public Facilities
Project Objective: Increase economic opportunities through the renovation of a
municipally owned building to create a community learning center
accessible to the public
Project Outcome: A fully renovated municipal facility and fully operational one stop
center offering a range of services to households with low and
45
moderate incomes to achieve greater economic self- sufficiency.
Performance Measure: Building being utilized by organizations committed to economic
self sufficiency for low and moderate income households and
operation fiscally solvent.
Accomplishment: Renovation completed includes demolition of basement holding
cells, construction of 7 classrooms, multi-use meeting room,
accessibility ramp, energy and HVAC improvements, acquisition
of mobile computer lab.
Expenditure: $650.00 for air cleaning/HVAC work
Forbes Library Elevator Design/Front Lobby HUD # 0741
Design for elevator to improve handicap access to City’s main library.
Priority Need: High
Project Objective: Increased access to quality public facilities
Project Outcome: Accessible entrance/ elevator at City’s primary library
Performance Measure: Completed architectural designs and launch of fundraising
campaign to complete construction.
Accomplishment: Design completed, Forbes Library Trustees began fundraising
Expenditure: $9,500 for Architectural design and specifications/renderings
Grace House Kitchen/ Northampton Housing Authority HUD # 0726
Priority Need: Medium
Project Objective: Development and improvement of facilities serving low and
moderate income families to ensure access to and adequate use of
those facilities to provide a more suitable living environment.
Project Outcome: Installation of new kitchen cabinets, counter tops and kitchen sink
at Grace House, a program of the Department of Public Health.
46
Performance Measure: Kitchen improvements completed, kitchen fully operational.
Facility serves 14 female headed households, up to 35 people at
any one time.
Accomplishment: Project was not bid during this program year.
Expenditure: $6,000 allocated, 0 expended
Blighted and Decadent Areas
Fairgrounds Redevelopment Project - HUD # 0714
Priority Need: Medium
Project Objective: Redevelopment will improve public infrastructure, utility and road
condition, sidewalks, drainage; accomplish demolition, renovation
and new construction to rejuvenate a regional economic
development driver/ Sustainability.
Project Outcome: Redevelopment to eliminate deteriorated and blighted conditions to
revitalize Three County Fairgrounds and increase site utilization to
increase economic impact for related businesses and the provision
of job opportunities.
Performance Measure: Elimination of blighted buildings and improved public
infrastructure
Accomplishment: To date, 15 blighted barn structures demolished and replaced with
3 modern horse barns. Horse and cultural exhibitions and shows
were held. Work continued with State funding for engineering and
drainage studies.
Expenditure: $62,000 under contract for engineering work. $0 expended.
Economic Development
Micro-Business Development Workshops - HUD #0721
Valley Community Development Corporation micro business development program providing
assistance to eligible micro- enterprises; business plan development marketing and access to
capital.
47
Priority Need: High
Project Objective: Create economic opportunity and increase earning potential for
households with low and moderate incomes.
Project Outcome: Increase and sustain economic self-sufficiency and housing stability
of residents who will contribute to the local and regional economy
Performance Measure: Provide services to 20 individuals interested in creating, preserving
or expanding their own businesses and achieving economic self-
sufficiency.
Accomplishment: 3 workshops held on “Starting Your Own Business”, 14 attended.
12 individuals counseled; initial needs assessment,
government, financial and business requirements, business plans,
marketing and sales strategies, development of financial
projections. Assisting existing businesses struggling with obtaining
financing to weather economic downturn.
2 new businesses assisted, 7 existing businesses assisted, all women
owned. 1 full time job created, 10 full time jobs retained, 8 part-time
jobs retained.
Expenditure: $10,000 for a 6 month program of primarily workshops to broaden
the exposure beyond one on one technical assistance.
Housing
First Time Homebuyer Program - HUD # 0724
Valley Community Development Corporation program offering first time homebuyer
assistance, direct referral to HOME assisted units available for homeownership and down-
payment resources.
Priority Need: Medium
Priority Objective: Provide support for City’s residents with low and moderate
incomes to attain and maintain decent affordable housing.
Project Outcome: An educated populace through pre and post purchase
counseling, to increase access to housing opportunities,
stability of homeownership and foreclosure prevention for
sustainability.
Performance Measure: Serve 45 households, 15 to attain homeownership within 12
48
Months; 35 households have a better understanding of budgeting
and debt management
Accomplishment: Served 52 - 39 low/mod `households: 8 very low income, 16 low
income, 15 moderate income. 19 in home buying process,
some worked on action plans to purchase homes within the year,
some working on debt reduction plans to improve credit, some
saving for down payment. 20 were existing owners at risk of
foreclosure. Strategies included entering into repayment plans
with local banks, submitting loan modification packets to loan
servicers, looking for additional income and reduction of
competing household debt.
Expenditure: $20,000/ expended
MeadowBrook Apartments/ Exterior Improvements -- HUD # 0712
Preservation of Affordable Housing, Inc. (POAH) implemented capital repairs at an affordable
housing complex containing 252 units. Funds used for exterior security lighting and
improvements to a sewer line.
Priority Need: High
Project Objective: Work designed to address health, safety and building code issues
in the City to stabilize the housing stock and ensure decent, safe
and affordable housing for households with low and moderate
incomes
Project Outcome: Will eliminate sewer back-ups and lighting installation will
improve security and safety at the complex.
Performance Measure: Elimination of sewer issues and improved exterior security
To enhance quality of life for safe and decent housing
Accomplishment: Work completed.
Expenditure: $13,775/ expended
New South Street Apartments - HUD# 0725
Building owner will utilize CDBG funds for property improvements in exchange for 25 years of
additional affordability of 18 units.
49
Priority Need: High
Priority Objective: Stabilization of the City’s affordable housing stock by making
capital improvements to ensure the provision of decent and safe
housing.
Project Outcome: Enhanced quality of life for apartment units being inhabited by
households with low incomes.
Performance Measure: Improvements to roofs and gutters, heating system and exterior
façade repairs completed.
Accomplishment: The ownership of the property is changing, project delayed.
Deed restriction in process to guarantee additional years of
affordability.
Expenditure: $65,000 allocated / 0 expended
Home Repair Program
Home Repair Program for seniors administered by the Council on Aging.
Priority Need: High
Priority Objective: Provide decent safe code compliant housing
Project Outcome: Program operation to enable elderly to remain in their homes and
maintain City housing stock.
Performance Measure: Staff capacity to oversee 5-8 grants, 3-5 loans
Accomplishment: Staff completed 1 grant and 3 loans
Expenditure: Administration HUD # 0722 $ 8,705
Grants: HUD # 0740 $1,999
Loans: HUD # 0723 $4,800
HUD # 0742 $4,875
HUD # 0743 $0/ 4,999 allocated/completion pending
HUD # 0744 $4,999
Public Services
50
Program Priority
Need
Objective Performance
Measure
Outcome/
Accomplishment
Expenditure
Casa Latina High -
Special
needs
Suitable
living
environment
Serve 160/
277 served
HUD # 0727
$10,000
Big
Brothers/Big
Sisters
High -
Youth
services
Suitable
living
environment
Serve 30/
28 served
HUD # 0729
$ 4,000
SRO
Outreach
High -
Housing
support
Suitable
living
environment
Serve 175/
207 served
HUD # 0730
$15,941
Center/ New
Americans
High - skills
training
Suitable
living
environment
Serve 40/
49 served
HUD # 0728
$18,727
Mass Fair
Housing
High -
Housing
support
Suitable
living
environment
Serve 75/
90 served
HUD # 0735
$ 2,500
Grove Street
Inn
High -
Housing
support
Suitable
living
environment
Serve 130/
181served
HUD # 0736
$17,000
Cot Shelter High -
Housing
support
Suitable
living
environment
Serve 210/
204 served
HUD # 0737
$15,000
Manna Soup
Kitchen
High -
Basis Needs
Suitable
living
environment
Serve 450/
566 served
HUD # 0734
$2,500
Gen. Q High -
Youth
Services
Suitable
living
environment
Serve 20/
24 served
HUD # 0732
$3,000
First Call High -
Basic Needs
Suitable
living
environment
Serve 100 /
178 served
HUD # 0731
$3,000
51
Survival
Center
High -
Basic Needs
Suitable
living
environment
Serve 2,200/
Served 4,353
HUD # 0738
$12,000
Literacy
Project
High -
Skills
training
Suitable
living
environment
Serve 30/
40 served
HUD # 0733
$9,000
Planning and Administration - HUD # 0739
Grants administration and community development professional expertise.
Priority Need: High
Staff Capacity to administer CDBG program and conduct
comprehensive community development and affordable housing work.
Project Objective: Create a suitable living environment for households with low and
moderate incomes in the community
Project Outcome: Successful administration of the Federal grant and provision of
community services
Performance Measurement: Federal audit with no findings, accessible staff, successful
grants administration and progress made on Consolidated and
Annual Action plan goals
Expenditure: $122,673 expended
Geographic Distribution
Allocation priorities were chosen consistent with the goals and objectives in the Consolidated
Plan and in response to the needs identified in the annual solicitation, community outreach
process and the Housing Needs Assessment and Strategic Housing Plan. Public services were
delivered citywide. The only public infrastructure project, the street and sidewalk
reconstruction project on Conz Street, serves the highest density elderly housing development
in the City and directly abuts the Senior Center.
52
Census tracts with more than 25% minority population are defined as areas of minority
concentration. Presently, there are no such areas in the city. Northampton defines census tracts
with percentages of low income households that exceed the city average of 39% to be areas of
low income concentration. Those tracts consist primarily of the more densely populated areas in
and around the Central business district downtown. These tracts are: 8216.01, 8219.02, 8220 and
8221.
CDBG Target Areas by Census Tract / Block Group
Pursuant to program regulations the following census tracts/block groups were considered for
CDBG funds based on income; more than 51% of the households in these areas have incomes
below 80% of median income based on family size. Funding for the Forbes Library and (Census
Tract Map attached.)
Geographic Description Census Tract, Block & Group
North King Street 8216 01 – 1
Florence 8216 02 – 5
Leeds Veterans Hospital 8217 00 – 3
Central Core / Downtown *8219 02 – 2; 8219 02 – 3; 8220 00 – 1
Former State Hospital 8219 02 – 4
*2010 Census Tract 821902 was split into 2: 821903 and 821904
All area benefit activities funded by the City are located within CDBG eligible census tracts.
Direct benefit activities are funded throughout the City at locations, which meet direct benefit
criteria.
Actions Taken to Affirmatively Further Fair Housing
53
Through a CDBG grant award, the city contracted with the Mass. Fair Housing Center who
accomplished the following during the year:
Continued work on open complaint cases from December 2009, May 2010, June 2011. All
were related to reasonable accommodation.
Began work on the update to the Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing.
Held a focus group in June of 2012 with several service providers and City staff.
Participated in 5 First Time Homebuyer Workshops sponsored by the Valley
Community Development Corporation
Conducted 2 fair housing trainings with the staff at Safe Passage, local domestic violence
program and shelter
Conducted a training for Highland Valley Elder Services staff on reasonable
accommodation and eligibility restrictions in public housing
Conducted a reasonable accommodation training for a local homeowners association
(Laurel Park)
Participated in a joint session with the Northampton Housing Partnership and
Northampton Human Rights Commission
Settled lawsuit with Real Estate firm’s local office which requires a new policy requiring
any landlord listing rentals to show evidence of lead paint abatement and conducted 2
staff trainings at the firm.
Processed 13 complaints of alleged housing discrimination
Conducted 10 audit tests focused on individuals with disabilities and service animals
Through these activities, 90 people were served throughout the year. The racial data summary
included 81 white, 9 Black/African American and 15 reported as White/Hispanic. 37 participants
reported being very low income, 30 as low income, 14 as moderate income and 9 as not having
a-low moderate income.
The Analysis of Impediments Update began to be assembled. The focus group held in June was
composed of service providers representing elders, Veterans, homeless, those with HIV/Aids,
LGBT youth and a Community Re- Investment compliance officer from a local banking
institution. The draft plan will be circulated and additional work is planned for the new
program year. Recommendations will be implemented by the Northampton Housing
Partnership who serves as the City’s Fair Housing Committee, in conjunction with the Human
Rights Commission.
In addition to serving individual clients, the Massachusetts Fair Housing Center continued to
partner with HAP Housing, Valley CDC and the Massachusetts Justice Project by providing fair
housing and fair lending education, accepting referrals from agencies and providing legal
assistance to those agencies, when requested.
Lead Paint Abatement Activity
54
There were no information requests received by the City during this program year. With the
lack of CDBG resources to administer a Housing Rehabilitation program, there is no current
link with property owners looking to abate their properties. When such inquiries are received, a
referral to the Commonwealth’s Get the Lead Out Program would be made, in addition to
resources that may be available through HAP Housing. Data on certificates for lead paint
abatement will be assembled and analyzed through the Impediments to Fair Housing Analysis.
Action Plan Amendments
During the course of CDBG program year no funded activities required budget adjustments
based on project related cost overruns or cost savings. If that had occurred, such adjustments
would have been made only to activities included within the approved annual Action Plan. A
budget adjustment would be considered a substantial amendment to the Action Plan if it met
the criteria established in the Citizen Participation Plan.
Institutional Structure
In February of 2012, the Economic Development Director who also served as the Community
and Economic Development Office Department head left the City’s employ. As a cost savings
measure, the Mayor dissolved CEDO as a separate department and incorporated the remaining
CDBG and McKinney Supportive Housing staff ( 2 people) into the Mayor’s Office. After
forming and soliciting recommendations from an Economic Development Advisory
Commission, the Mayor will hire a new Economic Development Coordinator during the next
fiscal year. It was also decided to relinquish the role of lead agency for the Three County
Continuum of Care.
During this program year, the Housing and Community Development Planner/CDBG
Administrator oversaw the overall management and coordination of the housing and
community development activities and services outlined in the Consolidated Plan and Annual
Action Plan. The Office continued to interface with the other City departments, boards and
commissions, (Department of Public Works, Council on Aging, Office of Planning and
Development, Assessor’s Office, Treasurer’s Office, Mayor’s Office, Board of Health), with
community based organizations, non-profit and for-profit housing developers, public service
agencies and anti-poverty organizations. Staff support was provided to the Northampton
Housing Partnership, the Downtown Resource Center Work Group, the Interfaith Shelter
Management Committee, the Next Step Collaborative and the Western Mass. Inter-Agency
Council on Housing and Homelessness. The Housing Planner was an integral member of the
55
Leadership Council, the Management Team, the Steering Committee and the Governance
Committee for the Regional Network to End Homelessness.
The Community Development Block Grant program assistant was responsible for contract
implementation, IDIS reporting and financial management. No monitoring was conducted this
past year, except for quarterly report review. On-site monitoring will take place next year.