2011-2012 Y28 AAP v2011-06-271
CITY OF NORTHAMPTON
ANNUAL ACTION PLAN
July 1, 2011- June 30, 2012
FY 12
Executive Summary
The Annual Action plan is derived from the Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive
Plan, the HUD Five Year Consolidated Plan, All Roads Lead Home - the Pioneer Valley
10 Year Plan to End Homelessness, the recently completed Housing Needs Assessment
and Strategic Plan and the citizen participation process.
The primary goals are:
Support the basic needs (provision of food and shelter) of individuals and
families with low and moderate household incomes
Preserve and sustain existing affordable housing
Create new housing for a range of income levels
Work to end homelessness
Encourage self-sufficiency and empowerment of people with low incomes
Facilitate economic opportunity to obtain self-sufficiency and financial
independence
Objective Addressed Action
Assisting homeless persons obtain
affordable housing
CDBG support for the Inter-Faith Cot
Shelter, the Grove Street Inn, Valley CDC;
CPA support for the Maple Ave. Sober
House
Assisting persons at risk of homelessness CDBG support for SRO Outreach, Manna
Soup Kitchen, First Call for Help, Survival
Center, Mass. Fair Housing Center
Retaining the affordable housing stock CDBG support for COA Home Repair
Program, New South Street Apartments,
Meadowbrook Apartments, Mass Fair
Housing Center
Increasing availability of affordable
permanent housing
CPA support for Maple Ave. Sober House,
(6 units) King Street SRO (10 units)
Increasing supply of supportive housing CPA support for Maple Ave. Sober House/
6 new units
Providing affordable housing accessible to
job opportunities
CPA support for Maple Ave. Sober House
and King St/ CDBG for New South Street;
2
all downtown locations.
Improving the safety and livability of
neighborhoods
CDBG support for sidewalk repair on
Conz Street adjacent to Elderly housing
and Senior Center.
Eliminating blighting influences and
deterioration of properties and facilities
CDBG support for Home Repair Program,
Fairgrounds projects
Increasing access to quality public and
private facilities
CDBG support for Forbes Library and debt
service for Senior Center
Reducing isolation of income groups
through housing de-concentration
CPA support/ Maple Avenue Sober
Housing
Restoring and preserving special
properties
CPA support for Fairgrounds
redevelopment – CPA is not supporting
the fairgrounds project??? Should this be
CDBG?
Conserving energy resources CPA support/window replacement at the
Grove Street Inn
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, Casa Latina
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CDBG PROGRAM YEAR 28 ACTIVITY SUMMARY
On or about July 1, 2011 the City of Northampton will receive Community
Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds in the amount of $686,277 from the
United States Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD). This
reflects a 16.5% decrease from last year's award.
3
Pursuant to HUD regulations, activities must meet one of the following CDBG
national objectives: (1) activities benefiting persons of low and moderate income;
(2) activities aiding in the elimination of slums and blight; or (3) address an
urgent community need. The following outlines activities and/or programs to be
funded by the CDBG program beginning July 1, 2011.
_____________________________________________________________________
Housing Activities $ 97,348_
Provide the following housing activities designed to address health, safety and
building code issues, stabilize the City’s housing stock, ensure decent, safe and
affordable housing and provide homeownership assistance for the City’s low
and moderate income residents.
Council on Aging Elder Home Repair Program $ 12,348
Home repair program providing grants and loans to income eligible
homeowners 60 years of age or older.
Valley CDC Homeownership Assistance Center $ 20,000
Homebuyer assistance program which provides direct referrals to HOME-
funded down payment assistance programs and/or HOME-funded units for low
and moderate-income households pursuing homeownership.
New allocation = $20,000
New South Street Apartments Property Improvements $ 65,000
In exchange for 25 years of additional housing affordability on 18 rental housing
units, CDBG funds will be used for building improvements to roof, gutters,
heating systems and exterior façade repairs. This is the first of two $65,000
installments.
Public Infrastructure Improvements $ 0________
Provide public infrastructure improvements within CDBG eligible areas with the
goal of providing a suitable living environment for low / moderate income
households. If project or program income funds become available, funding will
be provided for eligible sidewalk and accessibility improvements.
______________________________________________________________________
Public Facilities and Access $ 334,101_
Develop and improve public facilities within CDBG eligible areas and facilities
that serve the City’s low/moderate income residents with the goal of ensuring
citizens have access to and use of adequate public facilities. Undertake access
4
improvements ensuring persons with physical disabilities have adequate access
to public facilities and services.
Northampton Senior Center Debt Service $ 328,101
Payment of debt service obligations for the construction of a full service senior
center at 67 Conz Street in Northampton. Timeframe: Principal & interest
payments to be made in September 2011 and March 2012.
Grace House Kitchen Improvements $ 6,000
Improvements to the kitchen at Grace House (formerly Jessie's House), a
program for women in recovery and their children, administered by the Center
for Human Development, property owned by the Northampton Housing
Authority.
________________________________________________________________________
Economic Development Activities $ 14,632_
Economic development activities that promote job creation and retention within
Northampton, and which promote the development of micro-business
Enterprises; principally targeted to benefit the City’s low and moderate-income
residents.
Valley CDC Micro-Business Assistance Program $ 10,000
Provision of funding to the Valley Community Development
Corporation for the creation and presentation of workshops to assist micro-
enterprises.
Economic Development Pre-Development Program $ 4,632
Funds for predevelopment project activities or providing loans to businesses.
____________________________________________________________________
Public Services $ 102,941
With FY 11 Program Income Carryover $ 107,441
Provide funding for public services targeted to the City’s low and moderate
income population through community based non-profit agencies and
organizations. Public services to be funded this year include the following:
Casa Latina / Bridges for Latinos $ 10,000
Outreach, education, advocacy, case management and linkage to literacy
programs for low and moderate income Latino households in Northampton.
Center for Human Development/ $ 4,000
5
Big Brothers & Big Sisters Mentoring Program
A mentoring program targeted to students ages 6-16 and families at the Ryan
Road School, the Jackson Street School and JFK Middle School in partnership
with the Northampton School Department.
Center for Human Development / SRO Outreach Program $ 15,941
Services for the residents of the City’s single room occupancy (SRO) housing
which include outreach, advocacy, a food pantry and community service
referrals.
Center for New Americans / Skills & Job Assistance $ 13,500
Support for programs in computer skills, employment coaching and family
literacy skills for immigrant and refugee populations.
New allocation = $9,000
FY11/YR 27 Program Income = $4,500
MA Fair Housing Center / Fair Housing Program $ 2,500
Legal assistance and advocacy to victims of housing discrimination; education to
landlords, tenants, and residents seeking housing that focus on fair housing
laws and fair lending practices.
ServiceNet / Grove Street Inn $17,000
Operating funds for the City’s year-round 20 bed emergency shelter for adult
men and women.
ServiceNet / Hampshire County Interfaith Cot Shelter $15,000
Operating funds for the Hampshire Interfaith Cot Shelter, which provides food
and emergency shelter during the coldest months of the year, November-April.
MANNA / Soup Kitchen $ 2,500
The MANNA soup kitchen provides meals three times per week, 52 weeks a
year, including Thanksgiving and Christmas. Operates out of Edwards and St.
John's Episcopal churches.
Community Action / Generation Q $ 3,000
Provision of weekly support, fellowship, and education for GLBTQQ youth and
their allies.
Community Action Resource Center $ 3,000
Free, confidential information and referral services connecting clients with state,
6
local and private social service resources and programs.
Survival Center / Emergency Food Pantry $ 12,000
Food supplies for Northampton's largest emergency food pantry which serves
the City’s low-income residents, as well as school children during the summer.
The Literacy Project / Passport to Success $ 9,000
Support for adult basic education students to develop academic, job and life
skills needed to complete their GED's and transition to post-GED employment
and/or higher education.
_____________________________________________________________________
Planning and Administration $ 137,255
Resources utilized for administrative and project planning activities in the
Community and Economic Development Office in its mission to provide
community and economic development activities and administration of the
Community Development Block Grant Program.
_____________________________________________________________________
Year 27/FY11 Carryover Funds $307,385
Below is a list of projects funded in Year 27/FY11 that have not been completed
and have not fully expended their funding allocation. These are estimated
carryover amounts based on current project status.
Project Amount of Carryover
Funding
Council on Aging Home Repair loans and grants $ 23,501
MeadowBrook Apartments Sewer Line $13,775
Streets and Sidewalks/ Conz Street $92,000
Senior Center Landscaping $ 8,646
Forbes Library Accessibility Improvements $22,500
James House Learning Center Renovations $60,237 Includes Year 27
Program Income
River Valley Market/ traffic mitigation $50,000
Three County Fairgrounds Redevelopment –
elimination of blighted conditions in buildings
and public infrastructure.
$36,726
7
Annual FY Allocation $ 686,277
Program Income $ 11,745
Carryover Funding $ 307,385
Total Funding Available $1,005,407
Priority Housing Needs/Objectives/Activities
Activities Planned for this year indicated in blue.
Need/Priority
Level
Strategy/Program Objective Outcome Number to
be served
Homelessness
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
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
60 EL
20 LI
Continue to support
the SRO Outreach
Program
Assisting
persons at-risk
of becoming
homeless
Sustainability of
Decent Housing
CDBG support on-
going
200 EL
50 LI
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 through
the Center for
Human
Development/SRO
15 EL
10 LI
Support self-
sufficiency, life
skills attainment
programs
Assisting
persons at-risk
of becoming
homeless
Sustainability of
Decent Housing
CDBG support for
public services
programs/SRO
Outreach
200 EL
75 LI
Provision of
Emergency
Shelter
High Priority
Continue to support
staff capacity for
emergency shelter
system
Assisting
homeless
persons obtain
affordable
Availability/
Affordability
On-going.
250 EL
8
housing
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
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
Identify housing
resources to use for
rapid re-housing
efforts
Assisting
homeless
persons obtain
affordable
housing
Availability/
Affordability
On-going through
regional network
committees/REACH
35 EL
15 LI
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
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/August
2011
$125,000
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
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
Commission and
Hilltown CDC
0 units
Sustain and Retention of the Sustainability of 0 units
9
improve existing
Single Room
Occupancy Units
affordable
housing stock
decent, affordable
housing
Finishing 2 projects
started last year;
none slated for this
year.
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
Provide assistance
for rehabilitation
activities/preserve
stock
Retention of the
affordable
housing stock
Sustainability of
decent, affordable
housing
CDBG funding for
rehabilitation work/
Old South Street and
MeadowBrook
Apartments
18 units /
improved
and term of
affordability
restriction
increased.
252 units/
sewer work
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 in
Northampton
Improved
availability
/affordability
Facilitate
networking for VA
VASH workers/ VA
service linkages and
data collection
through HMIS /on-
going
35 New
VASH
vouchers
Establish Task Force
to increase
exceptions rents
and reconfigure the
regional Standard
Metropolitan
Statistical Area
(Federal
Congressional
action required)
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
Advocate for
increased funding
for the
Massachusetts
Rental Voucher
Increase
availability of
rental subsidies
Improved
availability/
affordability
Did not occur in
State budget for this
0 new
vouchers for
EL
10
Program
year. Will continue
to monitor/advocate.
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
households
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
Search continues/
Oak Street parcel
tops list
0 new
projects
scheduled
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
Convert existing
housing to
affordable housing
Increase
availability of
affordable
permanent
housing
New availability/ a
suitable living
environment/
Sustainability
Looking at
surplused Smith
College, church and
Clarke School for the
Deaf properties
0 units for
EL and LI
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.
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.
11
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Identify suitable
municipal parcels
for development
Keep developer
costs down
New availability/ a
suitable living
environment
Will outreach to
owner
One parcel
identified/
Florence
Affordable
Homeownership
Opportunities
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
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
25 LI
households
served
12
HAP/funding
support letters
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
HAP/funding
support letters
60 LI
households
served
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 scope
100 EL and
LI
households
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
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 to
enable
homeless and
special needs
populations to
live
independently.
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
Continue to assess Increase the Increase accessibility 10 EL units
13
the needs of the
developmentally
disabled after the
completion of the
Northampton
Housing Authority
project on Burt’s Pit
Road
supply of
supportive
housing to
enable
homeless and
special
needs
populations to
live
independently.
and availability/ a
suitable living
environment.
Advocate for
funding allocation
for Burt's Pit Road
project/ requires
creation of a State
Bond through DDS.
created / on hold due to lack of funding.
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 to
live
independently.
Increase accessibility
and availability/ a
suitable living
environment.
Yvonne's House 2
opens July 15, 2011.
Will continue work
on developing a Safe
Havens Program.
4-6 new EL units created
EL = extremely low income, LM= low to moderate income households
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
continues into
this year.
Fairgrounds
drainage
study
underway.
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
Access,
Sustainability
14
not limited to sidewalks,
crosswalks/pedestrian signals and other
traffic calming/pedestrian safety measures,
accessible ramps/fixtures, street trees/tree
wells, street furniture, bike racks, lighting,
waste receptacles.
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
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.
Access,
Sustainability
6
Literacy, adult basic education,
English as a second language, soft
skill/workforce readiness to
low/mod income residents, youth,
un/underemployed, under-
educated, non-English speaking
residents.
Access,
Sustainability
100+
Predevelopment assistance and
small business loan program
Access,
Affordability,
Sustainability
2
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
1
Economic development
projects/revitalization to targeted
business development areas and
targeted business clusters including
but not limited to business
incubators, clearance, new
construction/expansion/
Access,
Sustainability
1 EBT
campaign, 1
incubator
assistance, 1
PACE
program,
15
rehabilitation, brownfields
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).
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
Drainage
improvements
at Fairground
Blighted Area,
complete
sewer pump
to serve
industrial
park, advance
passenger
railway
station, and
multi-modal
facility.
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
Outreach/assistance/education to
property owners for housing
rehabilitation for L/MI restaurant
and immigrant workers including
but not limited to renovations,
education on rehabilitation
programs, services/resources for
tenants/property owners.
Access,
Sustainability
Priority Public Services Needs/Objectives/Activities
Need/Priority
Level
Strategy/Program Objective Outcome
16
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
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 Support of applications Improve linkages for Economic
17
services
Medium Priority
for improved
transportation for end
users/ from areas of
low/mod households to
work centers
low/mod HH’s
between housing and
employment
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
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/
financing
Debt service paid by
CDBG /approximately
$300,000 per year for the
next 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
hardship to 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
Address community
safety concerns and
Suitable living
environment
18
limited to DARE, crime
prevention targeting
LMI residents and
neighborhoods
lessen crime in
targeted areas.
Evaluation of Past Performance
ACTIVITY TYPE Project /
Proposed
Outcome
STATUS*
Infrastructure
Sidewalks
Conz Street
Sidewalk
improvements
Conz Street sidewalks
designed, RFP for
contractor issued
March 2011.
Construction begins
June 2011, completed
by October 2011.
Pulaski Park sidewalks
completed.
Public Facilities/Access
Forbes Library
Handicapped
Accessible
Entrance
Architectural drawings
completed for ramp
design & approved.
James House
Renovations
---------------------
Housing Authority
-----------------------
Vernon Street Lead
Abatement Project
Phase 2 renovations
75% complete. Facility
is occupied by Adult
Basic Ed. programs
--------------------------
Elderly Housing/ Tobin
Manor: power door
openers installed.
Complete.
--------------------------
Project completed.
Community Action
office/daycare space.
Housing
Home Repair Program 3 loans, 3-4 grants 2 grants/ 4 loans
19
Homeownership Assistance 45 households
34 households served
Preservation of Affordable Housing stock Meadowbrook
Apts.
Sewer work/tree
removal
Tree removed, sewer
work delayed due to
unanticipated soil
conditions; engineering
feasibility study done.
Work scheduled for
spring 2011.
Economic Development
Micro Business
Assistance
20 individuals/
businesses
3 jobs created, 3
retained
----------------------
River Valley
Market/
$50,000 loan for
traffic mitigation
8 individuals
4 jobs created, 4
retained
----------------------------
Bids accepted for
intersection design.
Contract to be awarded
for work 4/ 2011
continuing into FY12.
Public Services 13 programs
funded
- Various
Outcomes
All on track for
CAPER*status reflects 2
quarters reported through
12/31/10
Citizen Participation and Consultation
The Community and Economic Development Office conducted two public hearings, an
intensive interview process for public service applicants and held targeted consultations
to gather input for the FY12 Annual Action Plan. The first public hearing was held
Tuesday, January 25, 2011 and the second on Wednesday, April 20, 2011. The sixteen
Public Service applicant interviews were conducted on March 8, 9th and 10th. The process
allowed the Review Committee to ask each applicant their observations with regard to
unmet community needs, issues and trends.
20
Additionally, public input was gathered from the general public, municipal departments
and boards, community and social service organizations, economic development
organizations, regional partners and surrounding communities. More specifically:
• Next Step Collaborative: Meetings held September 9, 2010; October 14, 2010,
November 11, 2010; December 9, 2010; January 13, 2011; February 10, 2011,
March 10, 2011, April 14, 2011 and May 12, 2011. Monthly meetings with housing
and homeless service providers.
• Community Health Forum: Sponsored by Cooley Dickinson Hospital. 100+
attendees brainstorming community health needs and priorities. March 23, 2011.
• Massachusetts Fair Housing Center: Meeting held with new Executive Director.
March 2, 2011. Director attended Northampton Housing Partnership meeting
May 2, 2011. Discussion of area trends, issues, challenges. Determined program
components for future work to fund with CDBG.
• Council on Aging: Meeting with Executive Director and Home Repair Program
Coordinator/Business Manager to identify service gaps, housing and social needs
of elders in the community. February 14, 2011.
• COSA meetings: (Council of Social Service Agencies under the auspices of the
Hampshire County Council of Governments). Attend monthly sessions for
discussions, presentations and networking between 25-40 Social Service
Agencies. Northampton Planner facilitated a special session on homelessness,
November 18th to link family and parenting resources with family emergency
shelter system. Conducting a follow up meeting May 26th, 2011.
• HIV/Aids: Meet monthly with River Valley Counseling Center at Three County
Continuum of Care meetings. February 18, 2011 RVCC reported on issues and
trends with HIV/Aids rates, housing and service demands, service gaps.
• Public Housing: Consultations occurred with the Northampton Housing
Authority during the months of February and March. The specifics of their
annual plan will be finalized June 30, 2011. A specific work plan is in flux due to
uncertain funding projections from the State and Federal levels.
• Housing Needs Assessment and Strategic Plan: The housing plan created over
the last year and a half by the Northampton Housing Partnership in conjunction
with Karen Sunnarborg, a Housing Consultant, is in its adoption phase.
Presentations of the draft document were made to the Economic Development,
Housing and Land Use Sub-Committee of the City Council on March 1, 2011 and
endorsed on April 5th. A presentation was made to the Northampton Planning
21
Board on March 10th, and endorsed on March 24th. A presentation to the full City
Council will be made in July of 2011. The public sessions associated with the
creation and adoption of this comprehensive planning document yielded
extensive information about community needs and action steps to implement
moving forward.
A complete description of the standard Citizen Participation and Consultation Process is
attached. This concludes the Executive Summary portion of the plan.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RESOURCES (91.220 c)
The City anticipates the following federal, state, local and private resources to be
available in the next year to address local needs. The majority of funds referenced
benefit low mod income households within Northampton.
Northampton Affordable Housing Trust Fund - The City established the Northampton
Housing Trust Fund in 2001 in order to maintain affordability at Hampton Gardens,
(Hathaway Farms) an expiring use multi unit family housing development. The Trust
Fund provided rental subsidies to low / mod income households at the development
which secured 8 additional years of affordability. The fund is now exhausted. There will
be an effort to recapitalize the fund, possibly through the local Community Preservation
Act programming.
Community Preservation Act (CPA) – The CPA was passed by Northampton voters in
November 2005 and allows the City to enact a CPA tax assessment that is matched by
the state. This fund is used exclusively for open space/ recreation, historic preservation
and community housing activities. The forecast for available CPA funds for 2011 - 2012
is roughly $969,000, of which at least ten percent must be allocated for housing activities.
Round one of 2011 included an additional request for the Maple Ave. Sober House.
Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources Grant (MDAR) – A 4 million
dollar grant to the Three County Fairgrounds for Phase 1 barn replacement begun in
December 2010 will continue into the first half of FY12.
Federal Home Loan AHP Funds– Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity anticipates the
award of AHP funds for the Garfield Avenue project in the amount of $30,000 per unit
for the six-unit development.
Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing Program– In 2009-2010 the Northampton Housing
Authority had funds in the amount of $324,929 from HUD to make Federal Section 8
22
rental vouchers available for the regions homeless veterans. An additional allocation for
FY2011 has just been announced by HUD, although there is no information on the
number of units allocated for our region.
Economic Development Grants – The City expects to apply for additional funding under
USDA, Cultural Facilities, and EDA in the coming year.
Other anticipated resources include: (updated as of March 31, 2011)
Agency Assistance State / Federal Amount
Big Brothers Big Sisters Northampton CDBG Federal $ 5,000
MA Service Alliance State (projected) 2,500
United Way Private (projected) 12,000
Misc. Grants Private (projected) 5,000
Fundraising Private (projected) 30,000
Donations Private (projected) 7,500
Casa Latina United Way Private $ 39,156
Misc. Grants Federal/Local 108,717
Administration Fee C. Dickinson Hospital 19,080
Interpreting Service Fee 16,800
Center for New Dept. of Education State 321,596
Americans Northampton CDBG Federal 10,093
Greenfield CDBG Federal 38,000
West.MA Com. Foundation Private 4,500
Foundation Grants Private 50,000
Barbara Bush Foundation Private 60,000
Regional Employment Board State 11,091
Individual Gifts Private 35,000
United way Private 15,000
Misc. Private 800
City of Northampton EDA Grants Federal TBD
MA Grants- MassWorks State TBD
Community Action Community Services Federal $ 34,906
Block Grant
DPH Safe Spaces State 30,000
United Way Private 10,500
Foundations Private 18,560
Literacy Project Northampton CDBG Federal $ 10,862
Ware CDBG
Greenfield CDBG
Greenfield Com. College
23
Dept. of Education State $ 1,053,829
Donations/fundraising Private 50,000
Womens Missionary Found. Private 10,000
Greater Worcester Found. Private 15,000
Wapack Foundation Private 2,500
Bete Foundation Private 5,000
Other Foundations Private 10,000
Rental Income Private 2,400
MANNA Soup Kitchen Shelter Sunday Private 7,500
Northampton CDBG Federal 2,500
Project Bread Private 2,000
Donations Private 3,000
Mass. Fair Housing HUD Grants Federal 325,000
Center Mass. Bar Foundation Private 30,000
CDBG Grants Federal 10,000
Springfield and Northampton
Individual Contributions Private 1,500
Training Fees Private 5,000
Legal Awards/ Private 40,000
Attorneys Fees
Meadowbrook 222 units Low Income Housing Tax Credits
Apartments $6.5 Million Equity – 40-Year
Affordability Federal CDBG 16,000
Northampton Housing Public Housing Subsidies Federal 387,696
Authority Capital Fund Federal 144,198
ARRA / Capital Projects Federal 182,526
Section 8 Federal 3,480,932
Section 8 Mod Rehab Federal 163,683
Public Housing Subsidies State 362,931
Mass Rental Vouchers State 34,000
Mix Population Grant State 31,200
Modernization Program State 132,400
Veterans Supportive Federal Section 8 324,929
Housing Program Rental Vouchers
Religious Organizations Private 6,700
ServiceNet, Inc. DHCD State 64,799
InterFaith Shelter DHCD Emerg.Shelter Grant State 11,315
FEMA Federal 3,625
Deferred Payment Loan Federal 9,996
Northampton CDBG Federal 15,355
Friends of the Homeless Private 14,066
Private Donations Private 11,000
ServiceNet, Inc. DHCD Grove St. / State $160,474
Grove Street Inn VOCA Clinical Services State 40,807
24
MA Shelter Alliance Private 30,171
FEMA Federal 8,000
Hampshire UW Private 30,000
Project Bread Private 3,000
Northampton CDBG Grove Federal 17,000
Shelter Sunday Private 8,600
Private Donations Private 51,000
Citizens Energy 1,400
SRO Outreach United Way Hampshire County Private $ 23,000
Hap Inc. Non Profit 3,500
Valley CDC Non Profit 5,000
Donations Private (projected) 9,200
Northampton CDBG Federal 18,000
Highland Valley Elder Services Private 7,000
Survival Center City of Easthampton Local $ 5,000
Northampton CDBG Federal 15,000
Project Bread Private 8,000
United Way Private 55,000
Misc. Grants Private $ 35,000
EFSP Grant Federal/Local 6,000
Goshen Grant Income Local 30,000
Direct Mail Private 55,000
Fundraising Private 70,000
Civic/ Business Private 30,000
“Direct Donate” Donations Private 36,300
Donations from Clients Private 1,200
Schools Private 2,000
Religious Private 10,000
Open House/Events Private 12,000
Individual Donations Private 102,000
Interest Income Private 5,000
EFSP Federal 1,000
Three County Fair Project Development-USDA Federal TBD
Cultural Facilities State TBD
EDA Federal TBD
Valley CDC United Way Private $ 17,500
(general) Florence Savings Private 14,000
TD Bank North Private (projected) 5,000
Citizens Bank Private (projected) 5,000
CDBG Easthampton Federal 41,150
(Northampton CDBG below)
Easthampton Savings Bank Private (projected) 2,000
Peoples Bank Private (projected) 2,000
City CPA Funds (pre-dev.) City/State 80,000
25
Membership Donations Private 5,000
Corporate Contributions Private 62,500
Developer Overhead Private/State/Fed 123,607
Developer Fees Private/State/Fed 139,612
Fundraising Private 10,000
Homeownership
Center Homebuyer Workshop Fees Private 10,000
Homeownership Marketing Private 22,500
Fees
Foreclosure Private 5,000
Prevention
Foundations Private 5,000
Northampton CDBG Federal 20,000
Small Business SBTA State Office of Entrep. State 30,000
Assistance Program USDA Rural Business Dev. Federal 15,000
Grant
Northampton CDBG Federal 10,000
Florence Savings Bank Private 5,000
Agency Assistance/Units State / Federal Amount
Valley CDC 16 N. Maple State Bond $920,000
11 existing/renovation
96-98 King Street
10 new SRO units State Bond $650,000
HOME 500,000
Community Action 24,463
(ARRA funds)
Smith College/private 500,000
Pioneer Valley Garfield Ave. Federal AHP $60,000
Habitat for 5 Units Private (Lions Club) 20,000
Humanity Local / State CPA 120,000
Major Donor 25,000
In-kind land donation 125,000
W.M. Com. Foundation 20,000
Massachusetts DMR 10 New Units State $2,000,000
Burt’s Pit Road
Go West SRO 17 Units State / Federal McKinney
Main St. Florence
St. Michael’s House 86 Units Mass Housing New Loan
State St.
The Lorraine SRO 20 Units /Rental subsidies State Private
96 Pleasant St.
Earl Street SRO 14 Units Rental Subsidies State / Federal Sec 8
McKinney Funding Hampshire County Programs Federal $342,253/yr.
Friends of the Homeless 6 units/Maple Ave. MassHousing CCRI $ 75,000
26
Comm. Preservation 340,000
Private Fundraising 75,000
ACTIVITIES (91.220 d)
On or about July 1, 2011 the City of Northampton will receive Community Development
Block Grant (CDBG) funds estimated to be in the amount of $686,277 from the United
States Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD). This amount reflects a
16.5% reduction from last year's allocation of $821,633.00.
Pursuant to HUD regulations, activities must meet one of the following CDBG national
objectives: (1) activities benefiting persons of low and moderate income; (2) activities
aiding in the elimination of slums and blight; and (3) activities that address an urgent
community need. Each activity to be funded will address one or more of those
objectives.
The housing activities are designed to address health, safety, and building code issues
and to stabilize the City’s housing stock, ensuring decent, safe and affordable housing
for the City’s low and moderate income residents. The Valley CDC will assist low and
moderate-income households through a housing assistance program that provides direct
referrals to HOME assisted units in Northampton and surrounding communities.
(New allocation of $20,000)
A significant funding allocation will be made this year to Mt. Holyoke Management
Company for renovation activities at 17 New South Street, an apartment block
containing 18 affordable units. The funding will be utilized for building improvements
focused on energy savings, roof and gutter repair, heating system upgrades and exterior
façade repairs. The total commitment of $130,000 will be dispersed over a two year
period ($65,000 each year). Funding is being awarded in exchange for 25 additional
years of affordability.
(New allocation of $65,000)
Funding will also be awarded to the Northampton Housing Authority to upgrade the
kitchen facilities at Grace House, a residential treatment program for women in recovery
and their children. The home, located at 143 West Street, was deeded to the Housing
Authority as part of the disposition of property from the former Northampton State
Hospital. Originally utilized for Jessie's House Emergency Shelter for families, it is now
home to another program operated by the Center for Human Development. The
building has experienced intensive continuous use for decades and the kitchen is in
critical need of renovation.
(New allocation of $6,000)
27
The City will continue to administer the Senior Home Repair Program through a sub-
recipient contract with the Council on Aging. By offering grants and loans, this program
assists elders with maintaining the physical condition of their homes and enhances their
ability to live in them with a higher quality of life.
(New allocation of $12,348 and carryover funds of $23,501)
The program will provide public infrastructure improvements within CDBG eligible
areas with the goal of providing a suitable living environment for low / moderate
income households. Due to the award reduction from HUD, no new funding has been
able to be allocated for this year. However carryover funds from last year will be used
for the Conz Street sidewalk project, scheduled for this spring. Any additional funding
that may become available will be considered for sidewalk upgrades on North Street
from Market Street to Parsons Street. The estimated cost for that project is $50,010.
(Carryover funding of $92,000)
The program will develop and improve public facilities within CDBG eligible areas to
ensure citizens have access to and use of adequate public facilities. The funding
allocation made to Forbes Library is not sufficient to cover the entire construction costs.
CDBG funds have been utilized to create the ramp and entrance design, and the
remaining carryover funding will be applied when the total cost of the project has been
secured.
(Carryover funding of $22,500)
The largest public facilities appropriation this year will be applied to the Senior Center
Construction debt service. (New allocation of $328,101)
Year 28 will provide funding to 12 public service programs targeted to the City’s low
and moderate income population through community based non-profit agencies and
organizations. Public services include food and meals programs, housing support
programs, literacy and mentoring programs as well as assistance for Latinos and
immigrant populations. (New allocation of $102,941; $107,441 with program income
from last year)
Economic development activities will promote job creation and retention within
Northampton and promote the development of micro-business enterprises, principally
targeted to benefit the City’s low and moderate-income residents. $10,000 will be
awarded to Valley Community Development Corporation and $4,632 will be set aside to
fund pre-development projects or loans to businesses. (New allocation of $14,632)
The program will provide assistance in eliminating blighted and decadent conditions
at the Three County Fairgrounds public facility and deteriorated conditions of
surrounding public infrastructure. (Carryover funding of $36,726)
28
Planning and administration resources will be utilized to support the CEDO in its
mission to provide professional planning expertise for the City including neighborhood
planning, the development and preservation of affordable housing, economic
development activities geared towards business support, job creation and retention
efforts within the City and administration of the Community Development Block Grant
Program. (New allocation of $137,255)
SUMMARY
FY12 CDBG Budget Allocations:
Planning & Administration (20%) $137,255
Public Services (15%) $102,941
Housing/ New South Street Apts. $ 65,000
Senior Center Debt Service $328,101
Remaining for Other Projects $ 52,980
Total CDBG Award $686,277
FY12 Other Program Funds:
1.) Program income to be expended during the program year:
Projected program income from loan repayments in FY12 is anticipated to
be approximately $11,745
No revolving loan funds
No float-funded activities
2.) No Section 108 Loan guarantees
4.) No surplus funds from urban renewal settlements
5.) No grant funds returned to a line of credit.
6.) No income from float-funded activities
7.) No expenditures anticipated for urgent need activities
8.) Estimated amount of CDBG funds to be utilized for activities that benefit low
and moderate income persons:
Low/Mod Benefit Expenditure Levels: (91.220(I)(1)(iv))
See page attached.
Allocation Priorities and Geographic Areas
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 and community outreach process.
The following chart shows the high priorities identified in the Consolidated Plan's Table
2A and Year 28 activities:
High Priority Activity Planned
29
Small Related Renter Households
0 – 30% AMI
• Support opening of King Street SRO
and Maple Ave. Sober house
• CDBG support for SRO Outreach
Project, food pantries
• Fund Housing Authority infrastructure
improvements
• Encourage creation of accessory
apartments
• Work to create a Safe Havens program
in Northampton
Elderly Renter Households
0 – 30% AMI
(recently completed Housing Plan revealed this as a
higher priority than large related renter households)
• Support funding requests for
modernization and operating dollars at
Housing Authority
• Encourage utilization of the Senior
Center for service linkages to improve
quality of life
• Support collaboration between
Highland Valley Elder Services and
SRO Outreach worker to identify and
serve elders at risk
All Other Renter Households
0 – 30%
31 – 50%
51 – 80%
• Apply to the Community Preservation
Committee for allocation to the
Affordable Housing Trust for rental
assistance (first, last and security
deposits)
• Work with private developers
(Emerson Way) to create affordable
units required by subdivision approval
that include accessory apartments
• Support CPC funding for Valley CDC
pre-development activities
Severe Mental Illness 0 – 80% • Dept. of Mental Health present at Next
Step, Continuum of Care, Western
Mass. Network to End Homelessness,
and Western Mass. Inter-Agency
Council on Housing and Homelessness
creating service strategies.
• Support WMIC pilot project on
breaking down eligibility silos to house
chronically mentally ill homeless.
• Support Eliot Services Street Outreach
Clinician to assist SMI homeless
Alcohol/Drug Abuse 0 – 80% • Support Hairston House, Alliance for
Sober Living and Maple Ave. SA
treatment program continuum.
Collaborative support via Next Step
meetings, resident referral, service
30
linkages.
• Support Eliot Services Street Outreach
Clinician to assist SA homeless
• Facilitate Downtown Resource Center
Work Group to improve services
coordination for street population
Obstacles to Addressing Underserved Needs
There are several obstacles that impact the ability to fully address the needs of low and
moderate income households. The primary ones are:
- Limited opportunity to utilize a Section 8 voucher in Northampton, due to the lower
fair market rate rents assigned to the Springfield SMSA
- Low vacancy rates limit availability of market rate affordable units
- Complicated nature of funding for affordable housing projects raises costs and renders
small housing projects more conducive to rural areas and small cities, infeasible
- Reduction in CDBG entitlement allocation impacts funding for eligible activities
Geographic Areas Where Activities Will Occur
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 are targeted
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. (Census Tract Map
attached.)
Geographic Description Census Tract, Block & Group
Central Core / Downtown 8219 02 – 2; 8219 02 – 3; 8220 00 – 1
Conz Street 8219 03 - 3
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. CDBG infrastructure investments are made where the highest
percentage of low and moderate income households can benefit, such as Conz Street.
The sidewalks along Conz Street link 192 elderly/disabled public housing units to the
central business district downtown and 60 more public housing units with the CDBG
financed Senior Center.
31
Public service contract sub-recipients serve residents city-wide depending on program
and income eligibility. Investments allocated to economic development projects and
activities are geared toward generating results citywide. Slum and blight remediation is
the current focus of the Fairgrounds Redevelopment funding allocation.
Urgent Community Development Needs
Pursuant to HUD regulation 570.208 (c) “Criteria for National Objectives”, CDBG
resources may be used to address community development needs having a particular
urgency. In utilizing this national objective criterion, the jurisdiction must certify that a
particular activity is designed to alleviate existing conditions that directly pose a serious
and immediate threat to the health, safety and welfare of a community. The existing
conditions to trigger an urgent community development need must be recent, or have
recently reached a level of urgency within the past eighteen months. The following
occurrences and/or conditions may require the determination outlined above:
• natural disasters (flood, hurricane, tornado, wildfire)
• structural fires of a particularly devastating nature
The City, depending on required activity, may complete a determination for CDBG
funds to be used to address a particular urgent community development need. The
Housing and Community Development Planner/CDBG Administrator shall complete
the determination. Concurrence with the completed determination shall be required
from the Mayor and Director of CEDO prior to the expenditure of CDBG funds.
Examples of activities that typically meet an urgent community need are infrastructure
improvements, interim assistance and rehab of a community facility.
Action Plan Amendments
During the course of CDBG Program Year FY12, funded activities may require budget
adjustments based on project related cost overruns or cost savings. Such adjustments
will be made only to activities included within the approved annual Action Plan. A
budget adjustment will be considered a substantial amendment to the Action Plan if it
meets the criteria established in the Citizen Participation Plan. Public hearings will be
held to address the addition of any new projects.
Annual Affordable Housing Goals (91.220 g)
The Valley CDC will be completing the renovation of an existing building on King Street
near downtown Northampton. This project will add 10 new SRO units to the inventory.
The building was comprised of 2 apartments and first floor commercial space. The new
project will include 10 enhanced SRO units, five specifically for formerly homeless. Each
apartment will include a bathroom and kitchenette. There will be an on-site laundry
room and a community room. Valley is currently accepting applications for July 2011
occupancy. A lottery was conducted on May 25, 2011 for 5 apartments; the remaining 5
32
units will be rented through closed referral from the homeless service providers.
Monthly rent will be $500 including utilities.
The next phase of new construction at the former State Hospital will be a section of
bungalow housing in the 80-120% of area median income range. This project, being
shepherded by MassDevelopment, will address the need for "work force" housing
identified in the Housing Needs Assessment and Strategic Plan. A Request for
Proposals from a developer has been issued. A developer has been identified and
negotiations are underway.
Soldier On, a private non-profit organization serving Veterans from the New England
region, recently announced plans to launch a project in Northampton. Soldier On, in
what is being described as a "first in the nation" partnership, will team up with the U.S.
Department of Veteran Affairs to create up to 80 units of permanent housing for
Veterans on the Leeds campus. The plan is to build between 60 and 80 units on 9 acres
with room for expansion to as many as 150 units. The VA Medical Director said in a
press release that this project will help meet the VA's goal to end homelessness among
Veterans within 5 years. The majority of the project will be funded through a grant of
up to $8 million dollars from the VA Innovative Initiative program. Soldier On will
obtain the land from the VA through an "enhanced use" lease. Construction on the
studio and one bedroom apartments will begin in the next year or two.
Yvonne's House #2 (not officially named yet) will open for residents in July of 2011.
Friends of the Homeless purchased a second house (first one is on Straw Avenue and
serves 6 formerly homeless individuals) on Maple Avenue, in downtown Northampton.
Through private fundraising, a Community Preservation funding award and a grant
from MassHousing's CCRI Program, the $330,000 duplex will house up to 6 homeless
residents committed to sobriety. Renovations are currently taking place. The property
will be owned by the Gandara Center who will also provide case management services
to the residents.
Annual Public Housing Goals (91.220 h)
As stated in the recently completed PHA 5-Year and Annual Plan, the Northampton
Housing Authority’s mission statement is as follows:
” The Northampton Housing Authority is committed to ensuring decent, safe and affordable housing, and housing opportunity for the citizens of Northampton and the region in an effort to maintain the economic diversity of the community. To this end the NHA shall strive to create and maintain clean and secure housing developments, offer a variety of housing opportunities for the community’s citizens, assure fiscal integrity by all program participants, and work to support initiatives to provide opportunities for residents who wish to gain self-sufficiency and economic independence. The effectiveness of these endeavors is measured, in part, by the dedication of an
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innovative and caring staff to efficient program management, and collaboration with residents,
community service providers and Northampton’s government and community leaders”.
In order to assist the Housing Authority with carrying out that mission, the CEDO will
be in regular communication during Program Year FY12. The NHA has been involved
with the creation of the Housing Needs Assessment and Strategic Plan now being
finalized by the Northampton Housing Partnership. The Director will be invited to
attend a Housing Partnership meeting to update members on NHA activities.
The City will provide $6,000 in CDBG funds this coming year to refurbish the kitchen at
Grace House, a program for women in recovery and their children. The property is
owned by the Housing Authority.
The Housing Authority still awaits their ability to break ground on 10 new units for the
clients of the Department of Developmental Services. The project, located on Burts Pit
Road, has been designed and permitted, but there are no State funds currently available.
According to the NHA Director, the State Department of Housing and Community
Development has prioritized modernization work on existing units over new
construction. Efforts are underway to issue a 4- 6 million dollar bond through the
Department of Developmental Services (formerly Department of Mental Retardation) to
fund the project.
The City will also support NHA efforts to develop the 4th parcel deeded to them at the
Former State Hospital, for homeownership, as that project moves forward. Currently,
few funds are being made available at the State level for homeownership projects.
Other NHA projects planned for this year (if funding is available) include replacement
of an elevator at the Salvo House (elderly housing), replacement of the roof at Forsander
Apartments (elderly housing), landscaping at Florence Heights (family housing) and a
new roof at the McDonald House (elderly housing).
Representatives of the Housing Authority are invited to all meetings facilitated by the
CEDO office relative to affordable housing, coordinated service delivery and case
management. NHA Rental Assistance program managers are actively involved in the
administration of subsidies for the HUD VASH Program (155 housed, 20 searching as of
April 2011), The Florence Inn, Go West, Hathaway Farms, the Maples and with assisting
homeless and formerly homeless residents with housing search activities.
Annual Homeless and Special Needs Goals (91.220 i)
Homeless Prevention Activities: During the year the City will support the continued
operation of the Tenancy Preservation Program funded by the State. This program,
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administered by the Mental Health Association in Springfield, operates in Hampden,
Hampshire and Franklin counties. Staff works in close cooperation with the Housing
Court and the Department of Mental Health to identify clients whose tenancies are at
risk due to the manifestation of mental health issues.
The City will also support with CDBG funding, the SRO Outreach Project which
provides services to residents of SRO housing that may be at risk of homelessness. The
SRO Outreach Coordinators assist with life skills, budgeting and information and
referral services to promote housing stabilization. The SRO program works with non-
profit and private landlords, as well as Highland Valley Elder Services to identify at risk
residents in need of assistance. CDBG funding is also being allocated to the Survival
Center and the Manna Soup Kitchen to ease financial strains on households having to
choose between eating and paying rent.
During FY12, the City will also actively support with CDBG funding, Community
Action's Resource Center (formerly First Call for Help), the Literacy Project, the Valley
CDC Homeownership Program, the Council on Aging Home Repair Program and the
Mass. Fair Housing Center’s Fair Housing Program. These public services directly or
indirectly preserve existing housing and prevent homelessness.
Transition to Independent Living: The City will provide funding for staff capacity at
the Grove Street Inn homeless shelter for individuals and the Hampshire Interfaith Cot
Program. Staff there and at the Drop-In Center will assist people with transitioning into
permanent housing and independent living. Because ServiceNet administers both
programs, case management is coordinated (along with other local providers) to
develop client service plans to facilitate housing search, placement and stabilization. A
variety of meetings are held monthly to identify housing slots and clients suitable for
those slots, to keep people moving from shelter to permanent, independent housing
opportunities.
Most recently, the renovation of the Maples SRO in Florence, the soon to open King
Street SRO downtown and the new sober residence on Maple Avenue, represent the on-
going commitment of the City to partner with community providers to maintain and
increase next step housing options for people moving out of homelessness.
Chronic homeless activities: During FY12, the City will actively support with CDBG
funding, the Interfaith Shelter, the Grove Street Inn and the SRO Outreach Project. City
staff will also work closely with the Outreach Clinician from Eliott Services to serve the
unsheltered, chronically homeless people in the community. During the annual Point in
Time survey count, sheltered and unsheltered chronic homeless individuals (and
families) are identified and tracked. Service Providers meet regularly to develop
individual service plans to move the chronically homeless into housing.
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The REACH Program is a housing first model that has been utilized with success.
Originally funded as a pilot program in Springfield, the program was expanded into
Hampshire and Franklin counties. Many chronically homeless were placed through that
effort. Funding came from the State Inter-Agency Council on Housing and Homeless
grants distributed through the regional network. That funding has ended. ServiceNet
did secure funding from SAMHSA for the Housing Plus program, which has been able
to continue the efforts. The SAMHSA grant was a five year award, received a year and a
half ago. To date, (July 1, 2010 to June 24, 2011) the Housing Plus SAMHSA program has
housed 11 chronically homeless out of the 24 served, in Hampshire County.
Specific FY12 Action steps to end chronic homelessness:
• CEDO staff will facilitate local collaboration between Police Department, service
providers and downtown business community to improve services coordination
for sheltered and unsheltered chronically homeless downtown. This task force,
entitled the Downtown Resource Center Work Group, first met on June 23, 2011.
The group will meet on a short term, ad hoc basis to address downtown safety
and services coordination for the homeless, as well as the relocation and
expansion of the Homeless Drop-In Resource Center.
• Street Outreach Clinician will continue to link unsheltered residents with local
services and participate in coordinated case management meetings with other
providers.
• City will continue to participate in Western Mass. Regional Network to End
Homelessness Discharge Planning meetings to develop and adopt local protocols
to prevent public systems discharging people into homelessness. Meetings are
taking place with area hospitals, psychiatric units, community mental health
workers, reintegration managers at area jails and houses of corrections.
• CEDO staff will meet with potential developers of Safe Havens housing to
identify support services dollars, which are difficult to locate.
Last year, the City secured HUD McKinney funding to create a Homeless Management
Information System. Staff has been hired and work has begun on the development of a
formal system to track the numbers, needs and housing placements of the chronically
homeless. Although HMIS work will be Continuum wide, Northampton data will be
able to be culled, so local program development decision making will be facilitated.
The City will continue to facilitate the Next Step meetings (monthly meetings of housing
and homeless service providers) and network with the Department of Mental Health
sponsored REACH meetings where service and housing resources for the chronically
homeless are identified, pursued and secured. CEDO Staff will continue to provide
leadership at the regional level by serving on the Western Mass. Network to End
Homelessness Leadership Council, Steering Committee and Management Team to
implement Housing First Pilot projects targeted at the chronically homeless.
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Lead Agency/ Three County Continuum of Care/ McKinney funding: The City will
continue to serve as the lead agency for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development's McKinney Vento funding for homeless programs. Since 1997, City staff
have applied for, secured and administered over a million dollars each year for 12-15
programs serving the homeless across Franklin, Hampshire and Hampden counties
(with the exception of the City of Springfield). CEDO staff conducts monthly Continuum
of Care meetings to coordinate the implementation of activities identified in the "Pioneer
Valley Ten Year Plan to End Homelessness, All Roads Lead Home" and monitors
financial and programmatic grant requirements.
The City of Northampton remains committed to working to end homelessness. This
commitment is exemplified by its Mayoral leadership at the regional and state level. In
order to insure the City is able to continue to administer the McKinney Supportive
Housing Program grants for the region, the surrounding communities of Amherst,
Easthampton, Chicopee, Holyoke and Westfield have all contributed to fill the gap
created by insufficient federal administration fees.
Supportive Housing for Non-Homeless: The City will continue to support, through
CDBG funding, the Senior Home Repair Program for those age 60 and older. This
program assists the elderly and frail elderly with home repairs to enable them to remain
safely in their own homes. Locally, persons with disabilities are assisted by the Stavros
Center for Independent Living. The City will advocate for funding for the Housing
Authority's project proposed for clients of the Department of Developmental Services.
Persons with HIV/AIDS are assisted by Hampshire Aids/Care, the River Valley
Counseling Center and Tapestry Health. Persons with alcohol abuse issues will be
assisted by the new sober home being created on Maple Avenue with CPA,
MassHousing CCRI and private funding.
The Department of Mental Health added three subsidies in Northampton from a
statewide allocation that will come on line between July 1, 2011 and June 30, 2012. They
will be applied to already existing units. No new units of housing for DMH clients are
proposed for this coming year.
Activities to Overcome Barriers to Affordable Housing (91.220 j)
At the beginning of FY12, the Housing Partnership will have completed a
comprehensive Housing Needs Assessment/Strategic Housing Plan. A summary and its
recommendations will have been endorsed by the Planning Board, the Community
Preservation Committee, the Economic Housing and Land Use Committee, the City
Council and presented to the State's Department of Housing and Community
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Development. A document that clearly articulates housing needs and barriers in the
community will exist to guide the City's planning and expenditures moving forward.
Contained within the Strategic Housing Plan are several regulatory recommendations
the Housing Partnership, CEDO and Planning Office will begin to pursue to encourage
the creation of affordable housing. Some of those action items suggested are:
Adopt inclusionary zoning
Ease restrictions on city and village center development
Promote mixed use development in more locations
Revise Cluster Zoning Provisions
Modify Accessory Apartment requirements
Revise Parking requirements
Explore form based zoning
Establish a new mixed use innovations zone
Fund small infill development
Recapitalize the Trust Fund
Make suitable public property available for development
The City will continue to work closely with the Northampton Housing Authority to
remove any customer service barriers that may exist. Through the Mayor's Office, NHA
representatives meet regularly with staff at Casa Latina to address any issues that may
be identified. The NHA has hired bi-lingual personnel and efforts continue to create
tenancy documents in other languages. A Cultural Diversity workshop is scheduled for
the fall.
Assistance from the Mass. Fair Housing Center will be requested to update the
Impediments to Fair Housing Analysis and process any housing discrimination
complaints that may surface throughout the program year. Additionally, 3-5 workshops
with first time homebuyers and social service agency staff will be conducted to provide
education about fair housing laws.
On-going consultation will occur with housing and homeless service providers through
the Next Step Collaborative and Three County Continuum of Care to address any other
affordable housing barriers that may be identified throughout the year.
Annual HIV/AIDS Housing and HOPWA Goals (91.220(1)(3))
During FY12, AidsCare of Hampshire County will continue providing 10 rental
subsidies to households affected with HIV/Aids. Case management services, including
housing search, homelessness prevention, life skills training and advocacy will be
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provided to those households and others to the extent possible. The Case Manager
attends Next Step meetings to collaborate with other providers.
Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing Goals
The Northampton Housing Partnership met with the new Director of the Mass. Fair
Housing Center on May 2, 2011 to develop the work scope for the FY12 Program Year.
The Housing Partnership serves as the Fair Housing Committee for the City. Among the
annual goals for the coming year is to develop a closer working relationship with the
City's Human Rights Commission. The HRC tends to be the forum where discrimination
complaints are taken. Towards that end, the Chair of the Housing Partnership attended
the June HRC meeting to discuss areas of collaboration.
One of the issues currently being discussed in the region is housing sex offenders. The
Discharge Planning Committee of the Regional Network has sponsored two sessions to
date to address this national dilemma. The Mass Fair Housing Center will be conducting
a workshop with the re-integration staff of the Hampshire County House of Corrections
to further this dialogue.
Newly released census information will be analyzed to assess the minority population
representation in Northampton as compared to the region. In view of the Westchester
court case, steps will be taken to quantify actions needed to have Northampton more
accurately reflect the minority percentages present in the region. Other activities MFHC
is undertaking on behalf of Northampton and the region include:
• Redesigning web-site to provide more information on rights, in more languages
(English, Spanish, Russian, Kmer)
• Doing more outreach to the Hispanic community
• Creation of a training module for medical clinics to address medical/legal
questions
• Enforcement of lead safe housing laws
• Enforcing reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities, i.e. mold in
public housing
• Increasing housing options for victims of domestic violence
• Researching exclusionary zoning practices ( Hampden County communities)
• Looking at poverty concentration issues related to administration of Section 8
vouchers
Dialogue with the MFHC will continue to finalize the FY12 work scope, in view of
regional issues and barriers identified in Housing Needs Assessment and public input
sessions. Revisions to the Impediments Analysis will be made during the program year.
Discharge Policy (91.225(c) (10))
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The City will support the regional and statewide protocols developed to prevent people
from being discharged from public and private institutions directly into homelessness.
Statewide Discharge policies are in place for the Department of Mental Health, the
Department of Corrections, the Department of Children and Families and the
Department of Public Health. Additionally, the Massachusetts Operational Services
Division of the Executive Office of Health and Human Services has developed discharge
planning specification language in its human services RFPs. The requirement aims to
ensure consistency in discharge planning among vendors. Massachusetts has an on-
going practice of evaluating its policies to prevent discharge from institutions and health
care facilities that result in homelessness. The effort is overseen by the Discharge
Planning Working Group of the Commonwealth's Inter-Agency Council on Housing
and Homelessness.
Local protocols for discharge planning are being developed further by the Individual
Services Committee of the Western Mass. Regional Network to End Homelessness. A
sample of the one drafted for medical discharges is included herein.
Monitoring (91.230)
The Community and Economic Development Office (CEDO) will monitor and measure
the success of annual activities against goals identified in the Consolidated Plan, metrics
identified in the Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Plan and goals and
objectives identified in the recently completed Housing Needs Assessment and Strategic
Housing Plan. The Annual Action plan will refine and revise goals and objectives as
needed to meet stated ConPlan accomplishments. Performance of annual activities will
be evaluated against the target outcomes identified in the sub-recipient agreements.
CEDO will conduct on-site monitoring visits to sub-recipients on a regular rotating
basis. In addition all sub-recipients provide quarterly and annual reports which are
reviewed and entered into the IDIS reporting system. Any problems identified by sub-
recipients or by CEDO staff are addressed on a quarterly basis. Expenditures are
monitored and evaluated quarterly. Timeliness reports are run annually, or more often if
deemed necessary.
Monitoring of the Home Repair program has included revising documents and program
requirements to address Lead Paint abatement and asbestos removal regulation changes.
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AGENCY PROGRAM NAME PROGRAM DESCRIPTION FY12 Year 28 PRIORITY PROPOSED OUTCOME
AWARD NEED
Casa Latina "Puentes" Bridges for Latinos Information, referral and outreach for low/mod 10,000.00 High 350 Latino residents will receive referral, case
Latino residents management and outreach allowing them to
successfully integrate into the community
Center for New Skills and Jobs for Northampton Support for low-income immigrants and their families 9,000.00 High 55 immigrants and refugees will receive resources
Americans Newcomers and Their Families integrating into the N'ton community. Employment to learn English, obtain jobs and become involved
assistance, coaching and family literacy programming members of their communities
CHD / Big Brothers Big Brothers Big Sisters In partnership with the N'ton Public Schools low/mod at-risk 4,000.00 Medium 35 at-risk youth will be matched with mentors with
Big Sisters Mentoring Program youth are referred and matched one-to-one with the goal of increasing self-confidence and developing
volunteers who spend 3-5 hrs/wk for at least a yr more positive attitude and connections within the
developing relationships community
CHD / SRO Outreach Single Room Occupancy Case management, referrals, advocacy, food pantry, 15,941.00 High 185 sro residents will have access to case
Program transportation and community linkages to SRO management and basic services reducing their use
residents of emergency services and improving their sense
of community
Community Action First Call for Help Referral and/or advocacy connecting people to 3,000.00 Medium 400 callers will obtain information allowing them to
local resources for food, utility/heat, housing gain access to resources to address basic needs
and other emergency assistance
Community Action Generation Q Weekly support and education groups for GLBTQQ 4,000.00 Medium 20 at-risk GLBTQQ youth will have access to
youth and their allies. Drop in tutoring and homework activities, referrals and support groups to develop
help also available social networks improving their sense of community
The Literacy Project Passport to Success Training and counseling for past/current/potential 9,000.00 Medium 45 low and moderate income residents will have
Transitions Program Adult Basic Education students in making the access to adult basic education services allowing
transition to post GED jobs and higher education them to pursue job and college goals
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MANNA Soup Kitchen Manna Soup Kitchen Free meals year round to homeless and low/mod 2,500.00 High 400 low income residents will receive three free meals
residents. Special Thanksgiving and Christmas a week lowering their food costs and/or preventing
meals also provided hunger
Mass Fair Housing Northampton Fair Housing Fair Housing / fair lending education materials, 2,500.00 High 700 housing providers and residents will receive fair
Center Program advocacy and/or legal assistance to housing housing education and/or advocacy with the goal
providers and home seekers of preventing discrimination
Service Net, Inc. Grove Street Inn 17 year round emergency and transitional shelter 17,000.00 High 130 homeless individuals will be provided short-term
beds for adult men and women. Housing search shelter and assistance securing transitional and
and case management provided permanent housing providing the stability needed to
move forward with their lives
Service Net, Inc. Interfaith Shelter Collaborative program of Service Net, the Friends 15,000.00 High 205 homeless individuals will receive emergency
of the Hampshire County Homeless and the City overnight shelter allowing them to be indoors
providing food and emergency overnight shelter during the coldest months of the year
from November through April
Survival Center Emergency Food Pantry Emergency food pantry for low/mod residents 15,000.00 High 2,100 individuals and families will have access to
Kids' Summer Food Program addresses the summer monthly food allotments preventing hunger and
nutrition gap by providing food for children lowering their food bills
who rely on school meal programs
102,941.00 + 4,500 Program Income= 107,441
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Year 28 - FY12 Non-Public Service Action Plan Project Chart
AGENCY PROGRAM NAME PROGRAM DESCRIPTION YEAR 27 PRIORITY PROPOSED OUTCOME
AWARD NEED
HOUSING
POAH Meadowbrook Apts. Replacement of one sewer line; 13,775.00 High Replacement of sewer line and
replacement of building mounted exterior lighting will provide 252
light fixtures households in Meadowbrook
Apartments with a more suitable
living environment
Valley CDC Homeownership Provision of consumer education, 20,000.00 High 45 household will have access to
Center referrals and advocacy to low/mod resources to obtain sustainable
renters; counseling and referrals for homeownership
HOME funded homeownership
opportunities
Northampton Council Home Repair Grants and deferred payment loans 12,348.00 High 5-6 households will receive a low-
on Aging Program to income eligible homeowners age interest loan up to $8,000; two to
60 and older. Funds will be used for three households will receive a up
salaries and recordings to $1,500 for repairs addressing
Holyoke Management
New South Street Apts. Grant for interior and exterior building renovation.
$65,000.00
health, safety and code violations
Total Housing: 97,348
INFRASTRUCTURE
Reconstruct linear feet of
Northampton DPW Conz Street Construction of new sidewalks 92,000.00 carryover High deteriorated sidewalk in a low/mod
Improvements North St. Improvements Construction of new sidewalks $0 High Area .
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Total Infrastructure:
PUBLIC FACILITIES
Northampton Community James House Final phase of rehabilitation of the James House, 10,000 carryover High low and moderate income residents
Education Consortium Learning Center a municipally owned building being 54,000? will have access to a one-stop
converted into a community learning facility accessible providing job
center training, ABE/ESOL, college
readiness and family literacy
assisting them to ultimately obtain
the tools necessary to maintain
economic independence
City of Northampton Senior Center fourth payment for debt service $ 328,101 High creation of the senior center
obligations for the construction of allows for expanded programs
a full service senior center targeted to seniors enhancing
ability to socialize and their
quality of life
Total Public Facilities:
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Valley CDC Small Business Technical assistance to low/mod 10,000.00 High 6 individuals / businesses will
Development residents to start their own business receive technical assistance
and to microenterprises with 5 or which will provide increased
City of Northampton fewer employees economic opportunities
Economic Development Predevelopment Predevelopment assistance to priority projects with job creation potential. $4,632 Medium
Predevelopment assistance towards project development particularly related to public infrastructure required for projects.
Total Economic Development:
BLIGHTED AND DECADENT AREAS
redevelopment of the Fairgrounds
City of Northampton Fairgounds Phase 2 $36,726 carryover Medium will eliminate deteriorated buildings
Pre-Development Phase 2 engineering and design including public infrastructure improvements and public infrastructure and increase
economic opportunity at the facility
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Total Blighted and Decadent Areas: $36,726
ADMINISTRATION
Administer the Block Grant program
City of Northampton Planning and professional planning expertise $ 137,255 High and conduct community and
Administration including neighborhood planning, economic development planning
community and economic to address community needs and to
development, affordable housing maximize community benefit.
and homeless activities and
administration of the Community
Development Block Grant
Total Administration: $ 137,255