2014-2015 Y31 AAP1
CITY OF NORTHAMPTON MASSACHUSETTS
ANNUAL ACTION PLAN
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Community Development Block Grant Program
July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2015
Center for New Americans The Literacy Project at Smith College
Prepared by:
Margaret Keller, CDBG Administrator
Cam Leon, Assistant CDBG Administrator
2
City of Northampton Annual Action Plan
SECTION PAGE
City of Northampton’s SF 424
Applicant Certifications
Action Plan
Executive Summary
3-8
Objectives/Actions 3-4
Allocation Summary 5
Activity Summary 6-8
Priority Needs/ Activities 9-19
Housing 9-15
Public Facilities 15
Economic Development 16-17
Public Services 17-19
Evaluation of Past Performance 20
Low Mod. Benefit Chart 21
Citizen Participation 22-24
Resources 24-30
Activity Narrative 30-31
Obstacles to Addressing Underserved 32-37
Allocation Priorities 37-39
Affordable Housing Goals 39-43
Public Housing Goals 43-45
Homeless and Special Needs 45-49
Barriers to Affordable Housing 50
Fair Housing 51-53
Monitoring 54
Appendices
A CDBG Project Sheets
B HUD Table 3B
C PIT and CoC Homeless Data Sheets
D New Projects/ Descriptions
E Census Tract/Block Group Map
F Citizen Participation Plan
G Public Hearing Minutes
H Area Activity Samples
3
ANNUAL ACTION PLAN
July 1, 2014 - June 30, 2015
FY 15
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 Northampton Housing Needs Assessment and Strategic Plan and the
citizen participation process.
The primary goals are:
Support the basic needs of individuals and families with low and moderate household
incomes
Create new housing for a range of income levels
Preserve and sustain existing affordable housing
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 Action
Assisting homeless persons obtain
affordable housing
CDBG support for the Inter-Faith Winter
Shelter & the Grove Street Inn
Assisting persons at risk of homelessness CDBG support for SRO Outreach, Manna
Soup Kitchen, Survival Center, Highland
Valley Elder Services, Community Legal
Aid
Retaining the affordable housing stock CDBG support for the New South Street
Apartments Renovation, monitoring
Expiring Use properties
Northampton Lodging Replacement
Increasing availability of affordable
housing
Support for moving HAP Housing,
Habitat, Valley CDC and Housing
Authority projects forward
Providing affordable housing accessible
to job opportunities
Support for New South Street
Apartments, new HAP, VCDC and
Housing Authority projects
Improving the safety and livability of
neighborhoods
CDBG support for the Fairgrounds
Redevelopment, the River Run Sidewalk
construction project and signalized
4
crosswalks
Eliminating blighting influences and
deterioration of properties and facilities
CDBG support for the Fairgrounds and
Laurel Street demolition projects
Increasing access to quality public and
private facilities
CDBG support for Forbes Library,
Fairgrounds Redevelopment and River
Run sidewalk construction
Reducing isolation of low income groups
thru housing de-concentration
Support scattered site and mixed income
housing development
Reduce isolation of immigrant and
refugee households with low incomes
Support for Casa Latina, Center for New
Americans, The Literacy Project
Restoring and preserving special
properties
Support Fairgrounds, Forbes Library and
James House Learning Center
Conserving energy resources CDBG support for James House
renovation
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
5
FY15 CDBG Budget Allocations Estimated
Carry Over
Award Funds Total
Category 618,768.00 330,000.00 948,768.00
==================================================================
Housing - $326,000
CDC Homeownership Program 20,000.00 0.00
CDC Down payment Assistance Grants 6,000.00 0.00
CDC - 256 Pleasant St Acquisition ($150,000)78,624.00 71,376.00
HAP - 129 Pleasant St Acquisition 0.00 150,000.00
sub-total 104,624.00 221,376.00 326,000.00
Public Infrastructure - $65,000
River Run Sidewalk 0.00 45,000.00
Signalized Crosswalks 20,000.00 0.00
sub-total 20,000.00 45,000.00 65,000.00
Public Facilities / Access - $145,613
Senior Center Debt Service 145,613.00 0.00
Jackson Street Playground 0.00 0.00
Vernon Street School Accessibility 0.00 0.00
sub-total 145,613.00 0.00 145,613.00
Economic Development - $10,000
Valley CDC Micro-Business Program 10,000.00 0.00
Slums Blight - $77,500
Area: Fairgrounds Building Demolition 0.00 47,500.00
Spot: NHA Laurel Street Demolition 30,000.00 0.00
sub-total 30,000.00 47,500.00 77,500.00
Public Services 15% award and 15% prior yr pi 92,815.00 16,124.00 108,939.00
Administration and Planning 20%123,753.00 0.00 123,753.00
Total Committed 526,805.00 330,000.00 856,805.00
Uncommitted/Remaining Available 91,963.00 0.00 91,963.00
May 14, 2014
6
FY15 PROGRAM YEAR / ACTIVITY SUMMARY
On or about July 1, 2014 the City of Northampton will receive Community Development Block
Grant (CDBG) funds in the amount of $618,768 from the United States Department of Housing
& Urban Development (HUD).
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, 2014.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Housing Activities $ 326,000______
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:
Valley CDC Homeownership Assistance Center $ 26,000
Homeowner assistance program which provides direct down payment assistance and referrals
to HOME-funded units for low and moderate-income households
HAPHousing Acquisition of 129 Pleasant Street $150,000
Purchase and demolition of existing 58 unit SRO building and new construction of 78 mixed use
and mixed income units including affordable housing
Valley CDC Acquisition of 256 Pleasant Street $150,000
Purchase of former lumberyard for mixed use affordable housing development
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Public Infrastructure Improvements $ 65,000______
Provide public infrastructure improvements within CDBG eligible areas with the goal of
providing a suitable living environment for low / moderate income households. A sidewalk
construction project is planned and an income survey will be conducted, if necessary to assure
eligibility.
River Run Housing Development sidewalk $ 45,000
Audible Signalized Crosswalk Installations/ for sight impaired (2) $ 20,000
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Public Facilities and Access_____ $ 145,613______
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 improvements ensuring persons with physical
disabilities have adequate access to public facilities and services.
7
Northampton Senior Center Debt Service $ 145,613
Payment of debt service obligations for the construction of a full
service Senior Center at 67 Conz Street
James House Renovations $ 0
Physical improvements to the James House, a municipally owned
community learning center serving residents with low incomes
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Economic Development Activities __ _$ 10,000______
Economic development activities that promote job creation and retention within
Northampton and which promote the development of micro-business
enterprises targeted to benefit the City’s low and moderate-income residents
Valley CDC Micro-Business Assistance Program $ 10,000
Provide funding to the Valley Community Development
Corporation for technical assistance to small business entrepreneurs
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Elimination of Slums and Blight______________________ __ _ $ 86,475______
Fairgrounds Redevelopment Project $ 56,475
Building demolition at Fairgrounds to improve health and safety conditions
Laurel Street Farmhouse Demolition
Removal of dilapidated farmhouse/ Housing Authority parcel $ 30,000
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Public Services $ 92,815______
Provide funding for public services targeted to the City’s low and moderate
income population through community based non-profits: ($108,900 with Program Income)
Casa Latina / Bridges for Latinos $14,000
Outreach, advocacy, case management for Latino households with low and moderate incomes.
Big Brothers & Big Sisters Mentoring Program $ 4,500
Mentoring program targeted to students ages 6-16 and families at the Jackson Street School in
partnership with the Northampton School Department.
Center for Human Development / SRO Outreach Program $ 14,000
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 $ 9,000
Programs for computer training, employment coaching and family literacy for immigrant and
refugee households.
8
Community Action/ Youth Employment Program $ 6,400
Program to assist youth with job training and employment.
Highland Valley Elder Services Homelessness Prevention Project $ 5,000
Outreach and home care services to elders at risk.
ServiceNet / Grove Street Inn $ 15,000
Operating funds for the City’s year-round 20 bed emergency shelter for adult men and women.
ServiceNet / Hampshire County Interfaith Cot Shelter $ 13,000
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 $ 3,000
The MANNA soup kitchen provides meals three times per week, 52 weeks a year,
including Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Survival Center / Emergency Food Pantry $ 10,000
Food supplies for Northampton's largest emergency food pantry which serves
low-income residents and 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.
Community Legal Aid / Homelessness Prevention Project $ 6,000
Assist households with eviction prevention.
______________________________________________________________________________
Planning and Administration $ 123,753
Resources for community development program implementation and administration of the
Community Development Block Grant Program in the Community and Economic Development
Office.
9
Priority Housing Needs/Objectives/Activities
Activities Planned for this year indicated in orange.
Priorities correspond with needs identified in Consolidated Plan.
Need/Priority
Level
Strategy/Program Objective Outcome Number to
be served
Homelessness
Prevention
High Priority
Assist court involved
family households with
mediation, tenancy
stabilization, eviction
prevention
Assisting persons
at-risk of
becoming
homeless
Sustainability of
Decent Housing
Funding for
Community Legal
Aid, HV Elder
Services) New CPC
award to RFP
25 EL elders
60 EL
40 LI
Advocate for continued
funding for the Tenancy
Preservation Program
Assisting persons
at-risk of
becoming
homeless
Sustainability of
Decent Housing
Support funding
application to DHCD.
(ESG)
23 EL
Continue to support the
SRO Outreach Program
Assisting persons
at-risk of
becoming
homeless
Sustainability of
Decent Housing
CDBG support on-
going.
75 EL
Collaborate with
Highland Valley Elder
Services to identify frail
elders living alone
Assisting persons
at-risk of
becoming
homeless
Sustainability of
Decent Housing
New CDBG award
this year for pilot
program
15 EL
10 LI
Support self-sufficiency,
life skills attainment
programs
Assisting persons
at-risk of
becoming
homeless
Sustainability of
Decent Housing
Support for TPP, new
CPC project,
Public services
50 EL
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)
200 EL at
Grove Street
200 EL at the
Interfaith
Shelter
Improve the physical
environment and
energy efficiency at the
Grove Street Inn
Assisting
homeless persons
obtain affordable
housing
Availability/
Affordability
No property
improvements
planned for FY15
200 EL
Support the Resource
Center /Case
management for
sheltered and
Assisting
homeless persons
obtain affordable
housing
Availability/
Affordability
Seek additional
resources/ CPC for
300 EL
10
unsheltered homeless first, last and
security
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
local, regional
network committees
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
local, 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
Resource Center,
public services
40 EL
Preservation of
Affordable
Housing
High Priority
Monitor and intervene
as needed to maintain
Subsidized Housing
Inventory units
Retention of the
affordable
housing stock
Sustainability of
decent, affordable
housing
On-going dialogue
with Leeds Village
Apt’s (2018) &
Hathaway Farms
(2014)
21 units
207 units
Re-establish a Housing
Rehabilitation Program
Retention of the
affordable
housing stock,
energy efficiency,
housing quality
Sustainability of
decent, affordable
housing
Identify funding.
Hilltown CDC or
PVPC willing to
administer.
0 units
Sustain and improve
existing Single Room
Occupancy Units
Retention of the
affordable
housing stock
Sustainability of
decent, affordable
housing
Non-Profit purchaser
for 129 Pleasant/SRO
identified. Secured 6
month option.
58 units.
Purchaser
proposes demo
and 78 new
units; 48
studios; 1
bdms. ; 30 mkt.
rate
Support landlords who
are providing market
rate affordable units
Retention of the
affordable
housing stock
Sustainability of
decent, affordable
housing
Fair Housing
Workshops/
2-3 workshops
planned
Provide assistance for
rehabilitation
Retention of the
affordable
Sustainability of
decent, affordable
0 units
rehabbed
11
activities/preserve stock housing stock housing
No activities
planned / need
rehab. resources
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
Continue admin. Of
VASH vouchers at
N. Housing Authority
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
Continue dialogue
with NHA and
providers.
Est. new SMSA
for
Northampton
(someday)
Advocate for increased
funding for the
Massachusetts Rental
Voucher Program
Increase
availability of
rental subsidies
Improved
availability/
affordability
Increased in State
budget for this year.
Continue to
monitor/advocate.
New vouchers
for EL
Implement local Rental
Assistance Program
(first, last month’s and
security deposits) CPC
award to ServiceNet,
Inc.
Increase
opportunities for
accessing/
obtaining
affordable
housing
Improved
availability/
affordability
$10,000 available
for homeless clients
15 EL
households
Production of
Rental Housing
for Individuals
High Priority
Identify suitable land
and encourage
development for mixed
income housing
Increase
availability of
affordable
permanent
housing
New availability/ a
suitable living
environment
129 Pleasant St.
Rental for
Individuals
78 new units
48 affordable
30-60% ami
Studios and
one bedrooms
Pursue tax title
property for affordable
housing
Increase
availability of
affordable
permanent
housing
New availability/ a
suitable living
environment
Tax takings/
foreclosures
monitored
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 surplus
0 units for EL
and LI
12
Smith College and
Catholic church
properties
Promote Infill
development
Increasing the
availability of
affordable
permanent
housing
New availability/ a
suitable living
environment/
Sustainability
Working with Valley
CDC on new project
Funding apps to CPC
& DHCD early 2015
40-60 units
proposed
downtown /
Valley CDC.
Lumberyard.
Architect hired,
site assessment
Identify and implement
Housing First, Safe
Haven projects
Increasing the
availability of
affordable
permanent
housing
New availability/ a
suitable living
environment Pursue
Safe Havens
Project.
No new project
sponsors
identified yet
for FY15.
Examine adaptive reuse
and mixed use
possibilities for
affordable housing
Increasing the
availability of
affordable
permanent
housing
New availability/ a
suitable living
environment
Support 129
Pleasant and
Lumber Yard
Projects
Central
Business
District zoning
requires mixed
uses:
residential /
commercial
Examine, identify and
implement enhanced
SRO projects
(129 Pleasant St. is
existing Northampton
Lodging SRO)
Increasing the
availability of
affordable
permanent
housing
New availability/ a
suitable living
environment
129 Pleasant St.
$15-20 million
project
78 Studios and
one bedrooms
New construction for
formerly homeless
Veterans/ individuals
and families on VA
Campus in Leeds
Soldier On
building 60 new
units; 16 women
and children; 44
for individuals
New availability/ a
suitable
environment
Project
60 new units
for Veterans
Construction
44 Starting July
1, 2014
16 starting
Sept. 2014
New Assisted Living
Development at former
State Hospital Village
Hill /
Christopher Heights
Increasing
availability of
affordable
permanent
housing
New availability/
a suitable
environment
43 of 83 new
units will be
affordable in
perpetuity
Construction
start
Production of
Rental Housing
for Families
High Priority
Create new or adaptive
reuse projects for
affordable housing
Use downtown parcels
for smart growth
principles
Utilize existing
stock
New availability/ a
suitable living
environment
45-60 units
planned/ mixed
VCDC
LumberYard
project will
contain 1, 3,
bdm. units/
Construction
13
use. 2016
Promote Infill
development for
smaller households
Do community
education to
stimulate infill
activity
New availability/ a
suitable living
environment Held
Design Competition
for small lots with
western Mass AIA
Garfield Ave.
market rate lot
sold/ in Habitat
Dev.
Construct in
FY15.
Identify suitable
municipal parcels for
development
City surplus
properties, issue
RFP. Discount
price to keep
developer
costs down.
New availability/ a
suitable living
environment
Presented options at
11/4/13 Developers
Forum. Some being
pursued for feasibility
Market Rate lot
on Garfield
Ave. sold in
FY14/ build
FY15 with
winning
design.
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/
CDBG funded /
added direct financial
assistance
45 LM
households
served /
2 down
payment
assistance
grants
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
25 LI
households
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
HAP
60 LI
households
served
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
Work with Mass Fair
25 EL and LI
households
served/
Landlord,
property owner
and service
provider
outreach
14
Housing Center
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
New phase of
housing at former
State Hospital/ Co-
housing for
moderate income
households.
Village Hill
New phase of
co-housing
with cottage
style layout
and affordable
one bedroom
units FY16?
Maintain and
Provide Housing
for At-Risk
Populations
High Priority
Identify ways to add
units thru the
Governor’s 10,000 New
Units Campaign
Look to local CDBG
Community
Preservation Act funds,
other existing State and
Federal programs
Increase the
supply of
supportive
housing to
enable homeless
and special needs
populations to
live safely and
independently.
Increase
accessibility and
availability/ a
suitable living
environment.
58 SRO tenants
at 129 Pleasant
will be
relocated and
invited back
after
construction.
Lumber Yard
project 40-60
may set aside
units.
Continue to assess the
housing and service
needs of the seriously
mentally ill
Increase the
supply of
supportive
housing to
enable homeless
and special needs
populations to
live
independently.
Increase
accessibility and
availability/ a
suitable living
environment.
22 S+C units
continue to be
funded thru
the HUD
McKinney
Program/
ServiceNet and
DMH services
Continue to assess the
needs of the
developmentally
disabled after the
completion of the
Northampton Housing
Authority project on
Burt’s Pit Road
Increase the
supply of
supportive
housing to
enable homeless
and special
needs
populations to
live
independently.
Increase
accessibility and
availability/ a
suitable living
environment.
Advocate for funding
allocation for Burt's
Pit Road project/
requires creation of a
State Bond through
DDS.
10 EL units
created / still
on hold due to
lack of funding
at State level.
May move
ahead now that
Housing Bond
bill passed.
Identify funding and
locations for a Safe
Havens Program
Increase the
supply of
supportive
housing to
enable homeless
and special needs
Increase
accessibility and
availability/ a
suitable living
environment.
Will begin work on
4-6 new EL
units need to
be created /
will identify
potential
developers and
15
populations to
live
independently
developing a Safe
Havens Program.
funding
sources.
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
funding sources available.
Access,
Sustainability
Fairgrounds
Design and
Engineering
work continues.
CDBG funding
allocated for
soft costs and
building
demolition.
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,
crosswalks/pedestrian signals and other
traffic calming/pedestrian safety measures,
accessible ramps/fixtures, street trees/tree
wells, street furniture, bike racks, lighting,
waste receptacles.
Access,
Sustainability
River Run
sidewalk
planned.
Install Audio
signalized
crosswalks to
assist disabled.
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
Jackson Street
School
Playground.
FY15 /16
16
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
CDBG allocation
to Valley CDC
Business Program
6-12 one on
one technical
assistance
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
CDBG allocation
to Center for New
Americans, Casa
Latina, Literacy
Project
100+
Predevelopment assistance and small
business loan program
Access,
Affordability,
Sustainability
Refer to regional
groups/ EDIC,
Federal SBA
10
Preserve and develop affordable
housing, studio, rehearsal and office
space for artists and cultural
enterprises
Access,
Affordability,
Sustainability
No projects
planned.
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,
and other activities that improve
access to services and opportunity by
L/MI residents
Access,
Sustainability
Economic
Development
Coordinator
and Mayors
ED
Commission
Working on
TIF
agreements
and various
projects.
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,
Access,
Sustainability
Drainage
improvements
at Fairground
Blighted Area,
passenger
railway
17
sidewalk/traffic calming, parking,
transit, telecommunications.
station
progressing,
Round House
lot RFP being
created=jobs
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
Fairgrounds
building
demolition
planned.
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
CDBG support for
Center for New
Americans.
Coordination with
BID.
Work with
Center for
New
Americans
Priority Public Services Needs/Objectives/Activities
Need/Priority
Level
Strategy/Program Objective Outcome
Basic Needs
High Priority
Support funding
applications targeted to
households with low/mod
incomes for:
Shelter
Emergency food
assistance
Access to health
care
Insure minimums of
quality of life are met
for health and safety
CDBG funding for
shelters, Survival Center,
MANNA.
Sustainability of decent
housing; Suitable
Living Environment
and economic
opportunity
Serve 400 in shelters
Serve 2,700 via meals
programs
Youth Programs
High Priority
Support funding
applications targeted to
assisting youth
After school tutoring
Adult and peer
mentoring
Recreational
programming
Education
Job readiness,
employment training
Enhance life skills for
successful adulthood;
secure education and
job training for
homelessness
prevention and viable
independent living
CDBG funding for
Community Action’s
Youth Employment
Readiness Program
Sustainability of decent
housing; Suitable
Living Environment
and economic
opportunity
Serve 45 youth/
collaborating with
Northampton High
School
Housing Support Support case management Provide housing and Sustainability of decent
18
Services
High Priority
services that facilitate
housing stabilization,
prevent evictions and
avoid homelessness.
case management
support services for
successful tenancies.
CDBG funds for
Community Legal Aid
Homelessness Prevention
Program, SRO Outreach
housing; Suitable
Living Environment
and economic
opportunity
Serve 75 SRO;
20 CLA
Services for Special
Needs Populations
High Priority
Support Services for
special needs populations
including:
Persons with drug /
alcohol addictions;
Serious mental illness;
Homeless youth; homeless
families with barriers to
self sufficiency
Provision of not only
housing, but support
services for acquisition
of healthy life skills;
homelessness
prevention CDBG funds
for Case Management at
homeless shelter and
Com. Legal Aid/court
Sustainability of decent
housing; Suitable
Living Environment
and economic
opportunity
Serve 420.
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
Enhancing life skills to
insure successful
education and
employment and self-
sufficiency;
homelessness
prevention CDBG
support for Center for
New Americans, ,
Literacy Project and
Youth Program
Economic opportunity,
Suitable living
environment
Serve 115.
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 New train
station in mixed
income downtown
neighborhood.
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
CDBG support for
Forbes Library Elevator
installation
Audio signal
installations at
crosswalks
Economic opportunity;
a suitable living
environment;
improved accessibility
Childcare services Support preservation Improved ability of Economic Opportunity
19
Medium Priority /creation of child care
subsidies
heads of households to
pursue education and
employment
opportunities
Child Care provided at
the James House for
participants
Senior Center
High Priority
Final year of debt service
paid for by CDBG
Successful close out of
major public facilities
project CDBG debt
service, City Operation
and Maintenance
Improved availability
of services for
elders/improved
quality of life
Enhance programming
and outreach to Latino
and adjacent Housing
Authority communities
Removal of
Architectural Barriers
High Priority
Survey public buildings,
commercial buildings,
public infrastructure and
park facilities Installation
of sidewalk curb cuts
Eliminate/lessen
hardship for persons
with physical
disabilities.
Suitable living
environment
River Run sidewalk
project/ Forbes Library
Elevator
Work with Committee on
Disabilities and Human
Rights Commission
Eliminate/lessen
hardship 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.
CDBG expenditure for
construction of new
play area at the Jackson
Street Elementary
school that serves
adjacent public
housing.
Enhance living
environment/
sustainability of decent
housing
Jackson St. school
\play structure
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
No projects planned
for FY15.
20
Evaluation of Past Performance/ FY14
ACTIVITY TYPE/ Project Proposed
Outcome
STATUS*
Housing
Homeownership Assistance 45 households
*31 households served;
23 LMI ; 2 down
Payment assistance
Grants $26,000
Preservation of Affordable Housing Stock New South Street
Apts. Building
Rehabilitation
Funds being expended.
Will be completed by
June 30, 2014 $130,000
Public Infrastructure
Sidewalks
Sidewalk
improvements
No CDBG
expenditures. River
Run project being
carried over.
Public Facilities/Access Forbes Library
Elevator Design for
Accessibility
Fundraising goals
reached. Construction
docs completed w/
$14,000 CDBG
James House
Community
Learning Center
Renovations
Porch repair & painting
completed/ $35,365
Programs operating
Senior Center
Debt Service
7th debt service
payment made $311,621
Grove Street Inn
Homeless Shelter
for Individuals /
Rehabilitation
80 served
Exterior Painting
completed. $ 11,000
CDBG and $20,000
private donation
Economic Development
Micro Business
Assistance
10 individuals
counseled, 2 jobs
created, 12 jobs retained
Elimination of Slums and Blight Fairgrounds
Redevelopment
No demo occurred.
Funds being carried
over.
Public Services
12 programs
funded
Various
Outcomes
All on track for meeting
goals for #’s served.
*Status reflects 3 quarters
reported through 3/31/13
21
Activities/Funds Being Carried Over
River Run Sidewalk - There have been several neighborhood meetings with the Trustees and
residents. It has taken longer than anticipated to implement the project as it relates to a
development activity adjacent to the complex and Mass Highway project timelines for the
intersecting roadway/ Damon Road.
The Fairgrounds Redevelopment project is complicated and on-going. The overall
redevelopment plan, related to on-site and off-site drainage and storm-water issues is massive.
Intensive legislative work occurred during this year that resulted in a three million dollar
earmark. Existing staff capacity at the Fairgrounds is limited, so
FY15 Other Program Funds:
Projected program income from loan repayments in FY15 is anticipated to be
$ 8,545.44 (River Valley Market, First Time Homebuyer).
No revolving loan funds
No float-funded activities
No Section 108 Loan guarantees
No surplus funds from urban renewal settlements
No grant funds returned to a line of credit
No income from float-funded activities
No expenditures anticipated for urgent need activities
Low/Mod Benefit Expenditure Levels (91.220(I)(1)(iv))
Total Expenditures
Total Award= New $ 618,768 Carry Over $ 330,000 948,768
Planning and Administration 123,753
Subtotal to determine denominator 825,015
LMI Expenditures
Public Services 108,839
Housing 326,000
Infrastructure - Area Benefit 65,000
Public Facilities 145,613
Economic Development 10,000
Subtotal to determine numerator 655,452
LMI Benefit % 0.7944%
Non-LMI Expenditures
Slums & Blight 77,500
Subtotal non-LMI expenditures 77,500
22
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 FY15 Action Plan. The first public hearing was held February 12th and the
second was held April 9th, 2014.
CDBG grantees and local housing, homeless and social service providers discussed issues and
trends they are seeing with their client populations and delineated unmet needs. The draft
action plan was presented at the second hearing. Attendees were also made aware of
observations made by the Ad Hoc Public Services Review Committee. The Committee members
are considering adding criteria for leveraging, fundraising and capacity building for next year’s
funding competition. Those requirements were discussed with the grantees and they
understand the rationale. No decisions will be made until closer to the end of the calendar year.
Twelve Public Service applicant interviews were conducted March 10th, 11th, and 12th. The
process allowed the Review Committee to ask each applicant about unmet community needs,
issues, trends, program successes, as well as budget and fundraising challenges. 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.
Next Step Collaborative: Held monthly meetings with housing and homeless service providers.
Meetings were held September 12, 2013; October 10, 2013, November 14, 2013, December 12,
2013, January 9, 2014, February 13, 2014, March 13, 2014, April 10, 2014, and June 12, 2014. (Staff
attended the Annual Mass. Fair Housing Conference on May 8th). Monthly gatherings facilitate
service coordination, track shelter capacity and numbers of unsheltered, street activity, available
resources, overflow issues and trends that City/providers address together. Meetings held
monthly since 1994. (Membership list included in appendix).
Massachusetts Fair Housing Center: Three meetings were held with the Executive Director to
determine program components for CDBG work scope and implementation activities from the
Analysis of Impediments update. The agency did not apply for CDBG for the coming year, but
will continue to do work in Northampton. Implementing recommendations in the Impediments
Analysis will be included in this Action Plan.
COSA meetings: (Council of Social Service Agencies) under the auspices of the Hampshire
County Council of Governments). Attended monthly sessions for discussions, presentations
and networking between 25-40 Social Service agencies. Focus was on linking family and
parenting resources with family emergency shelter system and to update on Regional Network
activity. Needs assessment frames CDBG expenditure priorities.
23
HIV/AIDS: Met with AIDS Care of Hampshire County, now called A Positive Place, at Three
County Continuum of Care meetings. A Positive Place has increased their housing subsidies for
individuals and families experiencing HIV/AIDS and serves as the area resource on issues and
trends relative to housing and service demands and service gaps.
Public Housing: Consultations occurred with the Northampton Housing Authority during
March and April of 2014. There are now 2 Housing Partnership members on the Housing
Authority Board of Commissioners. Housing Authority updates have been added to the
monthly Housing Partnership agendas, so communication flow between the two entities has
been enhanced.
Northampton Housing Partnership met monthly to implement “Housing Needs Assessment
and Strategic Plan”. The members have initiated two funding requests to the Community
Preservation Committee to address gaps in the service delivery system. A Request for Proposals
to identify an agency to implement the second award will occur this fiscal year.
SRO Outreach Coordinator/ Met with the Single Room Occupancy Outreach Coordinator to
ascertain needs of residents living in private and publicly funded SRO’s.
Three County Continuum of Care/ City of Northampton continues to be represented at the
Rural COC, now led by the Hilltown Community Development Corporation. Northampton is
still a grantee for the Shelter Plus Care North project.
Western Mass. Regional Network to End Homelessness/ Housing Planner continues to serve on
the Leadership Council that meets quarterly and attends the Individual Services and
Unaccompanied Youth Committee meetings.
Veteran’s Services
The City of Northampton’s Veterans Agent and representatives from Soldier On and the
Veterans Administration in Leeds all attend the Next Step Collaborative meetings monthly. The
Western Mass. Network to End Homelessness has a Veterans Sub-Committee that also meets
monthly ( see appendix for minutes sample). Reviews point in time count information, service
delivery coordination and gap identification.
Town of Amherst
Consultation with Amherst for their coming year’s activities yielded the following:
· the Town is excited about the completion and lease up of Olympia Oaks, a 42 unit
affordable rental development,
· the Town, MHP and others are working to preserve affordable housing (at least 41 units) at
Rolling Green, a 204 unit apartment complex in town
24
· through the Town’s inclusionary zoning bylaw, 6 new SHI-eligible units will be
constructed at Presidential Apartments as they expand their number of units
· Habitat for Humanity is working with the Town to develop two affordable
homeownership units on the town-owned Hawthorne property just north of downtown.
· Amherst Transitional Housing is expanding to a second unit for a total of 8 bedrooms to
help provide individuals services and housing as they look for employment and permanent
housing,
· The Town will support the operation of the seasonal shelter and is working with Craig’s
Doors to develop a long term plan for a permanent shelter
· The Town offers emergency funds on a referral basis for fuel, utility, rental arrears and
transportation to help prevent homelessness and to help individuals and families find housing
A complete description of the standard Citizen Participation and Consultation Process is included in the
appendix.
RESOURCES (91.220 c1 and c2)
The jurisdiction 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 the City of Northampton.
Northampton Affordable Housing Trust Fund - The City established the Northampton Housing
Trust Fund in 2001 in order to maintain affordability at Hampton Gardens, 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 may be an effort to recapitalize the fund, possibly through the
local Community Preservation Act programming.
Community Preservation Act (CPA) – The CPA was passed by the voters in Northampton in
November 2005 and allows the City to enact a CPA tax assessment that is matched by the state
and used exclusively for open space/ recreation, historic preservation and community housing
activities. The forecast for available CPA funds for 2014 - 2015 is roughly 1.1 million, with at
least 10% being guaranteed for housing ($110,000). Both affordable housing projects will be
applying to the CPC in FY15 (HAP in August and Valley CDC in January 2015).
Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing Program– The Northampton Housing Authority administers
the HUD VASH Program vouchers for the region, in conjunction with their partners at the
25
Leeds Mass Veterans Administration Medical Campus. With several years of allocations, there
is now a total of 230. The average monthly HAP payment to a landlord with a VASH client is
$433, or about $5,200 per year. The VASH participants are spread throughout the four western
counties, so these financial resources are not all spent in Northampton. 15-17 new vouchers are
expected for this new fiscal year.
Other anticipated resources include: (updated as of May 1, 2014)
Agency Assistance State / Federal Amount
Big Brothers Big Sisters Northampton CDBG Federal $ 4,500
MA Mentoring Project 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 Northampton CDBG Federal $ 14,000
United Way Private 39,156
Misc. Grants Federal/Local 30,000
Administration Fee C. Dickinson Hospital 19,080
Interpreting Service Fee 16,800
Center for New Americans
Northampton CDBG Federal $ 9,000
Greenfield CDBG Federal 0
Amherst CDBG Federal 0
Dept. of Education State 399,268
Office of Refugee & Immigrants State 9,655
Foundation Grants Private 20,000
Individual Gifts Private 45,000
Hampshire United Way Private 20,000
Franklin United Way Private 13,841
Community Legal Aid
Northampton CDBG Federal 6,000
Mass. Legal Assistance Corp. Private 11,275
Mass. Bar Foundation Private 7,120
Emergency Solutions Grant State 0
City of Northampton
CDBG Allocation Federal $ 621,640
Community Preservation Local Florence Fields 400,000
Broad Brook Gap Community Forest Program Federal
Mass. Land Grant State Closed FY13 400,000
26
Community Preservation Act Local 300,000
U.S. Fisheries & Wildlife Federal 75,000
Conn. River Greenway Transportation Imp. Program Federal 6,000,000
& Damon Road Legislative Earmark State 100,000
Parkland Acquisitions State 400,000
Community Preservation Act Local 190,000
Leeds Park and Ride Transportation Imp. Program Federal 1,000,000
High Speed Rail High Speed Rail Funds Federal/ Western Mass. 73,000,000
& Rail Trail Linkage Northampton 6,000,000
State transportation Bond State 1,500,000
South Street Traffic Mass. Smart Growth State 300,000
Calming Overlay MGL40R
Pleasant Street EPA Brownfields Grant Federal 20,000
Transportation Imp. Funds State 2,000,000
Community Action
Employment Readiness Northampton CDBG Federal $ 6,400
Workforce Investment Act Federal 16,359
Community Services BGrant Federal 1,200
Mass. Clean Energy Center State 10,000
Com. Foundation/W.Mass Private 10,000
Literacy Project WIA Federal $ 44,000
Northampton CDBG Federal 9,000
Ware CDBG Federal 73,500
Greenfield CDBG Federal 17,000
Dept. of Education State 714,567
DESE Career Pathways State 74,000
Donations/fundraising Private 60,000
Womens Missionary Found. Private 10,000
Greater Worcester Found. Private 15,000
Wapack Foundation Private 2,500
Bete Foundation Private 5,000
United Way Private 10,000
Other Foundations Private 10,000
Rental Income Private 4,800
Other Grants Private 88,000
MANNA Soup Kitchen
EF and SP Federal $ 0
Northampton CDBG Federal 3,000
Shelter Sunday Private 7,000
Project Bread Private 2,000
Donations Private 7,600
Religious Organizations Private 7,000
Mass. Fair Housing HUD FH Grant Federal 325,000
27
Center Northampton CDBG Federal 5,000
Springfield CDBG Grant Federal 7,500
Community Foundation/WM Private 5,100
Attorneys Fees Private 36,000
Meadowbrook 222 units Low Income Housing Tax Credits
Apartments $6.5 Million Equity – 40-Year
Affordability
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. Northampton CDBG Federal 13,000
InterFaith Shelter Deferred Payment Loan Federal 9,996
DHCD State 68,602
Friends of the Homeless Private 13,768
Private Donations Private 12,346
ServiceNet, Inc. Northampton CDBG Grove Federal 15,000
Grove Street Inn DHCD Grove St. / State $ 170,000
MA Shelter Alliance Private 26,648
Hampshire UW Private 30,000
Project Bread Private 1,075
Private Donations Private 25,472
SRO Outreach Northampton CDBG Federal $ 14,000
FEMA Federal 0
United Way Hampshire County Private 37,200
Hap Inc. Non-Profit 2,000
Valley CDC Non-Profit 3,500
Highland Valley Elder Services Private (applying) 4,000
Home City Housing Private 2,000
Donations Private (projected) 8,500
Survival Center EFSP Federal 0
City of Easthampton Federal/State 5,500
Northampton CDBG Federal 10,000
28
Project Bread Private 8,000
United Way Private 60,000
Misc. Grants Private 55,000
Goshen Grant Income Local 10,000
Civic/ Business Private 51,000
Religious Private 12,000
Individual Donations Private 341,200
Interest Income Private 1,000
Schools Private 100
Three County Project Development-USDA Federal 20,000
Fairgrounds Cultural Facilities State 3,000,000
EDA Federal TBD
Valley CDC CDBG Amherst Federal/State 6,250
CDBG Northampton Federal 26,000
Florence Savings Private 20,000
TD Bank North Private 5,000
Easthampton Savings Bank Private 5,000
Peoples Bank Private 6,000
Berkshire Bank Private 2,500
Country Bank for Savings Private 2,500
TD Bank Private 5,000
MHP/Home Safe Program Private 8,000
DHCD CITC State 25,000
HAP/AGO Foreclosure Program Private 37,500
HC United Way Private 20,000
Mass Growth Com. Capital State (projected) 17,500
Membership Donations Private 7,000
Developer Overhead (Parsons) Private/State/Fed 86,000
Fundraising Private (projected) 20,000
Homebuyer Workshop Fees Private 10,000
Homeownership Marketing Private 23,100
Foundations Private 10,000
Small Business SBTA State Office of Entrep. State 30,000
Assistance Program USDA Rural Business Dev. Federal 15,000
Northampton CDBG Federal 10,000
Florence Savings Bank Private 5,000
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
Massachusetts DMR 10 New Units Burt’s Pit Road State (pending) $2,000,000
29
Go West SRO 17 Units State / Federal McKinney
St. Michael’s House 86 Units Mass Housing
The Lorraine SRO 20 Units /Rental subsidies State Private
Earl Street SRO 14 Units Rental Subsidies State / Federal Sec 8
McKinney Funding Hampshire County Programs Federal $342,253/yr.
City of Northampton Projects
No ARRA or Neighborhood Stabilization funds are received.
Florence Fields Recreation Area is a new recreation area being developed. It includes farm
fields, passive recreation and play fields. It is within walking distance from Florence Heights,
one of the two public housing family developments owned and managed by the Northampton
Housing Authority. Recreation fields should be completed by mid-summer 2014. Fields will be
ready for use in the summer or fall of 2015. The pavilion/ restrooms will be constructed in the
fall of 2014. Playground funded by a $50,000 State grant and CPA funds will be built in the fall
of 2015.
Bridge Street School Playground will be constructed with CPA funds and private fundraising.
An adjacent portion of Lampron Park will be renovated in the fall of 2015 with CPA funds and a
$50,000 State grant.
Connecticut River Greenway and adjacent Lane Business Park – This project will create needed
riverfront access, riverfront recreation and economic development opportunities immediately
adjacent to River Run, the largest condominium development in the City. River Run serves
mostly low and moderate income and special needs households and is within walking distance
to the Housing Authority’s other large family public housing complex, Hampshire Heights. The
new sidewalk planned to serve River Run is adjacent to the Lane Business Park development
and will connect to Damon Road, a major artery.
Sidewalk design will occur in 2014 for 2015 construction.
Site work on the greenway will begin in the summer or fall of 2015. The Lane Business Park
private sector development phase is several years off. A new traffic signal at Industrial Drive
and Damon Road will also improve pedestrian and vehicular safety; planned for fall of 2015.
High Speed Rail and Rail Trail Linkage Project – This project will bring Amtrak back to
Northampton, add a related traffic signal at Damon Road/Industrial Drive, build a new train
station platform and railroad under pass to connect rail trail sections. Will serve adjacent low
and moderate income neighborhoods. Rail lines are currently under construction with Amtrak
and expected to be operational in January of 2015. Linkage to the rail trail will be design in the
fall of 2014 with construction in the summer of 2015. Train station construction will begin with a
temporary platform to be installed in the fall of 2014 and a permanent platform will be erected
the following year.
30
Roundabouts at Pleasant St. /Conz Street and N.King St./Hatfield Street - Funds are in place to
complete the design of two roundabouts that will improve vehicular and pedestrian safety. The
Pleasant Street location serves many downtown residents, including visitors to the Senior
Center and a 190 unit Housing Authority elderly housing complex. The Pleasant St. roundabout
is at 75% of design, with construction planned for 2017. N. King is at the 25% design stage with
construction planned for 2018.
Main Street/State Street/South Street Intersection - Funded to complete the design for an
intersection realignment to address dangerous condition at site of high pedestrian use. Adjacent
to affordable housing at 22-34 New South Street and 36 Bedford Terrace. Design is in the
feasibility stage, construction planned for 2018.
Pulaski Park Re-design - Community Preservation Committee award of $194,500 for the re-
design and preparation of construction drawings for the primary downtown recreational green
space. Full design expected to be completed by spring of 2015 with Phase 1 construction
planned for summer/fall of 2015.
MassCentral Rail Trail extension in Leeds - Design at 75%; design completed in spring of 2015.
Phase 1 construction is planned for summer/fall of 2015 into spring of 2016; Phase 2 of
construction is planned for 2018.
Summary of Specific Annual Objectives and Program Activities (91.220 c 3)
On or about July 1, 2014 the City of Northampton will receive Community Development Block
Grant (CDBG) funds in the amount of $618,768 from the United States Department of Housing
& Urban Development (HUD).
This Action Plan articulates the use of those funds and addresses objectives related to a range of
housing, public facilities, economic development, elimination of blighted and decadent areas
and public service needs identified in the Consolidated Plan and the community outreach
process.
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 ensure the availability of 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 homeownership assistance program that provides
referrals to HOME assisted units in Northampton and direct financial assistance. Valley will
31
also conduct predevelopment feasibility and secure funding sources to create 40-60 new units of
affordable housing. HAP has a 6 month option on an existing SRO and is currently engaged in
predevelopment due diligence to create 78 units of new mixed income housing. Both projects
are located downtown, close to an expanded Amtrak rail station platform.
The program can provide public infrastructure improvements within CDBG eligible areas with the
goal of providing a suitable living environment for households with low & moderate incomes.
Funding will be considered for installation of a new sidewalk connecting the River Run
condominium complex to Damon Road. An income survey of residents may be implemented. If
the property location is deemed eligible and the Trustees agree to support the project, funds
will be allocated. The Department of Public Works, in conjunction with the City’s Committee on
Disabilities, has identified 2 intersections for installation of audible crossing signals for the
visually impaired.
The program can develop and improve public facilities within CDBG eligible areas to insure
citizens will have access to and use of adequate public facilities. The program can also
undertake access improvements ensuring persons with physical disabilities have adequate
access to public facilities and services. Funds were allocated this past year to produce
construction specifications for the Forbes Library Elevator to insure access for all Library
patrons. Installation will occur in FY15. The goal of raising $300,000 has been achieved.
Northampton CDBG Year 31 will provide funding to 12 public service programs targeted to
serving 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.
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.
The program will also provide assistance for eliminating slums, blighted and decadent conditions.
CDBG funded work this coming year will accomplish demolition at the Three County
Fairgrounds public facility and at a Housing Authority owned parcel on Laurel Street.
Planning and administration resources will be utilized to support the provision of 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.
32
Obstacles to Addressing Underserved Needs
There are several obstacles that were identified in the Impediments to Fair Housing Choice
report completed in 2012. Data analysis conducted by the Massachusetts Fair Housing Center in
that analysis yielded the following:
Latino and Black residents have lower incomes than their White Non-Latino
counterparts.
Young adults and senior citizens have lower incomes than middle aged residents.
The newest residents and those who are moving within Northampton are
disproportionately low-income as compared to the City as a whole.
The average household size is getting smaller.
The percentage of Northampton residents identifying as Latino has increased the past
few years, but the growth rate has not increased as rapidly here as it has in the county or
state.
Residents of color are overrepresented in tracts 8216.01, 8219.03 and 8220 which contains
Smith College, so 8220 may not be representative of the City as a whole.
Residents of color are underrepresented in tract 8217.
Significant increase in those aged 45 to 65, significant decrease of those 25 to 44 and
children under 18, over last 10 years.
Percentage of female headed households with children has increased over last decade.
Female headed households with children are disproportionately living in poverty.
More than 50% of the housing stock was built before 1950.
Except for tract 8216.02, children under the age of 6 are underrepresented in tracts
containing the oldest housing stock.
Northampton’s rental market is competitive.
Homeownership rates for Black and Latino residents is much lower than for it White
Non-Latino counterparts.
Residents of color are more likely to live in larger households than White Non-Latino
residents.
Limited supply of rental housing stock for large families; abundant supply of owner
housing capable of accommodating larger families.
Over the past ten years, the cost of homeownership in Northampton has risen
dramatically while the median income has stayed flat.
The median rent in Northampton is considered unaffordable to over 40% of the
households in Northampton and is extremely unaffordable to almost 25% of households.
Over the past ten years, while the amount of households paying affordable rent has
stayed roughly the same, the amount of households that were paying very affordable
rent has decreased by more than 10 percentage points, the amount of households paying
unaffordable rent has increased by more than 5 percentage points, and the amount of
households paying very unaffordable rent has increased nearly 10 percentage points.
Over the past ten years, there has been a loss in the number of low-rent apartments and
an increase in the number of high-rent apartments.
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There is a polarization of affordable homeownership in Northampton. For more than
half of the mortgaged homes, the owner’s housing cost was either extremely affordable
or else it was unaffordable.
(Next items were reported during a focus group meeting hosted by MFHC in 2013)
Members of certain protected classes may be denied housing based on their CORI
records. This may have a discriminatory effect based on race, national origin, and
disability.
Residents living with AIDS and HIV reported experiencing housing discrimination
because of their HIV/AIDS status.
There is a high representation of Latinos, African-Americans and transgender people in
the HIV/AIDS community.
Some elderly residents residing in public housing experience bullying and intimidation.
Some landlords are resistant to accommodating the needs of elderly tenants as they
become frailer and in need of modifications to their apartment.
Homeless and disabled individuals often face challenges trying to meet the
requirements that landlords have when securing a new apartment such as credit checks,
references, etc.
Discrimination based on disability was the most commonly stated reason for a housing
discrimination complaint over the past six years.
There are several agencies operating in Northampton and the region that are charged
with handling claims of housing discrimination.
The City has used its CDBG allocation to support numerous agencies and programs
involved in housing issues.
There are two municipal boards and commissions which have the opportunity to
address fair housing issues.
The city’s Housing Plan recognizes the need to provide a range of housing choices for its
residents.
The city’s zoning ordinance includes an overlay district designed to encourage
affordable housing in its suburban and rural residential zones.
Multi-family dwellings are not permitted as of right in any residential zone in the city.
Community residences or halfway homes are not permitted by right in any of the city’s
residential zones.
Accessory apartments are permitted by right in all residential zones.
Many of the city’s more flexible and diverse uses are only permitted by the special
permission of a city board.
There are several community organizations in the region designed to empower or
advocate for members of a variety of protected classes.
Local rental housing advertisements frequently state “no pets.”
Some local rental housing advertisements state that students are prohibited from
renting.
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Some local rental housing advertisements seem to indicate an unwillingness to rent to
families with children.
Additional Information on the Changing Community Profile
(As excerpted from Community Action/the Anti-Poverty Agency’s Needs Assessment FY2012-
2014 Report)
“Franklin County, designated the state’s only rural county, and neighboring Hampshire County
encompass 1,425 square miles and include many small cities and towns. In its FY ‘2009-2011 needs
assessment, Community Action, the federally-designated Community Action Agency for both counties,
noted that: “The ‘diversity of the diversity’ in Franklin and Hampshire Counties is unusual for a rural
area. … The number of undocumented immigrants is increasing, especially those from Latin America,
China, and other Asian countries.” (FY ‘2009-2011 Needs Assessment, p. 34) The most recent needs
assessment for FY ‘2012-2014 cites 2010 Census data to confirm this trend. Since 2000, the counties
experienced a small increase in overall population (about 2.5%) driven by dramatic increases in their
immigrant population. For example, the counties’ Asian population grew by 37% and the Latino
population grew by 47% between 2000 and 2010. The Pioneer Valley Planning Commission’s 2011
Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Annual Report also concludes from the 2010
Census that the region’s long tradition of attracting immigrants continues unabated, and remarks that
newcomers are increasingly drawn not to such urban centers as Holyoke and Springfield but to the
counties’ more rural communities. The report also notes the workforce development ramifications of this
influx of immigrants since they represent an increasing segment of the labor pool.
Community Action’s FY ‘2012-2014 report notes that Hampshire County’s population is both more
dense and more racially and ethnically diverse than Franklin County’s, but there are several overarching
similarities. Increasingly, the counties’ respective populations face all the economic and social challenges
associated with larger urban areas, but without the buffer or safety net created by the public infrastructure
typical of larger areas. For instance, the availability of public transportation to newcomers, who may not
yet have obtained a driver’s license, is much more limited, as is the availability of childcare. This service
deficit increases barriers to education and employment, which creates a risk of isolation for newcomers,
especially before they have become proficient in English.
In addition, unlike cities which have attracted immigrants from one country of origin, Hampshire and
Franklin Counties have become home to immigrants from over 50 different countries. Particular enclaves
in each county have attracted particular groups, such as Easthampton and Moroccans, Turners Falls and
Mexicans but in fact, the regions have been settled by an astounding diversity of immigrants from North
Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and a variety of countries in Latin America. In addition, whereas the
counties’ aggregate data suggests that overall, the counties’ population is still predominantly white, the
communities where the Center for New Americans has located its program centers are disproportionately
diverse.
Northampton is the county seat for Hampshire County. Its population, now at 28,549, has declined
slightly since 2000 notwithstanding a continuing influx of immigrants from Ecuador, China, Vietnam, and
Cambodia.
Northampton’s economic base consists of some manufacturing, a service sector which includes
government offices, healthcare, Smith College, and retail outlets and restaurants. Although the 2010-
2011 public school data shows that the percent of children speaking a first language other than English is
at 7.7% overall, at the Jackson Street School, located close to a public housing community where many
immigrants live (Hampshire Heights), the percentage is 13.5%. Some immigrants to Northampton who
work in the restaurant trade have come to the community without their children, who remain at home, and
they live in restaurant dormitories.
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Activities to Address Obstacles
Increase Stock of Affordable Housing
Community Education
On April 25th, 2014 the Massachusetts Housing Partnership conducted a forum at Holyoke
Community College that included the following:
Housing In Western Massachusetts: the Big Picture ( area demographics and trends)
Presented by 3 Regional Planning Commissions
Assessing Needs and Mobilizing Resources
Fair Housing: What You Need to Know
Site Identification and Assessment
Basics of Development Finance
Small Scale Development Case Studies: Opportunities and Challenges
Northampton City staff and Housing Partnership members attended. Many municipal officials
from smaller communities were also present. Increasing the number of projects in the area and
the number of communities committed to initiating and supporting those projects will increase
opportunities in all areas. If the supply of affordable housing increases, rental rates and demand
will decrease and there will be more accessible housing options.
New Construction
The Mayor is meeting with the UnderSecretary of DHCD in June of 2014 to request State
funding support for the HAPHousing affordable housing development on Pleasant Street and
Valley CDC’s affordable housing project on Pleasant Street. These two projects will be a huge
infusion of units into the affordable and market rate affordable housing inventory. These
projects will be in addition to the units currently in place at Village Hill, the former State
Hospital property and neither of these projects were even anticipated last year. Efforts will be
made to secure local and state funds.
Female headed households with children are disproportionately living in poverty.
Asset Development for Homeless Families
On April 24th Governor Patrick announced a $250,000 award for Western Mass. for Secure Jobs
for Homeless Families. The Regional Network to End Homelessness had obtained an earlier
award from the Paul and Phyllis Fireman Foundation for the same amount with exemplary
results. The Department of Housing and Community Development incorporated the program
into its budget and issued one million dollars for a statewide initiative. This funding will allow
the original pilot project to continue and expand. Local collaborators on the initial Secure Jobs
Connect effort included HAPHousing, the Corporation for Public Management, CareerPoint,
Future Works and Square One. The success relied on a vast network of partnerships that
included dozens of businesses, regional employment boards, community colleges and housing
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and child care providers. In Western Mass. over an 11 month period 143 parents obtained jobs
averaging 10.20/hr. providing a new level of housing stability.
Increasing Housing Location Choice
On May 27th a meeting will be held in Northampton with Mass. Fair Housing staff and Board
members to formulate a regional fair housing strategy to create communities of opportunity to
de-concentrate poverty. This is a follow up to a session at the Annual Conference (held April 10,
11) featuring the Oak Park Illinois Housing Center intentional integration community model. A
sign-up sheet was circulated after the session where community representatives indicated their
interest in investigating this model for implementation here. Holyoke and Springfield have high
rates of segregation within them and higher concentrations of poverty and people of color then
Franklin and Hampshire communities. A regional approach would identify the northern tier as
communities of opportunities and strategies would be developed to encourage movement from
the Hampden county communities. This dialogue will continue into the new fiscal year.
Increase in Elderly and Latino Population Segments
Facilitating Inclusiveness
Meeting held April 3rd with City Councilor and Council on Aging and Casa Latina staff to
increase Hispanic household participation at the Senior Center. Will examine hiring
opportunities to place bilingual personnel on staff, recruit bilingual volunteers, recruit Latino
representation on the Board of Directors, offer translated program notices, cultural awareness
training. Meetings will be held periodically to gauge progress. All parties committed to having
everyone feel welcome at the Senior Center.
Discrimination based on disability was the most commonly stated reason for a
housing discrimination complaint over the past six years.
Coordinating Services for the Disabled
City staff attended a meeting held April 9, 2014 sponsored by the Franklin Hampshire Career
Center. The meeting was facilitated by a Coordinator employed by the Department of Labor’s
Disability Employment Initiative. Agenda was focused on:
Building cross agency collaborations between agencies and individuals in the service of
people with disabilities
Understanding local resources
Responding to gaps or duplication of services
Identifying challenges faced by job seekers with disabilities
Update on changes in Federal funding for sheltered workshops
Purpose was to form a Regional Disability Resource Team to accomplish the following: 1.)
improve coordination and collaboration among employment, training and asset development
program implemented at the state and local levels, including the Ticket to Work Program; 2.)
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build effective community partnerships that leverage public and private resources to better
serve individuals with disabilities and improve employment outcomes. City staff will continue
to participate in this program year.
There is a high representation of Latinos, African-Americans and transgender
people in the HIV/AIDS community.
Northampton will co-sponsor a workshop with Massachusetts Fair Housing Center for A
Positive Place program participants and staff on fair housing law.
Members of certain protected classes may be denied housing based on their CORI
records.
Northampton will work with the Mass. Fair Housing Center to repeat workshops offered this
past year at the Hampshire County Reintegration Round table venue with area service
providers and House of Corrections personnel.
Homeownership rates for Black and Latino residents is much lower than for it
White Non-Latino counterparts.
Valley CDC will be encouraged to increase outreach for the First Time Homebuyer workshops
and homeownership assistance to Florence Heights and Hampshire Heights and work with the
Puentes Program at Casa Latina to identify potential clients.
The City will support the Northampton Housing Authority with its plan to develop the Laurel
Street site for homeownership units for families coming from Hampshire Heights and Florence
Heights.
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, community outreach
process and the Housing Needs Assessment and Strategic Housing Plan. Public services will be
delivered city-wide and the infrastructure projects are planned to serve a housing complex
where many low and moderate income households reside and crosswalks adjacent to the Senior
Center and an elderly/young disabled Housing Authority property (Salvo House/ units).
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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
(Smith College) 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
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.
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 prior to the
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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 the CDBG program year, funded activities may require budget
adjustments based on project related cost revisions, overruns or savings. Such adjustments will
be made only to activities included within an approved annual Action Plan. At such times the
City requires flexibility in adjusting budgets. A budget adjustment will be considered a
substantial amendment to the Action Plan if it meets the criteria established in the Citizen
Participation Plan.
Annual Affordable Housing Goals (91.220 g)
New Affordable Rental Housing for Individuals and Families
The Valley CDC completed the energy efficient rehabilitation of an existing building on King
Street near downtown Northampton two years ago. The project added 10 new SRO units to the
inventory. The building formerly housed 2 apartments and first floor commercial space. The
beautifully renovated structure now provides 10 enhanced SRO units, five specifically for
formerly homeless.
Valley serves the communities of Northampton, Easthampton and Amherst. After an 18 month
permitting review process, Valley has been granted approval to break ground on a 38 unit
family rental housing development in Easthampton. Occupancy is expected for September of
2014. This project will be an exciting and much needed addition of units to the region’s
affordable rental housing inventory.
Valley has a signed Purchase and Sale Agreement on the former Lumberyard parcel in
downtown Northampton. The fall of 2014 was spent doing due diligence regarding a storm
drain channel that traverses the property, conducting the Environmental Assessments, getting
the property appraised and hiring an architectural firm. A meeting was held with the Planning
Department on May 9th to review site plan schematics. The mixed use proposal will include
office/retail on the first floor and 40-60 affordable rental units for families and individuals. The
downtown location is accessible to goods and services and the new train station platform. State
funding sources and local Community Preservation Act funds will be pursued. Funding
applications will be made in 2015. Construction will be determined by how long it takes to
secure the State funds.
New Affordable Rental Housing for Special Populations
The Northampton Housing Authority still awaits the opportunity 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. A
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bond is required and it appears the preference is for renovating existing properties as opposed
to new construction.
Village Hill Affordable Unit Update
The remaining phases of new residential construction at the former State Hospital property will
be market rate housing. The goal of the project, being shepherded by Mass Development, was to
produce 207 residential units, half of which would be affordable. The affordable housing goal
(104 units) will be met once Christopher Heights is developed (see below). The current
bungalow housing being constructed was slated for "work force" housing (80-120% of area
median income) but has ended up being more expensive than anticipated. Even though the
sales prices for the lots and homes are in the 350,000 range as opposed to 250,000, some lots
have been purchased by teachers, a local pastor and some other City employees.
The affordable units produced in the earlier phases of the redevelopment project are attractive
and fully rented. These units made a huge contribution to the local housing inventory and offer
exciting opportunities for households with lower incomes to be active participants in this
diverse mixed income and mixed use neighborhood.
Project Affordable units at
Mass Development site
Affordable Units Credited
to City using Chapter 40B
Village Hill I
(renovated buildings)
26 33
Village Hill II
(new townhouse
construction)
32 40
Ice Pond Drive
(Homeownership
subdivision)
8 8
Housing Authority
(Grove Street)
DMH Housing
0 6
Total Current 66 87
Christopher Heights
Assisted Living
43 83
Total pending 109 170
New Affordable Assisted Living Units
Christopher Heights: The Grantham Group from eastern Massachusetts is moving forward on
an assisted living project (their fifth) at the former State Hospital property that will include
affordable units. Assisted living was a key component in the Master Plan. Village Hill, as the
development is now called, is a 126 acre mixed use community composed of commercial, office,
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retail, research and development, light industrial, as well as rental and homeownership
residential uses.
Christopher Heights of Northampton will be composed of a three story building containing 83
units. There will be 71 studio apartments, and 12 one bedroom units.
A minimum of 17 units (20%) will be restricted to extremely low income residents earning less
than 30% of the area median income while an additional 26 units will be restricted to residents
earning less than 60% of AMI. These units will be affordable in perpetuity. Not only will it serve
the special needs of the elderly population, but it contributes to multi-generational housing
options offered at the site.
This $13,400,000 development will generate $8,600,000 in construction spending resulting in 65
construction related jobs and create 40 new permanent jobs thus introducing $825,000 in payroll
into the local economy. Grantham Group, the developer, is awaiting a tax credit award to be
made this spring. If secured, construction would begin in November of 2014, with a November
2015 opening.
Soldier On, a private non-profit organization serving Veterans from the New England region, is
moving forward on a project in Northampton. Soldier On, in what is being described as a "first
in the nation" partnership, is teaming up with the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs to create
60 units of permanent housing for Veterans on the Leeds campus. 44 units will be for
individuals and a separate 16 unit building will be for women and their children. 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 has obtained the land from the VA through an
"enhanced use" lease. All funding has been secured. Loans are being closed on now. Ground
will be broken on the 44 limited equity coop units for men around June 15th or July 1 of 2014
and September of 2014 on the 16 units for women, construction is planned for this September.
Occupancy is expected for fall 2014.
Gandara Community House (Yvonne's House #2) opened in the fall of 2011. Friends of the
Homeless partnered with the Gandara Center to purchase a duplex on Maple Avenue, in
downtown Northampton. Through private fundraising, a Community Preservation funding
award and a grant from MassHousing's CCRI Program, an opportunity was created to house 6
homeless residents committed to sobriety. The property was renovated over the summer and is
now fully occupied. The residence has blended seamlessly into the existing neighborhood.
Friends of the Homeless are considering developing a third house and have met with DialSelf in
Greenfield about a house/program for homeless youth and personnel from the Hampshire
County House of Corrections about a step down reintegration house for post incarcerated
individuals.
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Regional Activity/
Projects and programs continue to move forward in Western Massachusetts.
Gordon H. Mansfield Veterans Village in Agawam = Soldier On, Inc. will use $2,715,000
in DHCD housing subsidies and $544,657 in state and federal low income housing tax
credits to renovate the former Western Mass Regional Police Academy in Agawam into
54 units of limited equity cooperative housing for formerly homeless Veterans. The
project is expected to provide 85 jobs. Construction has been delayed although Historic
Tax credits have just been awarded.
Olympia Oaks in Amherst = HAP, Inc. used $2,715,000 in DHCD housing subsidies and
$1.1 million in state and federal low income housing tax credits to create 42 units of
affordable family housing, with eight units reserved for extremely low income
households and 2 formerly homeless families. Project created 81 jobs.
Cottage Square in Easthampton = Arch Street Development will use $2.5 million in
DHCD housing subsidies and $981,271 in state and federal low income housing tax
credits to create 50 units of affordable family housing. Five units will be reserved for
extremely low-income households. Project will create 111 jobs. 50 one, two and three
bedroom apartments will be created for tenants whose income falls between $28,000 and
$42,000.
Dial Self Teen Housing in Orange = Franklin County Dial Self used $1.3 million in
DHCD housing subsidies to preserve nine units of affordable housing for youth aging
out of the foster care system. The renovation project generated 11 jobs and is now
complete.
Westhampton Woods in Westhampton = Hilltown CDC used $800,000 in DHCD
housing subsidies to create eight units of affordable housing for seniors. Project created
10 jobs. 6 units were occupied in January of 2014, the 7th in February and the 8th as of
March 1st. There are 2 project based section 8’s for 30% ami and below, 3 for 50% or
below and 3 for 60% or below.
Friends of the Homeless in Springfield = received $125,923 for the current fiscal year
from DHCD’s Federal ESG funds to support its emergency shelter
Y of Western Mass - received 69,242 of Federal ESG funds from DHCD to create
emergency shelter beds for victims of domestic violence
Catholic Charities of Springfield - received $126,380 for rapid re-housing efforts
MHA of Springfield received $77,387 of Federal ESG from DHCD to support the
Tenancy Preservation Program
Community Action of Franklin, Hampshire and N. Quabbin received 122,164 of ESG
funding from DHCD for homelessness prevention activities
In December 2012, Governor Patrick announced a goal of creating 1,000 new units of
supportive housing across the Commonwealth by December 2015. To reach this goal, 18
state agencies signed a memorandum of understanding partnering to improve existing
processes, make recommendations for new, collaborative efforts and develop a long-
range action plan to meet the need for supportive housing among the Commonwealth’s
43
residents. Supportive housing helps individuals and families that are homeless or
facing homelessness, institutionalized or at-risk of institutionalization, people with
disabilities and the elderly. Additionally, the agencies continue to assess the extent of
public cost-savings generated as a result of providing permanent supportive housing
and will recommend strategic reinvestments.
Western Massachusetts projects funded in 2014 included:
Springfield House will be located in the McKnight neighborhood of Springfield. The sponsor is
the Mental Health Association. The new construction project will provide 16 one- bedroom units
for persons with disabilities and will serve as replacement housing for a property destroyed
during the 2011 tornado. Supportive services will be offered to the new residents.
Our House will be located on Broad Street in Westfield. The sponsor is Domus, Inc. Domus
will purchase the vacant Broad Street property and rehabilitate it to create 10 single room
occupancy Units (SROs) and one on-site manager’s unit. When completed, Our House will
provide housing for extremely low income unaccompanied youth who are homeless or at risk of
becoming homeless. Domus will work with Westfield High School, the local YMCA, and other
entities to provide supportive services for these youth.
Annual Public Housing Goals (91.220 h)
As stated in the 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 innovative and caring staff to efficient program
management, and collaboration with residents, community service providers and Northampton’s
government and community leaders”.
The City and Housing Authority work together to carry out the mission. The NHA was
involved with the creation of the Housing Needs Assessment and Strategic Plan. The Director
attends Housing Partnership and City Council Social Services and Veterans Affairs meetings to
update members on NHA activities. A CDBG allocation to refurbish the kitchen at the Grace
House was completed last year. The City will support NHA’s efforts to develop the 4th parcel
deeded to them at the Former State Hospital, (Laurel Street) for homeownership, as indicated
by the CDBG expenditure for demolition of the existing farmhouse.
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Representatives of the Housing Authority are present at CDBG public hearings. Two Housing
Partnership members now sit on the Housing Authority Board of Commissioners. NHA Rental
Assistance/Section 8 program managers are actively involved in the administration of subsidies
for the HUD VASH Program, The Florence Inn, Go West, Hathaway Farms and the Maples.
Housing Authority capital improvement projects recently completed and planned are:
Completed FY14
Bridge Street, Tobin Manor, Grace House – Renovate entry ways $ 87,200
Cahill – ADA ramps $ 3,850
Cahill - Water Main Break Repair $ 2,107
Cahill/ Repair walkways $ 14,800
Forsander – Replaced boilers $ 436,300
Forsander - Replaced roof shingles $ 158,075
Forsander - Column study and repair $ 11,900
Tobin – Replaced Boilers $ 102,300
Tobin - Replaced flooring in the 2nd and 3rd floor Common Areas $ 8,086
Salvo – Installed Low flow toilets $ 36,300
State St. – Replaced failed DHW tank $ 5,800
151 Spring Street - Installed new flooring and re-shingled roof $ 4,350
66 Market Street - Shingled roof and installed new gutters $ 4,560
Grace House Kitchen improvements - $ 24,130 ($6,000 CDBG)
Projects Planned for FY15
Bridge, Tobin and Grace House - Renovate Entry Ways $ 87,200
Cahill - Renovate Community Room $ 25,000
Salvo House - Replace Main Breaker Electric Load Panels- $ 244,660
Salvo House - Improve exterior lighting / to be determined
McDonald House - New roof $ 80,300 estimate
Laurel Street demolition - $ 30,000
Projects in Planning Stages
Hampshire Heights - Repave roadway and do surface drainage re-grading at buildings
3-6
Hampshire Heights - Replace windows
Cahill - Upgrade fire alarm infrastructure
Salvo House - Repave roadway and parking lot
Salvo - Paint hallways and add access panels
Tobin Manor - Replace the roof
Bridge Street - Common area upgrades ( flooring, lighting, etc.)
45
During FY15, the Housing Authority hopes to make use of a new State law that allows Housing
Authorities that have properties deemed unusable for various reasons, to divest of them to a
non-profit agency. There is a property on Corticelli Street in Florence that is in dire need of
repair, outside the scope of available resources. The NHA hopes to create and release an RFP for
demolition and new construction of new affordable units at that location. Discussions have
been held with Habitat for Humanity.
The City will support the NHA’s efforts in carrying out this project and advocate for any
funding requests that may result.
Annual Homeless and Special Needs Goals (91.220 i)
During FY15, the City will actively support with CDBG funding, the Interfaith Shelter, the
Grove Street Inn and the SRO Outreach Project. City staff will work closely with the Outreach
Clinician from Elliott Services to monitor the number and needs of unsheltered residents in the
community. The City will support local efforts of Friends of the Homeless to assist ServiceNet
with the Interfaith Shelter operation, fundraise for the boot program, dental care and rental
assistance. Numbers being served in the homeless shelter system locally were relatively stable
this past year. The number of new people to the shelter increased during the year and it
remained full through to the last day of operation. Will serve 200 at each shelter.
Regional capacity issues will continue to be monitored this coming year. Coordination with the
Amherst winter shelter will continue as guests tend to move between the two communities
frequently. With the beds at the Northampton overflow site in Easthampton and the creation of
the Amherst shelter, fewer people are turned away for either substance abuse or capacity issues.
Annual goal, serve 100, house 15.
The Hilltown CDC continues to provide staff capacity to operate the Homeless Management
Information System. This system tracks the numbers, needs and housing placements of the
homeless. This past year saw great strides in improving the efficiency and productivity of the
regional HMIS system. The Annual Point in Time count and Annual Homeless Assessment
Report and the Housing Inventory Chart were compiled and submitted according to HUD
regulations.
Chronic homeless activities: During FY15, 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 Eliot 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. Services are provided through the C-SPECH and REACH
programs.
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The C-SPECH program (Community Support Program for People Experiencing Chronic
Homelessness) provides outreach, case management, assessment and referral services to people
with mental health and/or addiction issues whom are chronically homeless or recently housed
with chronic homeless history in order to promote long term housing stabilization. The
program’s mission is to promote housing stability and readiness for treatment services, so
clients can access and participate in community based social services that in turn may promote
long-term physical & mental health, sobriety, and community based permanent housing.
The type of services provided is based on a pretreatment model that values “meeting clients
where they are at” and thereby believes that all chronically homeless clients in need of housing
and stabilization services could benefit from these services as listed below:
Relationship building, engagement and outreach services
Common language development and articulation of client generated goals
Facilitate psychosocial rehab on defining obstacles to goals and developing skills and
supports
Active housing search and placement with focus on affordability and
transition/adaptation issues to new settings
Landlord mediation and counseling re: transition to housing community
Focus on development of safety plans regarding mental health, substance abuse,
trauma, and housing crisis. This includes access and use of area crisis teams,
detoxification facilities, psychiatric inpatient units, and self help networks, etc.
Assessment and referral to community based social services with support around
critical transitions to new services
Provide education and access to needed community resources such as food pantries,
benefits and rental assistance
Eligibility determination and readiness work to promote access to umbrella state
agencies such as DMH, DDS, Substance Abuse Bureau, SHIP, etc.
Integration of Change Model, Motivational interviewing, and Harm Reduction
approaches
Selection Criteria is based on the following: Single adults with a history of chronic
homelessness, mental health diagnosis, MBHP membership, and a willingness to engage in
services. The program operates through a philosophy of continued and extensive outreach and
engagement services regardless of current housing status. Eliot Services PATH staff currently
serves two clients in the Northampton area and will continue to make two slots available
throughout the year. They have matched C-SPECH services with affordable housing
placements via VASH Vouchers, Home City Housing, and Northampton Housing Authority
units. Staff offers a minimum of 3 hours of housing stabilization services per week per client
and currently serves up to 12 clients thru out Western MA (6 in Springfield).
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REACH (Regional Engagement and Assessment of Chronically Homeless) housing first services
were provided by ServiceNet, but these clients were transferred to the Housing Plus program as
part of a regional SAMHSA grant, when REACH dollars ran out. The
Providers that serve the chronically homeless continue to meet monthly at the Department of
Mental Health to match chronically homeless clients with affordable housing resources and
support services. Housing and service providers attend along with direct care people who have
contact with homeless individuals in need of housing and support services. The collaborative
partners that participate in this coordinated case management are as follows:
Behavioral Health Network /SAMHSA Mission West Program
Soldier On
Eliot Community Health System – C-SPECH & PATH
Home City Housing – Property managers for Valley CDC
VA Case managers – VASH
ServiceNet – Shelter, Drop in Center, Housing Plus-SAMHSA Team, Yvonne’s House
DMH Western Mass. Housing Coordinator – Eligibility for Shelter Plus, CBFS, Case
management services
Mental Health Association – Shelter plus Care McKinney Subsidies
DMH Club House- Starlight Center
With the 100% response rate for Annual Point in Time Count surveys, as well as the increasing
utilization of the HMIS system, data on the chronically homeless is becoming more reliable and
comprehensive. The Street outreach worker who conducts the unsheltered count has been the
same individual for years. Brendan Plante from Eliot Services knows the unsheltered
individuals well, as many of them tend to be the same year after year. The locations where
unsheltered folks camp outside are well known.
The Annual Point in Time count for 2014 indicated there were 33 chronically homeless
individuals in shelter. The number of unsheltered chronically homeless has gone from 11 in
2010 to 5 in 2012, to 12 in 2013 to 5 in 2014. There is always a slight increase when the winter
shelters in Northampton and Amherst close for the summer season. Efforts towards
engagement and trust building continue. Annual goal is to serve 20; house 5.
Specific FY15 Action steps to impact homelessness:
The Housing Partnership supported an application from ServiceNet to the Community
Preservation Committee for rental assistance funds last year (2013). The successful
collaborative effort yielded an award of $10,000 for first, last and security deposit funds
for homeless to access housing in Northampton. Funds were made available September
of 2014 and are being allocated through the existing coordinated case management team.
The goal is to house 15. Because the dollars have to be spent in Northampton and
affordable units are hard to find, moving the funds has been difficult.
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In January of 2014, the Housing Partnership submitted another application to the
Community Preservation Committee to fund a position to link community resources
and provide case management to families at risk of homelessness. The NHP surveyed
the affordable housing property owners and managers to identify the leading causes of
evictions and developed a project to address these issues. The NHP will write an RFP
during the summer to identify a neutral organization to be present at Housing Court to
identify families at risk and develop housing stabilization plans. The funding request
was for $165,000 for three years, solely for the staff position.
The Housing Planner will continue to facilitate a dialogue between the Police
Department, service providers and the downtown business community to inform and
educate about the services available for sheltered and unsheltered homeless. The
Downtown Resources Work Group will meet as needed to address downtown safety,
panhandling and service coordination for the homeless.
The Eliot Homeless Services 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 have taken
place with area hospitals, psychiatric units, community mental health workers,
reintegration managers at area jails and houses of corrections. Work group on housing
sex offenders continues to meet regularly.
The Western Mass. Network to End Homelessness achieved great success with the one
year $300,000 grant received last year from the Paul and Phyllis Fireman Foundation
aimed at moving homeless families into permanent housing by linking them to job
training and employment opportunities. “Secure Jobs Connect”. There has been a new
award of 250,000 from DHCD to continue the program. (See the articles in the
appendix).
Northampton still serves as the McKinney grantee for the administration of the Shelter
Plus Care North project which funds rental assistance subsidies for 22 housing units for
disabled individuals and families in Franklin and Hampshire counties.
Homelessness Prevention: The City will actively support with CDBG funding, the SRO
Outreach Program, the Manna Soup Kitchen, the Survival Center Food Pantry, the Valley CDC
Homeownership Program and Community Legal Aid’s Homelessness Prevention Project. The
CLA program focuses specifically on court involved households and works to stabilize public
housing tenancies. The target population is households with public subsidies because the loss of
those subsidies severely limits options for housing placements in the future. The Review
Committee was excited to provide an increased funding award to CLA for this coming year to
serve additional families. Also, a CDBG allocation was made to a new applicant, Highland
Valley Elder Services for a Homelessness Prevention Project which will identify frail elders in
the community and provide support services.
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All the public service programs listed above directly or indirectly preserve existing housing.
Regionally, the City will participate in efforts to secure funding to maintain and/or expand the
Tenancy Preservation Program and the tenant/landlord mediation services provided through
the Housing Court. The need for additional financial sources for rental and utility arrearages for
households at risk of homelessness still exists.
The City also supports the efforts of Valley Community Development Corporation. Valley holds
quarterly meetings with its property manager and area service providers to identify and resolve
any challenges Valley’s tenants may be experiencing in order to stabilize the tenancies and
prevent evictions. City staff attend those meetings.
As the region moves to a homelessness prevention, housing first and rapid re-housing system
model, the City will engage in efforts to promote and create those programs. The City will also
be cognizant of the need to transition to this new system slowly, rather than dismantling the
emergency shelter system prior to the other components being in place.
Supportive Housing for Non-Homeless: Stavros Center for Independent Living based in
Amherst provides housing search and access assistance to persons with disabilities. DHCD’s
Mass Access website also provides information on accessible unit availability. This past spring
the City cosponsored a training session with Mass. Fair Housing and Stavros staff on laws
related to reasonable accommodation. In this new fiscal year, the City will partner with the
same entities to solicit public comment on the Analysis of Impediments. The new projects
proposed locally will include some handicap accessible units, but it is too early to ascertain the
exact numbers.
The City will continue to advocate for funding for the Housing Authority's project proposed for
clients of the Department of Developmental Services. A housing bond bill has been passed at
the State level, but there does not appear to be funding for Chapter 689 developments. (again).
Persons with HIV/AIDS are assisted by Hampshire Aids/Care, recently renamed The Positive
Place, and Tapestry Health. The Positive Place is fully utilizing the 10 additional subsidies
funded by the HUD McKinney bonus project 2 years ago. Most of those subsidies are being
used in surrounding communities. 6 people with alcohol abuse issues are living at the sober
home on Maple Avenue created two years ago by the Friends of the Homeless with Community
Preservation Act, MassHousing CCRI and private funding. The property was sold to the
Gandara Center for on-going operation. Hairston House, transitional housing for people in
recovery, continues to operate on Graves Ave. also under the auspices of the Gandara Center.
Gandara also purchased the Alliance for Sober Living house on Summer Street, which is next
step independent living for those in recovery.
The Department of Mental Health reports no additional resources for services or units coming
to Western Mass. this fiscal year.
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Activities to Overcome Barriers to Affordable Housing (91.220 j)
The Housing Partnership will continue to implement recommendations in the Housing Needs
Assessment/Strategic Housing Plan. The Community Preservation Committee awarded the
funding to the Partnership in 2011 to create the plan. Not only is the Housing Partnership
benefitting from the document, but the CPC also uses it to guide CPA funding decisions. The
Planning Board is also benefitting from having a document that clearly articulates housing
needs in the community and possible zoning revisions to encourage unit preservation and new
creation. This has and will continue to enhance the City’s overall coordination with regard to
housing policy and program support.
The Housing Partnership will continue to work closely with the Office of Planning and
Sustainability to develop recommendations on zoning changes that will facilitate the
preservation and creation of affordable housing. The Office of Planning moved forward this
past year on several regulatory recommendations contained in the Strategic Housing Plan.
Some of those items were:
Ease restrictions on city and village center development (approved)
Promote mixed use development in more locations (approved)
Revise Cluster Zoning Provisions
Modify Accessory Apartment requirements
Revise Parking requirements (approved)
Explore form based zoning ( being incorporated in segments)
Establish a new mixed use innovations zone
Encourage small infill development (Design competition/ public exhibit and developers
forum held)
Make suitable public property available for development (Developers Forum featured
developable parcels)
The City will continue to work closely with the Northampton Housing Authority to improve
accessibility to housing opportunities. Through the Housing Partnership, a fact sheet was
created for Housing Authority dissemination to formerly homeless applicants. It is often
difficult for formerly homeless to provide all the required documentation for a Housing
Authority application (i.e. 5 years of recent rental history). By bringing the Housing Authority
Director together with local homeless advocates, a sheet was created that informs the applicant
that they can be assisted at ServiceNet’s Drop In Center (and includes a map). This will reduce
the number of rejections based on incomplete applications and result in more formerly
homeless securing permanent affordable housing. The NHA has also hired bi-lingual personnel
and efforts continue to create tenancy documents in other languages.
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Fair Housing
The City will work with the Massachusetts Fair Housing Center to plan and hold educational
workshops, do outreach to insure they are attended by those in need of the information, process
complaints and strategize ways to implement the recommendations articulated in the
Impediments to Fair Housing Analysis.
In addition to those already mentioned in the Obstacles to Affordable Housing section, other
impediments listed in the AI are as follows:
1. Members of certain protected classes may be priced out of Northampton.
Black, Latino, disabled, and female-headed households with children are disproportionately
low-income and poor. Homeownership is often out of reach for these residents due to the
increasing value of homes in Northampton, which has increased at a rate greater than incomes.
Northampton’s high rents and tight rental housing market has the biggest impact on low-
income and poor residents, who are disproportionately members of protected classes.
2. Members of certain protected classes may be unable to find rental housing with enough
bedrooms to meet their needs.
Residents of color disproportionately live in larger-sized families. Northampton has a
limited supply of rental housing with 3 or more bedrooms. A scarcity in the number of
rental units with 3 or more bedrooms will have a bigger impact on residents of color by
squeezing them out of the city.
3. Transgender and gender identity expression are newly protected classes.
Since transgender and gender identity are relatively new protected classes in Massachusetts,
there will be a need to educate and inform landlords and lenders about their responsibilities
towards individuals identifying in this manner.
4. A significant majority of the housing stock in Northampton likely contains lead paint.
The presence of lead paint in a home may have the dual effect of causing landlords to not want
to rent to families with young children and cause families with young children to be
discouraged from renting in older homes.
5. A CORI record may allow a landlord to deny an individual an apartment, which
disproportionately affects certain protected classes.
As a general rule, a landlord is permitted to look at a rental applicant’s CORI record and
reject their application on the basis of a positive CORI check. However, this policy might
be found to have a disparate impact on protected classes based on race, national origin and
disability.
6. Individuals living with disabilities face obstacles to fair housing choice from a number of
directions.
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A significant percentage of Northampton’s population is living with at least one type of
disability. Disability-related claims are the most common type of housing discrimination
complaint. The existence of a disability often overlaps with other protected class statuses
such as being a veteran. Individuals living with a disability face serious housing affordability
challenges as they disproportionately live in poverty.
7. There is no mechanism in place to coordinate between the various fair housing agencies
and local community groups.
Across Northampton there are several agencies that receive housing discrimination
complaints, including MFHC, MCAD, the Northampton Commission on Human Rights,
and HUD. In addition, there is a vibrant network of community-based organizations that
provide support for housing matters. However, without a coordination and information sharing
plan across these agencies, it will be difficult to fully assess the patterns of housing
discrimination in the city.
8. The city’s zoning ordinance has the potential to exacerbate existing problems with
accessing a diversity of housing options.
Multi-family dwellings are often more affordable than single-family dwellings. Greater
affordability in housing benefits members of protected classes. The zoning ordinance does not
permit the construction of multi-family dwelling units by right in any residential zone. In order
to build a multi-family unit, a developer must first receive a special permit. In addition,
halfway houses and community residences, which often serve individuals from protected
classes are also not permitted by right in any residential zone as a special permit is required.
Uses that are not allowed by right and are required to seek a special permit are at risk of not-in-
my backyard attitudes on the part of neighbors.
9. Local rental advertising contains discriminatory language or seems to indicate a
discriminatory impulse.
Ads for rental properties in Northampton often prohibit pets, but do not exclude service
animals from that prohibition. Some ads clearly state that they discrimination against
students. Other ads seem to hint that children may not be welcome in an apartment.
Recommendations
The City will work this coming year on the following tasks recommended in the AI:
o Increase the supply of affordable housing in Northampton and take steps to prevent the
loss of affordable units in the city.
o Because Northampton is a desirable place to live, a strategy will need to be employed
that ensures that members of protected classes who are disproportionately affected by
the high cost of housing in Northampton are the ones who access newly created
affordable units.
o Create an incentive plan for the development of multi-bedroom rental units.
o With a suitable LGBT advocacy organization, host an education session with
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landlords and lenders to inform them about this new protected class status.
o Produce or revise fair housing outreach materials to include this protected class.
o Create a database on the city’s website that lists those homes that have been deleaded.
o Provide outreach to landlords and homeowners about the programs and financial
assistance available to them to de-lead their homes.
o Host a community meeting to inform members of the public about the recently
adopted CORI reform law to ensure that landlords are following the requirements for
CORI checks and denials based on a CORI record and to inform renters of the ways in
which they can seal their CORI records. ( Did last year)
o Work with disability rights and disability advocacy groups to host a workshop to
help those with disabilities assemble the types of documents and identification papers
needed to complete a rental application. ( Did last year)
o Examine the types of disability housing discrimination complaints filed over the
past few years and look for patterns and opportunities for targeted outreach and
education.
o All agencies that receive housing discrimination complaints will participate in a
process of information sharing across agencies while still maintaining client
confidentiality.
o Fair housing agencies will work together to better define their respective roles
regarding receipt, referral, and investigation of housing discrimination claims.
o The MFHC will meet regularly with representatives from Northampton’s
community organizations in order to hear, from the ground up, the challenges to fair
housing that their constituents face.
o Consider expanding the “by right” designation to the construction of halfway homes
and multi-family dwellings.
o Work with rental housing advertisers to inform them of the fair housing laws in
Massachusetts and their obligation not to print discriminatory ads.
Annual HIV/AIDS Housing and HOPWA Goals (91.220(1)(3))
During the new program year, Aids Care of Hampshire County aka The Positive Place will
continue providing 20 rental subsidies to households affected with HIV/Aids and provide
support services. Case management, including housing search, homelessness prevention, life
skills training, medical assistance and advocacy will be provided to those households.
Discharge Policy (91.225(c)(10)
The City will support the Three County Continuum of Care protocols to prevent people from
being discharged from public and private institutions directly into homelessness. Additionally,
the Massachusetts Operational Services Division has developed discharge planning
specification language in its human services RFPs to ensure consistency in discharge planning
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for state funded agencies in order to establish an effective discharge policy in the service system
statewide. The language 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.
Monitoring (91.230)
The Community and Economic Development Office (CEDO) will monitor and measure the
success of annual activities against the goals identified in the Consolidated Plan. Progress on
the ConPlan needs and strategies will be evaluated on an annual basis to determine if changes
are required to plan priorities and strategies. 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 rotating schedule with at least 6 annually. In
addition all sub-recipients will provide quarterly and annual reports which will be reviewed
and entered into the IDIS reporting system. Any problems identified by sub-recipients or by
CEDO staff will be addressed immediately. Expenditures will be monitored and evaluated at
least quarterly. Without the Senior Center debt payments, it may be necessary to draw monthly
rather than quarterly to address program income accrual.