9978-09 Appropriating $2,463,435 from Community Development (Fund 212), defraying expenses of CED

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St. Joseph County Housing Consortium General Questions i. Describe the geographic areas of the jurisdiction (including areas of low income families and/or racial/minority concentration) in which assistance will be directed. 2. Describe the basis for allocating investments geographically within the jurisdiction (or within the EMSA for HOPWA) (91.215(a)(i)) and the basis for assigning the priority (including the relative priority, where required) given to each category of priority needs (91.215(a)(2)). Where appropriate, the jurisdiction should estimate the percentage of funds the jurisdiction plans to dedicate to target areas. 3. Identify any obstacles to meeting underserved needs (91.215(a)(3)). South Bend While funds will be directed to many places across the City, they will be targeted to the Near Northwest Side (Census Tract 6), Near West Side (Census Tracts 19, 20, and 21), and the Northeast Side (Census Tract 10). (See map below for Census Tract locations.) These neighborhoods show relatively low incomes and high concentrations of poverty, high rates of residential vacancy and abandonment, and a high incidence of sub-prime loans. The target areas, adjacent to downtown, are also areas that have begun to see some redevelopment activity, have greater market potential, and have been areas of focus by local nonprofit housing organizations. An estimated minimum of 45% of HCD Plan-related funds allocated to South Bend will be devoted to these three target areas. The City of South Bend submitted an application for designation of a Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Area (NRSA) for Census Tracts 19 and ZO with its 2009 HCD Action Plan. The NRSA is primarily a residential area located just west of downtown. Generally speaking, the NRSA is bounded by Lincoln Way West on the north, William Street on the east, the Norfolk Southern Railroad on the south and Walnut Street on the west. This area was selected given its vacant lots, demolitions, absentee landlords, rental properties, lack of a neighborhood school, large elderly population, and property maintenance issues. However, this area is assisting in addressing these problems given the following resources: many concerned citizens, the history of the neighborhood, affordable housing, churches, small businesses, police presence, the Colfax Cultural Center, the Charles Martin Youth Center. the proposed Kroc Center (to be built at the corner of Western Avenue and Chapin Street), the redevelopment of the Hansel Center in partnership with the University of Notre Dame, the redevelopment of the former Engman Natatorium in partnership with Indiana University South Bend, and existing home improvement programs. The application for the NRSA was approved in July with a term that will run from 2009 to 2013 with the possibility of extensions. The City has proposed CDBG funding for demolition and NSP funds for housing rehabilitation, along with new construction in partnership with Neighborhood Development Associates, LLC (NDA), a private housing development consultant firm, and South Bend Heritage Foundation, Inc., a CBDO. The NDA will use CDBG funds as leverage to apply for a low income tax credit project to further invest in, and complement, the area. Additionally, the City of South Bend made a policy decision to shift resources from public services to physical improvements/neighborhood revitalization activities effective with the 2007 program year. Given the significant vacant property issues and the desire to more substantially advance efforts towards physical change in neighborhoods, the priority shifted 2010-2014 Housing and Community Development Plan 9