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

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St. Joseph County Housing Consortium rehabilitated for use in the Lease to Own Self Sufficiency Program. This program is funded with CDBG and HOME monies. It is estimated that 15 properties will be acquired during the 5-year plan period. C/earance and Demolition: To stabilize and improve the health and safety of neighborhoods, the City will demolish and clear substandard structures for the purpose of remediating blighting properties in its older neighborhoods. Some properties will be used for new construction activities such as the First Time Homebuyer Program or the Habitat for Humanity partnership; some properties will left as green space to ease congestion in the densely populated older neighborhoods. This program is funded with CDBG monies. It is estimated that 10 properties will be cleared during the 5-year plan period. MEDIUM PRIORITIES Street Improvements: To address the aging infrastructure in older center city neighborhoods, as well as enhance the impact of its housing activities, the City of Mishawaka funds street improvements in the low-moderate income neighborhoods in which it is working. This program is funded with CDBG monies. It is estimated that 2,400 linear feet of streets will be improved during the 5-year plan period. Sidewalks: To address the aging infrastructure in older center city neighborhoods. Similar to street improvements, the City of Mishawaka funds the installation/replacement of sidewalks in low-moderate income neighborhoods to enhance the impact of its housing activities. This program is funded with CDBG monies. It is estimated that 4,800 square yards of sidewalk will be installed/replaced during the 5-year plan period. St. Joseph County Homeownership: HIGH PRIORITY Homeownership Assistance: HOME funds will support homeowner subsidies to families and individuals under 80% of median household income. Rehabilitation: HIGH PRIORITY Homeowner Rehabilitation: Provided for those individuals and families up to 80% of median household income that own their home but need assistance in major safety related and/or health modifications. Such assistance addresses improvements to an aging housing stock, aids in homeowner retention rates, and can assist in the stabilization of neighborhoods. For the elderly population this option often provides a less expensive alternative and allows people to remain in their homes. HOME funds will support the Housing Assistance Office's Homeowner Rehab Program. Priorities were based upon identified needs, data available, market conditions and the capacity to address the need with available funding. Lack of adequate funding can impede program/project activities. Additionally, the capacity issue for providers and contractors can limit not only annual activity, but long term activity/productivity. The CDCs and nonprofit agencies struggle with administrative costs; contractors willing to work on individual, smaller jobs are limited, and the skilled rehab contractors are few and desired by all entities. 2010-2014 Housing and Community Development Plan 33