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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-20-84 Human Resources & Economic Development almisintito itrpur t mu hit mumnwn (IIounrti of fir Oltig of$outs Iambi HUMAN RESOURCES AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE The March 20, 1984 meeting of the Human Resources and Economic Development Committee was called to. order by its Chairman, Councilman Eugenia Braboy at 5 :05 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included: Councilmen Puzzello, Zakrzewski, •Braboy, Voorde, and Taylor, Jeff Gibney, Sandy Combs , Colleen Rosenfeld, Casey Pocious, Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand and members of the news media. Councilman Braboy noted that the purpose of the meeting was to hear presentations on the new guidelines for Community Development money. Colleen Rosenfeld, the Director of the Community Development Program then explained the Block Grant Program for 1984. She noted that it is based on Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, on the regulations of 24 CFR, Part 570 which were passed on November 1, 1983, and various HUD memorandums from the Indianapolis area office. She stressed that CDBG Funds primary objective are to be used for the development of viable urban communities, by providing decent housing and a suitable environment and expanding economic opportunities for low and moderate income families. Mrs. Rosenfeld noted that for a family of four the median income qualifying was $20, 700. 00 . She also noted that the median income for a family of 4 in South Bend is $25 ,900 . CDGB Funds are designed to benefit low and moderate income persons, are to aid in the prevention or elimination of slum or blight, and to address other Community Development needs which have a particular urgency. Mrs. Rosenfeld then outlined the various types of eligibile activities which are specifically addressed on pages 2 through 5 of the attached memorandum. Such activities would include acquisition and disposition of real property, public facility improvements, clearance demolition and removal of buildings, public services not to exceed 10% of the annual grant amount, interim assistance, various rehabilition and preservation activities, special economic development activities including those for sub-recipients , various planning and management activities and various administrative costs. The Committee then reviewed the map of the City showing the boundaries of the 1984 neighborhood revitalization area (;NRA) , a copy of the map is found on the last page of the attached memorandum. Mrs. Rosenfeld noted that within the NRA there were 62.5% of low and moderate income families which equaled 1/3 of the total City geographically. She noted that since 1982 there has been no upfront review of proposed activities and instead projects are monitored. Activities are reviewed by their own design and based on their own merits. • Mrs. Rosenfeld then explained the various certifications which are aimed at assuring compliance.; These -included; financial management, citizen participation, other resources, relocation acquisition, equal opportunity, fair housing, labor standards, environmental assessment and historical preservation. /11I( •11C.• . ^- PUMAS/41M• CO. Page 2. Mrs. Rosenfeld explained that in 1984 the City must adopt a "designated planning period" for a 1, 2 or 3 year period and 51% of all programs must benefit low and moderate income families. South Bend has selected a two year plan and now needs to develop a review process and an official entity for such a review. It was suggested that a combination of low and moderate income and conditions of physical structures may be considered. Mrs. Rosenfeld then reviewed a data comparison of the NRA to the rest of the City using various charts. Some of the comparisons were as follows: NRA (1/3 of City Geographically) Rest: of 'City (2/3 Geographically) 1) 25% loss of population 1) 5% loss in population 2) 17% decrease in income 2) 15% increase in income 3) $13,500 mean income 3) $21,000 mean income 4) $18,600 housing value 4) $35 ,700 housing value 5) 123 new housing units built 5) 639 new housing units built It was suggested that using a concept of a mixture between particular needs and demonstration blocks may be considered. Mr. Gibney thought the data comparisons were extremely effective and suggested comparing them to the County would also prove worthwhile. It was also noted that the Cityts total population is approximately 109000 with between 42,000 and 45,000 living within the NRA. Councilman Braboy thought that an update from Mr. Hollis Hughes on Housing Allowance and Section 8 would be worthwhile. Mrs. Rosenfeld suggested that perhaps the City could select marginal areas or buffer zones and through CD assistance help turn them around. She also suggested working with various support groups in the neighborhood including churches. She noted that the new urban-rural act has slowed down the process for receiving 1984 funds but the contract should be received by the end of this month. She speculated that it may be possible that activities in January 1985 may have to be funded by the civil city funds due to the slowness of receiving the CD funds. Following several questions from Councilman Voorde, Councilman Braboy thanked Mrs. Rosenfeld and her staff for the presentation. The meeting was adjourned at 6 :25 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Eugenia Braboy, Chairman The 1984 activities description handout of 70 pages was passed out to the Committee.