Consider and take action on Resolution No. 17-046, approving an amendment to Community Development's Five-Year Consolidated Plan that covers the period October 1, 2015 through September 30, 2019. (Management Services)

On August 12, 2015, City Commission approved the Community Development Block Grant 2015 Action Plan and 2015-2019 Five-Year Consolidated Plan (Resolution No. 15-058).  Under the current plans, the housing assistance activities consisted of minor and emergency rehabilitation services of roof, electrical and plumbing replacements not to exceed $5,000 per system.

There is no component within the program that addresses the need of eligible homeowners that require substantial rehabilitation to their property to ensure, safe, decent and sanitary conditions.

This reconstruction policy has been designed to establish a criterion that warrants and will allow existing structures to be replaced through the process of reconstruction. 

Targeted neighborhoods, neighborhoods in obvious decline and those that are in transition will be targeted for the optional reconstruction. Those neighborhoods with traits that contribute to blight conditions, such as dilapidated housing, vacant lots, high crime, unkept properties and low homeownership rates will be given priority for the Community Development Block Grant Funding “Optional Reconstruction Project." Under this initiative, staff has identified Chelsea Manor as the targeted neighborhood.

This will be an opportunity for the City to reshape this low and moderate income area with projects that will be highly visible and that gives impact to the use of the Community Development Block Grant Funds (CDBG). 

Continue the primary method used by the Community Development Department to address this priority by providing minor and emergency housing rehabilitation services to eligible low-income homeowners. The program is designed to offer in the form of a grant, assistance for minor code items such as roofing, plumbing, and electrical hazards not to exceed $5,000 per system.