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Item 3.
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| City Council Regular | |
| Date: | 09/11/2023 |
| Title: | Substantial Amendment to FY2023-2024 Annual Action Plan to include CPTED Activities |
| Presented by: | Brenda Beckett |
| Department: | Planning & Community Services |
| Presentation: | Yes |
| Legal Review: | Not Applicable |
| Project Number: | N/A |
RECOMMENDATION
Staff and the Community Development Board recommend the City Council hold a public hearing on a substantial amendment to the FY2023-2024 Annual Action Plan, consider comments, and approve the amendment to include Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) improvements to public parks located in lower-income neighborhoods as a program addition.
BACKGROUND (Consistency with Adopted Plans and Policies, if applicable)
The Billings City Council has prioritized crime prevention activities and the Community Development Division needs to meet Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) timeliness goals to expend funds to comply with federal regulations.
Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) recommends improvements to the design of buildings, landscaping and outdoor environments to discourage crime. The Community Development Division will work with the Parks and Recreation Department to prioritize low-income neighborhood parks based on crime activity data and park facility conditions for improvements to lighting, design, landscaping, social engagement, etc. Any and all available CDBG funding, including the new allocation for FY2023-2024, unallocated funding from prior fiscal years, and repayment program income, may be allocated to meet timeliness deadlines to expend funds. Allocations may be moved from currently funded programs, including Foreclosure Acquisition / Rehabilitation, Affordable Housing Development, First Time Homebuyer, and CDBG support for the AmeriCorps VISTA program. This does not mean programs will not continue and be funded as programs and projects move forward, but it gives the City the critical ability to meet funding expenditure deadlines, meet an identified Council priority, and serve low income residence in the community.
The City’s proposed amendment was made available on the City’s website at www.BillingsMT.gov/ConPlan on Friday, August 11, 2023 and is open for public comment from Saturday, August 12 through Monday, September 11, 2023. If approved, the amended plan will then be revised, as required, and submitted to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) recommends improvements to the design of buildings, landscaping and outdoor environments to discourage crime. The Community Development Division will work with the Parks and Recreation Department to prioritize low-income neighborhood parks based on crime activity data and park facility conditions for improvements to lighting, design, landscaping, social engagement, etc. Any and all available CDBG funding, including the new allocation for FY2023-2024, unallocated funding from prior fiscal years, and repayment program income, may be allocated to meet timeliness deadlines to expend funds. Allocations may be moved from currently funded programs, including Foreclosure Acquisition / Rehabilitation, Affordable Housing Development, First Time Homebuyer, and CDBG support for the AmeriCorps VISTA program. This does not mean programs will not continue and be funded as programs and projects move forward, but it gives the City the critical ability to meet funding expenditure deadlines, meet an identified Council priority, and serve low income residence in the community.
The City’s proposed amendment was made available on the City’s website at www.BillingsMT.gov/ConPlan on Friday, August 11, 2023 and is open for public comment from Saturday, August 12 through Monday, September 11, 2023. If approved, the amended plan will then be revised, as required, and submitted to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
STAKEHOLDERS
· Low-income neighborhood residents benefiting from public facility and infrastructure improvements are the primary stakeholder group this amendment affects. Notification of the CD Board meeting when this amendment was discussed, posting of the amendment to the City's webpage, and notice of the public hearing at the City Council meeting was provided per notification procedures.
ALTERNATIVES
City Council may:
· Approve the amendment, with or without conditions.
· Not approve the amendment. Not approving this amendment both goes contrary to an adopted Council priority to address public safety in the community and puts the City at risk of not complying with CDBG expenditure timeliness requirements per HUD.
· Approve the amendment, with or without conditions.
· Not approve the amendment. Not approving this amendment both goes contrary to an adopted Council priority to address public safety in the community and puts the City at risk of not complying with CDBG expenditure timeliness requirements per HUD.
FISCAL EFFECTS
An adverse financial outcome to the City is not anticipated. The commitment and expenditure of these funds will help the City to meet CDBG federal timeliness requirements. Exact budgets for various qualify park projects will be determined after CPTED assessments are completed and improvements are identified.
SUMMARY
Staff and the Community Development Board recommend the City Council hold a public hearing on the substantial amendment to the FY2023-2024 Annual Action Plan, consider comments, and approve the amendment.