HomeMy WebLinkAboutRESOLUTIONS-2014-086-R-1410/29/2014
86-R-14
A RESOLUTION
Approving the Citizen Participation Plan and the Neighborhood
Revitalization Strategy Area Plan of the City's Proposed 2015-2019
HUD Consolidated Plan
WHEREAS, the Congress of the United States did pass Public Law
93-383, Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (which
established the Community Development Block Grant {CDBG) Program); Public Law
101-625, the Cranston -Gonzales National Affordable Housing Act (which established
the HOME Investment Partnerships Program); and Public Law 100-77, the Stewart B.
McKinney Homeless Assistance Act (which established the Emergency Solutions
Grants {ESG} Program); and
WHEREAS, the City of Evanston is an "Entitlement City" by definition in
said Acts and, as such, is eligible to make application to the United States Department
of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for said grant programs; and
WHEREAS, the City of Evanston, as a HUD entitlement community, is
required to periodically (every three to five years) submit its Consolidated Plan to HUD
that states its plan and specific strategies to develop viable urban communities by
providing decent housing, a suitable living environment, and expanding economic
opportunities principally for low- and moderate -income persons. Said plan is to detail
community planning and development programs, as well as housing programs, against
whose goals the plan and the jurisdiction's performance under the plan will be evaluated
by HUD; and
86-R-14
WHEREAS, HUD encourages jurisdictions to identify locally designated
areas where geographically targeted revitalization efforts will be carried out through
multiple activities in a concentrated and coordinated manner and develop one or more
Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Areas (NRSA) which, when approved by HUD,
allow greater flexibility in the use of CDBG funds in the revitalization area(s) as
described in 24 C.F.R. §§ 570.200-.913 (2014), as amended. Each NRSA must identify
long-term and short-term objectives (e.g., physical improvements, social initiatives, and
economic empowerment) and express them in terms of measures of outputs and
outcomes the jurisdiction expects to achieve in the neighborhood through the use of
HUD programs throughout the Consolidated Plan timeframe; and
WHEREAS, HUD requires jurisdictions to encourage citizen participation
in the development of any consolidated or amended plan and performance report to
encourage participation by law- and moderate -income persons, particularly those living
in areas where CDBG funds are proposed to be used, and in order to achieve such
requirement, jurisdictions shall apply and adopt a Citizen Participation Plan which, when
approved by HUD, shall allow greater flexibility in the use of CDBG funds in the
revitalization area(s) as described in 24 C.F.R. §§ 570.200-.913 (2014), as amended.
Each Citizen Participation Plan must afford citizens a reasonable opportunity to
comment on the Citizen Participation Plan and any amendments thereafter, and make
said Citizen Participation Plan or subsequent amendments publicly accessible, as well
as fulfill any and all requirements set forth in 24 C.F.R. § 91.105 (2014), as amended.
WHEREAS, the Community Development Department of the City of
Evanston, as the lead agency for the development of the 2015-2019 Consolidated Plan,
-2-
86-R-14
developed said plan in accordance with the Consolidated Plan Regulation, 24 C.F.R. §§
91.1-.600 (2014), as amended; and
WHEREAS, the Citizen Participation Plan and the Neighborhood
Revitalizations Strategy Area Plan of the City's proposed 2015-2019 Consolidated Plan
includes the required citizen participation and consultation; detailed analyses of housing
and community development needs; priority needs of the community and strategies to
address those priority needs; and
WHEREAS, the City Council's Housing and Community Development Act
Committee is charged with oversight of the City's CDBG program; the Evanston
Housing and Homelessness Commission is charged with oversight of the City's HOME
and Emergency Solutions Grant programs; and
WHEREAS, the City published a draft of the 2015-2019 Consolidated
Plan, including the NRSA and Citizen Participation Plans, and the 2015 Annual Action
Plan, for public comment from October 3, 2014, to November 3, 2014; and the Housing
and Community Development Act Committee conducted a public hearing to receive
input on the plan on October 21, 2014, and recommends approval by the Evanston City
Council of the aforementioned Citizen Participation Plan and the Neighborhood
Revitalization Strategy Area Plan of the City's Proposed 2015-2019 HUD Consolidated
Plan;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF EVANSTON, COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS:
SECTION 1: That the Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Area Plan of
the City's Proposed 2015-2019 HUD Consolidated Plan (attached hereto as Exhibit A
—3—
86-R-14
and incorporated herein by reference) is approved.
SECTION 2: That the Citizen Participation Plan of the City's Proposed
2015-2019 HUD Consolidated Plan (attached hereto as Exhibit B and incorporated
herein by reference) is approved.
SECTION 3: That the City Manager of the City of Evanston is hereby
authorized to transmit said Citizen Participation Plan and the Neighborhood
Revitalization Strategy Area Plan of the City's Proposed 2015-2019 HUD Consolidated
Plan, to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and to provide
any additional information as may be required by HUD.
SECTION 4: That this resolution shall be in full force and effect from and
after the date of its passage and approval in the manner provided by law.
Attest
R6dney e\enne, City Clerk
Adopted: 0, 2014
—4—
Eli eth B. Tisdahl, Mayor
86-R-14
EXHIBIT A
Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Area Plan of the City's Proposed
2015-2019 HUD Consolidated Plan
-5-
City of Evanston
Neighborhood Revitalization
Strategy Area Plan
Proposed as part of the 2015-2019 Consolidated Plan
October 3, 2014
Revised/Corrected October 17, 2014
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Introduction
The City of Evanston requests a Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Area (NRSA) designation, as defined by the Department of
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) CPD Notice 96-01, for a section of west and central Evanston. This area comprises some of
the most distressed residential neighborhoods in the city and qualifies as a NRSA based on the high percentage of low- to moderate -
income (LMI) residents. The proposed NRSA includes most of the census block groups that made up the West NRSA that was
approved by HUD in 2010. The Southeast NRSA approved at that time no longer qualifies as a NRSA based on the new low/mod
income area data that went into effect in July 2014.
The proposed Evanston NRSA continues the collaborative efforts of the City's Community Development department, Economic
Development Division, and a broad range of community stakeholders. Over the years, these participants have worked steadfastly to
revitalize Evanston neighborhoods and retail/commercial corridors in the proposed NRSA. These efforts have resulted in the
development of two comprehensive neighborhood plans: 1) the Canal -Green Bay Road/Ridge Avenue -Church Street Study Area
(2005) and 2) the West Evanston Master Plan (2007). In addition, the West Evanston Tax Increment Financing district was developed
to foster redevelopment within this area, and two major housing programs, the Neighborhood Stabilization Program 2 and Evanston
Community Revitalization Partnership (ECRP), have focused on addressing problems stemming from foreclosed and blighted
housing.
Many of the goals and objectives cited in these plans continue to be addressed or have been carried out through the
implementation of several short- and long-term targeted programs and projects. However, there remain pressing needs, particularly
for maintaining the quality and affordability of housing, and providing economic opportunity for residents. The NRSA designation will
enhance these efforts by developing complementary strategies that prioritize the use of CDBG resources.
The NRSA designation will encourage the development of innovative services and projects eligible for CDBG support, since a
community with an approved NRSA is relieved of some regulatory requirements when undertaking economic development, housing,
and public service activities with those funds. Future activities will function with fewer administrative requirements over the course
of the five-year NRSA designation. City divisions, for -profit and non-profit groups will embark on programs and projects to improve
neighborhood cohesion by alleviating economic and social disparity. Each activity will address one of the CDBG national objectives:
Decent Housing
Suitable Living Environment
Economic Opportunity
In this submission, performance benchmarks are determined based on need and the feasibility of achieving goals with resources that
are anticipated to be available. Performance will be monitored over the five-year duration of the NRSA designation to ensure that
satisfactory progress is made. The implementation of certain strategies may continue beyond the five-year period and performance
will be monitored accordingly. Nevertheless, it is imperative that program initiatives have both near term and lasting effects. Finally,
the NRSA strategy will be integrated into the City's Action Plans and Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Reports as a
component of the City's community development and revitalization activities.
Purpose
A Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Area is established within the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program to
enhance a community's ability to engage in comprehensive revitalization strategies. The focus of the strategy for the NRSA must be
economic empowerment of the low and moderate income population of the area, defined as those with incomes that do not exceed
80% of area median income. CDBG regulations permit certain regulatory flexibilities and better coordination of resources in these
areas. Partnerships among local government, the private sector, community organizations and neighborhood residents are formed
to collectively pursue innovative ways to "reinvest" in human and economic capital to empower low-income residents. Successful
neighborhood revitalization strategies are those that bring together neighborhood stakeholders to forge partnerships that:
• Obtain commitments to neighborhood building
• Make neighborhoods attractive for investments, thereby creating a market for profit
City of Evanston 2015-2019 NSRA Plan - DRAFT
• Generate neighborhood participation to ensure that the benefits of economic activity are reinvested in the neighborhood
for long-term community development
• Support the use of neighborhood institutions to bridge the gaps between local government, the business community,
community groups, and residents
• Foster the growth of resident -based initiatives to identify and address their housing, economic, and human services needs.
Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Guidelines
Benefits
The benefits are described in detail in amendments to the CDBG regulations at 24 CFR 570 published in the Federal Register on
January 5, 1995, and updated in the Final Rule dated November 9, 1995:
1. Job Creation/Retention as Low/Moderate Income Area Benefit: Job creation/retention activities undertaken pursuant to
the strategy may be qualified as meeting area benefit requirements, thus eliminating the need for a business to track the
income of persons that take, or are considered for, such jobs (24 CFR 570.208(a)(1)(vii) and (d)(5)(i));
2. Aggregate Public Benefit Standard Exemption: Economic development activities carried out under the strategy may, at the
grantee's option, be exempt from the aggregate public benefit standards, thus increasing a grantee's flexibility for program
design as well as reducing its record -keeping requirements (24 CFR 570.209 (b)(2)(v)(L) and (M)); and
3. Public Service Cap Exemption: Public services carried out pursuant to the strategy by a Community -Based Development
Organization may be exempt from the public service cap (24 CFR 570.204(b)(2)(ii)).
4. Aggregation of Housing Units: Housing units assisted pursuant to the strategy may be considered to be part of a single
structure for purposes of applying the low- and moderate -income national objective criterion, thus providing greater
flexibility to carry out housing programs that revitalize a neighborhood (24 CFR 570.208(a)(3) and (d)(5)(ii));
Requirements
CPD Notice 96-01 contains certain criteria directed to public agencies when applying for an NRSA designation. This application meets
all expectations included in the Notice for the West Evanston NRSA, as stated below:
1. The NRSA must be submitted with the 5-Year Consolidated Plan, or it must be made an amendment to the existing
Consolidated Plan;
2. Grantee must clearly identify the neighborhood's boundaries and the boundaries must be contiguous;
3. The designated area must be primarily residential and contain a percentage of low- to moderate -income residents equal to
the grantee's "upper quartile percentage," as determined by the most recent decennial census;
4. The strategy must be developed in consultation with the areas' stakeholders, residents, owners/operators of businesses
and financial institutions, non-profit organizations, and community groups that are in or serve the neighborhood;
5. An economic assessment of the area must be completed to examine (a) the current economic and neighborhood
conditions, (b) opportunities for improvement, and (c) problems that are likely to be encountered within the area;
6. The implementation plan must promote the area's economic progress with a focus on activities that will create meaningful
jobs for the unemployed and low- to moderate -income residents of the area;
7. The plan must promote activities for the substantial revitalization of the neighborhood;
8. The strategy must identify readily achievable performance benchmarks.
Strategy Development
The City of Evanston consults and considers state, regional, and local planning efforts when formulating its own planning policies and
priorities. This strategy builds upon the outcomes of City Council -approved neighborhood plans to identify the revitalization
activities functioning in accordance with HUD's NRSA guidelines. These plans include:
• Canal -Green Bay Road/Ridge Avenue -Church Street Study Area (Canal Report)
• West Evanston Master Plan
• Neighborhood Stabilization Program 2 Plan
• Evanston Community Revitalization Partnership
• Evanston Livability Plan
City of Evanston 2015-2019 NSRA Plan - DRAFT 2
The NRSA also draws upon the Dodge Avenue and Church Street Tax Financing District Redevelopment Plan and Project (West
Evanston TIF) when reporting on area economic conditions and opportunities in west Evanston. Moreover, review of citywide plans,
including the Comprehensive Plan, approved in 2000, the 2015-2019 Consolidated Plan, and the city's Zoning Ordinance ensures that
the NRSA strategies are developed in coordination with broad community goals and to support its rating in March of 2014 as a 4-
STAR Community. STAR stands for "Sustainability Tools for Assessing and Rating" communities and is a measurement used in the
national movement to create livable, sustainable communities for all. Evanston's 4-STAR rating lasts for three years, so the city must
continually maintain and improve upon plans and existing work in these areas of environmental, economic, and social sustainability.
STAR certification helps shape the future of our community by identifying gaps, prioritizing issues, and providing clear steps toward a
better Evanston.
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City of Evanston 2015-2019 NSRA Plan - DRAFT 3
Planning Area
The proposed NRSA contains residential neighborhoods and neighborhood business districts that remained largely unchanged by the
development of retail, office, and residential space in Evanston from 2000 to the Great Recession in 2008 and in the current
recovery period. The west section of this area has been described as a juxtaposition of seemingly incompatible land uses —heavy
industry, transportation facilities, commercial strips, and residential units —which contributed to high vacancy rates, general
deterioration of area structures, and overall disinvestment in commercial and residential parcels. The West Evanston Master Plan
sought to improve area connectivity by eliminating physical boundaries (e.g., dead-end streets, abandoned railway right of way, etc.)
and by better integrating land uses. The east section of this area is predominantly housing, but with a greater variety of types and
tenures than the west area. Most housing, whether single or multi family, was built prior to 1950. The area has a concentration of
large 3-4 story walk up multi -family rental buildings whose tenants include a substantial number of Northwestern students. In
addition, some large, single family frame homes have been divided into apartments or, in some cases, de facto rooming houses, and
have fallen into disrepair.
Description of NRSA Boundaries
The NRSA comprises parts of four census tracts, a total''i of nine census block groups. They are: census tract 8093, block groups 2 and
3; 8092, block groups 1, 2 and 3; 8096, block groups 2 and 3; and 8097, block groups 2 and 3. The boundaries of this area are
generally the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District North Shore Channel to the north and west, Sherman Avenue to the east
down to Emerson Street, then Ashland Avenue south to Main Street, which forms the south border.
Land Use
The portion of the NRSA west of Green Bay Road has relatively low density housing and more diverse land uses than the portion of
the NRSA east of Green Bay Road. Despite containing 2,600 residential -zoned parcels out of 3,000 total, it is currently 48.5%
residential. The area includes four business corridors of significant interest to the city—Ashland/Simpson, Church/Dodge, Green Bay
Road and Dempster/Dodge—that have been identified as the foci of economic development in the area. TIF District No. 6 bisects the
residential neighborhoods of west Evanston, stretching diagonally north to south from Main Street to Green Bay Road. The TIF
contains most of the commercial- and industrial -zoned areas, which make up roughly 18% of all land use in the NRSA. The West
Evanston Master Planning Process (WEMPP) reallocates and redesigns much of this land to better integrate industrial and
commercial land uses with the residential neighborhoods that surround the TIF. The planned land uses in Sub -Areas 1, 2 and 3 of the
WEMPP will significantly increase the percentage of residential land use. Plans call for infill of higher density residential and mixed -
use structures, replacing existing industrial and warehouse space. Also of interest, almost 33% of the area is designated for public
land uses, including green space along the North Channel of the Chicago River and the vast stretch of land occupied by Evanston
Township High School and associated facilities. Further, there are numerous parks, playgrounds, and recreational facilities in the
area.
The area east of Green Bay Road and the Metra tracks has a high proportion of large multi -family residential buildings between
Ridge and Sherman Avenues, and single family or small flats west of Ridge Avenue to the Metra tracks. It includes two small business
corridors at CTA Purple line stops at Noyes Street and at the intersection of Foster Street and Maple Avenue. This area also contains
the Lorraine H. Morton Civic Center and the Noyes Cultural Center, City facilities that house offices of general government and arts
programming, respectively. In addition, the area contains several small neighborhood parks and playgrounds.
Contiguous Census Tracts
The borders of the revitalization area are highlighted in the attached map, which show that the census tracts and block groups are
contiguous. Programs or projects will qualify for NRSA benefits if activities take place within, or serve the needs of, residents of the
defined geography.
Low- to Moderate -Income Analysis
An analysis of 2006-2010 demographic information from the American Community Survey for the proposed NRSA indicates that the
area is 51.72% low- and moderate -income residents, which exceeds the low- to moderate -income requirements of HUD CPD Notice
96-01. The average percentage of LMI residents is above the 51% requirement for NRSAs and significantly exceeds the upper
City of Evanston 2015-2019 NSRA Plan - DRAFT 4
quartile percentage for the City of Evanston, which is 45.13%. The LMI population by block group for the NRSA is shown in the table
below.
a _ . .M
MA
Block Group
LMI Pop.
Total Pop.
% Pop. LMI
BG 8093002
1195
1610
74.22%
BG 8093003
1035
1640
63.11%
BG 8092001
660
1,240
53.23%
BG 8092002
575
940
61.17%
BG 8092003
635
1,570
40.45%
BG 8096002
860
1,580
54.43%
BG 8096003
560
1,115
50.22%
BG 8097002
500
1,890
26.46%
BG 8097003
295
625
47.20%
Total NIRSA '
6,315
12,210
51.72%.
The City of Evanston's upper quartile is shown in the following table. Two census block groups with the highest percentage of LMI
residents are not targets for CDBG funding. Census block group 8087022 is the campus of Northwestern University, so is not
primarily residential; in addition, its residents are primarily students. Census block group 8094004 is in Evanston's downtown and
also is not a primarily residential area.
EVANSTON UPPER QUARTILE
LMI PERCENTAGE
gopiiiaton
LMI
Total
Percentage
8093002
1,195
1,610
74.22%
8094004
690
985
70.05%
8093003
1,035
1,640
63.11%
8087022
90
145
62.07%
8102001
530
860
61.63%
8092002
575
940
61.17%
8102003
460
790
58.23%
8096002
860
1,580
54.43%
8092001
660
1,240
53.23%
8095003
375
730
51.37%
8096003
560
1,115
50.22%
8097003
295
625
47.20%
8101005
545
1,170
46.58 %
8095002
475
1,035
45.89%
8103022'
510
1;130
4513%
City of Evanston 2015-2019 NSRA Plan - DRAFT 5
Demographic Characteristics
Evanston is the largest and most racially diverse municipality among twenty nearby suburbs and arguably the most economically
varied as well. An analysis of Evanston's demographic data identifies a wide range of economic levels in neighborhoods and block
groups in and around the proposed revitalization areas. Economically integrated neighborhoods are an overarching goal pursued in
this strategy.
The City has used demographic data from the 2006-2010 American Community Survey to maintain consistency with the new
low/moderate income area data. A table of various demographic characteristics and socio-economic data specific to the
revitalization area is shown below. The tables below highlight specified demographic characteristics and the racial composition of
Evanston and the NRSA.
Citywide data show that almost 74,000 people reside in about 29,000 housing units dispersed across eight square miles. The White
only population numbers 50,099, or roughly 67.8% of the total population, while Blacks, the largest minority group, number 13,733,
or 18.6% of the total. Asian and Hispanic/Latino populations make up roughly 7.7% and 8.8% of city residents, respectively. Notably
the revitalization area contains a higher percentage of Black and Hispanic/Latino households, at 41.5% and 20.5%, respectively; the
White population is 41.6%, significantly less than in the city as a whole.
SPECIFIED DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS
(,
_
_
NRSA
• a
>. -.
City of Evanston
City
I.,
_
Category
NRSA
BG8092001
BG
8092002
BG 8092003
BG 8093002
BG8093003
BG8096002
BG 8096003
BG 8097002
BG8097003
Total
Percent
Total
Percent
Population
73,880
I 100.0%
12,382
100.0%
1242
92
1571
1s09
eo4
t582
1891
625Total
_
_.;i-[Y
-'I
Male
35,314 47.8%
I I
6,108
49.3%
4768
I
607
911
297
Female
3,.2% I
6,274 11
50.7%
1
I�
7
4
775
698
870
944
09
974
328
19 and Under
19,173 26.0%
2,909
23.5%
ass
52
624
74
274
476
263
617
W
20-44
27,950 37.9%
5,455
44.1%
386
445
541
1348
751
771
324
747
N2
45-64
18,222 24.7%
2,638
21.3%,
317
292
258
127
428
271
397
342
206
65+
8,535 11.6%
1,380
11.1%
v3
53
148
60
351
64
132
135
1a
Median Ap7e
35.2
35
27
42
27
23
35
31
38-
37
46
w
•
Median Household Income
$68,107
, I
$50,625
$35,44
I 1
E53,500
I
E21250
$22,550
$51.625
l
$54.337
E71332
I
E66,45
Per Capita Income
$42,92,
$22,425
$1%.4
17.884 $27253
E5,831
E20,f42
$26,845
$2145
$30,735
E27.643
$20,015
labi>Fsiorcee"Qvan� Siwiisso._
Total Population
60,668 82.1%
10,005
80.8%
905
900
1020
1545
1595
1205
915
1435
485
Population in Labor Force
39,427 65.0%
6,055
60.5%
Soo
600
690
750
665
960
580
995
35
Employed
36,728 93.2%
5,305
87.6%
445
540
620
670
640
930
395
85
250
Unemployed
2,683 6.8%
750
12.4%
55
60
70
80
25
30
55
50
65
Not in Labor Force
21,241 35.0%
3,935
39.3%
405
300
325
795
930
250
335
440
55
N,
^58
•N,, >364
p�
a
TotalFamilies
at
J 16,296
2,591
0a
8
3.
lV
1>b&324,N
470 ,
Families or below896
SS%
330
12.7%
6
0
49
27
57
79
E
I,
02
,64.4%
Population 25+
47,599
7,548
61.0%
654
845
865
635
1123
9E
842
1235
430
High School Degree
5,563 11.7%
1,891
25.1%
54
S7
292
7
55
261
273
437
95
Some College, No Degree
6,128 12.9%
1,098
14.5%
86
126
53
22
136
84
S6
54
51
Associate's Degree
1583 3.3%
311
4.1%
58
67
D
12
0
54
M
5
64
Bachelor's Degree
13,867 29.1%
1,216
16.1%
85
99
92
206
229
131
145
57
72
Graduate or Prof. De'gree
17,337 36.4%
1,680
22.3%
49 J
56
27
389
526
209
Be
P9
41
e'687 4
r •415
Households
29,106
4,393
294
520
411
628
387
51
97�'
7i
I
I
(
249
I
I
301
517
(
I (
I
l
I SPaEnglnishOnlY
958
6.7%
7238
16.5%
35
291
97
596
46
e4
25
225
121
Source: 2C05-20t1 American Commun4y Survey
City of Evanston 2015-2019 NSRA Plan - DRAFT 6
Evanston's median household income is $68,107 and its per capita income is $42,925. The total number employed is 36,728,
compared with 2,683 unemployed. Generally, Evanston has attracted a well-educated population; 13,867 residents hold Bachelor's
Degree and 17,337 have Graduate (or other professional degrees).
Population Profile
The table below, Population and Household Comparison, displays changing patterns of population and number of households for the
proposed NRSA from 2000 to the 2006-2010 data. During that time, the city experienced a slight increase (0.9%) in population
growth, while the number of households decreased by 1.9%. In the NRSA, the population declined by 4.0% and the number of
households declined by 6.7%.
POPULATION AND HOUSEHOLDS COMPARISON
Popu
ation
%Change
Houjsehoids,':
%Change
Piave
2000
2010
(2000-2010)
2000
2010
(2000-2010)
City of Evanston
73,233
73,880
0.9%
29,651
29,106
-1.9%
'
BG 8092001
1,290
1,242
-3.9%
342
294
-16.3%
BG 8092002
1,313
942
-39.4%
494
520
5.0%
BG 8092003
1,379
1,571
12.2%
397
418
5.0%
BG 8093002
2,083
1,609
-29.5%
879
687
-27.9%
BG 8093003
1,584
1,804
12.2%
731
828
11.7%
BG 8096002
1,471
1,582
7.0%
581
495
-17.4%
BG 8096003
1,200
1,116
-7.5%
407
387
-5.2%
BG 8097002
1,727
1,891
8.7%
609
587
-3.7%
BG 8097003
833
625
-33.3%
248
177
-40.1%
Source:
2000 U.S. Census, 2006-2010
American Community
Survey
Unlike the Evanston population as a whole, the population of the proposed NRSA decreased by 498, or 4%, based on 2000 census
data to the 2006-2010 ACS data, from 12,880 to 12,382. There was a proportionately greater loss in households, at 6.7%. There is
significant variation in population change by census block group, ranging from a loss of 39.4% in block group 8092.02 to a 12.2% gain
in population in census block groups 8092.03 and 8093.03. Census tract 8092 had the highest number and percentage of vacancies
and foreclosures in 2009, when the City applied for NSP2 funding, so the population loss in block group 8092.02 can be attributed to
the housing crisis. An explanation for the substantial gain in 8092.03, part of the same census tract, is not easily explained, as the
City acquired 19 foreclosed and vacant housing units in this census block group alone between 2010 and 2013. It is possible that the
ACS data captured doubled up families who were displaced by foreclosures, but the decrease in the low/moderate income
population, from 50.3% to 40.45%, does not seem to support that explanation.
Race: The racial composition table below provides a detailed breakdown of Evanston and the NRSA's racial make-up. The NRSA has
higher minority populations than citywide averages. The NRSA has a population that is 41.57% White, 41.50% African American,
20.51% Hispanic or Latino, and 7.58% Asian. There are significant racial differences among census tracts and block groups within the
NRSA. The north and west portions of the NRSA have higher African American populations when compared to the east and south.
For example, five of the census block groups (80920.01, 80920.02, 80920.03, 80960.03, 80970.03) have majority African American
populations with 80920.01 having an African American population at 88.16%. The neighboring block groups to the east, 80930.03
and 80930.02, have African American populations of 14.36% and 0.00% respectively. The highest Hispanic or Latino population
resides in the 80960.02 census block group at 42.60%.
City of Evanston 2015-2019 NSRA Plan - DRAFT 7
RACIAL COMPOSITION I
wdvla Hamailandr
����' Blut, wlive Amercan -.-" � �, AcTent..-' Oder 9aci8e tslardv � Fwoarmae•tac>:c, � Other Histeni; or latieo;
Total y"•9&ol,Pa`t'" Tool '%cfP Tool 'F9�d1+b�x'" Total f96o"ilM�+c'� Total Nupua.I Total {'K»?Pt�A_ Total 19Lid,Yo _' Total M(4Ho�,
City of Evaraton 73,980 50,099 H6721%,t 13,733 *t$&Sdf(od 11 WrDA";* 5,667 8R7:SMM 0 0dA07b1i1 2,306 t� 2,054 ■2,7$Xr� 6,492 ti$MIM
INRSA 12,382 5,14741,5796'7- 5,138 rT4ASOfG 0t%� 939 �758%� 0 If0A04S 216 1�1,74Y' 931 W7�319br 2,5392(1St%481
BG8092001 1,242 xo .::11'2�%: 1,095 98&1b';, 0 0 i'DAtJ6:Ar 0 »6; 7 ?tt: : _ 0'j1yC09S m 8,i1%'a',
Bcfio920oz 942 377 'Yai%0211fii? s2s 55.84%L� 0 6�'di i 20 9R2.32%" 0 iBD:603Gt j s W1. 0 ffid,'#%iW 67 K9:f"
Bca0920o3 1,571 aaa 96330 m 0 446V3 fl 0 JWWX)0%W 0 !'D.t%#!6' 9 ffamlu 2. .ul"2% I s4e L8.$�9�G0
BG6093002 1,609 1243 ' ' .,ii�.t`. 0 '1i, it 0#r'g 0 "D, - 330 s2gt-% 0 .D.ilfi9i!?�S s 5 0 009f 1 73 ' 4.5
Bc8090003 I 1804 tsa ' ;54: r� 259 * 0 0e7 tan, 0tRti096 0 f�D,.t�►'i7� � �AJ14¢
I eceo9moz I 1,582 Bzz i 1;1G%'k 382 � ,88�96 3 0 .I�ad30Y6' 1s Ylf7b�9i o �`D:DVA� s zse ,ggo�®1 874 '�42.6fl46�
BG8896003 10.9 789 n % 0 n 56 Yd
I I 1,116 �359( �7,l.1y709b "�D.999L �'!, `3Y15%ffi�� .�I.IfO% 8i5.90% �t3'tt2�t�. ti i`i�.3s%
BG80 mm I 1,891 753 s3 24,' _: 657 1% �' o "^.... s o o 3 r 395 2EE89�i?';+i 7n
it
sa%".' �i28696k�' ,IIfD:Dtn$ vk3iataa &12
ISource 200&20DPmencan Gommurity Saner
Sex and Age: The ratio of females to males in the City of Evanston is 52.20% to 47.80%. In the NRSA, the ratio is more equal, at
50.70% and 49.30%. The median age for the NRSA is consistent with the city median age of about 35 years. However, block groups
80970.03 and 80970.02 have older populations, with median ages of 46 and 42. Block group 80930.02 has the lowest median age in
the NRSA, 23 years, which can be attributed to the young student population.
Educational Attainment: Over 93.4% of Evanston residents over the age of 25 have at least a high school education, compared to
82.1% in the NRSA. Approximately, 65.5% of Evanston residents possess Bachelor's degrees or higher, while 38.4% of residents 25
or older in the NRSA have equivalent degrees.
Socio-Economic Profile
An analysis of economic and housing condition data from the 2000 Census underscores the need for targeted strategies to address
issues of housing affordability and joblessness, as well as substandard housing in the revitalization areas.
Income and Labor Force: The median household and per capita income in the NRSA are significantly lower than citywide figures of
$68,107 and $42,925. In the NRSA they are $50,625 and $22,425. The highest concentration of LMI residents reside in block groups
80930.02 (74.22%), 80930.03 (63.11%), and 80920.02 (61.17%). The unemployment rate within the NRSA, 12.4%, was nearly double
the unemployment rate of the city, 6.8%, in 2010. More recent citywide employment data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
shows that the unemployment rate for the City of Evanston was 5.7% for the month of July 2014.
Poverty: A disproportionate number of families living in the NRSA have incomes at or below the poverty line. In the NRSA, 330
families, 12.7% of all families, fall into this category. The rate in the NRSA is more than double the city wide rate of 5.5%.
Housing: The Specified Housing Characteristics table describes the housing stock for the NRSA in comparison to the rest of Evanston.
The noticeable difference is the relatively low number of owner occupied housing in the NRSA at 43.16% compared to a citywide
rate of 58.50%. The NRSA has a higher number of multi -family structures than single family. The Housing Structures table provides
a breakdown of units per structure. In the NRSA, there are 2,066 single family housing units compared to 3,165 attached units.
Additionally, the number of residential vacancies is greater in the NRSA at 16.69% compared to the citywide rate at 11.4% with block
groups 80920.03 and 80930.02 having the highest vacancies at 23.30% and 22.29%.
SPECIFIED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS
MedianYea
Owner Occupied,
%OWW
ReRwOccupied
MedtanGrozs
%Renter
Place
YotidLints OctupiedllnRs
Median Value
Units
-
Occupied
-
' • units.
Rent
Occupied-
Vacmaunits
%ofTotalunits
Gtv of Evanston
32,856 29.106
1942
$395,000
17.034
58.50%
12.072
$1092
41.50%
3.750
11.40%
ftSIik
i.2 i%W AW4 SOSM i946
4460
Uif$MVW MeiWW
k,42220X7
990 $58416P SSb
sd 69%
BG 8092001
377 294 947
$346400
SO
54A2%
t34
$1227
4558%
83
22.02%
BG8092002
597 520 940
$457700
99
1304%
421
$1037
8096%
77
1290%
BG8092003
545 41B 939
$279,700
288
6890%
130
$1236
3111%
27
23,30%
BG 8093002
884 $87 939
$591500
80
t164%
607
$194
88,36%
97
2229%
BG 8093003
959 828 972
$586,600
98
239PA
630
$857
76.09%
131
13.66%
BG 8096002
579 495 939
$275,000
227
45.86%
268
$946
54.14%
84
145PA
BG 8096003
434 387 1353
$249,400
297
7614%
90
$990
2326%
47
1D83%
BG8097002
721 587 939
$382,500
370
63.03%
217
$969
3697%
t34
959%
BG 8097003
97 97 954
$282,900
97
90.00°A
0
$0
000%
0
0.00%
Source: 2006-2013 American CommunM S-ay
City of Evanston 2015-2019 NSRA Plan - DRAFT 8
HOUSING STRUCTURES
Multifamily
Place—
single Famlly
2
3 or 4
5 to 9
10 to 19
20 or more
Total
City of Evanston
12,646
2,143
2,517
3,616
J 2,328
9,522
20,126
B G 8092001
209
56
78
34
0
0
168
BG8092002
85
159
98
146
35
64
5V
B G 8092003
368
109
49
19
0
0
T77
B G 8093002
87
59
94
236
191
175
755
BG 8093003
'B5
104
87
12
12
559
774
B G 8096002
221
159
81
28
11
69
358
B G 8096003
411
23
0
0
0
0
23
B G 8097002
358
V7
176
10
0
0
363
B G 8097003
142
35
0
0
0
0
35
Source: 2006-201) American Community Survey
Planning Process
Consultation for the NRSA includes several planning efforts. In addition, this report and application to HUD is subject to community
review as part of the 2015-2019 Consolidated Planning process, and includes many elements of that larger plan. Since 1995 the city
has worked with community members on neighborhood planning initiatives in west Evanston to address and identify specific
neighborhood issues. The city undertook citizen -focused efforts aimed at bringing neighborhood revitalization and economic
recovery to this area of Evanston that has historically experienced disinvestment.
Activities proposed for the NRSA will be implemented in accordance with the revitalization goals of the West Evanston Master Plan
(WEMP), and Canal -Green Bay Road/Ridge Avenue -Church Street Study Area (Canal Report). The WEMP and the Canal Report cover
significant portions of the NRSA. The public outreach element of each neighborhood planning process is described below.
Canal -Green Bay Road/Ridge Avenue -Church Street Study Area: The Canal report presents the findings of three years of
community discussions about west Evanston neighborhood issues and priorities. The community's concerns ranged from land use,
zoning, infrastructure, and economic development to "quality of life" issues, including public safety, community cohesion and youth
needs. The final report identified 21 goals and 119 action recommendations. Since the report's adoption in 2005, 10 of its goals and
37 of its 119 recommended actions have been implemented. Specific recommendations in the Canal Report included exploring the
creation of a TIF district to address economic stagnation and disinvestment in the area and revisiting the industrial zoning and land
use designations of the Mayfair Railroad right-of-way and adjacent industrial properties, most of which were deteriorated and/or
abandoned.
West Evanston Master Plan: The WEMP is a product of a community planning and urban design process that addressed
disinvestment and blight within an ageing industrial area and an adjacent abandoned railroad right-of-way in west Evanston. This
report grew out of a robust community process consisting of a series of stakeholder conversations and six community meetings. The
process began with a "key person interview" and focus group discussions with residents, community organizations, major property
owners, developers, local businesses, social service providers, ward aldermen and city staff. During the community meetings,
participants were surveyed about needed businesses, administered a visual preference survey, and led through a design charette to
develop the physical elements of the plan.
Neighborhood Stabilization Program 2 Plan: The City was awarded $18.15 million in 2010 to implement two strategies to arrest the
decline and stabilize two neighborhoods hardest hit by the foreclosure crisis. The first was to acquire, rehab and reoccupy, or
otherwise mitigate the negative impacts of 101 units of foreclosed housing in two census tracts, 8092 in west Evanston and 8102 in
south Evanston. The second was to redevelop a vacant and blighted industrial parcel in census tract 8092 as the first phase of
Emerson Square, a 32-unit New Urbanist, mixed income housing development. Emerson Square is a catalyst project that implements
City of Evanston 2015-2019 NSRA Plan - DRAFT 9
part of the WEMP to improve land use and connect neighborhoods that are divided by an abandoned railroad right-of-way. NSP2
had a local preference for both homebuyers and renters, as well as a robust economic development component that used Evanston
contractors, including minority- woman owned and Section 3 businesses, and hired Section 3 workers. Area residents were engaged
in NSP2 through ward meetings and other community meetings. NSP2 is almost complete, with all rental housing occupied and all
but two for sale homes sold and occupied.
Evanston Community Revitalization Partnership: Community Partners for Affordable Housing, an Evanston CHDO, was awarded
$1.5 million in Foreclosure Settlement Funds by the Illinois Attorney General's Office in 2012 to acquire and rehab ten units of
foreclosed, vacant or distressed housing in part of west Evanston that was severely impacted by foreclosures subsequent to the
NSP2 award. The majority of these new foreclosure filings occurred in west Evanston neighborhoods that are south of tract 8092,
the area bounded by Church and Howard Streets on the north and south, and the MWRD Canal and Asbury Avenue on the west and
east, respectively (census tracts 8096, 8097, 8103.01 and 8103.02). ECRP is currently underway, with eight units acquired or under
site control; completion is targeted for December 2015.
Evanston Livability Plan: Concerned about the advancing crisis of climate change, Evanston signed the U.S. Mayors Climate
Protection Agreement in 2006, pledging to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 13% by 2012 relative to a 2005 baseline. That
goal was achieved in mid -summer of 2013, not by mobilizing Evanston residents to make their homes more energy efficient or to
change their day-to-day behaviors, but rather through the City's initiatives to reduce its own energy use and by the decision of
voters and the City Council to embrace 100% renewable energy for Evanston residents and small businesses. The more ambitious
goal of the Livability Plan is a 20% reduction in GHG emissions by 2016. This aligns with the GHG Mitigation objective in the STAR
Community Rating System and is key to Evanston's livability goals of healthy citizens and a healthier environment for all of Evanston.
The plan was developed in collaboration between the City of Evanston Office of Sustainability and Sustain Evanston, a network of
citizens and over 20 organizations that support initiatives and projects to improve the sustainability of Evanston. Strategies to
achieve this goal include energy retrofits of 280 single -Family homes each year, as well as multi -family housing and business/
commercial retrofits. Energy Impact Illinois, a program offering low-cost home energy assessments and generous instant rebates to
cover the cost of weatherization improvements, is a key tool to achieving this, but low and moderate income homeowners often
lack the resources to participate in this and similar programs. A City objective is to develop a funding strategy to address this,
thereby leveraging outside resources to improve the condition and affordability of Evanston's housing stock.
Neighborhood Assessment
Residents in the NRSA take pride in many attributes of their community, despite the presence of recognizable inadequacies including
disproportionate levels of crime, vacant and deteriorating structures, and limited business activity. Residents have access to high
quality schools, public transportation and expanses of open space, and live in close proximity to the lakefront, Northwestern
University and downtown Chicago. Residents also share a sense of cultural and ethnic pride.
Over the years, residents have reached consensus on key problems that pose a threat to neighborhood growth and stability and
potential opportunities to reshape business districts and improve residential cohesiveness. Actions and improvements in public
safety, housing, economic development, streets and transportation, and public infrastructure have followed concerted efforts of
community stakeholders to effectively address problem areas by acting on opportunities and capitalizing on neighborhood
attributes.
Despite this, the housing crisis and economic downturn had a disproportionately negative impact on the safety and stability of these
neighborhoods. A recent analysis of economic and neighborhood conditions highlights the need to continue to address foreclosed,
vacant and deteriorating residential and commercial properties.
Assessment of Economic and Neighborhood Conditions
The business environment, including large enterprises and small businesses, as well as the involvement of neighborhood residents in
these institutions, plays an important role when drafting strategies for neighborhood improvement. An Evanston Chamber of
Commerce study noted there are an increasing number of service -related employment opportunities compared with those in heavy
industry sectors. This trend has negative implications for the residents of the NRSA, who are generally less educated and rely on
manufacturing jobs. According to the 2015-2019 Consolidated Plan, the largest employment sectors in Evanston are Education and
City of Evanston 2015-2019 NSRA Plan - DRAFT 10
Health Services (8,288 workers), Professional, Scientific, Management Services (3,892 workers), Arts, Entertainment,
Accommodations (3,139 workers), Retail Trade (2,916 workers), and Finance, Insurance, and Real Estate (2,770 workers). Less than
5% of jobs are in traditionally high paying "blue-collar" sectors, such as Manufacturing, Construction, and Wholesale Trade. Major
employers include Northwestern University, North Shore University Health System, St Francis Hospital, the City of Evanston,
Evanston -Skokie Community Consolidated School District 65, Evanston Township High School District 202, Presbyterian Homes,
Rotary International, Mather Lifeways, and C.E. Niehoff & Co.
The City has lost large employers, including Bell and Howell, Aparacor, Shure, Inc., and Rustoleum, which accounted for a large
number of the city's manufacturing positions and provided high paying jobs for residents of Evanston's working class neighborhoods.
A 2006 real estate market analysis prepared for the WEMPP found that many industrial uses are leaving North Cook County, as well
as Evanston. The manufacturing businesses that remain in Evanston, including IRMCO and C.E. Niehoff have positions for highly
skilled workers with advanced mathematics and computer knowledge, which require significant post high school education and
training.
Today, there are few large employers within the revitalization area, although it is home to an array of small retail and commercial
enterprises. West Evanston features a more diverse array of businesses, community services, and destinations that include graphic
design firms and advertising agencies in addition to several manufacturers, plumbing and electrical contractors, etc. The east portion
has a vibrant dining scene centered at the Noyes Street Purple Line stop, an independent grocery store that serves the surrounding
neighborhood, and a variety of insurance and other services offices along Foster Street and Maple Avenue.
Adverse economic conditions caused numerous small businesses to close in these commercial corridors. Consequently, several
commercial buildings are now vacant in the Ashland/Simpson, Church/Dodge, and Green Bay Road business corridors. According to
policymap.com U.S. Postal Service (USPS) data, in the Third Quarter of 2010, there is a high percentage of vacant businesses notably
in parts of west Evanston. Census tracts 8092 and 8097 in west Evanston are classified as having some of the highest percentage of
business vacancies in the city, with over 15% and over 10%-15% of all business units vacant. The area north of Church Street also
falls into that category.
The shortage of area services has obvious negative implications, including lower gross rents, which limits landlord investment in
buildings, and an upswing in unemployment rates as additional businesses fail. Further, area residents are unable to conveniently
access needed goods and services. Likewise, employment opportunities are located elsewhere and often difficult to access. The lack
of economically productive and competitive businesses has both direct and indirect effects that affect neighborhood prosperity.
Additionally, along the major commercial corridors within the NRSA there exist high incidences of graffiti. The Noyes, Foster, and
Dodge corridors are most impacted by graffiti and require city services to for its removal. Graffiti removal serves to make the
community more appealing to businesses and residents.
Housing: Affordability, the condition of area housing stock and its impact on neighborhood image and quality of life were essential
considerations during the plan's strategy development. Housing goals address issues of safety and well-being in addition to
affordability, accessibility, and the negative perceptions resulting from poor physical condition of area housing stock. Addressing
vacancies by rehabilitating housing while creating more affordable and accessible housing options for larger families and the
disabled are priorities, but will require significant public and private resources.
Housing characteristics in the proposed NRSA are substantially different from the city as a whole, with a higher proportion of rental
housing overall, but with wide variation by census block group, from 88.3% renter occupied in 8093.02 to 0.0% renter occupied in
8097.03. Census block group 8092.03 shows the highest vacancy rate at 23.3% in the 2006-2010 American Community Survey data.
Although the City's NSP2 project acquired and rehabilitated or otherwise mitigated the negative effects of over 50 units of
foreclosed and vacant housing in the west portion of the NRSA since 2010, a number of vacant properties that are boarded and
deteriorating still remain. In addition to being potentially dangerous, these properties have substantial negative impacts on the
neighborhood. Such properties reduce property values and become magnets for crime and require additional city services.
NSP2 has been invaluable in addressing the negative impact of REOs in its target census tracts. However, a critical need — stemming
the tide of new foreclosure filings, auctions and REOs in census tracts not affected by NSP2, remained. In 2010, foreclosure filings
rose by almost 50%, to 399, from prior year. Although foreclosure filings declined slightly, to 316 and 295 in 2011 and 2012,
City of Evanston 2015-2019 NSRA Plan - DRAFT 11
respectively, they remained significantly above 2008 levels when the crisis was identified. In addition, the area impacted by
foreclosures grew. The majority of the new foreclosure filings occurred in west Evanston neighborhoods that are south of tract 8092,
the area bounded by Church and Howard Streets on the north and south, and the MWRD Canal and Asbury Avenue on the west and
east, respectively (census tracts 8096, 8097, 8103.01 and 8103.02).
In 2012, the City of Evanston, in partnership with Community Partners for Affordable Housing and Brinshore Development, applied
to the Office of the Illinois Attorney General for Foreclosure Settlement Funds to address the continuing effects of foreclosures. The
Evanston Community Revitalization Partnership (ECRP) was awarded $1.5 million in 2013 to acquire and rehab 10 units of foreclosed
housing. To date, three units acquired are within the NRSA, in census tracts 8096 and 8097.
Opportunities for Economic Development Improvement
Business Climate: The city has the ability to provide certain incentives to offset the financial burdens (high county taxes, etc.) on
businesses and encourage start-up enterprises in the revitalization areas.
Business Development: Many of the neighborhood business corridors lack businesses that provide needed goods and services to
local residents. Enterprises that serve local residents will benefit from an expanding customer base.
Vacant Retail Space: As discussed above, the demand for retail space is soft, even along well -traveled thoroughfares, including
Dempster Street and Dodge Avenue. The large amount of available space ultimately drags down leasing prices, which lowers the
financial threshold for opening a new business.
Employment Trends: The implementation of new job training programs will offer area residents access to employment
opportunities in growing business sectors including chiildcare, green building, and health care.
Problems Likely to be Encountered
Several interrelated problems threaten to limit the economic empowerment of low- to moderate -income residents in the NRSA. In
addition, a long-standing negative perception of the area overshadows the many real improvements instituted through
neighborhood plans. Developers can be reluctant to act on the opportunity areas cited above, instead focusing on the
neighborhoods' key challenges, which include:
1. Safety: Evanston Police Department crime data indicate that a disproportionate number of major crimes occur within
revitalization area neighborhoods.
2. Aging Housing Stock: Citywide, the median year in which residential structures were built is 1942, slightly more recent
than the median in the NRSA, which is 1940. However, the revitalization area, particularly in census tracts 8096 and
8097, include many properties built in the 1950s and 1960s that require significant rehabilitation.
3. Lack of Employment Opportunities: A large number of residents have significant skill deficits and face barriers to
employment. Only 10% of Evanston residents are employed in Manufacturing, Construction and Wholesale Trade
sectors that traditionally provide well -paying positions yet require less formal education. Because NRSA residents are
generally less educated, more jobs in these sectors are needed, as well as more training and education opportunities.
4. Abandoned Properties: The wave of foreclosures has left many single family homes in west Evanston vacant, causing a
number of issues including threats to safety and depressed real estate values.
5. Lack of Affordable Housing: Increasing costs to own and rent in Evanston, including the NRSA. Although values remain
significantly less than citywide averages, they reflect the overall higher housing costs in Evanston relative to other parts
of Cook County and metropolitan Chicago. Factors include high residential property taxes imposed by Cook County and
influenced by the lack of a large commercial/industrial tax base. Rising utilities have resulted in increasingly
unaffordable housing costs for many low-income homeowners.
City of Evanston 2015-2019 NSRA Plan - DRAFT 12
6. High Cost of Doing Business: High taxes are a major cause of business relocations and discourage regional and big box
merchants from locating in Evanston. Commercial properties are assessed at twice the rate of residential properties in
Cook County, making it more expensive for businesses to operate in Evanston. This makes attracting new enterprises to
areas identified for redevelopment in the NRSA challenging.
7. Individualized strategies: City business districts are inherently unique and geographically separate and may require
separate strategies.
Strategic Plan
Basis for Priorities
The priorities and strategies for the revitalization area are based on public input as described in the community assessments. The
2015-2019 Consolidated Plan has identified priority needs based on the community development needs of the city and focused on
its low- and moderate -income residents. The NRSA plan directly aligns with that plan, but the intensity of the needs and the urgency
to overcome them are more severe than in the city as a whole. Therefore, a proportionately greater amount of CDBG funds will be
used to implement programs, projects, and services for the benefit of the low- to moderate -income residents in the NRSA.
The goals and objectives below are designed to address the community development needs of the NRSA. However, the specific
programs and projects that will best accomplish those goals will change based on changing economic and other circumstances.
Therefore, annual objectives for the NRSA will be developed as a part of the Annual Action Plan for each program year following
approval, with corresponding strategies to achieve the benchmarks described below. Taking into account the current needs of the
area, the strategic plan must empower the LMI residents of the NRSA by (1) providing decent affordable housing, (2) fostering a
suitable living environment, and (3) expanding economic opportunities. The city will work to expand the reach of social services and
encourage non -profits and neighborhood groups to explore ways to do the same.
2015-2019 Consolidated Plan Priority Needs
Access to Rental Housing: A high need for increased affordable rental housing and access to affordable rental housing was identified
through the consultation and citizen participation process. Evanston's low and moderate income community, including the
homeless and special needs population, has difficulty securing affordable rental housing.
Maintain and Improve Rental Housing: A high priority need exists to maintain and improve Evanston's existing rental housing
supply. The old age of Evanston's rental housing requires the City to take action in order to ensure a positive quality of life for the
low and moderate income renters found within the community.
Maintain and Improve Owner Occupied Housing: A high priority need exists to maintain and improve Evanston's existing
homeowner housing supply. The old age of Evanston's homeowner housing requires the City to take action in order to ensure a
positive quality of life for the low and moderate income homeowners found within the community.
Economic Development: A high priority need for improving and maintaining commercial activity and economic viability within the
low and moderate income areas of the City was identified through consultation and community input. A need exists for workforce
development and job training in order to provide economic opportunities for the low and moderate income community.
Public Infrastructure: A high priority need exists to improve and maintain the existing public infrastructure and public facilities.
Street resurfacing, sidewalk repair, street lighting, and other public infrastructure improvements were identified through
community input and consultation as a high priority need.
Public Facilities: There exists a high need to improve and maintain public facilities. Improvements to public parks, community
centers, and other public facilities are needed to maintain and improve the low and moderate income community areas of Evanston.
City of Evanston 2015-2019 NSRA Plan - DRAFT 13
Public Services: A high priority need for public services improvements and accessibility to public services was identified through
consultation and community input. There exists a gap in the services available within Evanston to effectively and comprehensively
address the needs of the community.
Homeownership: There is a need for assistance to acquire, rehab, or construct new homeownership units for moderate income
residents due to the high cost of housing in Evanston.
Goals
Affordable Housing: The City of Evanston aims to increase, maintain, and improve affordable housing. The advanced age of
Evanston's housing supply necessitates the need for rehabbing of existing housing. The creation of additional safe, decent, and
affordable housing will allow low and moderate income residents the opportunity to remain in the community. Code enforcement is
an important tool to maintaining safe and sanitary housing; additionally, inspections will monitor vacant or abandoned properties
and identify blighted properties for demolition.
Homelessness: The City of Evanston aims to support services to prevent homelessness and to assist those currently experiencing
homelessness. These services include but are not limited to street outreach, rapid rehousing, and tenant based rental assistance.
During the 2015-2019 period, greater emphasis will be placed on the housing first model (providing housing as opposed to homeless
shelters).
Creating Livable Communities: Creating livable communities through improvements to public facilities and infrastructure.
Maintaining and improving the quality of Evanston's existing infrastructure and public facilities is instrumental to ensuring that
residents live in a safe, clean, and decent environment.
Economic Development: Economic development will promote the vitality of Evanston's economy in depressed areas of the City.
Fostering growth in these areas will in turn provide greater opportunities for the City's low and moderate income residents.
Economic development activities include, but are not limited to, direct financial assistance to businesses, technical assistance to
micro enterprises, and job training/workforce development to qualify residents with a high school education for positions that
require additional knowledge and skills.
Public Services: Expanding the availability of and increasing access to needed services is a key goal. Services include, but are not
limited to, mental health, job training and youth programs.
Performance Measurements
Over the course of the 2015-2019 Consolidated Plan, the City of Evanston aims to use CDBG, HOME, and ESG funding to accomplish
its goals. The following tasks to be completed will be used as performance measurements specifically within the boundaries of the
N RSA.
Within NRSA:
• Housing Units Rehabbed
o Rental: 110 Units
o Owner: 15 Units
• Code Enforcement
o Housing Code Enforcement/Foreclosed Property Care: 5,000
• Tenant Based Rental Assistance
o 15 Households
• Homeless Prevention/Rapid Rehousing
o 58 Households
• Public Infrastructure/Facilities Improvements
o Households Assisted (Alley Special Assessment): 10
o Persons Assisted: 60,000
• Economic Development
o Jobs Created: 10
City of Evanston 2015-2019 NSRA Plan - DRAFT 14
o Businesses Assisted: 4
o Facade treatment/business building rehabilitation: 1
• Job Training (Removed Public Services 15% Cap)
o Support for job training/social enterprises that provide transitional employment for 25 persons.
City of Evanston 2015-2019 NSRA Plan - DRAFT 15
86-R-14
EXHIBIT B
Citizen Participation Plan of the City's Proposed 2015-2019 HUD
Consolidated Plan
Citizen Participation Plan; City of Evanston
Introduction and Purpose
As a recipient of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships
(HOME) and Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) entitlement funds from the U.S. Department of
Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the City of Evanston is required to develop a
Consolidated Plan and annual Action Plans to guide its use of those funds, and Consolidated
Annual Performance and Evaluation Reports (CAPER) to report accomplishments against the
goals of those plans. The City is also responsible for engaging the public in all phases of the
development of its Consolidated Planning process. In addition to consulting with public and
private agencies to define community needs and resources available to address them, the City
encourages participation from all residents, particularly low- and moderate -income residents,
non-English speaking residents, persons with disabilities, and other segments that receive
services funded by its entitlement grants, to expand their participation in the Consolidated
Planning process.
The City of Evanston's Citizen Participation Plan (CPP) outlines the policies and procedures the
City has developed to encourage Evanston residents and stakeholders to participate in the
development of the City's 2015-2019 Consolidated Plan, its annual Action Plans and
Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Reports (CAPER), as well as any substantial
amendments to the Consolidated Plan or Action Plans. The CPP is designed in accordance with
Section 104 (a) of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, codified at 42 U.S.C.
Section 5304 (a) and 24 CFR Part 91.105.
The City's Community Development Department is the lead agency with responsibility for the
Consolidated Planning process, including implementation of its Citizen Participation Plan.
Development of the Consolidated Plan and Action Plans
Community Development staff employs online surveys and public meetings to get input on the
housing, community and economic development needs and priorities from its residents for the
development of the Consolidated Plan. Surveys, focus groups and individual conferences are
used to get input from housing providers, non-profit services providers, public agencies and
elected and appointed officials. The City's Housing & Community Development Act Committee
holds one or more meetings to solicit input regarding needs in the community and to hear
public comment on the priorities and activities proposed in the plans.
A draft of the Consolidated Plan and/or Action Plan is posted on the City's website and printed
copies are made available at the Lorraine H. Morton Civic Center during the required 30-day
comment period. Public input on the plan is sought by the Housing & Community Development
Act Committee at a public meeting and in written form during the 30-day comment period, and
recommends approval of the plans to City Council. City Council meetings at which action to
adopt or approve the plans is taken also offer opportunity for public comment. Any public
City of Evanston Citizen Participation Plan
comments received during the comment period or at the public meetings is summarized and
attached to the Consolidated Plan and/or Action Plan prior to its submission to HUD, including
any comments or views that are not accepted and the reasons for which they are not accepted.
Consolidated Plans and Action Plans must be submitted to HUD by November 15 of the
preceding year, unless directed otherwise by HUD. Action Plans will be based on estimated
grant amounts as required in order to make the November 15 submission deadline.
Process for Citizen Participation
The City of Evanston invites public participation at all stages of the Consolidated Planning
process. The City is committed to making reasonable and timely access to the needs
assessment, strategy development and budget recommendation process for all members of the
community, particularly low- and moderate -income persons.
Substantial Amendments to the Consolidated Plan or Action Plans
HUD requires entitlement communities to specify the criteria that trigger an amendment to the
Consolidated Plan or Action Plan and describe the public process for amending those plans. The
City of Evanston defines a substantial amendment to the Consolidated Plan or Action Plan as:
• A change in funding among the Goals used in the development of the plan (SP-45 for
Consolidated Plan, AP-20 for Annual Action Plans), that is greater than 20% of the total
allocated towards the Goal
• The deletion of a Goal included in a plan
• The addition of a Goal not currently included in a plan
Any substantial amendment to the Consolidated Plan would be proposed to the Housing &
Community Development Act Committee for review and a public hearing would be conducted.
Additionally, the public will be provided a minimum of 30 days to review and make comment
on the proposed change. If approved by that committee, the substantial amendment would be
submitted to City Council for approval.
Substantial amendments to Action Plans would be proposed to the Housing & Community
Development Act Committee if pertaining to CDBG, or the Planning & Development or Human
Services Committee if pertaining to HOME or ESG. A public hearing would be conducted during
the required 30-day comment period to allow the public to review and make comment on the
proposed change. If approved at the committee level, the substantial amendment would be
submitted to City Council for approval.
Any substantial amendment approved by City Council will be submitted to HUD as it occurs during
the year or at the end of the program year. Any public comments received during the comment
period or at the public hearing will be considered, summarized and attached to the substantial
amendment prior to its submission to HUD, including any comments or views that are not accepted
and the reasons for which they are not accepted.
City of Evanston Citizen Participation Plan 2
All other amendments shall be considered "non -substantial." This includes amendments to either
the Consolidated Plan or Action Plan that are required when plans are based on estimated
funding and are modified based on actual grant amounts.
Non -substantial amendments to CDBG, HOME or ESG may be approved by the Housing &
Community Development Act Committee, Planning & Development Committee or Human Services
Committee, as appropriate, based on the program affected and shall not trigger a public comment
period or re -submission to HUD for approval.
Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report
The Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) identifies the expenditures
and performance results for each Annual Action Plan activity in a completed program year and any
outstanding activities from prior program years. Corresponding to the City's fiscal year of January 1-
December 31, CAPERs are submitted to HUD by March 31 which is within 90 days of the City's
CDBG, HOME and ESG program year. Prior to its submission to HUD, the draft CAPER will be posted
on the City's website for the required 15-day public comment period and The Housing &
Community Development Act Committee will hold a public hearing to receive input from the public.
Input will also be accepted in written form. The Housing & Community Development Act Committee
will recommend acceptance of the CAPER to City Council. The City Council meeting at which action
to approve the CAPER is taken also offers opportunity for public comment. Any public comments
received during the comment period or at the public hearing will be considered, summarized and
attached to the CAPER when submitted to HUD.
Public Meetings
Opportunities for citizen input on housing, economic development and public services needs
and policies are provided throughout the year through public comment scheduled at regular
public meetings of the Housing & Community Development Act Committee, Housing &
Homelessness Commission, Economic Development Committee, Planning & Development
Committee and Human Services Committee, as well as at City Council meetings.
To provide equal access for persons with disabilities, most meetings are held at the Lorraine H.
Morton Civic Center or other locations that are accessible to persons with mobility impairments
including the Main Public Library, Levy Center and Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center.
Translators will be provided at meetings if requested 48 hours in advance of the meeting.
Meetings of the City Council and standing committees of the Council are broadcast on Evanston
cable channel and streamed live on the internet. Notices of public meetings and comment
periods include contact information for anyone needing assistance because of a disability or
language difference. If an individual is unable to attend a public hearing and wishes to
comment on the subject matter of the hearing, written comments may be submitted to the
Community Development Department via email, USPS or in person.
Funding recommendations for CDBG, HOME and ESG are presented and discussed at meetings
of the committees that oversee each grant program. The Housing & Community Development
City of Evanston Citizen Participation Plan
Act Committee conducts an annual application process CDBG to develop funding
recommendations for programs/projects that the City anticipates undertaking in the upcoming
fiscal year. City staff holds one or more pre -application meetings to provide technical assistance
to applicants, particularly new applicants, and schedules individual meetings as needed.
Applications are submitted via an online grants application program, ZoomGrants, and are
available for public review on the City's website and at one or more committee meetings where
applicants present their proposals and answer questions from committee members. The
Housing & Community Development Act Committee holds a public meeting at which members
develop CDBG funding recommendations for the upcoming year. Application review and
funding meetings are televised on the City of Evanston cable TV channel. Applications for
Economic Development projects are programs are accepted throughout the year and reviewed
and underwritten by staff, then reviewed by the Economic Development Committee.
HOME and ESG funding recommendations at the activity/sub regional level are made during
public meetings of the Housing & Homeless Commission following the procedures described
above. Recommendations from the Housing & Homelessness Commission go the either
Planning & Development or Human Services Committees for approval and are recommended to
City Council.
Public Outreach
The City uses multiple communications channels to inform residents about the Consolidated
Planning process and engage them in its development, approval and assessment. The following
outreach efforts may be taken as appropriate to provide citizen access to the Consolidated
Planning process. Failure to use any one of these shall not be considered a violation of this Plan.
Notices of all public comment periods and public hearings are published in a paper of
general circulation, on the homepage of the City website, on the City's social media
accounts (Facebook, Twitter, etc.), and via the City's enewsletter that goes to over 35,000
emails prior to the opening of the public comment period. The notice includes the dates of
the comment period; the date, time and location of the public hearing.
Notices of public meetings are sent to the media for all public meetings in accordance with
the Illinois Open Meetings Act and posted on bulletin boards in the Lorraine H. Morton Civic
Center. Meeting agendas, packets and minutes are posted online for public review at
www.citvofeva nston.orR.
Email notification is sent to community organizations and individuals who request to receive
information about meeting dates, agendas, funding application and allocation schedules,
and other information.
Access to Information
The City of Evanston Consolidated Plan, including this CPP, Annual Action Plans, any Substantial
Amendments to those plans, and Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Reports are
available on line at www.citvofevanston.org. The City website may be translated into 150
different languages using Google Translate. In addition, the Consolidated Plan, Action Plans and
CAPERS are available in print format for public review during regular working hours at:
City of Evanston Citizen Participation Plan 4
Community Development Department
Lorraine H. Morton Civic Center
2100 Ridge Ave, 3`d Floor
Evanston, IL 60201
847-448-8311
This information shall be provided in a format accessible to persons with disabilities, upon
adequate notice. Requests for additional information may be made to the Community
Development Department at the address and phone listed above. A response shall be provided
within 15 working days of receipt of the request, where practicable. If printed copies are
requested, photocopier charges and miscellaneous charges for other related services and
materials will be assessed in accordance with the City's Freedom Of Information Act policy.
Comments/Complaints
Any complaints relating to the Consolidated Plan, Action Plan or CAPER received in writing will
receive a written response within 15 working days. The following points are used as guidance in
responding to complaints:
• Stated needs and objectives are inconsistent with available and reliable data
• Stated projects are inappropriate for meeting needs and approved objectives
• Consolidated Plan does not comply with regulations for the Community Development
Block Grant, HOME Investment Partnerships or Emergency Shelter grants programs.
Displacement
The City of Evanston will make every effort to minimize the displacement of persons as a direct
result of the implementation of projects funded by its HUD entitlement grant programs. If
displacement does occur, the City will follow all applicable federal regulations to alleviate the
impact of such permanent and involuntary relocations.
Section 108 Loan Guarantee
The City of Evanston intends to apply for a Section 108 Loan Guarantee, authorized under HUD
regulation 24 CFR Part 570, Subpart M, in the form of a Pooled Fund. If received, the Section
108 Program will be subject to all provisions set forth within this Citizen Participation Plan.
Applications for Section 108 loan guarantee assistance may be included as part of the process
for obtaining CDBG or HOME Entitlement funds, or may be undertaken separately anytime
during the program year. The required public hearing to inform citizens of uses of funds will be
carried out by the City's Economic Development Division or Community Development
Department staff.
City of Evanston Citizen Participation Plan 5