HomeMy WebLinkAboutRESOLUTIONS-2010-003-R-1012/17/2009
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A RESOLUTION
Approving the City's FY 2010/11 Year Action Plan, and
Adopting the 2010/11 Community Development Block Grant,
HOME Investment Partnerships, and Emergency Shelter Grants
Program Budgets for FY 2010/11
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 Shelter Grants
{ESG} Program); and
11 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 estimates that FY 2009/10 HUD
entitlement allocations will be
Community Development Block Grant $1,955,566
HOME Investment Partnerships 575,009
Emergency Shelter Grants 85,920
Total FY 2006/07 funding: $2,616,495
and
WHEREAS, the City Council's Housing and Community Development Act
Committee is charged with oversight of the City's CDBG program; the Evanston
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Housing Commission is charged with oversight of the City's HOME program; and the
City Councils Human Services Committee is charged with oversight of the City's ESG
program; and
WHEREAS, the Housing & Community Development Act Committee met
on several occasions in the fall of 2009 and developed recommendations for use of
FY 2010/11 CDBG funds; and
WHEREAS, recommendations for the use of FY 2010/11 ESG funds have
not yet been determined. However, recommendations to the City Council for the use of
2010/11 ESG funds will be made by the Human Services Committee prior to the
March 1, 2010, program year start date; and
WHEREAS, recommendations for the use of HOME funds are made by
the Evanston Housing Commission to the Planning & Development Committee and City
Council, and the use of said funds is determined by the City Council; and
WHEREAS, HUD requires that the City submit a One Year Action Plan
that details the activities the City proposes to undertake using the sum of the
estimated FY 2010/11 CDBG, HOME, and ESG funds, including entitlement
allocations, reallocations of funds from completed prior years' CDBG projects,
estimated CDBG and HOME program income, and required matches for HOME and
ESG funding, totaling two million, nine hundred sixty-five thousand, six hundred
twenty-four dollars ($2,965,624.00), are described; and
WHEREAS, the proposed activities in the One Year Action Plan address
the City's housing and homeless needs and economic development initiatives. Specific
projects which are proposed to be funded with HUD's FY 2010/11 funding were derived •
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from the City's priority needs, as identified in the City's 2010-2014 HUD Consolidated
• levels were approved b the
Plan. Specific CDBG activities and recommended funding pp y
Housing and Community Development Act Committee on November 10, 2009; and
WHEREAS, the proposed One Year Action Plan for FY 2010/11, which
includes proposed FY 2010/11 CDBG funding recommendations, was the subject of a
public hearing as conducted by the Housing and Community Development Act
Committee on December 15, 2009; and
WHEREAS, said Committee conducted said public hearing, received
citizen input on the proposed FY 2010/11 One Year Action Plan, and recommends
approval by the Evanston City Council of the proposed One Year Action Plan for
FY 2010111; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF
STHE CITY OF EVANSTON, COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS:
SECTION 1: That the City's One Year Action Plan for FY 2010/11
(attached hereto as Exhibit A and incorporated herein by reference) is approved.
SECTION 2: That the City of Evanston's 2010/11 Community
Development Block Grant Program, totaling two million fifty thousand one hundred
seventy-six dollars ($2,050,176.00) (which is the sum of one million five hundred fifty-
five thousand five hundred sixty-six dollars ($1,955,566.00) in FY 2010/11 estimated
entitlement funds, twenty-seven thousand seventy-nine dollars ($27,079.00) in
estimated program income, and sixty-seven thousand five hundred thirty-one dollars
($67,531.00) in reallocated funds from completed prior years' CDBG projects), is
0 hereby approved.
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SECTION 3: That HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) funding
totaling seven hundred forty-three thousand, six hundred eight dollars ($743,608.00)
(which is the sum of five hundred seventy-five thousand nine dollars {$575,009.00} in
FY 2010/11 estimated entitlement funds, twenty-four thousand eight hundred forty-
seven dollars {$24,847.00} in estimated program income, and the required match of one
hundred forty-three thousand seven hundred fifty-two dollars {$143,752.00}) and
Emergency Shelter Grants (ESG) funding totaling one hundred seventy-one thousand
eight hundred forty dollars ($171,840.00) (which is the sum of eighty-five thousand nine
hundred twenty dollars ($85,920.00) in FY 2010/11 estimated entitlement funds and the
required match of eighty-five thousand nine hundred twenty dollars ($85,920.00)) is
hereby approved.
SECTION 4: That the City .Manager of the City of Evanston is hereby
authorized to transmit said One Year Action Plan for FY 2010/11 for the proposed
CDBG, HOME and ESG program budgets to the U.S. Department of Housing and
Urban Development (HUD) and to provide any additional information as may be
required by HUD.
SECTION 5: 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:
RodBYeene,4ity Clerk -
Adopted: cx1 rL� !� , 2010
Eli-9'a'beth B. Tisdahl, Mayor
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0 EXHIBIT A
City's One Year Action Plan for 1=Y 2010/11
t
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M&C
City of Evanston
FY201O-2011
One Year Action Plan
December 7,2009 Draft Plan
UPDATED January 4,2010
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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ACTIONPLAN................................................................................................................1
ExecutiveSummary......................................................................................................................................................1
Resourcesand Objectives..........................................................................................................................................4
AnnualObjectives.........................................................................................................................................................
5
Geographic Distribution/Allocation Priorities.....................................................................................................
5
AnnualAffordable Housing Goals...........................................................................................................................6
PublicHousing...............................................................................................................................................................
7
Actions to Reduce Lead -Based Paint Hazards..................................................................................................... 8
Homelessand Special Needs.................................................................................................................................... 8
Barriersto Affordable Housing................................................................................................................................10
OtherActions...............................................................................................................................................................12
PROGRAM SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS....................................................................... 13
Community Development Block Grant...............................................................................................................13
HOME..............................................................................................................................................................................17'
Needsof Public Housing..........................................................................................................................................21
EmergencyShelter Grants(ESG)...........................................................................................................................21
HO P W A...............................:........................................................................................................................................... 21
City of Evanston FY2010/11 Action Plan i
0
Annual Action Plan includes the SF 424 and is due every year no less than 45 days prior to the start of the
grantee's program year start date. HUD does not accept plans between August 15 and November 15.
Executive Summary
Resources
The City of Evanston expects to receive approximately $2.6 million in new Community Development Block
Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) and Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG) formula
grant funding from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for its 2010/11 program year.
The 2010/11 One Year Action Plan, which covers the period from March 1, 2010 through February 28, 2011,
outlines how those funds, along with program income and unspent CDBG funds from prior years shown in the
chart below, will be used to improve the quality of life for low and moderate income Evanston residents. ESG
funds will be matched with $85,920 in local government and private funds. HOME funds will be matched with
$143,752 from the Affordable Housing Fund, the Federal Home Loan Bank and developers' contributions.
These funds, combined with the Federal entitlement funds, total $2,965,624.
2010/11
Program
Prior Year
HUD Funds
Matching
Total Funds
Grant (est.)
Income (est.)
Funds*
Subtotal
Funds
Committed
CDBG
$
1,955,566
$
27,079
$
67,531
$
2,050,176
$ -
$ 2,050,176
HOME
$
575,009
$
24,847
$
-
$
599,856
$ 143,752
$ 743,608
ESG
$
85,920
$
-
$
-
$
85,920.
$ 85,920
$ 171,840
Total
$
2,616,495
$
51,926
$
67,531
$
2,735,952
$ 229,672
$ 2,965,624
The above -noted funding, combined with an estimated $844,000 in City of Evanston funds allocated by the
Mental Health Board will be used to carry out activities that address priority needs in Evanston. In addition,
these funds will leverage other federal, state and, local government funds, as well as private funds, to support
the wide range of housing, public facilities and improvements, public services and economic development
activities outlined in this plan.
Summary of Specific Annual Objectives
The City of Evanston's 2010/11 One Year Action Plan is the implementation plan for the first year of the City's
2010-2014 Consolidated Plan using CDBG, HOME and ESG funds. The activities carried out with these federal
funds also contribute to the implementation of the City of Evanston's Strategic Plan, whose vision is to create
the most livable city in America for its diverse population. The goals and strategies of that plan, developed in a
collaborative process involving City Council, staff and citizens, are consistent with, and complementary to, the
Consolidated Plan.
*See Appendix 3 for a listing of completed projects with funds remaining that are included in this total.
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City of Evanston FY2010/11 Action Plan
. Evanston's 2010/11 One Year Action Plan addresses three federal statutory goals:
• Provide decent housing
• Provide a suitable living environment
• Expand economic opportunities.
For the 2010/11 program year, CDBG, HOME and ESG funds will be allocated among the objectives and
outcome categories established by HUD as shown in the table below. Additional detail may be found in Table
3A that follows the narrative.
Availability/Accessibility I Affordability Sustainability I Total
Amount
Percent
Amount
Percent
Amount
Percent
I Amount
Percent
Decent Housing
$462,000
20%
$553,870
24%
$425,000
19%
$1,440,870
53%
Suitable Living Environment
$327,861
14%
$ 50,000
2%
$300,833
13%
$ 678,694
25%
Economic Opportunity
$116,697
5% I
$ - I
0%
$ 40,000
2%
$ 156,697
6%
ProectTotals:
$906,558
40%
I
$603,870 I
27/0
$765,833
°
34/0
$2,276,261
I
-
Admin & Planning
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
$ 459,691
17% l
Total CDBG, HOME & ESG
I
,
$2,735,952
I 100%
Because CDBG allocations have been made based on an estimated entitlement grant, the Housing &
Community Development Act Committee will make any adjustments required to allocations for specific
programs and projects upon receipt of the City's CDBG entitlement grant amount. If the grant is smaller than
estimated, reductions will be made on a case -by -case basis rather than reducing all allocations on a
percentage basis in order to minimize impact of reductions, especially on small grants. If the grant is larger
than estimated, specific programs and projects that address NRSA strategies, which are not currently funded,
may be developed and funded. In addition programs and projects that are highest priorities will be
considered for additional funding, or funds may be reserved to address needs that arise throughout the ,year
based on the economic climate and housing market. The City will increase spending in the Administration
category above the amount allocated to the maximum 20% of entitlement plus current year program income
based on actual funds available. These changes willnot constitute a substantial amendment to the Action
Plan.
Evaluation of Past Performance
The City's 2010-2014 Consolidated Plan sets ambitious goals to address community needs and improve the
quality of life in Evanston, especially for low and moderate income residents. The City has used HUD funding
effectively to address a broad range of community development objectives. It plans to continue support for a
wide range of programs and activities that address housing needs, provide services and economic
development opportunities for low and moderate income persons.
Evanston is on target to meet or exceed most of the specific measures of the 2005-2009 Consolidated Plan.
However, the City is working to address new and expanding needs resulting from the deteriorating economic
environment. Connections for the Homeless has experienced an increase of more than 150% in homeless
people seeking assistance through its Entry Point program. Many unsheltered homeless persons who seek
services in Evanston do not sleep in our community because of the lack of emergency shelter beds, so our
community does not have emergency shelter beds; they sleep at shelters in Chicago or ride the CTA trains.
A complete report on the 2009/10 program year and the 2005-2009 Consolidated Plan period will be
• submitted following completion of the 2009/10,fiscal year.
City of Evanston FY2010/11 Action Plan
Citizen Participation 0
Citizen input on the 2010/11 Action Plan was sought in conjunction with the 2010-2014 Consolidated Plan
from December 7, 2009 to January 6, 2010. Notice of the 30-day public comment period and the public
hearing on December 15, 2009 was published in the Evanston Review on December 3 and 10, 2009. Notices
were sent by email or US mail to the City's e-mail newsletter list of over 1,500, as well as to over 75
organizations that regularly receive information on the City's CDBG program. Notice of the meeting and its
purpose was also posted on the City's website and was on the agenda for the November 10, 2009 meeting of
the Housing & Community Development Act Committee.
For the 2010/11 Action Plan, developed in tandem with the 2010-2014 Consolidated Plan, the Planning
Division sought out new opportunities for public input. An online survey was posted on the City website in
English and Spanish that asked citizens to rank community needs as Low, Medium or High. Space was
provided for input on additional needs or comments. Hard copies of the survey were provided to a wide range
of social services and housing organizations that serve Evanston, as well. Availability of the online survey, as
well as paper copies, was publicized using email, press releases and flyers. The City of Evanston also hosted
two public meetings at which citizens were invited to provide input on priority needs for the next five years.
The first was held on May 19, 2009 as part of the Housing & Community Development Act Committee's
regularly scheduled public meeting and the second was held on October 19, 2009.
The City has used a number of strategies in its efforts to expand public participation in the development of its
2010-2014 Consolidated Plan and 2010/11 Action Plan. The public hearing on needs held in May 2009 was
combined with input on the draft of the City's 2008 CAPER based on the theory that the opportunity to
discuss two closely related topics at a single meeting before the committee that makes funding
recommendations for our CDBG program would attract more citizen involvement. Only one person
commented on needs at that meeting, so the City modified the format to a workshop and the location to the
Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center in one of our lowest -income neighborhoods for a second public
meeting in October. The workshop attracted over 15 participants who worked in small groups to discuss
needs in the areas of Housing, Community Development, Public Buildings and Infrastructure, and Economic
Development.
Evanston continuesto expand its efforts to reach non-English speaking residents. In addition to continuing to
publicize the availability of accommodations for persons with disabilities and language differences in both
English and Spanish on agendas and public notices, the needs survey was translated into Spanish and posted
on the City website: Electronic and paper copies were circulated to organizations that serve Hispanics
including The Latino Coalition of Evanston and Organizaci6n Latina de Evanston (OLE). A Spanish language
translator attended the needs workshop described above.
Summary of Citizen Comments
Three citizens commented at the public hearing for input on the 2010-2014 Consolidated Plan and 2010/11
Action Plan at the Housing and Community Development Act Committee meeting on December 15, 2009.
Their input is summarized below.
Mary Friedl noted she had reviewed the plans, including the Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Areas, and
found them to be well done, and the CDBG-funded programs recommended for 2010/11 address needs in the
community. She also noted that an elevator is being installed in the Weissbourd-Holmes Family Focus Center
and that she is happy that facility will soon be accessible to persons with disabilities.
Members of the committee thanked Ms. Friedl for representing persons with disabilities and advocating on •
City of Evanston FY2010/11 Action Plan
. their behalf and acknowledged the importance of her work to ensure that facilities and programs are
accessible.
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Betty Ester noted that she was pleased to see that community input had been sought for the Consolidated
Plan. She also noted that serving on the CD Committee is challenging but helps people understand needs in
the community and that committee members take an active role in making Evanston a more livable place. She
said she would provide additional comments in writing by January 6, 2010.
Madelyn Ducre commented that she knows several people who are losing their homes to foreclosure. Most
are seniors who do not have support or help from family members and find it difficult to seek help. She noted
that a means of reaching them before they are foreclosed on needs to be found. A variety of factors contribute
to people not seeking help, including pride, inability to read, etc.
Explanation of Comments Not Accepted
All comments are summarized above; there are no comments that have not been accepted.
Resources and Objectives
The City of Evanston expects to receive approximately $2.6 million in new Community Development Block
Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) and Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG) formula
grant funding from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for its 2010/11 program year.
These new entitlement funds will be combined -with program income and unspent CDBG funds from prior
years to improve the quality of life for low and moderate income Evanston residents. ESG funds will be
matched with $85,920 in local government and private funds. HOME funds will be matched with $143,752
from the Affordable Housing Fund, the Federal Home Loan Bank and developers' contributions. These funds,
combined with the Federal entitlement funds, total $2,965,624.
Other Federal, State and Local Resources
McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Programs: The Evanston Alliance on Homelessness prepares Evanston's
Continuum of Care plan and oversees its implementation. The Continuum's application submitted n
November of 2009 requested a total of $1,063,031 for ten renewal projects. The projects are listed below in
the Homeless and Special Needs section.
Housing Choice (Section 8 Rental Housing) Vouchers: Evanston does not administer the Housing Choice
Voucher program in Evanston; it is managed by the Housing Authority of Cook County (HACC). The City will
continue to work to maintain and expand units for Housing Choice voucher holders.
Lead Hazard Control Programs Evanston received a renewal grant in the amount of $400,000 for two years
from Cook County's Lead Poisoning Prevention Program in 2008. This grant is used in conjunction with CDBG
funds on housing rehab projects where the occupants meet the criteria of both funding sources, enabling
more substantial rehab projects to be undertaken.
City of Evanston FY2010/11 Action Plan
Local Resources: The Affordable Housing Fund described above currently has a fund balance of approximately '
$600,000 of which about $480,000 is uncommitted, and is another potential source to help turn around vacant
buildings. It is also an excellent source of funds for crucial housing related services such as foreclosure
prevention or home purchase counseling, and supporting a coordinated data base among homeless
assistance providers. An estimated $844,000 in City of Evanston funds allocated by the Mental Health Board
and $41,000 from School District 202 will support needed services. In addition, the City of Evanston plans to
spend approximately $40.8 million in capital improvement funds for infrastructure and capital needs that will
directly benefit Evanston residents and businesses.
Tax Increment Financing from the recently expanded West Evanston TIF offers a source of financial assistance
to private developments that contribute economic activity and jobs in part of the CDBG Target Area. The TIF
has generated attention and several developments have been proposed within its boundaries. Much of the
area consists of underutilized or vacant industrial properties and the former Mayfair railroad right-of-way, now
an abandoned embankment. TIF monies are also earmarked for local public improvements - including
streetscapes and neighborhood beautification projects.
Evanston Township manages Evanston's General Assistance funds, which provide an important source of
funding to help low-income Evanston residents. General Assistance funds support a broad range of needs of
approximately 80 low income residents each year.
The City anticipates using $550,000 in funds from the City's hotel tax and other sources to stimulate economic
development and investment in target areas. Though the pace of development has slowed tremendously,
Evanston continues to attract interest and investment from commercial and housing developers.
Annual Objectives
The activities that will be undertaken with CDBG, HOME and ESG funds in 2010/11 to address priority needs of
Evanston's low- and moderate -income residents are outlined in Table 3A. They are categorized based on the
HUD -defined objectives and outcomes they address.
Availability/Accessibility Affordability Sustainability j
Decent Housing . DH-1 DH-2 DH-3
Suitable Living Environment SL-1 SL-2 SL-3
Economic Opportunity EO-1 EO-2 EO-3
Narrative descriptions may also be found in the CDBG, HOME and ESG sections below.
Geographic Distribution/Allocation Priorities
Evanston will continue to use the CDBG Target Area as defined in its 2005-2009 Consolidated Plan to focus
resources on areas of high need. The CDBG Target Area was developed based on 2000 census data and
comprises an area of the city in which at least 50.3% of the residents are low- or moderate -income based on
Evanston's status as an exception community. The majority of Evanston's African American and Hispanic
populations, as well as Housing Choice voucher holders, live in the Target Area, particularly in census tracts
8092 and 8102.
Funding for infrastructure Improvements including sidewalks, alley paving and neighborhood park renovation •
projects will be focused on neighborhoods in the CDBG Target Area that have a majority of low- and
City of Evanston FY2010/11 Action Plan
moderate -income residents. Projects that improve accessibility, such as ADA compliant curb ramps, will be
prioritized for CDBG funding when within the CDBG Target Area. Public Facilities Improvement projects are all
located in the CDBG Target Area. Though programs in which all participants are income -qualified, such as the
Single- and Multi -Family Rehabilitation, Alley Special Assessment Assistance and HOME programs, are
available on a citywide basis, they will be focused on the Target Area based on need and eligibility.
Following approval of the two Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Areas being submitted as part of this
Consolidated Plan, programs funded in prior years, including Neighborhood Security, Single- and Multi -Family
Rehab, will be targeted more specifically to neighborhoods in the NRSAs. If the City's 2010 CDBG entitlement
grant is larger than the estimate used in this plan, specific programs to implement the goals of the NRSAs may
be developed and funded.
Annual Affordable Housing Goals
Maintaining the existing housing stock so that residents can live in safe and sanitary housing is a high priority,
along with ensuring the availability of a range of prices and unit sizes to address the needs of very low, low
and moderate income households. In 2010/11, the City will pursue opportunities to increase affordable
housing choices using HOME and CDBG funds and the Affordable Housing Fund. The Families in Transition
Program, funded through the Affordable Housing Fund, addresses the needs of households at or below 40%
AMI by providing rental subsidies through sponsoring organizations. It is expected that one or two social
service agencies will seek Families in Transition funding for two to four households.
The City plans to use CDBG and HOME funds to help provide affordable housing to 265 non -homeless and
special needs households in 2010/11. The units will be provided through new construction or rehab of
existing units. The City expects to assist 40 households in affordable rental housing and 5 households in
affordable ownership housing. HOME funds will also be used to provide downpayment and closing cost
assistance or purchase price reduction to 18 low income homebuyers, in an amount up to $30,000 per unit.
The funds will be available in conjunction with local Affordable Housing Funds through the City's
Downpayment Assistance Program.
Descriptions of Housing programs that will be implemented in 2010/11 using CDBG and HOME funds are
provided below. Table 313, which details the City's affordable housing goals, follows the narrative.
HOME funds may be used to develop both ownership and rental housing, either through new construction or
rehabilitation. Rental housing will be the primary focus, available to a mix of households between 30% and
80% AMI with the primary targeted group at or below 60% AMI. Any ownership developments will be done in
conjunction with the.redevelopme.nt or rehab of foreclosed properties most likely acquired with
Neighborhood Stabilization Program funds, or as part of a neighborhood revitalization strategy. Ownership
housing will primarily be targeted to households between 60 and 80% of Area Median Income. Ownership
projects require a strong home purchase education and buyer identification component.
Housing types may include single family homes, town homes or duplexes, and condominium units. With
property prices declining in the economic recession and the possibility of Neighborhood Stabilization
Program funds for acquisition, there may be new opportunities to fund larger rental housing developments.
Rehab of foreclosed units for rental will most likely involve rehabilitation small properties with two or three
units. The City will encourage rental proposals from both for -profit and not -for -profit developers.
. HOME funded projects are approved throughout the year as applications are submitted, so specific funding
amounts and project types are unknown at this time. Development applications are reviewed by staff and a
City of Evanston FY2010/11 Action Plan
HOME Loan Committee composed of professionals in the lending and community development fields prior to '
approval. The Evanston Housing Commission then reviews the proposals and submits their recommendations
to the City Council's Planning and Development Committee for review prior to recommending approval by
the City Council. All meetings are open to the public. Likewise, the City Council's Human Services Committee
makes recommendations for the use of Evanston's ESG funds at public meetings.
In 2010/11, the City's CDBG Target Area Housing Code Compliance program will inspect multi -family
residential units in the CDBG Target Area and re -inspect units to ensure corrections of housing code violations.
In addition, property standards inspectors will inspect boarding houses and nursing homes.
CEDA/Neighbors at Work will continue its minor repairs/ and interior and exterior painting programs for
income -eligible single-family property owners and senior citizens.
The City's Housing Rehab Administration program will continue to assist income -eligible property owners
with low interest and title transfer loans to rehab single-family and multi -family units, ensuring that residents
live in decent, safe and sanitary housing. Single -Family and Multi -Family Loans for these rehabilitation projects
will be provided from the City's Revolving Fund. Program income paid to the fund will be used for
rehabilitation projects in the future. In addition, self-help paint vouchers will be issued to income -eligible
residents.
Dangerous garages will be demolished and new concrete pads laid; liens for demolitions are placed on the
property title. Dangerous trees will be removed for income -eligible property owners, with liens placed on the
properties for the expenses incurred.
CDBG funds will continue to support homesharing, Interfaith Housing Center of the North Suburb's innovative
program that matches home seekers with home providers who have.a room to rent in their home or
apartment. The home seeker pays rent to the home provider or, in some cases, provides services like shopping
and meal preparation in lieu of rent.
The City's Handyman program will continue to help income -eligible senior citizens, primarily low-income
women, make repairs to their homes, including energy and water efficiency improvements.
The City's Adaptive Devices for Accessibility program will continue to fund installations of grab bars, ramps,
hand-held shower heads and other devices that enable elderly and disabled people to continue to live in their
homes or apartments using CDBG funds allocated in prior years.
Public Housing
Public Housing is administered by the Housing Authority of the County of Cook (HACC) which also administers
the Housing Choice Voucher program. The Housing Authority of Cook County (HACC) manages 45 scattered
site apartments and two senior/disabled buildings with 100 units each in Evanston. In the past, the City staff
has worked intensively with HACC management, Cook County Commissioner staff and residents on issues at
the Walchirk and Perlman apartment buildings which provide subsidized housing units for seniors and
disabled persons. Tuckpointing in the amount of $150,000 is planned for the Perlman Apartments in 2010.
As of September, 2009, there were 529 Housing Choice Vouchers used in Evanston, continuing a seven year
decline. The decline appears to be consistent across the county as funding for the program has been cut.
City of Evanston FY2010/11 Action Plan 7
. HACC has not received funding to provide additional Housing Choice vouchers, and is not currently serving
people on the waiting list as old vouchers are given up.
•
The geographic distribution of voucher holders in Evanston remains concentrated in tracts 8092 in west
Evanston and 8102 in south Evanston. The City plans to work more closely with the Housing Authority and
private landlords on property code and landlord management issues. There are no plans to work wits public
housing residents on homeownership efforts as the City's home ownership efforts are targeted to households
at or above 60% AMI that are more likely to have the financial resources needed for successful home
ownership.
The City's Human Relations Commission provides oversight for fair housing activities, answers questions to
Evanston's landlord/tenant ordinance and mediates housing and other disputes. Interfaith Housing of the
Northern Suburbs performs housing audits on an as -needed basis when there is evidence of discriminatory
practices that are contrary to fair housing.
Actions to Reduce Lead -Based Paint Hazards
The City of Evanston's grant funds from Cook County's Lead Poisoning Prevention Program to abate lead -
based paint hazards in dwellings occupied by families with young children have been renewed with a
$400,000 two-year grant. This additional funding will be used for stand-alone projects that mitigate. lead
hazards as well as in combination with Housing Rehab projects in order to expand the scope of individual
projects with significant lead abatement costs.
The City is a delegate agency for the state of Illinois and enforces its lead act and codes. The City receives lead
test information for children residing in Evanston, investigates all cases when elevated lead levels are found
and takes appropriate action. Children with PbB levels between 10 and 14 receive nursing and case
management services to educate the families about potential sources and lead safe practices. For children
with PbB levels above 15, assessments to determine the source of the contamination are performed and
appropriate follow-up actions taken based on findings.
In addition, Health & Human Services staff responds to complaints from residents about demolition and rehab
projects to determine if lead is present and ensure safe practices. Staff also files affidavits when windows are
being replaced in buildings constructed before 1978 to ensure proper lead procedures and disposal of
contaminated -materials.
Homeless and Special,Needs
The City of Evanston uses ESG, CDBG and Mental Health funds to provide emergency and transitional shelter
for homeless individuals and families, or those threatened with homelessness, as well as case management
services, job counseling and placement/follow-up assistance for homeless adults. Mental health and
substance abuse services are also provided to stabilize homeless individuals' lives while they seek
employment and housing.
City of Evanston FY2010/11 Action Plan
There has been a significant rise in demand for basic needs at social services agencies including Connections
for the Homeless, the Salvation Army and area soup kitchens. The City's Health & Human Services staff,
Connections for the Homeless and an Evanston church will evaluate the program that provides emergency
shelter to homeless people during the winter months of 2010 on nights when the temperature forecast is zero
degrees Fahrenheit or below and continue or expand it as appropriate. Connections for the Homeless handles
program intake and the shelter itself is housed in a church near downtown Evanston. Volunteers handle much
of the on -site work.
Providers are also seeing increases in the sheltered homeless, individuals and families without permanent
housing that are doubling up, staying with family and friends. This group is historically difficult to quantify,
especially as families wishing to keep their children in Evanston schools are reluctant to identify themselves as
homeless. General Assistance funds administered by the Township of Evanston and state of Illinois prevention
funds managed by Connections for the Homeless are also used to address the needs of individuals and
families who are at imminent risk of homelessness because of financial or other crises. The State of Illinois has
drastically reduced funds for homeless prevention. Evanston's Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-
housing program is a new source of revenue for this need, but its eligibility requirements are significantly
different from the State program, so while some people in need are newly eligible for help, funding is no
longer available to others.
The City's local Affordable Housing Fund awards grants to non=profit sponsors that apply for the City's
Families In Transition program. It provides a rental subsidy of up to 50% of contract rent to the sponsor for up
to two years while the sponsoring organization works with the very low income family on a plan for self
sufficiency. It is estimated that at least two families will be assisted through this program.
The Evanston Alliance on Homelessness, composed of service providers for homeless persons, mentally ill,
victims of domestic violence, veteran's organizations, the business community and City staff, meets monthly
to discuss homeless issues in Evanston and to develop policies and strategies for garnering funding for the
homeless assistance programs in Evanston. The Alliance prepares Evanston's Continuum of Care plan and
oversees its implementation. The Alliance is a member of the Regional Roundtable on Homelessness, whose
members include the City of Chicago, Cook, Lake, DuPage, Kane, McHenry and Will Counties.
The Evanston Continuum of Care applied for a total of $1,000,096 for twelve renewal projects through the
2009 HUD Notice of Funding Availability.(NOFA). Individual projects are listed in the chart below, along with
funding awards announced by HUD on December 23, 2009, which total $997,341.
Request
Award
Applicant
$22,869
$22,869
Connections for the Homeless
$106,975
$106,975
Connections for the Homeless
$190,602
$187,847
Connections for the Homeless
$71,526
$71,526
YWCA Evanston/North Shore
$120,413
$120,413
Housing Options
$112,560
$112,560
Connections for the Homeless
$112,962
$112,962
Housing Options
$17,750
$17,750
Housing Opportunity Devel. Corp
$83,560
$83,560
Housing Options
$117,197
$117,197
Connections for the Homeless
$43,682
$43,682
Connections for the Homeless
$1,000,096 $997,341
Project Name
Permanent Supportive Housing expansion - renewal
Permanent Supportive Housing - renewal
Family Transitional Housing - renewal
Transitional Housing - renewal
Pathways Plus Permanent Supportive Housing - renewal
Entry Point Outreach & Supportive Services - renewal
Pathways Permanent Supportive Housing - renewal
Claridge Apts Permanent Supportive Housing - renewal
Claire/Ganey Permanent Supportive Housing - renewal
Hilda's Place Transitional Housing - renewal
Homeless Management Information System - renewal
City of Evanston FY2010/11 Action Plan
C
•
+ The YWCA-Evanston/North Shore provides emergency shelter, counseling, case management and legal
advocacy services to an estimated 610 women and children annually. In addition to Evanston CDBG funds, the
YWCA receives funding from other state grant programs, individual donors, special events and other local
organizations. The YWCA also manages two apartments that provide transitional housing for families moving
from the emergency shelter to permanent housing. Families can remain in transitional housing for up to two
years.
Connections for the Homeless receives funding for its street outreach counselors in its Entry Point program,
which serves the chronically homeless by connecting them with services and shelter. Connections will also
receive CDBG funding to provide supportive services for its Entry Point clients. It also receives funding for its
transitional and permanent supportive housing programs and for Evanston's HMIS system.
Housing Options of Evanston provides permanent and transitional housing with supportive services for
persons living with mental illness. Housing Options provides supportive housing for 72 individuals in its six
scattered site buildings owned by Housing Options and 21 additional leased units.
Barriers to Affordable Housing
The City of Evanston will use a variety of strategies and tactics to continue to address barriers to affordable
housing in 2010/11 including:
• Introduction of new housing types, including small lot homes and granny flats, in areas of new
development
• Programs that support new homeownership among low- and moderate -income households including
the Downpayment Assistance and First Time Homebuyer Program
Market conditions present the greatest barrier to affordable housing. Evanston's built-up character, with only
scattered sites available for development, along with consistent demand for land, has historically driven up
acquisition prices. High property taxes are often cited as a deterrent to affordable housing, though City taxes
comprise only a small percentage of the tax bill. Low and'moderate income owners of housing developed
with City assistance that is subject to resale restrictions to keep the price affordable to future low income
buyers may take advantage of the Cook County Assessor's Affordable Housing Incentive. These properties are
then assessed at the restricted, value rather than market value. As a result, their property taxes are reduced.
Foreclosure activity increased rapidly in 2008 and 2009, largely due to subprime loans and adjustable rate
mortgages that adjusted upward to higher monthly payments. This affected a wide range of incomes and
housing types throughout Evanston, but was concentrated in CDBG Target Areas with lower per capita
incomes. Many homes that were affordable to low and moderate income homeowners at purchase became
unaffordable when interest rates increased or jobs were lost. The City continues to educate homeowners
about how to deal with mortgage problems and to support housing counseling organizations.
Impediments to Fair Housing
The City is submitting a complete Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice with its 2010-2014
Consolidated Plan and 2010/11 Action Plan; it may be found in Appendix 5. A summary of impediments to fair
housing and issues relating to fair housing choice identified in that analysis are summarized below.
• Housing Sales
City of Evanston FY2010/11 Action Plan 10
Evanston realtors do not appear to have discriminatory marketing or sales practices for residential properties.
The most recent sales audit conducted by Interfaith Housing of the Northern Suburbs in 2006 tested the top
three real estate agencies and two condominium developments to look for evidence of differential treatment
of potential buyers based on race or national origin, including steering in or out of Evanston. Its findings
include:
• Agents were less likely to make prejudicial comments than in earlier audits
• Fair Housing information was not being provided consistently to buyers
• The top listing agencies focused on higher value listings, so did not serve west Evanston well; the
Evanston Review, one of the major marketing vehicles for the agencies tested, provides a distorted
view of available real estate because the realtors focus their advertising on their high -end
properties.
• Minority buyers were shown fewer lower value homes than white buyers; houses or condos did
not appear to be a factor.
Evanston's ongoing work to educate realtors about fair housing laws appears to have had positive impact but
needs to be continued and realtors need reminding of their responsibility to provide information on fair
housing to all buyers.
A potential impediment to fair housing identified by Interfaith Housing with condominiums is the "right of
first refusal" that can be used by condo boards to derail an impending sale by buying the apartment from its
current owner or by adding requirements for ownership that are specifically discriminatory or become
discriminatory when applied inconsistently.
Housing Rental
In recent years, City of Evanston staff and Interfaith Housing of the Northern Suburbs Director of Fair Housing
have received reports of discriminatory practices: 0
• Families .with children and single parent households report they have been offered less favorable
lease terms than households without children
• Latino tenants report being charged higher rates than non -Latinos
• College students report being charged higher rates than other renters
• Various groups report being charged higher security deposits than others
Zoning
The City continues to evaluate the impact of zoning and ensure that the needs of diverse household sizes,
lifestages and incomes are addressed. For example:
• Form -based zoning that includes incentives for affordable housing is being proposed as part of
the City's Downtown Master Plan
• The West Evanston Master Plan expands the types of dwellings in an area dominated by single-
family dwellings to include small multi -family buildings, townhomes and granny flats to help
maintain affordability.
Other issues or concerns relating to fair housing
There is concern that some landlords truncate tenancy by not providing a minimum level of services such as
proper maintenance of a building or unit, including not paying utilities, resulting in the tenant leaving by
choice or in the forced dislocation by City officials for lack of essential utilities in the rental unit.
•
City of Evanston FY2010/11 Action Plan 11
•
Anew issue identified by Interfaith Housing throughout their services area is the use of non-refundable fees.
For example, a household may be charged a pet fee or a move -in fee. These fees circumvent regulations on
security deposits.
In the current housing market, much higher credit scores are being required both for renting and purchasing,
and subsequent denials of housing have been perceived as discrimination based on race/ethnicity, marital
status, primary language or sexual orientation.
Actions to address impediments to fair housing
The City of Evanston continues to work to educate realtors, apartment owners/managers and people seeking
housing about potential types of discrimination using its Fair Housing brochure and flyers developed by
Interfaith Housing Center of the Northern Suburbs that have been translated into several languages, including
Spanish. As noted above, the City continues to examine potential institutional impediments to fair housing
such as zoning.
Other Actions
Evanston has been significantly impacted by mortgage foreclosures. Census tracts 8092, 8096, 8097 and 8102,
all within our CDBG Target Area and proposed NRSAs, are most heavily affected. A number of initiatives have
been undertaken in response to these needs:
• The City of Evanston applied for Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) funding, part of the
Housing and Economic Recovery Act of2008, to the State of Illinois and Cook County, and for NSP-2
funding, part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, to HUD. Evanston was not a
formula recipient of NSP funds, but qualified as an area of highest need based on the number and
percent of foreclosures, pre -foreclosures and high-cost/subprime loans. Funding would enEble the
City to acquire foreclosed or abandoned properties in order to develop more units of affordable rental
and owner -occupied housing.
• As noted in the Homeless and Special Needs section above, the City of Evanston recently launched its
Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re -housing program with federal formula funds from the
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to address the needs of residents who are at high risk of
homelessness or have lost housing due to the economic and housing crisis. Evanston has six
subrecipients, all members of the Evanston Alliance on Homelessness, that are providing case
management, legal services, budgeting and credit repair, housing location and direct assistance to
eligible residents.
• The City of Evanston will use funds from the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (CCCBG)
to weatherize housing that serves primarily low- and moderate -income households. The City is also
working with CEDA to coordinate weatherization of housing units for very low income households
using federal Weatherization funds managed by the State of Illinois. Households eligible for that
program must be at or below 200% of the federal poverty line.
• The City's Property Standards division has expanded its work to monitor and maintain vacant
properties to reduce the negative impact on neighborhoods. The City has a vacant building registry to
identify owners and places liens on properties to recover the costs of boarding and maintaining the
exteriors of those buildings.
City of Evanston FY2010/11 Action Plan 1 12
Community Development Block Grant
The City's priorities for non -housing community development needs are summarized in the Housing &
Community Development Table of the City's Consolidated Plan that follows the narrative. Neighborhood
planning is an essential tool to involve residents in the identification of needs and opportunities as well as
how to access resources and partners to improve low and moderate income neighborhoods. The evaluation
of infrastructure, city services, private investment, security, housing and economic development is the focus of
the neighborhood planning process.
Projects and programs receiving 2010/11 CDBG funds are described in brief below. Objectives and outcomes,
as well as CDBG eligible activity categories and the amount of assistance for each project or program is shown
in Table 3A that follows the narrative section of this Plan.
Public Facilities and Infrastructure
Parks and recreation facilities were identified as a high priority in the City's Consolidated Plan. In 201/11, the
City will combine $50,000 in CDBG funds with City capital funds to renovate the tot lot at Brummel and
Richmond in south Evanston. This small park is an important amenity because it is the only public playground
for preschool age children in its neighborhood.
Infrastructure improvements were identified as a high priority, in the consolidated Plan. The City has
committed Capital .Improvement funds in addition to CDBG funds for projects in the CDBG Target Area and
throughout the City. In 2010/11, CDBG funds will be used for four ongoing projects and one new project:
• Alley paving in the CDBG Target Area — An alley is census tract 8092 is slated for paving using CDBG .
fends
Block Curb and Sidewalk replacement in the CDBG Target Area
ADA curb ramps — locations are determined using input from residents and may be outside the
CDBG Target Area
CDBG will fund the Alley Special Assessment Assistance program to pay the special assessments
relating to alley paving for income -qualified households to relieve the financial burden of this
important infrastructure improvement.,Many qualifying households are low-income seniors living
on fixed incomes. There has been an increase in applications for this program from income eligible
households in 2008 which, if maintained, may require additional funds to those already allocated.
Any such reallocation does not constitute a significant change to the Action Plan and will not
require amendment of that plan.
Street lighting improvements will be installed in the 1900 block of Jackson Avenue. This block is one
of the first designated as a Safer Neighborhood Area Project (SNAP) neighborhood and additional
lighting has been identified as one of the primary CPTED principles to address issues of chronic
crime.
The YWCA Evanston/Northshore will receive CDBG funds to replace an aging platform lift with an access ramp
that will provide improved access for persons with disabilities and bring the facility into full compliance with
ADA requirements.
The Weissbourd-Holmes Family Focus Center will receive CDBG funds to address deferred maintenance issues
with its aging heating and plumbing facilities. 0
City of Evanston FY2010/11 Action Plan 13
Reba Early Learning Center will receive additional funds to rebuild and repair the building parapet that will be
combined with funds allocated in FY2009/10 to complete the project.
The McGaw YMCA will receive funding to replace doorways and doors to rooms in its Single -Room Occupancy
Residence for very -low income men. This will expand the number of units accessible to persons with
disabilities to meet a growing need among its population.
The Oakton Elementary School PTA will receive CDBG funds for landscaping and its edible garden on school
grounds. The Oakton School student body is primarily LMI and its grounds provide much -needed open space
in census tract 8102, one of Evanston's most densely populated areas.
Public Services
Senior services. Three programs focusing on the needs of Evanston seniors will receive CDBG funding:
• Evanston Skokie Valley Senior Services, part of the North Shore Senior Center, will provide case
management services for low income Evanston seniors, many of whom are frail elderly, using CDBG
and Mental Health Board funds.
• The Music Institute of Chicago will perform concerts at skilled care facilities, senior residences and day
treatment programs in Evanston that serve low income seniors with limited mobility.
• Meals at Home will provide home -delivered meals to low-income Evanston homebound seniors and
disabled residents.
Youth services that address the needs of low and moderate income residents will receive CDBG funds:
• The Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago & Northwest Indiana will provide its Fit To Be Me program to low-
iis ncome girls living in Evanston's west and south neighborhoods to help middle school age girls
establish healthier eating and exercise habits, and develop self esteem, relationship -building and
other life skills.
• The Open Studio Project's Art & Action program will use art therapy, journaling and other creative
methods to enable youth to channel strong emotions of anger and frustration to positive, creative
outlets.
• The City's Summer Youth Employment ;program will employ 100+ primarily LMI high school -aged
youth for nine weeks during the summer months.
• The Divine Wisdom Institute for Learning will provide its Next Generation Leadership program for low-
income teens
Services for battered and abused spouses and theirchildren will be provided by the YWCA Evanston/North Shore,
supported with CDBG and Mental Health Board funding.
Shorefront will receive CDBG funds to support its Legacy Center Programming including Legacy Keepers, a
program that targets middle school youth and helps build pride in themselves and their heritage by studying
the contributions of African Americans to Evanston and preserving artifacts of historical significance to the
community.
Homesharing, Interfaith Housing Center of the North Suburb's innovative program that matches home
seekers with home providers who have a room to rent in their home or apartment, will continue to receive
CDBG funds.
• Employment training. Three programs that provide services to the unemployed will be funded:
City of Evanston FY2010/11 Action Plan 14
The Youth Job Center of Evanston will receive CDBG and Mental Health funds to provide job readiness
training, job placement and follow up services for youth between the ages for 14-25.
Interfaith Action of Evanston will receive CDBG funds for its Job Counselors who help clients of
Connections for the Homeless' Entry Point and Hilda's Place find employment.
The City of Evanston will receive, funding for its Local Employment Program, which assists LMI workers
secure employment with City construction contractors to achieve the goals of the City's Local
Employment Ordinance and HUD Section 3 requirements.
The Evanston Coalition for Latino Resources will receive funding for its Health & Resources Workshops
that connect Hispanic residents with needed resources.
Legal services will be supported with CDBG and Mental Health Board funds for:
• The Evanston Community Defender to provide free legal services in criminal and juvenile law matters
to Evanston residents age 21 and younger.
• The Legal Assistance Foundation of Metropolitan Chicago to provide free legal assistance to low
income residents for civil law matters.
Other public services receiving CDBG funds in 2010/11 are:
• City's Graffiti Removal program that removes graffiti from public property (traffic signs, streetlights,
etc.) in the CDBG Target Area.
• Adopt a Fancy Can where residents in the CDBG Target Area request a garbage can for the parkway in
front of their house to reduce litter in the "neighborhood.
• The Neighborhood Initiatives Fund, to which block clubs and other volunteer organizations can apply
for funds for projects that strengthen and beautify their neighborhoods.
Economic Development
The Evanston Community Development Corporation, a not -for -profit neighborhood development
organization focused on the Church/Dodge area, will receive CDBG funding to provide technical assistance to
micro enterprises and small businesses in.west Evanston in order to create jobs and bring needed goods and
services to LMI residents.
The Technology Innovation Center will receive CDBG funds for its Evanston Business Ownership Initiative
which will help small businesses and entrepreneurs to establish credit and secure loans for expansion or
business startups.
The Neighborhood Facade Improvement Program will receive CDBG funds for fa4ade improvements to
retail/commercial structures inneighborhood commercial districts located in the CDBG Target Area.
Housing Rehabilitation
CEDA/Neighbors at Work will continue its minor repairs and interior and exterior painting programs for
income -eligible single-family property owners and senior citizens.
The City's Housing Rehab Administration program will continue to assist income -eligible property owners
with low interest and title transfer loans to rehab single-family and multi -family units, ensuring that residents
live in decent, safe and sanitary housing. Single -Family and Multi -Family Loans for these rehabilitation projects
will be provided from the City's Revolving Fund. Program income paid to the fund will be used for
rehabilitation projects'in the future. In addition, self-help paint vouchers will be issued to income -eligible •
City of Evanston FY2010/11 Action Plan 15
. residents.
Code Enforcement
In 2010/11, the City's CDBG Target Area Housing Code Compliance program will inspect multi -family
residential units in the CDBG Target Area and re -inspect units to ensure corrections of housing code violations.
In addition, property standards inspectors will inspect boarding houses and nursing homes.
Other
Two City administrative and planning activities will receive CDBG funding:
• CDBG Administration for management and administration of the City's CDBG program.
• Minority/Women/Evanston Business Program (M/W/EBE) to support its work to increase minority,
women -owned and Evanston business participation in City and private construction projects, as well
as in other purchases made by the City.
The following chart shows the funding recommendations made by the Housing & Community Development
Act Committee on November 11, 2008. Additional detail may be found in Table 3A and the project tables
following the narrative section of this plan.
CDBG
Organization
Program/Project
Funding
Public Facilities & Infrastructure
City-Parks/Forestry and Recreation
Brummel-Richmond Tot Lot
$50,000
City -Public Works Department
City -Public Works Department
Alley Paving Program
Alley Special Assessment Assistance
$75,000
$50,000
City-H&HS/Public Works
ADA Curb Ramp Replacement Program
$45,833
City -Public Works Department,
Block Curb and Sidewalk Prog.
$45,833 j
City -Public Works Department
SNAP - Lighting for Safety
$24,000
YWCA Evanston/Northshore
Access Ramp
$15,000
Weissbourd-Holmes Family Focus
Facilities Improvement Project
$40,000
Reba Early Learning Center
Parapet Repair & Rebuilding
$14,000
McGaw YMCA
Residence Door Replacement
$25,000
Oakton School PTA
School Grounds Beautification Phase 1
$5,000
Subtotal
$389,666
Public Services
Meals at Home
Food for Seniors and People w/Disabilities
$9,000
Music Institute of Chicago
I Taking Music to Seniors
$2,000
North Shore Senior Center
Case Management Services
$22,500
Evanston Community Defender
I Legal/Social Work
$39,000
Legal Assistance Foundation
i Evanston Legal Services
$9,000
Girls Scouts - Chicago/NW Indiana
Fit To Be Me!
$8,000
Open Studio Project
Art & Action Program for At -Risk Youth
$3,000'
City -Human Relations Division
Summer Youth Employment Program
$42,000
YWCA Evanston/North Shore
YWCA Domestic Violence Services
$34,000
Interfaith Action of Evanston
Job Counselor for the Homeless
$2,000
The Youth Job Center of Evanston
Youth Employment Initiative (Core Svc)
$39,697
•
Connections for the Homeless
Single Adult Services Programs
$4,000
I Divine Wisdom Institute for Learning
Next Generation Leadership
$700
City of Evanston
FY2010/11 Action Plan
16
Shorefront
City -Purchasing
Evanston Coalition for Latino Resources
Interfaith Housing of the North Suburbs
City -Community Development
City -Community Development
City -Community Development
Housing Rehabilitation
CEDA/Neighbors At Work, Inc.
City -Commission on Aging
City -Community Development
Code Enforcement
City -Property Standards
Economic Development
Evanston Community Develop Corp
City -Community Development
Technology Innovation Center/SBDC
Other -Administration
City -Community Development/Planning
City -Budget Office
HOME
Legacy Center Programming
$15,000 '
Local Employment Program
$5,000
Latino Health & Resources Workshops
$1,500
$14,000
Homesharing Program
Can
1�
$4,000 I
Adopt A Fancy
Program
$35,000
Graffiti Removal
Neighborhood initiatives Fund
$8,000
1
Public Services Subtotal
$297,397
Minor Repairs & Painting Program $100,000
Handyman Program $12,000
Housing Rehab Administration $325,000
Subtotal $437,000
CDBG Target Area Code Compliance $425,000
Subtotal $425,000
Bus Develop & Economic Opportunity $50,000
Neighborhood Fa4ade Improvement Program $40,000
Evanston Business Ownership Initiative $20,000
Subtotal $110,000
CDBG Administration
$351,113 1
M/W/EBE Program
$40,000 1
Subtotal
$391,113
Grand Total
$2,050,176
The City of Evanston anticipates that $575,000 in HOME funds will be allocated in 20010/11 for affordable
housing projects. Up to 10%, or $57,500, will be used for administration of the HOME program. An additional
5%, or approximately $28,750 will be reserved for operating funds for Community Housing Development
Organizations (CHDOs). The remaining $488,750 will fund affordable rental or ownership development by
CHDOs, non-profit organizations that provide housing and for -profit developers. The City will reserve an
estimated $86,250 for affordable housing projects developed by CHDOs, which is the minimum 15%
requirement. HOME funds will be used to provide interest -bearing and non -interest -bearing loans, deferred
payment loans, or grants, consistent with the type of assistance detailed in Section 92.205(b).
The City anticipates using HOME funds for rehab of foreclosed properties purchased with Neighborhood
Stabilization Program funds, and will seek requests for proposals from a variety of sources.
The City developed new marketing plans with developers of affordable ownership projects that have
remained uncompleted last year. About 15 units in four HOME assisted, rehab developments remain unsold
due to changes in the economy in 2008 and the City has committed to providing additional project funding to
reduce the interest rate on conventional funding and assist with intensive marketing efforts. •
City of Evanston FY2010/11 Action Plan 17
. • A five -unit condominium conversion at 241 Callan developed by Econ Development Corporation,
a for -profit developer, is currently being rented because market conditions hampered the
developer's ability to sell the units. The project was assisted with HOME and Affordable Housing
Funds.
• Housing Opportunity Development Corporation will continue the rehab on a two unit rental
building at 1929 Jackson which is currently vacant.
• Over the Rainbow Association, a non-profit organization which provides rental housing for
physically disabled adults, will complete the rehab of its 33-unit property at 2040 Brown. Tenants
will remain in place during the rehab.
• SHORE services is expected to be awarded HOME funds for rehab work on a single family house on
Brown which serves two adults through SHORE's Community Integrated Living Arrangements
(CILA) program
Applications for HOME funding are considered throughout the year, with recommendations from the Housing
Commission and the Planning and Development Committee prior to final approval by the City Council. If the
City is awarded any Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) in 2010/11, NSP funds would be used acquire
foreclosed or abandoned property in conjunction with HOME funds for rehab. The City anticipates issuing a
Request for Proposals for rental projects that serve households under 60% AMI and for projects that rehab or
redevelop foreclosed properties.
HOME funds will continue to be used in conjunction with funding through the Affordable Housing Fund as
part of the City's Downpayment Assistance Program. Currently loans of up to $30,000 are available as needed.
It is anticipated that $350,000 in HOME funds will be used to benefit 12 new homeowners under 80% AMI.
The City's HOME funds estimated matching requirement of $143,752 will be met through carry-over of
matching funds and by new funds from a variety of sources. These include the Affordable Housing Fund,
private bond volume cap (Industrial Revenue Bonds), building permit fee waivers, the Federal Home Loan
Bank of Chicago's Affordable Housing Program and other eligible funding sources. The actual amount of
required matching funds will depend on the amount of HOME funds disbursed in HUD Fiscal Year 2009 for
housing development, exclusive of administrative and CHDO operating funds.
HOME funds are not expected to be used to refinance existing debt secured on multi -family rehab projects.
However, if it becomes necessary .to do so, the City might consider a HOME -funded loan to refinance some
existing debt in specific situations. The following guidelines would apply:
a. HOME funds can only be used to refinance the rehabilitation portion of the loan and up to 20% of
acquisition financing, to demonstrate that rehabilitation is the primary eligible activity.
b. The property must be inspected to ensure disinvestment has not occurred.
c. The Project pro forma will be reviewed to ensure that the long-term needs of the project can be
met and that serving the targeted population is feasible.
d. It must be stated whether the new investment is being made to maintain current affordable units,
create additional affordable units, or both.
e. Whether the length of the affordability will extend beyond the minimum 15 years will be
determined and specified before HOME funds are invested.
f. The investment of HOME funds would be allowed in any project within the City.
g. HOME funds cannot be used to refinance multifamily loans made or insured by any federal
program, including CDBG.
• The City of Evanston will not receive American Dream Down payment Initiative (ADDI) funds.
City of Evanston FY2010/11 Action Plan 18
Evanston does not currently provide tenant/based rental assistance (TBRA) with HOME funds, but may review '
and analyze the feasibility of providing TBRA or Project Based rental assistance programs.
Affirmative Marketing
Any HOME funded projects with five or more HOME assisted units must submit an affirmative marketing plan
describing the target audience, types of advertising or informational distribution and a list of contacts who
will receive the information. The developer or sponsor must submit a statement that it will not discriminate in
the selection of residents on the basis of protected classes. Sixty to seventy percent of HOME -assisted
homeowners are expected to be minority households.
Resale/Recapture Provisions for Homebuyer Projects
In order to ensure long term affordability of owner -occupied housing assisted with HOME funds, the City uses
both recapture provisions and resale restrictions, depending on the amount and use of the subsidy. A large
subsidy is usually needed for developers to offer rehabbed or newly constructed homes at prices affordable to
low income households, and the City wants to ensure that housing developments it which it invests will
remain affordable. Subsidies provided directly to buyers solely to reduce their purchase price or mortgage and
financing costs are subject to recapture.
Recapture Provisions
Projects with.any type of subsidy of $15,000 per unit or less are subject to the recapture provisions for five
years. Subsidies between $15,001 and $30,000 used only for downpayment or closing cost assistance or
purchase price reduction are also subject to recapture during the affordability period. The subsidy is forgiven
on a pro-rata basis as long as the owner lives in the property.
The amount subject to recapture is the amount of assistance that enabled the buyer to purchase the unit,
such as down paymentassistance, purchase price reduction below fair market value or principal buy down,
but does not include the development subsidy, if any. The total amount subject to recapture is subject to the
availability of net proceeds. The amount to be recaptured is reduced on a pro rata basis according to the time
the homeowner has owned and occupied the housing. The balance is due if the property is sold or is no
longer owner -occupied before the end of the affordability period. It is totally forgiven at the end of the
affordability period.
Amount of HOME Subsidy Per Unit Minimum.Affordability Period Subsidy Use
$15,000 or less 5 years, at the rate of 1/6011 per month Any
$15,001 to $30,000 10 Years, at the rate of 1 /120`1 a month Downpayment, closing costs,
purchase price reduction
The City records a Junior Mortgage and Affordable Housing Restriction to ensure that the HOME funds are
subject to recapture if the unit does not continue to be the principal residence of the purchaser for the length
of the affordability period. Buyers also sign an Agreement with the City describing the HOME subsidy.
If the homeowner refinances the first mortgage, the City will consider a request to subordinate its junior
mortgage as long as the borrower does not receive any cash back as a result of the refinancing and the new
loan amount is for the same amount as the original purchase mortgage with allowances for generally
accepted financing costs. The City will not subordinate to a negative amortization loan or any loan it deems to
be predatory.
Resale Restrictions •
City of Evanston FY2010/11 Action Plan 19
. Projects receiving more than $15,000 in subsidy for development must provide a resale restriction in order to
encourage long term affordability in the event of property transfer. In extraordinary situations, the City may
waive this requirement to stimulate demand where units remain unsold for an extended period. Projects that
contain a development subsidy only are required by HOME regulations to use the resale provision as well,
although because most affordable developments in Evanston have appraised values higher than the purchase
price, these are unlikely.
If the original homebuyer retains ownership for the full affordability period, no resale restrictions will apply.
However, if there is a property transfer during the affordability period, or the owner no longer occupies the
property, the unit must be sold at an affordable price to an income -eligible purchaser who will occupy the
property as their primary residence.
Buyer Requirements
An eligible buyer must agree to occupy the property as their primary residence, and must be a household with
an annual household income less than or equal to eighty percent (80%) of the Chicago -area Median Income,
based on household size, as such annual income and Chicago -area median income are determined from time
to time by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Affordability Period
The affordability period is based on the minimum HOME requirements for the total subsidy, but may be
increased with the approval of the Housing Commission and the City Council.
Amount of HOME Subsidy Minimum Affordability Period:
>$15,000, < $40,000 10 years
s>$40,000 15 years
Low Income Affordability
The City considers an affordable price to be one that results in monthly housing costs for Principal, Interest,
Tax and Insurance of less than 33% of grossr monthly income for a household between 60 and 80% of area
median income. Such a target price will vary, however, depending on the income level of the actual purchaser
and the mortgage financing structure. For instance, the area median percentile into which a household falls
depends on the number of persons in the household. The amount of money a buyer provides for the down
payment will affect the amount financed, which, along with mortgage interest rates and terms, will affect the
monthly principal and interest payments, and thus affect affordability. Therefore, in order to provide guidance
and predictability for a homeowner refinancing or reselling the property, the City designed a resale formula to
keep the housing affordable to the target population throughout the affordability period, yet provide a fair
return to the seller.
Resale Formula
The basic resale formula allows the owner to sell the property at a price that encompasses annual appreciation
of 3% plus an average annual allowance for capital improvements. Each project may adjust the basic resale
formula to their situation with approval of the staff and Housing Commission.
Enforcement Mechanism
The resale restriction is enforced through a Declaration of Covenants Regarding Transfer of Property recorded
by the developer, as well as a Promissory Note and recorded Junior Mortgage, both signed by the homebuyer.
In the event the homeowner refinances their first mortgage, the City would have to subordinate its mortgage,
• and can thus ensure that the amount financed doesn't exceed the calculated resale price. Buyers also sign an
Agreement with the City describing the HOME subsidy.
City of Evanston FY2010/11 Action Plan 20
Needs of Public Housing
The Housing Authority of Cook County administers public housing in Evanston. The number of public housing
properties has remained stable over the last few years. The number of residents who use Housing Choice
Vouchers to subsidize rents from private landlords in the City has been steadily declining over the last six
years. The City will maintain regular contact with the Housing Authority of Cook County regarding its Housing
Choice Voucher program, scattered site family housing, and elderly/disabled housing.
Emergency Shelter Grants (ESG)
The City of Evanston expects to receive approximately $85,920 in FY 2010/11 Emergency Shelter Grants (ESG)
funds for essential services, operating expenses of homeless shelters and prevention programs serving
individuals and families. Evanston's ESG funds are usually allocated among three to four non-profit
organizations that provide services to the homeless in Evanston. The City will solicit proposals through a
request for proposals process following receipt of its 2010/11 grant amount. The City Council's Human
Services Committee will recommend funding allocations for approval by the City Council.
Evanston's 2010/11 ESG funds will be matched on a one-to-one basis using Mental Health Board funds from
the City's general fund budget and state and other funds, including in -kind, depending on the agencies
funded, to meet the match requirement for ESG.
HOPWA
Not applicable, as the City of Evanston does not receive HOPWA funding.
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City of Evanston FY2010/11 Action Plan 21