ACTION REQUESTED:
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Communication from the City Manager and the Community Development Director with a Request to APPROVE a Substantial Amendment to the City’s 2012 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN and 2013 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN as Submitted to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to Include Two Additional Projects.
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BACKGROUND: On January 12, 2016 (Council Item # 16-005), City Council directed staff to reallocate funding from the current CDBG funded Economic Development Program to fund public infrastructure projects (sidewalks and ADA ramps) identified in the City’s 2016 Capital Budget as well as reallocate funding from the current HOME Down Payment Assistance Program as a financial resource for the Attorney General / Peoria LISC Initiative in the East Bluff.
The CDBG fund reallocation required a substantial amendment to the City’s 2013 HUD Annual Action Plan to add the sidewalks/ADA ramps activities. Additionally, the HOME fund reallocation required a substantial amendment to the City’s 2012 HUD Annual Action Plan to add the Focus Housing Leverage Program activities. The activities are as follows:
1. Public Improvements and Infrastructure ($250,000 - CDBG funds)
CDBG funds will be utilized to fund public infrastructure projects such as sidewalks and accessible ramps on public right of way. The goal of the project is to improve city infrastructure for a more walkable community and ensure access for those with disabilities throughout the City. The project may be City-wide, but will focus on areas in need as rated by the City of Peoria Public Works Department. The funds for this project will be taken from the available 2013 entitlement funds currently allocated to the Economic Development Program. It is anticipated that 2,000 low-to moderate-income households will be served by this activity.
2. Focus Housing Leverage Program ($62,206.66 - HOME funds)
HOME funds will be utilized to support other focused housing projects that assist low-income households. The Focus Housing Leverage Program can provide funds for rehabilitation of homeowner or rental properties, funds for new construction of homeowner or rental properties, and/or direct homebuyer assistance. The funds for this project will be taken from the available 2012 entitlement funds currently allocated to the Down Payment Assistance Program. Additionally, any available HOME program income and recaptured funds will be allocated to this activity. It is anticipated that 2 low-to moderate-income households will be served by this activity.
In accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR 91.505 Amendments to the consolidated plan and 24 CFR 91.105 Citizen participation plan; local governments, citizens must be provided an opportunity to comment on any substantial amendment for a period of not less than 30 days before the amendment is implemented. The citizen comment period regarding the substantial amendment for the allocations listed above began on Friday, January 22, 2016 and closed on Tuesday, February 23, 2016. In addition to the public comment period, two public hearings regarding the amendments were held on Tuesday, January 26, 2016 at City Hall at 8:30 AM and 5:30 PM. No public comments were received by staff during the comment period or at the public hearings.
Upon Council approval of the substantial amendment, staff will submit to HUD for final approval and inclusion in the 2012 and 2013 Annual Action Plans.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: Funding will become available for the Attorney General / Peoria LISC Initiative in the East Bluff. Funds will be reprogrammed from the current CDBG Economic Development Program to public infrastructure projects (sidewalks and ADA ramps) identified in the City’s 2016 Capital Budget. Additionally, Capital Fund project related to ADA Ramps will be reprogrammed to the Peoria LISC project. Approval of the substantial amendment does not commit funding to the Peoria LISC project. Staff will present to Council a request to award funding to LISC for the project at a later date.
NEIGHBORHOOD CONCERNS: Two public hearings as well as a 30-day comment period were held regarding the Substantial Amendment. No public comments were received by staff.
IMPACT IF APPROVED: Staff will submit the substantial amendment to HUD for final approval and inclusion in the 2012 and 2013 Annual Action Plans. Upon HUD’s approval, additional funding will become available for the Attorney General / Peoria LISC Initiative in the East Bluff. Staff will continue to work with LISC to finalize development plans and bring forth to Council a request to award funding to LISC for the project.
IMPACT IF DENIED: The City’s HUD 2012 and 2013 Annual Action Plans will remain as is and additional funding will not be available for the Peoria LISC Initiative in the East Bluff.
ALTERNATIVES: None identified at this time.
EEO CERTIFICATION NUMBER: Not applicable.
WHICH OF THE GOALS IDENTIFIED IN THE COUNCIL’S 2014 - 2029 STRATEGIC PLAN DOES THIS RECOMMENDATION ADVANCE?
1. Attractive Neighborhoods with Character: Safe and Livable
WHICH CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTOR(S) FROM THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DOES THIS RECOMMENDATION IMPLEMENT?
1. Reinvest in neighborhoods.
DEPARTMENT: Community Development