Executive Summary. AP-05 Executive Summary - 24 CFR (c), (b)

Transcription

1 Executive Summary AP-05 Executive Summary - 24 CFR (c), (b) 1. Introduction Amherst HOME Consortium (Towns of Amherst, Cheektowaga and Tonawanda) Summary of 2014 Annual Plan The A-C-T HOME Consortium's five year Consolidated Plan establishes priorities, suggests programs and identifies resources for implementing the Annual Plan, the first year of the five year plan. It provides a discussion of the institutional structure and public policies that are necessary to implement these priorities successfully. The housing needs assessment and market analysis presented in the Consortium Profile invokes a number of overriding themes under which the addressing of critical housing needs in the Consortium communities can be grouped: Priority #1: Maintain and improve housing stock through rehabilitation, demolition and new construction for lowmoderate income households. **Rehabilitation of existing low-moderate income owner-occupied housing, including substantial rehabilitation; **Rehabilitation of existing renter-occupied low income housing units; **Weatherization Assistance Program to assist both low income homeowners and renters; **Substantial Rehabilitation or Demolition of severely deteriorated housing occupied by low income homeowners and construct new housing; Priority #2: Maintain the supply of decent and affordable existing and new rental housing and supportive elderly housing for low and very low income residents. Provide and increase affordable homeownership opportunities to low income households. Priority #3: Provide for emergency shelter and service needs of the homeless. 1

2 Address the housing and service needs of the at-risk population and others with special needs. Prevent or ameliorate neighborhood deterioration in areas where low income households and substandard conditions are concentrated. Provide historic preservation services that enhance the sense of place and quality of life in the community. 2. Summarize the objectives and outcomes identified in the Plan This could be a restatement of items or a table listed elsewhere in the plan or a reference to another location. It may also contain any essential items from the housing and homeless needs assessment, the housing market analysis or the strategic plan. Community Development Objectives Infrastructure Prevent or reduce deterioration in neighborhoods through installation of new or replacement of deteriorated infrastructure such as streets, sidewalks, etc. Public Facilities The Town has extensive park and recreation systems that need to be maintained and upgraded to have a positive impact on the quality of life of the residents. Public Services There are many direct, supportive and counseling services needed to improve the quality of life and mitigate and prevent problems for youth, senior citizens and families and individuals in need of assistance. Economic Development There is a need to foster redevelopment in the town's older neighborhood business districts and create/retain jobs for lower-income persons. Historic Preservation There is a recognized need to preserve elements of local heritage and accomplish historic preservation within the town. 2

3 3. Evaluation of past performance This is an evaluation of past performance that helped lead the grantee to choose its goals or projects. 4. Summary of Citizen Participation Process and consultation process Summary from citizen participation section of plan. The Citizen Participation Plan sets forth the procedures and policies the Towns of Amherst, Cheektowaga and Tonawanda will use to encourage citizen participation in the development, operation and reporting of their annual Community Development Block Grants, HOME Investment Partnership Grant and the Consolidated Plan. Citizens are encouraged to participate in the development of the Consolidated and Annual Plans, any substantial amendments to the Plans, and the Performance Report. This participation by low- and moderate-income persons, particularly those living in designated target areas and in areas where Community Development Block Grant funds are proposed to be used, and by residents of predominantly low and moderate income neighborhoods, (as defined by the Federal guidelines) is particularly encouraged as is the participation of all residents, including seniors, minorities and persons with disabilities. Citizen Participation Process Each town also invites residents of public and assisted housing developments to participate in the process of developing and implementing the Consolidated and Annual Plans. The Towns will provide copies of this Citizen Participation Plan upon request. In order to afford citizens, public agencies, and other interested parties a reasonable opportunity to examine its contents and to submit comments, the Towns will publish a summary of the proposed Consolidated and Annual Plan and a notice of availability of the document for public review in the Amherst BEE, the Cheektowaga BEE and the Ken-Ton BEE and the Metro as a display advertisement at least 30 days prior to its submission to the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Complete copies of the proposed Consolidated and Annual Plans will be available online as well as all Town libraries, the Amherst Planning Department, the Village Clerks offices in Depew, Sloan, Kenmore and Williamsville and the Town Clerks offices and on the Towns websites. The summary will describe the contents and purpose of the Consolidated and Annual Plans, and will include a list of the locations where copies of the entire proposed Plans may be examined. In addition, the Towns provides a copy of the plan to citizen groups that request it and copies on disk to individuals. 3

4 Notice of a public hearing to be held during the development of the Annual and Consolidated Plan to invite public comments and inquiries will be placed in the legal sections of the Amherst BEE, the Cheektowaga BEE and the Ken-Ton BEE and the Metro Source at least 10 days prior to the date of the hearing and as a display ad in these papers. Public hearings in the Town of Amherst are conducted as part of regularly scheduled meetings and thus have a "captive audience" with a broader reach than would be experienced at separate meetings for the Annual Plan alone. These meetings are also broadcast on local public access television. The Towns will consider any comments or views of citizens received in writing, or orally at the public hearings, during the preparation of the final Annual and Consolidated Plan. A summary of these comments or views, and a summary of any comments or views not accepted and the reasons therefore, shall be attached to the final Annual and Consolidated Plan. The Town is requesting citizen comments and the final deadline for the public comments for the Annual Plan is January 16, and are required to be submitted in writing to Amherst Community Development, 5583 Main Street, Williamsville, NY This Action Plan is based upon Final HUD allocations for funding and the 2.9% decrease in the actual funding will be absorbed by the Housing Rehabilitation Programs. Any larger increase or decrease would have resulted in an across the board corresponding % of increase or decrease in all discretionary CDBG and HOME proposed projects and public notification of any changes. 5. Summary of public comments This could be a brief narrative summary or reference an attached document from the Citizen Participation section of the Con Plan. No official public comments have been received to date. An informal discussion with a member of the Town's Disability Committee illuminates the need for more accessible affordable housing units in the Town. The Town's Housing Rehabilitation program will address this need in future rehabilitation activities with a special consideration to owner occupied two family homes requesting assistance for rental units. 6. Summary of comments or views not accepted and the reasons for not accepting them n/a 7. Summary 4

5 PR-05 Lead & Responsible Agencies (b) 1. Agency/entity responsible for preparing/administering the Consolidated Plan Describe the agency/entity responsible for preparing the Consolidated Plan and those responsible for administration of each grant program and funding source. Agency Role Name Department/Agency Lead Agency AMHERST CDBG Administrator AMHERST Town of Amherst Community Development HOPWA Administrator HOME Administrator AMHERST Town of Amherst Community Development HOPWA-C Administrator Narrative (optional) Table 1 Responsible Agencies The Town of Amherst administers the Town's CDBG Grant and is also lead Town for the Amherst, Cheektowaga and Tonawanda HOME Consortium. Federal funds are estimated to decrease by approximately 3% in FY CDBG resulting in an allocation of $480,000 in Community Development Block Grant funding. Any decrease in CDBG funds will be absorbed in the Housing Rehabilitation Program. The ACT HOME Consortium is estimated to receive a similar decrease of 3% in HOME Investment Partnerships Grant funds for a total of $698,500 to be shared by the three Towns -Amherst, Cheektowaga and Tonawanda. Any change in estimated funding will also be absorbed by the HOME Housing Rehabilitation activities in the Towns. Consolidated Plan Public Contact Information 5

6 The Town of Amherst Community Development administers the Amherst HOME Consortium allocation for the three towns of Amherst, Cheektowaga and Tonawanda. The Town's Community Development Department is responsible for the Consolidated Plan process in collaboration with the towns of Cheektowaga and Tonawanda along with the Erie County Consortium. 6

7 AP-10 Consultation , (b), (l) 1. Introduction The Town of Amherst is the "Participating Jurisdiction" or Lead Agency, for the ACT HOME Consortium. HOME and CDBG will be administered through the Town's Planning Department. New Opportunities Community Housing Development Corp. is a development agency and will manage the projects involving the acquisition and rehabilitation/new construction of housing for the Town of Amherst. Provide a concise summary of the jurisdiction s activities to enhance coordination between public and assisted housing providers and private and governmental health, mental health and service agencies (91.215(l)) The Town of Amherst will continue to act as the lead PHA for the Erie County PHA Consortium, acting as a conduit for Section 8 rental subsidies for eligible, very low income households in Erie County; Continue to support eligible applications for new rental units for low income elderly through the Supportive Housing for the Elderly Program (Section 202); Continue to support eligible applications for newly created rental units for low-income visually and/or physically impaired residents and support applications for new rental units for low income elderly through the Section8/Section 202 New Construction Program if funding becomes available. Housing Opportunities Made Equal (H.O.M.E) will advocate for victims of perceived housing discrimination and offer informational workshops on discrimination to Town Officials. Advertising for Fair Housing issues will also be handled by H.O.M.E. and a link to their website is available on the Town s Community Development site- under Fair Housing. The Buffalo Urban league will advocate for victims of predatory lending practices, refinancing and foreclosure prevention scams, both in cases of existing homeowners attempting to refinance mortgages and new homebuyers in need of mortgages. Counseling is also available for Town residents with consumer credit issues and BUL may arrange free legal services for the low-income families and elderly households facing mortgage foreclosure or credit issues. Belmont Housing Resources for WNY, Inc. will administer housing counseling and financial education services for recipients of first-time homebuyer assistance under the HOME program, for households in danger of mortgage default; at-risk households in danger of becoming homeless; and tenant-landlord disputes. Consultation on Reverse Mortgages is also available for eligible senior homeowners. 7

8 Erie County Supportive Services Corp. will administer weatherization services for low-income owner and tenant households (excluding multi-unit complexes) providing energy efficient heating and insulation, windows and weatherproofing and in some cases energy efficient refrigerators. Development of this Annual Plan takes place on an ongoing basis throughout the year, as the Town receives continual input from various parties in the delivery of housing and community development activities. The Town began the process by notifying residents of low income housing developments in the Town of the availability of HOME and CDBG funds at the October 20, 2014 public hearing held during the Town Board meeting. Mailings soliciting input were provided to Belmont Housing Resources for WNY, Housing Opportunities Made Equal, and the Buffalo Urban League, and well as to Town Departments involved with service/activity delivery to residents in at-risk neighborhoods and to special populations. Additional solicitations were sent to the Eggertsville Community Organization, and the Family Justice Center in Amherst. A final public hearing will be held on January 20, to notify the public of final budget decisions for CDBG and HOME funds. The Town will continue to work with the agencies that currently assist in program delivery and will continue to cultivate existing relationships with other agencies that provide housing and service delivery to residents in at-risk neighborhoods and to special populations and continue to solicit input from such agencies to provide new venues for providing affordable housing, assisting such agencies in locating appropriate sites for new investment and redevelopment. Describe coordination with the Continuum of Care and efforts to address the needs of homeless persons (particularly chronically homeless individuals and families, families with children, veterans, and unaccompanied youth) and persons at risk of homelessness. The Town of Amherst and the HOME Consortium work with the Homeless Alliance of Western New York, our Continuum of Care for the homeless and at risk population of the area to identify and meet the needs of this population and work to provide shelter and affordable, stable housing to prevent homelessness. Amherst does not receive any ESG funding and any monetary assistance is through CDBG. Describe consultation with the Continuum(s) of Care that serves the jurisdiction's area in determining how to allocate ESG funds, develop performance standards for and evaluate outcomes of projects and activities assisted by ESG funds, and develop funding, policies and procedures for the operation and administration of HMIS 8

9 2. Describe Agencies, groups, organizations and others who participated in the process and describe the jurisdiction s consultations with housing, social service agencies and other entities 9

10 Table 2 Agencies, groups, organizations who participated 1 2 Agency/Group/Organization Agency/Group/Organization Type What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation? Briefly describe how the Agency/Group/Organization was consulted. What are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or areas for improved coordination? Agency/Group/Organization Agency/Group/Organization Type What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation? Belmont Housing Resources for WNY Housing PHA Services-homeless Service-Fair Housing Housing Need Assessment Public Housing Needs Homeless Needs - Families with children Homelessness Needs - Veterans Belmont Housing Resources for WNY administers the Sec 8 housing assistance vouchers for Western New York. Their current waiting list of 7 years, approximately 22,000 applicants, has been suspended since July 2011 until current applicants are provided affordable housing in the area. The Town of Amherst, as lead agency for the Erie County PHA Consortium, oversees the monitoring of Belmont's Sec 8 program. Buffalo Urban League Inc. Services - Housing Services-Education Services-Employment Service-Fair Housing Regional organization Business and Civic Leaders Foundation Housing Need Assessment Homeless Needs - Families with children 10

11 3 4 Briefly describe how the Agency/Group/Organization was consulted. What are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or areas for improved coordination? Agency/Group/Organization Agency/Group/Organization Type What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation? Briefly describe how the Agency/Group/Organization was consulted. What are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or areas for improved coordination? Agency/Group/Organization Agency/Group/Organization Type What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation? The Buffalo Urban league will advocate for victims of predatory lending practices, refinancing and foreclosure prevention scams, both in cases of existing homeowners attempting to refinance mortgages and new homebuyers in need of mortgages. Counseling is also available for Town residents with consumer credit issues and BUL with the Western New York Law Center may arrange free legal services for the lowincome families and elderly households facing mortgage foreclosure or credit issues HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES MADE EQUAL, INC. Housing Services-Persons with Disabilities Services-Education Service-Fair Housing Housing Need Assessment Homeless Needs - Families with children Homelessness Needs - Veterans Housing Opportunities Made Equal (H.O.M.E) will advocate for victims of perceived housing discrimination and offer informational workshops on discrimination to Town Officials. Advertising for Fair Housing issues will also be handled by H.O.M.E. and a link to their website is available on the Town's Community Development websitewww.amherst.ny.us/community under Fair Housing. A landlord-tenant training and Fair Housing video has been scheduled in the Town as a Fair Housing Month activity. Boys and Girls Club of Buffalo Services-Children Non-Homeless Special Needs 11

12 Briefly describe how the Agency/Group/Organization was consulted. What are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or areas for improved coordination? The Boys & Girls Club of Buffalo NY is the major tenant in the Eggertsville Community Center and provides safe and secure shelter for after school programs for lowmoderate youth of the area. CDBG funds a staff person for the program. Identify any Agency Types not consulted and provide rationale for not consulting Amherst does not have any public housing within the Town. Other local/regional/state/federal planning efforts considered when preparing the Plan Name of Plan Lead Organization How do the goals of your Strategic Plan overlap with the goals of each plan? Continuum of Care Homeless Alliance of WNY Table 3 Other local / regional / federal planning efforts Narrative (optional) The Town of Amherst does not receive ESG although we maintain a relationship with Erie County and the Homeless Alliance of WNY to address issues regarding those residents that may be at risk of homelessness or actually identified as homeless. The County has placed some senior men and women in local motels for temporary housing for their safety as the shelters no longer have separated facilities aside from the general population of homeless persons and families. 12

13 AP-12 Participation , (c) 1. Summary of citizen participation process/efforts made to broaden citizen participation Summarize citizen participation process and how it impacted goal-setting The Citizen Participation Plan sets forth the procedures and policies the Towns of Amherst, Cheektowaga and Tonawanda will use to encourage citizen participation in the development, operation and reporting of their annual Community Development Block Grants, HOME Investment Partnership Grant and the Consolidated Plan. Citizens are encouraged to participate in the development of the Consolidated and Annual Plans, any substantial amendments to the Plans, and the Performance Report. This participation by low-and moderate-income persons, particularly those living in designated target areas and in areas where Community Development Block Grant funds are proposed to be used, and by residents of predominantly low and moderate income neighborhoods, (as defined by the Federal guidelines) is particularly encouraged as is the participation of all residents, including seniors, minorities and persons with disabilities. Each town also invites residents of public and assisted housing developments to participate in the process of developing and implementing the Consolidated and Annual Plans. The Towns will provide copies of this Citizen Participation Plan upon request. In order to afford all interested parties a reasonable opportunity to examine its contents and to submit comments, the Towns will publish a summary of the proposed Consolidated and Annual Plan and a notice of availability of the document for public review in the Amherst BEE, the Cheektowaga BEE and the Ken-Ton BEE and the Metro as a display advertisement at least 30 days prior to its submission to the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Complete copies of the proposed Consolidated and Annual Plans will be available online as well as all Town libraries, the Amherst Planning Department, the Village Clerks offices in Depew, Sloan, Kenmore and Williamsville and the Town Clerks offices and on the Towns websites. The summary describes the contents and purpose of the Consolidated and Annual Plans, and includes a list of the locations where copies of the entire proposed Plans may be examined. In addition, the Towns provide a copy of the plan to citizen groups that request it and copies on disk to individuals. Notice of a public hearing to be held during the development of the Annual and Consolidated Plan to invite public comments and inquiries will be placed in the legal sections of these publications at least 10 days prior to the date of the hearing and as a display ad in these papers. Public 13

14 hearings in the Town of Amherst are conducted as part of regularly scheduled meetings and thus have a broader reach than would be experienced at separate meetings for the Annual Plan alone. The Towns will consider any comments or views of citizens received in writing, or orally at the public hearings, during the preparation of the final Annual and Consolidated Plan. A summary of these comments or views, and a summary of any comments or views not accepted and the reasons therefore, shall be attached to the final Annual and Consolidated Plan. The Town has requested citizen comments and the final deadline for the public comments for the Annual Plan will be January 16, and are required to be submitted in writing to Amherst Community Development, 5583 Main Street, Williamsville, NY Citizen Participation Outreach Sort Order Mode of Outreach 1 2 Public Meeting Public Hearing Target of Outreach Residents of Public and Assisted Housing general public Summary of response/attendance First public hearing at Town Board meeting of October 20, Second public hearing to be held January 20,. Summary of comments received Summary of comments not accepted and reasons URL (If applicable)

15 Sort Order Mode of Outreach 3 4 Newspap er Ad Internet Outreach Target of Outreach Non-targeted/broad community Minorities Persons with disabilities Non-targeted/broad community Residents of Public and Assisted Housing Summary of response/attendance Ad for public hearing in October 2014 and notice of availability of draft copy of plan to public on December 10, 2014; 2nd public notice will be Jan 7, for 2nd hearing January 20,. Notice of public hearing, availability of draft Action Plan for review and the copy of the draft Plan and proposed projects are posted on the Town's main website under announcements Summary of comments received n/a Table 4 Citizen Participation Outreach Summary of comments not accepted and reasons URL (If applicable) 15

16 Expected Resources AP-15 Expected Resources (c) (1, 2) Introduction The Town of Amherst will receive $494,500 in Community Development Block Grant funding for 2014 with an anticipated $250,000 in program income from previous years rehabilitation and economic development activities. The Amherst, Cheektowaga, Tonawanda HOME Consortium will receive $720,089 in 2014 HOME Investment Partnerships Grant funding with an anticipated $315,000 in program income form previous years HOME rehabilitation, homebuyer and acquisition rehabilitation activities. The Town of Amherst has been awarded a $300,000 New York State Affordable Housing Grant to match the CDBG and HOME funding allocated to its housing rehabilitation program. Priority Table Program Source of Funds CDBG public - federal Uses of Funds Annual Allocation: $ Expected Amount Available Year 1 Program Income: $ Prior Year Resources: $ Total: $ Expected Amount Available Reminder of ConPlan $ Acquisition Admin and Planning Economic Development Housing Public Improvements Public Services 480, , ,000 0 Narrative Description 16

17 Program Source of Funds HOME public - federal Uses of Funds Annual Allocation: $ Expected Amount Available Year 1 Program Income: $ Prior Year Resources: $ Total: $ Expected Amount Available Reminder of ConPlan $ Acquisition Homebuyer assistance Homeowner rehab Multifamily rental new construction Multifamily rental rehab New construction for ownership TBRA 698, , ,500 0 Table 5 - Expected Resources Priority Table Narrative Description Explain how federal funds will leverage those additional resources (private, state and local funds), including a description of how matching requirements will be satisfied The Town of Amherst has been awarded a New York State Affordable Housing Corporation Grant that offers eligible single family homeowners a forgiveable grant amount toward the rehabilitation of their home. The grant matches the Town's CDBG or HOME rehabilitation funds 60/40. The balance of the loans are 0% deferred to be repaid at sale or transfer of the property or if the homeowner no longer permantly resides in the home. 17

18 If appropriate, describe publically owned land or property located within the jurisdiction that may be used to address the needs identified in the plan n/a Discussion 18

19 Annual Goals and Objectives AP-20 Annual Goals and Objectives , (c)(3)&(e) Goals Summary Information Sort Goal Name Order 1 Improve Housing Stock Start Year End Year Category 2016 Affordable Housing Geographic Area Windermere- Meadow Lea Eggertsville Town Wide Needs Addressed Funding Goal Outcome Indicator Residential Rehabilitation-Owner Occupied Residential Rehabilitation-Owner Occupied Rental Residential Rehabowner occupied Military Grant CDBG: $153,500 HOME: $514,000 Homeowner Housing Rehabilitated: 17 Household Housing Unit Housing Code Enforcement/Foreclosed Property Care: 1000 Households Housing Unit 19

20 Sort Goal Name Order 2 Promote Affordable Homeownership 3 Assistance to At- Risk of Homeless Population 4 Special Needs Population Start Year End Year Category 2016 Affordable Housing 2016 Affordable Housing Homeless 2016 Affordable Housing Non-Homeless Special Needs Geographic Area Town Wide Town Wide Town Wide Needs Addressed Funding Goal Outcome Indicator Promote Affordable Homeownership Housing Counseling and Foreclosure Prevention Acquisition Rehabilitation Resale Accessibility and Mobility Public Services Youth Services Housing Counseling and Foreclosure Prevention Public Facilities Assistance to Victims of Domestic Violence Accessibility and Mobility Public Facilities Assistance to Victims of Domestic Violence CDBG: $14,500 HOME: $394,014 CDBG: $2,500 CDBG: $10,500 Public service activities for Low/Moderate Income Housing Benefit: 100 Households Assisted Homeowner Housing Added: 1 Household Housing Unit Homeowner Housing Rehabilitated: 2 Household Housing Unit Direct Financial Assistance to Homebuyers: 10 Households Assisted Public Facility or Infrastructure Activities other than Low/Moderate Income Housing Benefit: 1 Persons Assisted Public service activities other than Low/Moderate Income Housing Benefit: 100 Persons Assisted Overnight/Emergency Shelter/Transitional Housing Beds added: 0 Beds Public service activities other than Low/Moderate Income Housing Benefit: 8000 Persons Assisted 20

21 Sort Goal Name Order 5 Rental Housing Owner-occupied Rehabilitation 6 Weatherization Assistance 7 Affirmatively Further Fair Housing 8 Historic Preservation/ Elimination of Slum and Blight Start Year End Year Category 2016 Affordable Housing 2016 Affordable Housing 2016 Affordable Housing Public Housing Non-Homeless Special Needs 2016 preservation of historic sites and eliminate blight Geographic Area Eggertsville Town Wide Eggertsville Town Wide Town Wide Town Wide Needs Addressed Funding Goal Outcome Indicator Accessibility and Mobility Residential Rehabilitation-Owner Occupied Rental Weatherization Residential Rehabilitation-Owner Occupied Residential Rehabilitation-Owner Occupied Rental Weatherization Accessibility and Mobility Fair Housing Counseling/Education Village of Williamsville Historic Preservation CDBG: $15,000 CDBG: $2,600 CDBG: $5,000 CDBG: $100,800 Rental units rehabilitated: 1 Household Housing Unit Rental units rehabilitated: 1 Household Housing Unit Homeowner Housing Rehabilitated: 12 Household Housing Unit Public service activities for Low/Moderate Income Housing Benefit: 70 Households Assisted Facade treatment/business building rehabilitation: 1 Business 21

22 Sort Goal Name Order 9 Community Services Table 6 Goals Summary Start Year End Year Category 2016 Non-Housing Community Development Geographic Area Windermere- Meadow Lea Eggertsville Town Wide Needs Addressed Funding Goal Outcome Indicator Public Services Youth Services Code Enforcement Community Policing CDBG: $65,500 Public service activities other than Low/Moderate Income Housing Benefit: 5000 Persons Assisted Housing Code Enforcement/Foreclosed Property Care: 1000 Households Housing Unit Goal Descriptions 22

23 1 Goal Name Goal Description Improve Housing Stock Approximately 2-ex low, 5-low, 3-moderate and 5 Military Veterans households will have access to affordable housing through the Town s Housing rehabilitation and 2 eligible homebuyers through the First-Time Homebuyer Programs. Another number of eligible persons or households will be assisted with Sec 8 rental assistance through Belmont Housing Resources for WNY for affordable housing. $75000/$20000/$40000-CDBG HOME: Amherst-$ Rehab; Cheektowaga-$ Rehab; Tonawanda-$ Rehab; Improvements for handicapped accessibility are offered through the Town's Housing rehabilitation loan. Approx. 5 units will be assisted for seniors aging in place or homeowners with physical challenges. $5000-CDBG Code Enforcement is also covered in this category. Approx units will be inspected by a Town Code Enforcer for code violations. Eligible homeowners can then apply for the housing rehab assistance. $13500-CDBG. 23

24 Goal Name Promote Affordable Homeownership 24

25 Goal Description Promote Home Ownership for Low-/Moderate Income Households by providing purchase assistance to first-time low-tomoderate income home buyers purchasing an existing house or one provided for sale through Acquisition Rehabilitation Programs. Through the HOME Investment Partnership Program affordable homeownership opportunities will be made available to persons with incomes below 80% of the median income. Funds to assist 1st time homebuyers with closing cost assistance will be provided through the HOME Program. The A-C-T HOME Consortium will utilize the Shared Net Proceeds recapture provision for repayment of these loans in the event there are insufficient funds to repay the loan and homebuyer equity at the time of future resale of the property. See 24 CFR (a)(5)(ii)(A)(3). Amh Cheek Tona Five-year goal: 50 units goal: 10 units The Acquisition-Rehabilitation-New Constr-Resale program will help to expand the supply of decent, safe and affordable housing to low and moderate income households and will promote economic self-sufficiency for lower income families and individuals who are first-time homebuyers. In addition to the purchase of an affordable residential property, funds may also be available to rehabilitate the property and provide supportive assistance such as counseling and training of homebuyers and result in the economic independence of the first-time homebuyer. The HOME allocation listed below is for the Amherst Cheektowaga and Tonawanda programs. The will offer opportunities to approx 3 eligible first time homebuyers; 1 in each town for $34014-HOME A-$90000; C-$70000 T-$200000(new) GEOGRAPHIC ALLOCATION Amherst (including the Village of Williamsville), Cheektowaga (including the Villages of Sloan and Depew) and Tonawanda (including the Village of Kenmore) will be served. Housing Counseling in Amherst is provided to first time homebuyers and those households seeking credit counseling. This service is provided to low-mod persons through Belmont Housing Resources for WNY, a non-profit agency. 25

26 3 Goal Name Goal Description Assistance to At-Risk of Homeless Population Provide assistance and counseling to families or individuals who have become homeless or are in iminent danger of becoming homeless. Through Belmont Housing Resources for WNY, Inc. low income families and individuals in imminent danger of residing in a shelter or being unsheltered because they lack access to permanent housing and/or have an adequate support network will be directed to the Belmont Housing Resources for WNY, Inc. for counseling to prevent homelessness. GOAL Five-year goal: 5 homeless families/individuals assisted goal: 1 homeless family/individuals assisted Belmont Housing Resources for WNY administers the Section 8 voucher program in Erie County and provides a variety of counseling services to assist first-time homebuyers; help persons with credit problems to qualify for FHA insured mortgages; help persons save their homes from foreclosure with financial counseling and intervention with mortgagors; assist renters in resolving disputes with landlords also assist those who are homeless or may become homeless. In FY, the Section 8 Program will only be available to applicants who are currently on the existing wait list for rental assistance. The wait list had grown to eight years and is closed until files can be updated and applications reviewed. Town of Amherst homeless youth, runaway youth, battered women with children or any other person in imminent danger of residing in a shelter or being unsheltered because they lack access to permanent housing and/or have an inadequate support network. The Northtown Satellite office of the Family Justice Center will receive funding for security lighting and an awning over the back entrance of the facility. Prior years funding available for emergency assistance. 26

27 4 Goal Name Goal Description Special Needs Population The Town has identified frail seniors as a population that continues to need assistance. It has budgeted CDBG funds to help in purchasing a wheelchair accessible van to assist disabled seniors with trips for grocery shopping and doctor appointments. Van service will also provide better access for the elderly to the Senior Center at Audubon and its many services. The Town will continue to be supportive of applications by the Erie County PHA Consortium for any new Section 8 rental subsidies, should they become available. The Town will continue to support applications by other entities for low-income housing tax credits and Section 202 funds. Funds are available to assist victims of domestic violence in emergency situations through the Town of Amherst Family Offense Unit of the Police Department. Additional funds provide support through the YWCA for three units of Transitional Housing in the Town for families re-establishing themselves after the disruption of domestic violence. ADA Sidewalk Accessible Ramps will be installed to replace deteriorated ramps at Town road intersections to assist those with mobility challenges. funding will replace 7 ramps for $10500-CDBG. 27

28 5 Goal Name Goal Description Rental Housing Owner-occupied Rehabilitation Rehabilitate existing renter-occupied low-income housing units Maintenance and Rehabilitation of existing owner-occupied low income rental housing through the Community Development Block Grant Program. 5-Yr. goal: 1 unit FY 2014 goal: 0 unit rehabilitated 5-Yr. Sect. 215 goal: 1 unit PURPOSE: Any program which seeks to increase the amount of affordable housing must first ensure that existing units are not lost from the supply of housing. Rehabilitation will ensure that low income housing will remain in standard condition. The property owner agrees that the unit will remain affordable to low income tenants for a specified period after rehabilitation. GEOGRAPHIC ALLOCATION Areas of concentrated low income renters and rental units occupied by low income households in the Town of Amherst will be served. 28

29 6 Goal Name Goal Description Weatherization Assistance Weatherization Assistance Program to assist both low income renters and homeowners This program will create more energy efficient housing units for low-moderate income homeowners and renters by providing energy audits resulting in as-needed energy efficient furnaces, insulation, windows and, in some cases, energy efficient refrigerators. The energy savings will assist in creating a more affordable housing environment throughout the Consortium. Through the CDBG funding, the Town covers an administration fee per unit assisted. Five-year goal: 65 goal 13 5-Yr.Sect. 215 goal: 60 PURPOSE: to increase the number of affordable energy efficient units for renters and homeowners. GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION: Town of Amherst target areas 7 8 Goal Name Goal Description Goal Name Goal Description Affirmatively Further Fair Housing The Town does promote and support Fair, Safe and Affordable Housing for all residents and will strive to prevent discrimination in housing and the workplace. Housing Opportunities Made Equal provides education and enforcement for all landlord tenant disputes and reports of perceived discrimination in housing and employment. Historic Preservation/Elimination of Slum and Blight The Village of Williamsville is the site of a number of historic properties. The Village Water Mill has received CDBG funding for stabilization and restoration in the past. Currently the Village of Williamsville has identified the Williamsville Meeting House on Main Street in the Village as in need of roof repair and stained glass window repair. They will allocate their share (7%) of CDBG funding for the next three years for an estimated total of $100,800 to restore this Historic Landmark structure. The Village is applying for a grant from the New York State Historic Preservation Office to preserve and stabilize the site and the Village has committed its 7% of the CDBG funds received by the Town as a match for this activity. 29

30 9 Goal Name Goal Description Community Services The Town commits to providing services to the community to improve quality of life in neighborhoods and address the needs of the youth of the community; Community Policing offering addition foot and bicycle patrols in target areas, code enforcement to prevent deterioration of the neighborhood housing stock and youth programs that offer after school programs in a safe and secure environment and counseling for at risk youth and their families. Table 7 Goal Descriptions Estimate the number of extremely low-income, low-income, and moderate-income families to whom the jurisdiction will provide affordable housing as defined by HOME (b): The Town of Amherst estimates assisting approximately 17 low-moderate income homeowners through its housing rehabilitation program, 10 through CDBG and 7 through HOME along with the supplemental New York State Affordable Housing Grant. Approximately 4 eligible First-Time Homebuyers will be assisted with the purchase of a home in the Town. Two vacant, deteriorated properties have been identified for the Acquisition Rehabilitation Program to be sold to eligible First-Time Homebuyers upon completion. 30

31 AP-35 Projects (d) Introduction The proposed projects for the estimated allocation of CDBG and HOME funds have been determined through citizen participation, community outreach, Town department, neighborhood organizations' and non-profit agencies' requests for funding based upon the goals and objectives of the Consolidated Plan. # Project Name 1 Amherst CDBG Housing Rehabilitation (single family) 2 Amherst Veterans Housing Rehabilitation Grant 3 CDBG General Program Administration 4 CDBG Office Administration Expenses 5 Amherst Housing Rehabilitation (HOME) 6 Amherst First-Time Homebuyer Assistance 7 HOME Administration and Program Delivery for the 3 Town Consortium 8 Amherst Acquisition Rehabilitation (HOME-CHoDO) 9 Belmont Housing Counseling Services 10 Buffalo Urban League Foreclosure Prevention Counseling 11 Cheektowaga Acquisition-Rehabilitation-Resale 12 Cheektowaga First-Time Homebuyer Assistance 13 Cheektowaga HOME Administration and Delivery Costs 14 Cheektowaga HOME Housing Rehabilitation 15 Amherst Community Inspection and Code Enforcement 16 Community Policing in Target Areas 17 Fair Housing Counseling through H.O.M.E. 18 Family Justice Center 19 Lead Based Paint Testing and Clearance 20 Public Information and Advertising 21 Amherst Senior Center Van 22 Tonawanda First-Time Homebuyer Closing Cost Assistance (HOME) 23 Tonawanda New Constr-Resale (HOME) 24 Tonawanda HOME Administration 25 Tonawanda HOME Single Family Residential Rehabilitation 26 Village of Williamsville Meeting House Repairs 27 Weatherization Program for Single Family Homes 28 Youth Boys and Girls Club Afterschool Program 29 Youth & Family Service Counseling Program 30 ADA Sidewalk Ramps 31

32 Table 8 Project Information Describe the reasons for allocation priorities and any obstacles to addressing underserved needs The projects meet the criteria set forth by the Town in its five year Consolidated Plan and the needs identified in the priorities of the plan. 32

33 Projects AP-38 Projects Summary Project Summary Information Table 9 Project Summary 1 Project Name Target Area Goals Supported Needs Addressed Amherst CDBG Housing Rehabilitation (single family) Windermere-Meadow Lea Eggertsville Town Wide Funding CDBG: $405,423 Description Target Date 3/31/2016 Improve Housing Stock Rental Housing Owner-occupied Rehabilitation Weatherization Assistance Residential Rehabilitation-Owner Occupied Accessibility and Mobility Deferred interest free loans up to $15,000 to low-moderate income homeowners to undertake necessary repairs to their homes. ($74,617-CDBG Rehab; $130,806-Rehab Payroll (total $205,423); *$200,000-CD Program Income * Anticipated CDBG rehab program income received FY 15-16, & return of Economic Dev. PI of $40,000 in FY CDBG housing rehab for will be accomplished with Entitlement funds and program income. The Town's State AHP Grant will supplement the funding in target areas. The CDBG decrease in final allocation will be absorbed in CDBG rehab and 7% to Village Mill Historic Preservation. 33

34 Estimate the number and type of families that will benefit from the proposed activities Approx. 10 households will benefit from this program. 2 Location Description Planned Activities Project Name Target Area Goals Supported Needs Addressed Townwide Housing Rehabilitation for needed repairs to bring properties to code and provide safe secure housing units. Amherst Veterans Housing Rehabilitation Grant Windermere-Meadow Lea Eggertsville Town Wide Improve Housing Stock Weatherization Assistance Funding CDBG: $20,000 Description Target Date 3/31/2016 Residential Rehabilitation-Owner Occupied Residential Rehab-owner occupied Military Grant Accessibility and Mobility Deferred interest free loans up to $15000 to Low-Moderate Income single-family homeowners who are serving or have served in the Military to undertake necessary repairs to their homes. The first $5000 of the loan would be forgiven over five years if the assisted household continues to reside in the home as permanent residence. $20,000 would be set aside from the CDBG revolving loan funds to assist Military Veterans in this manner. 34

35 Estimate the number and type of families that will benefit from the proposed activities Approx. 4 households will be assisted with the needed repairs. 3 Location Description Planned Activities Project Name Target Area Goals Supported Needs Addressed Townwide CDBG General Program Administration Town Wide Funding CDBG: $120,377 Description Target Date 3/31/2016 Estimate the number and type of families that will benefit from the proposed activities Location Description Planned Activities Improve Housing Stock Special Needs Population Rental Housing Owner-occupied Rehabilitation Weatherization Assistance Residential Rehabilitation-Owner Occupied Residential Rehabilitation-Owner Occupied Rental Accessibility and Mobility Administration staff costs and fringe benefits associated with program delivery and oversight, reporting and implementation of mandated HUD programs. 35

36 4 5 Project Name Target Area Goals Supported Needs Addressed CDBG Office Adminstration Expenses Town Wide Improve Housing Stock Weatherization Assistance Funding CDBG: $1,000 Description Target Date 3/31/2016 Estimate the number and type of families that will benefit from the proposed activities Location Description Planned Activities Project Name Target Area Goals Supported Needs Addressed Residential Rehabilitation-Owner Occupied Accessibility and Mobility Office supplies, copying costs and mailing expenses for administration of CDBG program. Amherst Housing Rehabilitation (HOME) Windermere-Meadow Lea Eggertsville Town Wide Improve Housing Stock Weatherization Assistance Funding HOME: $167,360 Residential Rehabilitation-Owner Occupied Accessibility and Mobility 36

37 6 Description Target Date 3/31/2016 Estimate the number and type of families that will benefit from the proposed activities Location Description Planned Activities Project Name Target Area Goals Supported Needs Addressed $105,264 is allocated to offer 0% Deferred loans averaging $15,000 to low-moderate owner-occupied households to rehabilitate deteriorated structures. Anticipated $70000 in HOME program income received after 04/01/15 and any additional returns in from prior HOME Rehab activities will supplement the project along with the remainder of the NYS AHC grant. Any additional increase/decrease in HOME Grant will be absorbed by the 3-town allocation of HOME Housing Rehab and 10% to HOME Admin for each Town. Approx. 7 homes will be rehabilitated through this program. The homeowners must be income eligible, in permanent residence and the home must be less than $121,000 in Market Value. Town wide Necessary repairs Amherst First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Town Wide Funding HOME: $20,000 Description Target Date 3/31/2016 Improve Housing Stock Promote Affordable Homeownership Residential Rehabilitation-Owner Occupied Promote Affordable Homeownership Up to $5,000 Closing Cost Assistance is available in the form of a 0% deferred loan to income eligible firsttime home buyers in the Town and Village. Eligibility is for households less than 80% AMI based upon HUD Income Guidelines. This activity will be supplemented with HOME program income received in - 16 from previous closing cost assistance loans. 37

38 Estimate the number and type of families that will benefit from the proposed activities Approx. 2 first time homebuyers will be assisted in. 7 Location Description Planned Activities Project Name Target Area Goals Supported Needs Addressed Townwide Closing cost assistance will be provided to eligible first time homebuyers in Amherst. HOME Administration and Program Delivery for the 3 Town Consortium Town Wide Funding HOME: $103,509 Description Target Date 3/31/2016 Estimate the number and type of families that will benefit from the proposed activities Location Description Planned Activities Improve Housing Stock Promote Affordable Homeownership Residential Rehabilitation-Owner Occupied Promote Affordable Homeownership Funds for staff and office costs for oversight and implementation of HOME activities-$108,161. This figure represents the funding for Amherst HOME Administration-$68,669 and HOME admin for the 3 town Consortium of Amherst, Cheektowaga and Tonawanda ($27,000 overall) and Amherst HOME Admin. Program Income-$13,311 Townwide Oversight of the HOME Investment Partnership Grant for the Amherst Consortium 38

39 8 9 Project Name Target Area Goals Supported Needs Addressed Amherst Acquisition Rehabilitation (HOME-CHoDO) Windermere-Meadow Lea Eggertsville Town Wide Funding HOME: $117,160 Description Target Date 3/31/2016 Estimate the number and type of families that will benefit from the proposed activities Location Description Planned Activities Project Name Target Area Goals Supported Improve Housing Stock Promote Affordable Homeownership Residential Rehabilitation-Owner Occupied Accessibility and Mobility Promote Affordable Homeownership Acquisition and rehabilitation of an existing vacant, deteriorated single family house in a target neighborhood for resale to an income eligible first-time homebuyer. We anticipate at least one Acquisition- Rehab-Resale activity in Eggertsville in allocating $50,000 from proceeds of sale from a previous activity to supplement $40,000 in HOME EN funding. Approx. one eligible first time homebuyer will benefit from the resale of this rehabilitated property. The sustainability of the neighborhood will be the other benefit from this activity. Eggertsville 1 home will be rehabilitated and sold to a first-time homebuyer. Purchase subsidy will be available to supplement the closing cost homebuyer assistance to make the home affordable. Belmont Housing Counseling Services Town Wide Promote Affordable Homeownership 39

40 10 Needs Addressed Funding CDBG: $14,500 Description Target Date 3/31/2016 Estimate the number and type of families that will benefit from the proposed activities Location Description Planned Activities Project Name Target Area Residential Rehabilitation-Owner Occupied Rental Promote Affordable Homeownership Provision of renter, pre-purchase and mortgage default counseling services to low-moderate income residents by a HUD certified counseling agency. Previous year funding will be used to supplement. Renewed contract with Belmont Housing Resources with same provision for annual renewal. 200 households or individuals will benefit from the counseling and financial education offered by the program. The counseling is available on the second and third Wednesday of the month in the Harlem Road Community Center and the Financial Education Classes are offered in the Town Hall Council Chambers on the second and third Wednesday of the month for three hours per class. This class is a requirement of the Homebuyer programs in the Consortium. Counselors from Belmont Housing Resources for WNY, Inc. will offer Financial Education classes on the 2nd and 3rd Wednesdays of the month in Amherst Town Hall. Individual financial and landlord tenant counseling is offered at the Harlem Road Community Center in Snyder and at the Main Street Buffalo offices of Belmont. These services include credit counseling, reverse mortgage information, mortgage default and foreclosure prevention and landlord-tenant rights information as well as first time homebuyer assistance. Buffalo Urban League Foreclosure Prevention Counseling Windermere-Meadow Lea Eggertsville Town Wide 40

41 11 Goals Supported Needs Addressed Funding CDBG: $5,000 Description Target Date 3/31/2016 Estimate the number and type of families that will benefit from the proposed activities Location Description Planned Activities Project Name Target Area Goals Supported Needs Addressed Funding Promote Affordable Homeownership Special Needs Population Residential Rehabilitation-Owner Occupied Rental Promote Affordable Homeownership Counseling and legal assistance for income eligible Amherst Homeowners to avoid mortgage default and/or predatory lending situations. Additional assistance is available for credit counseling and credit restructuring and foreclosure prevention. Approx individuals or households will benefit from the credit counseling and foreclosure prevention services offered by the Buffalo Urban League. Townwide Buffalo Urban League provides counseling on mortgage modification and foreclosure prevention and provides the legal services needed to allow homeowners to remain in their homes. Cheektowaga Acquisition-Rehabilitation-Resale Town Wide Improve Housing Stock Promote Affordable Homeownership Residential Rehabilitation-Owner Occupied Promote Affordable Homeownership 41

42 12 Description Target Date 3/31/2016 Estimate the number and type of families that will benefit from the proposed activities Location Description Planned Activities Project Name Target Area Goals Supported Needs Addressed Acquisition of a vacant and/or foreclosed property for rehabilitation and resale to an income-eligible firsttime homebuyer. No HOME EN funds allocated for this activity. Proceeds of sale from the Acq-Rehab activities at Atwood and E. Delavan will be used for any -16 activity as the need arises. Townwide The Town is prepared to acquire and rehabilitate a vacant, deteriorated property if one becomes available for resale as an affordable unit to an eligible first time homebuyer using program income received from the previous year's activities. Cheektowaga First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Town Wide Funding $14, Description Target Date 3/31/2016 Improve Housing Stock Promote Affordable Homeownership Residential Rehabilitation-Owner Occupied Promote Affordable Homeownership Funds may be available to provide 0% deferred loans to first-time home buyers for closing cost and down payment assistance. $14014 in HOME EN set aside in for this project. Any program income received from prior homebuyer activities will supplement this activity. 42

43 Estimate the number and type of families that will benefit from the proposed activities Approx. 3 first time homebuyers will be assisted in Cheektowaga 13 Location Description Planned Activities Project Name Target Area Goals Supported Needs Addressed Townwide Up to $5000 will be available for closing cost assistance to eligible first time homebuyers thorughout the Town of Cheektowaga and the Village of Sloan. Cheektowaga HOME Administration and Delivery Costs Town Wide Funding HOME: $0 Description Target Date 3/31/2016 Estimate the number and type of families that will benefit from the proposed activities Location Description Planned Activities Improve Housing Stock Promote Affordable Homeownership Rental Housing Owner-occupied Rehabilitation Residential Rehabilitation-Owner Occupied Promote Affordable Homeownership Costs associated with administration and delivery of HOME funded activities. 10% of Town's program income will be used for this activity. 43

44 14 15 Project Name Target Area Goals Supported Needs Addressed Cheektowaga HOME Housing Rehabilitation Town Wide Funding HOME: $224,360 Description Target Date 3/31/2016 Estimate the number and type of families that will benefit from the proposed activities Location Description Planned Activities Project Name Target Area Goals Supported Improve Housing Stock Promote Affordable Homeownership Weatherization Assistance Residential Rehabilitation-Owner Occupied Accessibility and Mobility Promote Affordable Homeownership Funds will be used for a Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program in the Town of Cheektowaga which will provide low-cost/no cost assistance to income eligible owner-occupants of single or two family homes. Approx. 10 owner occupied single or two family homes will be assisted with this activity Townwide Moderate housing rehabilitation Amherst Community Inspection and Code Enforcement Windermere-Meadow Lea Eggertsville Town Wide Improve Housing Stock Rental Housing Owner-occupied Rehabilitation 44

45 16 Needs Addressed Funding CDBG: $13,500 Description Target Date 3/31/2016 Estimate the number and type of families that will benefit from the proposed activities Location Description Planned Activities Project Name Target Area Goals Supported Needs Addressed Residential Rehabilitation-Owner Occupied Residential Rehabilitation-Owner Occupied Rental Personnel costs associated with the housing and property maintenance inspections in target neighborhoods. Approx properties will be inspected in target areas through this program. Specific neighborhoods in the target areas will be addressed by Town Code Enforcers to prevent the deterioration of the properties. Code enforcement in target low-mod income neighborhoods in Amherst will identify those proeprties that may be in need of the Town's Rehabilitation Assistance program. Community Policing in Target Areas Windermere-Meadow Lea Eggertsville Town Wide Community Services Community Policing Funding CDBG: $9,000 Description Implementation of Community Policing-based program consisting of additional foot, bicycle and K-9 patrols designed to prevent blighted conditions and rising crime levels in target neighborhoods. Improvement of quality of life in specific targeted neighborhoods of Allenhurst, Princeton Apartments and Windermere School and CreekWoods Neighborhood in the northwest part of the Town. 45

46 Target Date 3/31/2016 Estimate the number and type of families that will benefit from the proposed activities Location Description 17 Planned Activities Project Name Target Area Goals Supported Needs Addressed Additional foot and bicycle patrols are provided for designated target neighborhoods in the Town. The target neighborhoods for are Princeton-Allenhurst Apartment neighborhoods in Eggertsville, the neighborhoods around the Bailey and Sheridan commercial area and the neighborhoods in CreekWoods in the northwest portion of the Town. Fair Housing Counseling through H.O.M.E. Town Wide Funding CDBG: $5,000 Description Target Date 3/31/2016 Special Needs Population Affirmatively Further Fair Housing Fair Housing Counseling/Education Housing Opportunities Made Equal (H.O.M.E.), a non-profit Fair Housing Enforcement agency, provides informational brochures and pamphlets on fair housing law for landlords, tenants, home seekers and real estate agents. The agency is dedicated to promote fair housing choices for all HUD assisted housing. Section 808(d) of the Fair Housing Act protects all against discrimination and limitation in housing choices because of race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, or national origin. (In some states and municipalities, sexual orientation and source of income are now considered as protected classes.) Counselors speak at neighborhood meetings on the legal requirements of the Fair Housing Statute and receive and mitigate complaints for residents of the Town. 46

47 Estimate the number and type of families that will benefit from the proposed activities Approx. 200 individuals will be assisted through the education and enforcement assistance offered by H.O.M.E. 18 Location Description Planned Activities Project Name Target Area Goals Supported Needs Addressed Town wide The counselors and legal staff of Housing Opportunities Made Equal offer services to current and potential residents of the town that feel they are victims of discrimination in housing and employment. The staff also provides information about landlord and tenant rights and mitigation in rental disputes if needed. H.O.M.E. provides the enforcement of the Fair Housing Act to ensure that all persons are treated equal in their desire for affordable safe and secure housing in the Town. Family Justice Center Town Wide Funding CDBG: $2,500 Description Target Date 3/31/2016 Assistance to At-Risk of Homeless Population Special Needs Population Community Services Accessibility and Mobility Public Facilities Assistance to Victims of Domestic Violence The Family Justice Center has opened a satellite facility in Amherst to provide access to services for those escaping abuse or domestic violence in the northtowns. CDBG funding will supplement installation of security lighting and awning at the rear entrance of the Center. 47

48 Estimate the number and type of families that will benefit from the proposed activities Approx. 50 persons will be assisted at the Northtowns Facility of the Family Justice Center Location Description 19 Planned Activities Project Name Target Area Goals Supported Needs Addressed The installation of security lighting and an awning will provide a measure of security for those requiring the services of FJC. Lead Based Paint Testing and Clearance Windermere-Meadow Lea Eggertsville Town Wide Funding CDBG: $5,000 Description Target Date 3/31/2016 Estimate the number and type of families that will benefit from the proposed activities Location Description Improve Housing Stock Rental Housing Owner-occupied Rehabilitation Residential Rehabilitation-Owner Occupied Residential Rehabilitation-Owner Occupied Rental Lead-based paint risk assessment/evaluation for CDBG and HOME rehabilitation activities and clearance testing after repairs. Previous years' funding to supplement. Approx. 10 properties will be inspected for lead and cleared after the repairs are complete to assure that there is no presence of lead based paint. Townwide 48

49 20 Planned Activities Project Name Target Area Goals Supported Needs Addressed A risk assessment of the presence of lead based paint hazard by the town's contracted qualified environmental concern prior to rehabilitation work and the clearance testing required at the completion of the work to ensure the elimination of the hazard. Public Information and Advertising Town Wide Community Services Funding CDBG: $1,000 Description Target Date 3/31/2016 Estimate the number and type of families that will benefit from the proposed activities Location Description Planned Activities Residential Rehabilitation-Owner Occupied Residential Rehab-owner occupied Military Grant Residential Rehabilitation-Owner Occupied Rental Accessibility and Mobility Promote Affordable Homeownership Weatherization Advertising for public hearings, the availability of funds, reports, plans and other housing activities or opportunities associated with the Federal Grants received by the Town. Advertising in local BEE newspaper and occasionally in the Buffalo News for activities, public hearings, reports, amendments and revisions and opportunities associated with the receipt of Federal Grants by the Town and the Amherst HOME Consortium. This method of notification is one of the requirements of the Town's Citizens's Participation Plan. 49

50 21 22 Project Name Target Area Goals Supported Needs Addressed Amherst Senior Center Van Town Wide Special Needs Population Accessibility and Mobility Funding CDBG: $8,000 Description Target Date 3/31/2016 Estimate the number and type of families that will benefit from the proposed activities Location Description Planned Activities Project Name Target Area Goals Supported Needs Addressed To provide a portion of the cost for a wheelchair accessible van to be used for transportation of senior citizens who live in the Town of Amherst. The addition of this accessible van to the Center's fleet will provide service to approximately 2000 Amherst seniors with mobility issues allowing them to meet medical appointments and daily errands of shopping and banking allowing them to maintain their independence. Approx frail seniors will have access to the accessible transportation services offered through the Senior Center. Townwide The Senior Center will purchase a wheelchair accessible van to provide services to the frail elderly in the community to help maintain their independence in their daily routine. Tonawanda First-Time Homebuyer Closing Cost Assistance (HOME) Town Wide Funding HOME: $10,000 Promote Affordable Homeownership Promote Affordable Homeownership 50

51 23 Description Target Date 3/31/2016 Estimate the number and type of families that will benefit from the proposed activities Location Description Planned Activities Project Name Target Area Goals Supported Needs Addressed The Town of Tonawanda will provide up to $5000 for closing cost assistance for First-Time Homebuyers to purchase a home in the Town. The assistance is in the form of a 0% deferred payment loan provided to potential homebuyers whose income is less than 80% HUD area median income. Approx. 2 first-time homebuyers will be assisted in the purchase of an affordable home in the Town or Village of Kenmore. Townwide Funding HOME: $100,000 Description Target Date 3/31/2016 Closing cost assistance will be provided for two income eligible first time homebuyers in the Town of Tonawanda and/or the Village of Kenmore. Tonawanda New Constr-Resale (HOME) Improve Housing Stock Promote Affordable Homeownership Residential Rehabilitation-Owner Occupied Promote Affordable Homeownership A substandard property acquired and demolished will be replaced with a newly constructed home in target areas of the Town and made available for resale to an income eligible first time homebuyer. HOME Program Income may be allocated to this activity if a vacant, deteriorated property is identified in the target neighborhoods. 51

52 Estimate the number and type of families that will benefit from the proposed activities One eligible first time homebuyer will be assisted through this program Location Description Planned Activities Project Name Target Area Goals Supported Needs Addressed Sheridan Parkside neighborhood New Construction of single family home made affordable for income eligible first time homebuyer Tonawanda HOME Administration Town Wide Funding HOME: $0 Description Target Date 3/31/2016 Estimate the number and type of families that will benefit from the proposed activities Location Description Planned Activities Project Name Target Area Improve Housing Stock Promote Affordable Homeownership Residential Rehabilitation-Owner Occupied Promote Affordable Homeownership The Town of Tonawanda will use 10% of HOME program income received in for admin funding for staff to administer the HOME program in the Town. Tonawanda HOME Single Family Residential Rehabilitation Town Wide 52

53 26 Goals Supported Needs Addressed Improve Housing Stock Weatherization Assistance Funding HOME: $214,360 Description Target Date 3/31/2016 Estimate the number and type of families that will benefit from the proposed activities Location Description Planned Activities Project Name Target Area Goals Supported Needs Addressed Funding CDBG: $33,600 Residential Rehabilitation-Owner Occupied Accessibility and Mobility The Town of Tonawanda will allocate $213,833 of FY HOME EN to provide a 0% Deferred Payment Loan to low-moderate income homeowners in the Town (excluding the Village of Kenmore) whose income is below 80% of the HUD area median income for necessary repairs to their homes. Approx. 10 eligible owner occupied households will be assisted with necessary repairs through this program. Townwide excluding the Village of Kenmore Village of Williamsville Meeting House Repairs Historic Preservation/ /Elimination of Slum and Bl Village of williamsville Historic Preservation 53

54 27 Description Target Date 3/31/2016 Estimate the number and type of families that will benefit from the proposed activities Location Description Planned Activities Project Name Target Area Goals Supported Needs Addressed Village of Williamsville is allocated 7% of the annual CDBG funding to the Town. Funding will be directed to the restoration and repairs for the roof and stained glass windows in the Historic Village Meeting House on Main Street in the Village. The Village has decided to commit the next three years of their 7% CDBG funding to this activity to match the possible NY State Historic Preservation Office grant applied for in. Any increase or decrease in CDBG funding will be reflected in this share of CDBG funding residents of the Village and many others in the Town. Main Street at Mill in the Village of Williamsville. Roof repair and the reglazing of the stained glass windows in the Village Meeting House in conjunction with the Village of Williamsville's New York State Historic Preservation Grant to restore Landmark status buildings. Weatherization Program for Single Family Homes Town Wide Improve Housing Stock Weatherization Assistance Funding CDBG: $2,600 Residential Rehabilitation-Owner Occupied Residential Rehabilitation-Owner Occupied Rental Weatherization 54

55 28 Description Target Date 3/31/2016 Estimate the number and type of families that will benefit from the proposed activities Location Description Planned Activities Project Name Target Area Goals Supported Needs Addressed Assistance from Erie County Supportive Services is provided to low income households to provide insulation, high efficiency furnaces and other weather-resistant improvements including windows in the form of a grant to income eligible households, owners and renters. The Town pays program delivery costs per Amherst income eligible household assisted by Supportive Services. Approx. 13 households will be assisted through this program. Townwide Weatherization services to include insulation, windows and furnaces when needed for very low income households in the Town. The funding will be used to cover administrative costs of $200 for each unit assisted. Youth Boys and Girls Club Afterschool Program Windermere-Meadow Lea Eggertsville Community Services Public Services Youth Services Funding CDBG: $39,000 Description The Boys & Girls Club Program serves low income youth residing in Allenhurst Apts., Princeton Court Apts. and other Eggertsville neighborhoods in target areas adjacent to the Windermere School. It has been extended to the Amherst School District and is housed in the Eggertsville Community Center on Bailey Ave. in Eggertsville, opened in The after school program provides educational, social and recreational opportunities to approximately 55 children per day designed to support the families and enhance the children's potential to succeed in school and the community in a safe environment for the children. 55

56 Target Date 3/31/2016 Estimate the number and type of families that will benefit from the proposed activities Approx. 100 youth from low-mod households will be assisted at the Eggertsville Community Center After School Program. 29 Location Description Planned Activities Project Name Target Area Goals Supported Needs Addressed Eggertsville The After school program provides educational, social and recreational programs for children in a safe environment. CDBG funding covers the cost of a staff person for the after school activities,. Youth & Family Service Counseling Program Town Wide Special Needs Population Community Services Funding CDBG: $4,000 Description Target Date 3/31/2016 Estimate the number and type of families that will benefit from the proposed activities Location Description Public Services Youth Services Assistance to Victims of Domestic Violence Counseling for at risk youth from low-moderate income families by a non-profit agency. Catholic Charities provides the services for the Amherst residents. Approx 2 families with at risk youth will be assisted through this funding. Eggertsville 56

57 30 Planned Activities Project Name Target Area Goals Supported Needs Addressed Low-mod income families that have been identified through the school systems in the Town as having children in need of counseling are offered the opportunity to seek that counseling provided by the nonprofit organization at Catholic Charities of Buffalo. ADA Sidewalk Ramps Town Wide Special Needs Population Funding CDBG: $10,500 Description Target Date 3/31/2016 Estimate the number and type of families that will benefit from the proposed activities Location Description Planned Activities Accessibility and Mobility Infrastructure Improvements and Repairs Repair and replacement of ADA sidewalk Ramps for accessibility and mobility at intersections in the Town Townwide at intersection of Town roads Replacement and repair of deteriorated sidewalk ramps at intersections on Town roads to provide mobility and accessibility for those with physical challenges. 57

58 AP-50 Geographic Distribution (f) Description of the geographic areas of the entitlement (including areas of low-income and minority concentration) where assistance will be directed The Town of Amherst encompasses approximately 60 square miles from Niagara Falls Blvd. in the west, Transit Road in the east, Tonawanda Creek Rd. in the north and Wehrle Dr. in the south. There are no complete census tracts in the Town that fall above 51% low-mod income so the Town uses the upper quartile of low-mod concentration for its eligibility guide for Federal assistance. The highest concentration of low-mod households can be found in the western portion of the Town, both north and south. This is the older portion of the Town that borders on the City of Buffalo and has the higher number of affordable housing units, both owner-occupied and rental, as well. As the population ages in the Town other pockets of low-mod income in the elderly households become evident throughout the Town in many of the established "higher income" neighborhoods which is why some of the projects are directed townwide. Geographic Distribution Target Area Percentage of Funds Windermere-Meadow Lea 10 Eggertsville 60 Town Wide 30 Table 10 - Geographic Distribution Rationale for the priorities for allocating investments geographically The Eggertsville target area including Windermere-Meadow Lea neighborhoods has the highest percentage of assistance as it is the older part of the town and the housing stock needs more attention to maintain. The higher percentage of low-mod income households are also concentrated in this area of the Town. Discussion 58

59 AP-55 Affordable Housing (g) Introduction Affordable Housing The highest percentage of CDBG and HOME funds are directed to providing and improving the affordable housing units in the Town. The Town does not receive homeless assistance but relies on the Homeless Alliance of WNY and Belmont Housing Resources for WNY (PHA for sec 8 rental assistance) to assist those at risk of homelessness. Housing Rehabilitation is the largest activity for retaining affordable housing stock in the Town. One Year Goals for the Number of Households to be Supported Homeless 1 Non-Homeless 25 Special-Needs 2 Total 28 Table 11 - One Year Goals for Affordable Housing by Support Requirement One Year Goals for the Number of Households Supported Through Rental Assistance 23 The Production of New Units 0 Rehab of Existing Units 10 Acquisition of Existing Units 1 Total 34 Table 12 - One Year Goals for Affordable Housing by Support Type Discussion The Town plans to acquire 1 vacant, deteriorated property for rehabilitation and resale to a low-mod person or household as affordable units. The majority of the housing funds will be used for rehabilitation of existing owner-occupied units through a 0% deferred loan program. Military Veterans will receive an initial $ year forgiven loan for rehab with the remainder of the assistance a 0% Deffered Loan. 59

60 AP-60 Public Housing (h) Introduction The Town of Amherst does not have a public housing development. Multi family rental units are available with rental assistance through project specific vouchers and Section 8 assistance. There are about 10 subsidized housing complexes in the Town and an additional 4 developments of affordable rental units, not subsidized but under market rate. Actions planned during the next year to address the needs to public housing n/a Actions to encourage public housing residents to become more involved in management and participate in homeownership The Towns' HOME Acquisition-Rehab-Resale and First-Time Homebuyer programs are designed to provide affordable and sustainable housing to residents of low to moderate income households in the Towns. Residents of multi-family and affordable rental housing in the towns are notified of the availability of the homes produced through these programs through advertising in local papers, the Towns' websites and the website of Belmont Housing Resources of WNY and specific flyers sent to the managers' offices of the complexes. If the PHA is designated as troubled, describe the manner in which financial assistance will be provided or other assistance n/a Discussion 60

61 AP-65 Homeless and Other Special Needs Activities (i) Introduction The Town does not receive any direct homeless assistance but relies on assistance through the Homeless Alliance of WNY and Belmont Housing Resources for WNY's Sec 8 emergency housing assistance. Describe the jurisdictions one-year goals and actions for reducing and ending homelessness including Reaching out to homeless persons (especially unsheltered persons) and assessing their individual needs Erie County Social Services and the Homeless Alliance have contracted with some Amherst area motels to provide emergency shelter for several people identified as being homeless in the Town. Amherst s Meals on Wheels Program has also stepped forward in these cases to provide daily meals. Community Development Block Grant funds may be made available to the Amherst Meals on Wheels program to provide healthy nutritious meals to the Town s identified homeless individuals or families if requested. The Five Year Consolidated Plan and the Action Plan goals do address assisting frail elderly and those at risk of homelessness. Hearts for the Homeless emergency shelter will continue to operate their mobile shelter. The motor home travels throughout the Towns and the City of Buffalo to find the homeless street people to provide food and clothing. At that time, the homeless are assessed as to their needs and referred to proper agencies. Compass House continues to enable youth to move to permanent housing and defray rent and utility arrears to prevent eviction and/or termination. The Salvation Army will also cover these same costs for adults who find themselves in similar situations. The Police Departments and the administrators of the emergency rooms of Kenmore Mercy Hospital in Tonawanda, St. Joseph's Hospital in Cheektowaga and Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital in Amherst will work together to identify the homeless, assess their needs, and refer them to the appropriate agency. 61

62 Addressing the emergency shelter and transitional housing needs of homeless persons Grant funds are available to assist victims of domestic violence in emergency situations through the Town of Amherst Family Offense Unit of the Police Department. Additional funds provide support through the YWCA for three units of Transitional Housing in the Town for families re-establishing themselves after the disruption of domestic violence. Some unexpended Community Development Block Grant funds previously allocated to the Family Offense Unit of the Police Department were reallocated to the newly established northtown satellite office of the Family Justice Center in Amherst for a handicapped accessible entrance. Funding for a security lighting and an awning at the rear entrance has been requested from the CDBG allocation. Helping homeless persons (especially chronically homeless individuals and families, families with children, veterans and their families, and unaccompanied youth) make the transition to permanent housing and independent living, including shortening the period of time that individuals and families experience homelessness, facilitating access for homeless individuals and families to affordable housing units, and preventing individuals and families who were recently homeless from becoming homeless again Low and moderate income households sometimes find themselves in a situation where they "lose ground" in terms of their housing situation. The Town will continue to develop its programs that assist existing low and moderate income residents so that they can maintain their current residential situations. This includes homeowner rehabilitation assistance and weatherization assistance for owners and renters. The Town will contract with Belmont Housing Resources for WNY, Inc. and Buffalo Urban League to provide advocacy and counseling to homeowners who are refinancing homes in order to consolidate consumer debt. The Town will also provide a copy of the HUD brochure, "Putting Your HOME on the Loan Line is Risky Business" when past housing rehabilitation clients seek to refinance their homes. Additional services are provided through Belmont for credit and mortgage default counseling and the Buffalo Urban League for legal assistance for foreclosure prevention and loan modification for homeowners at risk of losing their homes through job loss, costly medical emergencies, etc. 62

63 Helping low-income individuals and families avoid becoming homeless, especially extremely low-income individuals and families and those who are: being discharged from publicly funded institutions and systems of care (such as health care facilities, mental health facilities, foster care and other youth facilities, and corrections programs and institutions); or, receiving assistance from public or private agencies that address housing, health, social services, employment, education, or youth needs. The Town is an active participant in the Erie County Fair Housing Partnership which provides a forum to identify current fair housing issues. This organization deals with sub-prime lending activities which may be legal, but which often set up low and moderate income homeowners to become overburdened with debt and lose their homes to foreclosure. They also offer counseling and legal assistance to homeowners facing foreclosure. Community Development staff has worked with the Partnership to develop workshops on mortgage loans, mortgage modification and foreclosure prevention in order to better prepare and educate potential homebuyers and current homeowners involved in homebuying activities, refinancing or mortgage modification. The Town will contract for the provision of housing counseling activites to home buyers, homeowners and renters. This counseling will educate residents on their personal responsibilities in managing their finanancial affairs to maintain a healthy credit rating as well as their opportunities to improve their own financial circumstances. Discussion Chronic Homelessness The Town s Community Development staff has participated in the Prism Project Forum and Point in Time to survey the homeless and help to create a data base of services utilized by the chronically homeless. These projects, sponsored by the Homeless Alliance of Western New York, have produced a Ten-Year Action Plan for the broader Erie County community. Among the priorities it sets for the community are permanent housing for the chronically homeless, permanent housing for clients dealing with mental health and/or substance abuse issues and MICA clients. The sixth annual Project Homeless Connect Buffalo was held in September 2014 at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center. More than 70 human service agencies throughout the area offered assistance in finding jobs, a place to live, health care and fulfilling other needs. Free shuttle buses were available to bring people in from local soup kitchens and shelters. The Town of Amherst continues to act as the applicant PHA for the Erie County PHA Consortium. In this 63

64 role the Town contracts with Belmont Housing Resources WNY. to act as the management agent for the day-to-day operation of the Section 8 rent subsidy program. (It should be noted that Belmont acts as a participant in the Prism Project Forum.) The PHA has a set-aside of rent vouchers for the homeless. Crisis Services refers eligible clients to Belmont for these rent subsidies. The PHA also has vouchers under the VASH (Veterans Administration Supportive Housing) program. These are available to homeless veterans with substance abuse/mental health issues. The Homeless Outreach program through the local VA hospital is a very involved partner with Belmont in linking these rent subsidies with follow-up care to providing a stabilizing force in these persons lives (communityoriented outreach, clinical care and case management services). Transitional Services, Inc. operates a community residence for 13 adults on North Ellicott Creek Road in the Town of Amherst. The agency provides opportunities for community living for persons with mental health issues. Staff provides individual assessment, rehabilitation services, case management and supportive counseling to each unique individual. The Town of Amherst is also host to sixty-three (63) group homes for the developmentally disabled. One year goals for the number of households to be provided housing through the use of HOPWA for: Short-term rent, mortgage, and utility assistance to prevent homelessness of the individual or family Tenant-based rental assistance Units provided in housing facilities (transitional or permanent) that are being developed, leased, or operated Units provided in transitional short-term housing facilities developed, leased, or operated with HOPWA funds Total 64

65 AP-75 Barriers to affordable housing (j) Introduction Actions the Consortium Towns will undertake during Fiscal Year to Foster and Maintain Affordable Housing: Rehabilitate existing low-income, owner-occupied, single-family and two-family housing providing a 0% interest deferred payment loan through CDBG and HOME Programs. Approx. 40 single-family units and one two-family unit will be rehabilitated. (Town-wide/Village-wide) Through New Opportunities Community Housing Development Corp., Amherst will acquire and rehabilitate at least one home in the Town to be resold to first-time homebuyers, an individual or family with an income below 80% of the median income using HOME Investment Partnership Act Grant program s funds in conjunction with any program income received form the sale of a previous project. Weatherize existing low income owner occupied housing and rental housing (excluding multi-unit complexes) through the Weatherization Assistance Program administered through Supportive Services Corporation. Approximately 13 Amherst units will be weatherized. (Town-wide/Village-wide) The Consortium Towns will continue to support the activities of the Erie County Fair Housing Partnership and will actively participate in activities scheduled for April, Fair Housing Month. The Partnership was asked to review public transportation availability and its affect on housing choices for the low-mod income population seeking or retaining employment in the Town. This has been noted in our Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing as an issue that requires attention in the suburbs as well as the city. The Town of Amherst has a very active Committee on Disabilities that has addressed ADA compliance in all Town facilities and will be directing its efforts, along with Town departments, to establishing a Town Policy on ADA compliance and accessibility throughout the Town. Agencies are noting an increased rate of discrimination reports from persons with disabilities that are trying to find housing in the Town. The Town s CDBG and HOME housing programs do offer rehabilitation loans to single family homeowners and owner occupied two family units to provide accessibility repairs. The Town of Amherst will continue to act as the lead PHA for the Erie County PHA Consortium, acting as a conduit for Section 8 rental subsidies for eligible, very low income households in Erie County. Continue to support eligible applications for new rental units for low income elderly through the Supportive Housing for the Elderly Program (Section 202) and for newly created rental units for lowincome visually and/or physically impaired residents. 65

66 Actions it planned to remove or ameliorate the negative effects of public policies that serve as barriers to affordable housing such as land use controls, tax policies affecting land, zoning ordinances, building codes, fees and charges, growth limitations, and policies affecting the return on residential investment The Town continues its program to rehabilitate existing low-income, owner-occupied, single-family and two-family housing by providing a 0% interest deferred payment loan through the CDBG and HOME Programs. Approximately 40 single-family units and one two-family unit will be rehabilitated. (Town/Village-wide) Through the Consortium s partnership with New Opportunities Community Housing Development Corp. Amherst will acquire and rehabilitate at least one home in the Town to be resold to first-time homebuyers. This property will be made affordable to an income-eligible homebuyer below 80% Area Median Income using HOME funds. Weatherize existing low income owner occupied housing and rental housing (excluding multi-unit complexes) through the Weatherization Assistance Program funded by the Department of Energy and administered through Supportive Services Corporation. Approximately 13 Amherst units will be weatherized. (Town/Village-wide) The Town will continue to support the activities of the Erie County Fair Housing Partnership and will actively participate in a Conference and other activities scheduled for April, Fair Housing Month. A committee has been formed through the Partnership to review public transportation availability and its affect on housing choices for the low-mod income population seeking or retaining employment in the Town as noted in our Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing as an issue that requires attention in the suburbs as well as the city. The Town of Amherst has a very active Committee on Disabilities that has addressed ADA compliance in all Town facilities and will be directing its efforts, along with Town departments, to establishing a Town Policy on ADA compliance and accessibility throughout the Town. Fair Housing counselors are noting an increased rate of discrimination reports from persons with disabilities that are trying to find housing in the Town. The Town s CDBG and HOME housing programs do offer rehabilitation loans to single family homeowners and owner occupied two family units to provide accessibility repairs. The Town of Amherst will continue to act as the lead PHA for the Erie County PHA Consortium, acting as a conduit for Section 8 rental subsidies for eligible, very low income households in Erie County. 66

67 Continue to support: eligible applications for new rental units for low income elderly through the Supportive Housing for the Elderly Program (Section 202). eligible applications for newly created rental units for low-income visually and/or physically impaired residents. an application for new rental units for low income elderly through the Section8/Section 202 New Construction Program if funding becomes available. Discussion 67

68 AP-85 Other Actions (k) Introduction The Consortium communities recognize that housing programs by themselves will not eliminate or reduce poverty. Subsidized programs such as targeted in the Consortium Consolidated Plan can free up cash resources for living necessities, but these programs alone cannot raise a household above the poverty level. Enhance Coordination between Public and Private Housing and Social Service Agencies The Consortium Towns, understanding the importance of coordination between public and private housing and social service agencies, have developed the Consolidated Plan through consultation and cooperation with such agencies. In doing so, the Towns have established a working relationship with numerous social and housing service providers which will serve as a foundation for coordination and cooperation in the implementation of its Consolidated Plan. Acknowledging that each agency plays a specific role in providing different types of services, the Towns will adhere to a policy of encouraging ongoing communication, referrals and exchange of information among these agencies. Such a policy will allow the Towns to serve as catalysts to help ensure that the full range of appropriate resources are made known and available to service agencies in order to provide a thorough and complete approach to meeting priority housing, social and health needs of low income persons. Where appropriate and feasible, the Consortium Towns will coordinate their housing programs with services designed to assist low income households to break the cycle of poverty. Actions planned to address obstacles to meeting underserved needs The Town of Amherst acts as lead PHA for the Erie County PHA Consortium. In this capacity, it contracts with Belmont Housing Resources for WNY to administer the Section 8 rent subsidy programs in Erie County. The Erie County P.H.A. has established an Action Plan for the Family Self-Sufficiency Program. This program provides rent subsidies to eligible households in concert with other social services and programs on terms that encourage personal responsibility leading to financial independence. Within the Town of Amherst the Amherst Industrial Development Agency (A.I.D.A.) has assisted businesses to grow, expand and provide new jobs to lower income area residents by providing working capital loans from a revolving loan fund established with prior years CDBG funds. In recent years, the AIDA has had little request for the funding and the HUD regulations proved to be too cumbersome for small business to accommodate. Due to the decrease in CDBG funding and the ever-growing need for housing and rehabilitation in the Town, it was agreed upon by the AIDA and the Town of Amherst to 68

69 have the CDBG balance returned to the Town as a revolving loan to be absorbed into the housing rehabilitation program. The bank financing for home repair loans for low and moderate income persons reduces the amount of their disposable income with the potential of placing the low and moderate income person into poverty. The Consortium Towns offer a 0% deferred payment loan to low and moderate income persons to make house repairs which is payable when the house is sold. In addition, Erie County s work force development offices provide training and employment opportunities to: economically disadvantaged adults who need training and job skills to secure employment. dislocated workers who are economically disadvantaged and have been laid off and are waiting to be recalled to the same or similar occupation, for example, a steel worker. provide a summer job to youth who are from low and moderate income families along with onthe-job education classes for the duration of their job. Employment opportunities may be available for Community Development projects under the Section 3 requirement. Section 3 provides for preference to be given to a contractor who meets requirements for Section 3 certification by agreeing to hire low-income Town residents for that project. The Town requires contractors working on projects funded with CDBG and HOME funds to post any job opening in the rental offices of low-income family housing developments. Actions planned to foster and maintain affordable housing Actions planned to reduce lead-based paint hazards The Consortium Towns will continue to undertake the following action to control lead based paint hazards during Fiscal Year Houses built prior to 1978 showing deteriorated paint surfaces, exterior and interior, will be tested and if lead based paint is found it will be addressed. The three towns have sponsored renovators' and 69

70 remodelers' training for housing rehabilitation contractors offering certifications for inspections and procedures. Also, the Community Development offices will continue to notify contractors of new education/training opportunities offered during the year for the Federally required interim control procedures. Actions planned to reduce the number of poverty-level families Actions planned to develop institutional structure Actions planned to enhance coordination between public and private housing and social service agencies Discussion 70

71 Program Specific Requirements AP-90 Program Specific Requirements (l)(1,2,4) Introduction Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) Reference 24 CFR (l)(1) Projects planned with all CDBG funds expected to be available during the year are identified in the Projects Table. The following identifies program income that is available for use that is included in projects to be carried out. 1. The total amount of program income that will have been received before the start of the next program year and that has not yet been reprogrammed 190, The amount of proceeds from section 108 loan guarantees that will be used during the year to address the priority needs and specific objectives identified in the grantee's strategic plan The amount of surplus funds from urban renewal settlements 0 4. The amount of any grant funds returned to the line of credit for which the planned use has not been included in a prior statement or plan 0 5. The amount of income from float-funded activities 0 Total Program Income: 190,000 Other CDBG Requirements 1. The amount of urgent need activities 0 2. The estimated percentage of CDBG funds that will be used for activities that benefit persons of low and moderate income.overall Benefit - A consecutive period of one, two or three years may be used to determine that a minimum overall benefit of 70% of CDBG funds is used to benefit persons of low and moderate income. Specify the years covered that include this % HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME) Reference 24 CFR (l)(2) 1. A description of other forms of investment being used beyond those identified in Section is as follows: The Towns of Amherst, Cheektowaga and Tonawanda, through the Amherst HOME Consortium, 71

72 expect to receive HOME Investment Partnership Grant funds that will be used to rehabilitate owner occupied homes needing repair and assist income-qualified first-time homebuyers by providing the money needed to cover closing costs and or downpayment assistance. This homebuyer assistance may enable previously underserved rental households to consider the possibility of homeownership. The outreach activities in support of first-time homebuyer assistance will include advertising, informational workshops, financial education and additional counseling with followup post-purchase counseling to further ensure the success of homeownership. Five Year goal: 110 low-mod income A C T first-time homebuyers assisted goal: low-mod homebuyers assisted Yr. Sect. 215 goal: 110 low-mod income homebuyers assisted 2. A description of the guidelines that will be used for resale or recapture of HOME funds when used for homebuyer activities as required in , is as follows: Resale / Recapture Provisions of HOME assistance The Amherst, Cheektowaga, Tonawanda HOME Consortium does not incorporate RESALE provisions in any of the HOME activities. The Consortium Towns will utilize the Shared Net Proceeds recapture provision for the repayment of these loans in the event there are insufficient funds to repay the loan and homebuyer equity at the time of future resale of the property. See 24 CFR (a)(5)(ii)(A)(3). Under the recapture option, the PJ recovers all or a portion of the HOME assistance to the homebuyers, if the housing does not continue to be the principal residence of the qualified lowincome family that purchased the unit for the duration of the period of affordability. The PJ and the homebuyer share the net proceeds based upon the ratio of the HOME subsidy to the sum of the homebuyer's investment plus the HOME subsidy. As per the written HOME Agreements for the Amherst, Cheektowaga, Tonawanda Consortium s 72

73 Homebuyer Program, If the HOMEBUYER either sells the PROPERTY or gives up residence at the PROPERTY, he/she shall repay to the TOWN the full amount of the affordable housing subsidy. He/she shall make this repayment to the TOWN within ninety (90) days of his/her sale of the PROPERTY or termination of residency at the PROPERTY. However, if the PROPERTY is sold and the sales price minus the cost of repaying the first mortgage and minus closing costs is insufficient to repay both the full amount of the affordable housing subsidy and the HOMEBUYER S investment, then the HOMEBUYER shall repay the TOWN only a pro-rated portion of the affordable housing subsidy. In such a case, the prorated portion the HOMEBUYER shall repay to the TOWN shall equal the amount yielded by the following formula: HOME investment X Net Proceeds = HOME amount to be recaptured HOME investment + HOMEBUYER investment GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION: Townwide in each of the three Towns, including the Villages, in the Consortium. 3. A description of the guidelines for resale or recapture that ensures the affordability of units acquired with HOME funds? See 24 CFR (a)(4) are as follows: The Towns of the Amherst HOME Consortium do not use the Resale guidelines. 4. Plans for using HOME funds to refinance existing debt secured by multifamily housing that is rehabilitated with HOME funds along with a description of the refinancing guidelines required that will be used under 24 CFR (b), are as follows: There are no plans to utilize HOME funds to refinance existing debt secured by multifamily housing. 73

74 Discussion 74

75 Attachments 75

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78 Grantee SF-424's and Certification(s) 78

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