HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem IIPLAN COMMISSION MARCH 17, 2015
ITEM II: REVIEW AND ACCEPTANCE OF 2015-2019 CONSOLIDATED PLAN
AND 2015 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM
BACKGROUND
Staff requests review and acceptance of the 2015-2019 Consolidated Plan and 2015 Annual
Action Plan for the Community Development Block Grant Program.
The purpose of this review is for the Plan Commission to make a determination of consistency
for the proposed programs and activities in the 2015-2019 Consolidated Plan and 2015 Annual
Action Plan with the City’s 2005-2025 Comprehensive Plan, official maps, or other planned
activities of the City.
ANALYSIS
Consolidated Plan
Every five years, the City is required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development (HUD) to prepare a five-year Consolidated Plan. The Consolidated Plan serves the
following functions:
• outlines participation levels during the preparation of plans;
• acts as an application for federal funds under HUD’s formula grant programs;
• serves as a strategy for carrying out HUD programs; and
• provides an action plan, which provides a basis for assessing performance.
The Consolidated Plan describes the needs for housing assistance and non-housing community
development. The City of Oshkosh has prepared this Plan for prioritizing the allocation of
housing and other assistance monies that may become available from the federal government
over a five-year period from May 1, 2015 to April 30, 2019
This Plan establishes three basic goals for assistance to low and moderate income (LMI) persons:
First, to provide decent affordable housing; second, to provide a suitable living environment; and
third, to expand economic opportunities.
Assistance in Oshkosh will be directed primarily to low and moderate income census tracts and
block groups.
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Within these geographic areas, priority will be given to the following:
• Areas with higher density and areas with high concentrations of rental housing;
• Areas most significantly affected by foreclosure and housing abandonment;
• Priority areas identified in the City's 2005-2025 Comprehensive Plan within LMI census
tracts;
• Historic Districts, especially those with high levels of LMI households or slum and blight.
• Areas with an approved Neighborhood Revitalization Plan.
Funding is proposed to be provided for items such as homebuyer’s assistance, owner-occupied
and rental housing rehabilitation, demolition of slum and blight, lead-based paint abatement,
historic preservation, Fair Housing and Public Services.
2015 Annual Action Plan
Annually, the CDBG Action Plan is prepared to demonstrate how estimated federal funds from
HUD will be spent in the city. The 2015 Program Year begins May 1, 2015 and will end April
30, 2016. The 2015 allocation is $725,849 (see attached proposed budget). HUD regulations
require that at least 70% of CDBG funds benefit LMI persons over a one to three year
certification period. As proposed, over 70% of the funds subject to LMI benefit calculations will
be expended on activities that benefit LMI persons.
Public Service applications (via the Consortium) are currently being evaluated by a 10-member
committee consisting of representatives from Oshkosh Area United Way, Oshkosh Area
Community Foundation, and the City of Oshkosh. Staff is recommending that the City allocate
$85,000 for general public services, similar to what has been done in the past. Public Service
allocations can represent no more than 15% of the total allocation.
Owner occupied housing improvement applications (non-public service) are due to the
Community Development Department on March 16. These applications do not include first time
homebuyer’s assistance, emergency repairs or rehabilitation of rental properties. Non-Public
Service allocations are included in the 70% of CDBG funds for LMI persons. Staff is
recommending that the City allocate $379,500 for Housing Rehabilitation for owner occupied
and rental units.
Remaining funding is recommended to be distributed to Central City Redevelopment for removal
of slum and blight ($50,000), Neighborhood Initiatives ($100,000), Fair Housing Activities
($14,500), and Administration/Community Planning ($96,849).
Final Step
Prior to Council consideration, these plans are reviewed by the Plan Commission for consistency
with the City’s 2005-2025 Comprehensive Plan, official maps, and other planned activities of the
City.
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In this regard, staff has reviewed all proposed projects and activities and none have been
identified as being contrary to the Comprehensive Plan, official maps, or other planned activities
of the City.
RECOMMENDATIONS/CONDITIONS
Staff recommends acceptance of the 2015-2019 Consolidated Plan and 2015 Annual Action Plan
for the Community Development Block Grant Program, together with a finding that listed
projects are not in conflict with the City of Oshkosh Comprehensive Plan.
Proposed 2015 Action Plan Budget
Community Development Block Grant Program
PROJECTS 2015 Estimated
Allocation LMI Benefit
I. Central City Redevelopment & Community
Facilities
$50,000 $0
II. Housing & Neighborhood Development $479,500 $479,500
III. Public Services
A. General Public Services/Consortium $85,000 $85,000
IV. Administration & Planning $96,849 $0
A. Fair Housing Center of Northeast WI $14,500 $0
Subtotal Admin & Planning $111,349 $0
Total $725,849 $564,500