AGENDA DATE: 5/1/2024
TITLE:
Title
Southwood CDBG Certifications
Y
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Approval of Certificates of Compliance to receive CDBG grant funds.
ITEM TYPE: Consent Action Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Richardson, Rosenberg, Bessette, Dimock, Pethia, Rennolds
PRESENTER (S): Shaqual Rennolds
LEGAL REVIEW: Yes
REVIEWED BY: Jeffrey B. Richardson
BACKGROUND: Albemarle County has received a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) to support new infrastructure development in Phase 2 of the Southwood Redevelopment Project. Specifically, this grant shall be used to replace failing septic systems with public water and sewer services in Village 3, which will support the construction of 40 new affordable homeownership opportunities. To access these funds, the County must fulfil specific requirements, including approval of several certifications of compliance.
STRATEGIC PLAN: Quality of Life: Encourage a vibrant community with economic and recreational opportunities that serve all community members.
DISCUSSION: The following Certifications and Plans are general requirements:
Non-Discrimination Policy - The County has adopted an Equal Opportunity Policy, found in the County’s Personnel Policy Manual (P-21). Attachment A is a non-discrimination certification in alignment with the County’s policy aimed at safeguarding against discrimination.
Local Business and Employment Plan - The County must approve a plan of the project area boundaries and utilize businesses and lower-income residents in carrying out CDBG funded activities to the greatest extent possible. Attachment B designates Albemarle County as the project area and requires the public be notified of this through publication of an ad in the local newspaper.
504 Complaint Procedure - The County previously adopted a complaint procedure in alignment with Section 504, which concerns handicap accessibility. The Director of Human Resources is designated as the Section 504 Coordinator. Attachment C is a complaint procedure outlining responsibilities by position.
Fair Housing Certification - The Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended, requires grantees of CDBG funds to take action to affirmatively further fair housing. Attachment D is a certification confirming the County’s commitment to fair housing.
Residential Anti-Displacement and Relocation Assistance Plan Certification - Attachment E is a certification stating that the County will notify the public and advise the state in the event that a CDBG-funded activity will result in the demolition or conversation of residential units; furthermore, should displacement occur, the County/development owners will provide relocation assistance in accordance with the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 (URA). Attachment E certifies the County’s commitment to comply with the requirements of the URA.
BUDGET IMPACT: There are no budget impacts associated with the approval of these certifications of compliance.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Board: 1) approve the Local Business and Employment Plan (Attachment B) and the Section 504 Complaint Procedure (Attachment C); and 2) authorize the County Executive to execute the Non-Discrimination Policy (Attachment A), the Local Business and Employment Plan (Attachment B), the Fair Housing Certification (Attachment D) and the Residential Anti-Displacement and Relocation Assistance Plan (Attachment E).
ATTACHMENTS:
A - Non-Discrimination Policy
B - Local Business and Employment Plan
C - 504 Complaint Procedure
D - Fair Housing Certification
E - Residential Anti-Displacement and Relocation Assistance Plan Certification