AGENDA DATE: 3/9/2016
TITLE:
Title
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
BODY
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Public hearing for proposed submission of CDBG application for Alberene Housing Rehabilitation
ITEM TYPE: Regular Action Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Foley, Letteri, Davis, White
PRESENTER (S): Ron White
LEGAL REVIEW: Yes
REVIEWED BY: Thomas C. Foley
BACKGROUND: The Virginia Community Development Block Grant (VCDBG) program is a federally-funded grant program administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). Since 1982, the DHCD has provided funding to eligible units of local government (in non-entitlement communities only) for projects that address critical community needs, including housing, infrastructure, and economic development. Albemarle County has received numerous grants in previous years to support housing and community improvement initiatives. The VCDBG application process requires that two local public hearings be conducted. The first public hearing was held on January 6, 2016, at which time information was provided on eligible activities that may be funded by a VCDBG grant, the amount of funding estimated to be available, past activities undertaken with VCDBG funds, and the process for applying for funding. There were two comments at the hearing encouraging the County to look at alternative types of housing. The purpose of this public hearing is to provide information on the proposed project application and to accept public comment on the application. Applications are submitted by the County to DHCD; however, the proposed activities may be undertaken by other agencies. Albemarle County can submit one or more applications, but is limited to awards totaling no more than $2.5 million.
STRATEGIC PLAN: Goal 7. Operational Capacity. Ensure County government’s ability to provide high quality service that achieves community priorities.
DISCUSSION: Albemarle County was offered a CDBG Planning Grant in August 2015 to conduct a needs assessment and housing survey in southern Albemarle County. The area identified was generally from North Garden to Scottsville and south of Plank Road. On September 17, 2015 a community meeting was held at Yancey Elementary School which was attended by 25 residents. Information derived from the needs assessment combined with existing applicants on AHIP’s waiting list for services led to a decision to concentrate on the Alberene community for more detailed assessments. On November 4, 2015, the County was approved for the Planning Grant to further develop a potential housing rehabilitation project in Alberene. A second community meeting was held on January 13, 2016 with 22 residents attending.
Typically a draft CDBG application is attached to the executive summary authorizing the submission of that application. Because the community assessment is still underway, a draft is not available at the time of this executive summary. Highlights of the proposed application, as of February 18, 2016, are that 33 applications have been received with 29 having signed required participation agreements. AHIP is continuing to work with the applicants to conduct housing inspections, verify income eligibility, and develop cost estimates for needed repairs. The proposed application will likely target between 20 and 25 individual properties and request between $700,000 and $1,000,000 in CDBG funding. A portion of this funding will be available to cover administrative costs associated with the grant.
Updated information will be provided at the public hearing on March 9, 2016.
BUDGET IMPACT: There is no budgetary impact unless and until an application is made and a grant is awarded, at which time the Board will be asked to appropriate the funding. CDBG projects include various levels of funding to offset administrative costs by awarding such funds based on performance. The budget submitted with the application will include a performance-based budget for administration.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Upon receiving information on the proposed VCDBG application and taking public comment on the proposal, staff recommends that the Board adopt the attached Resolution (Attachment A) approving the County’s submission of the application for Alberene Housing Rehabilitation Project and authorizing the County Executive to execute the application and all required certifications and assurances (Attachments B through E), as well as any supporting or related contracts or documents required to obtain or accept this grant, and to take any further action required for this application.
ATTACHMENTS:
A. Board Resolution
B. Citizen Participation
C. General Assurances
D. Drug-free Workplace
E. Disclosure Report