AGENDA DATE: 9/12/2018
TITLE:
Title
Community Development Block Grant Public Hearing
BODY
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Public Hearing for the submission of a Virginia Communities Initiative application for the Southwood Redevelopment Project
ITEM TYPE: Regular Action Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Richardson, Walker, Kamptner, Graham, White
PRESENTER (S): Ron White
LEGAL REVIEW: Yes
REVIEWED BY: Jeffrey B. Richardson
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 December 6, 2017, 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. 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: Infrastructure Investment: Prioritize, plan, and invest in critical infrastructure that responds to past and future changes and improves the capacity to serve community needs
DISCUSSION: In early June 2018, Albemarle County was invited to submit an application for the Vibrant Communities Initiative (VCI), which is a program created by DHCD and the Virginia Housing Development Authority (VHDA). The program is funded through VCDBG, VHDA, and the state’s Housing Trust Fund. The invitation was a result of the Greater Charlottesville Habitat for Humanity (Habitat) submitting a proposal for the Southwood Redevelopment Project for VCI funding. Based on the initial proposal, DHCD determined that the project may be eligible for VCDBG funds as a part of VCI to support infrastructure costs associated with the construction of twenty houses built by Habitat for existing residents of Southwood.
The deadline for the application submission was June 26, 2018. Due to the inability to hold a public hearing prior to the submission date, DHCD agreed that the County could conduct the hearing after submission. It was noted in the application that the County would conduct the hearing in September 2018. DHCD also suggested that the County request a total of $2.25 million in VCI funding. Based on Habitat’s proposal, DHCD indicated that the project could receive up to $1.25 million in VCDBG funds and $1 million in VHDA funds. As previously noted, VCDBG funds must be awarded to an eligible unit of local government. VHDA funds would be awarded directly to Habitat. DHCD also indicated that a portion of the VCDBG funds could be used for administration and project management and this would be determined during future contract negotiations if funding is awarded.
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. There is no required match from the County.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Upon receiving information on the proposed VCI application and taking public comment on the proposal, staff recommends that the Board adopt the attached Resolution approving the County’s submission of the application for the Southwood Redevelopment Project and authorizing the County Executive to execute all documents required to obtain or accept this grant and to take any further action required for this application.
ATTACHMENTS:
A - Resolution