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CDBG FY15 ACTION PLANCITY OF SALEM ONE-YEAR ACTION PLAN FISCAL YEAR 2015 MAY 13, 2014 Kimberley Driscoll Mayor Lynn Goonin Duncan, AICP Director of Planning & Community Development Kathleen Winn Deputy Director of Planning & Community Development Jane A. Guy Assistant Community Development Director TABLE OF CONTENTS I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .............................................................................................................................. I-1 I.A. THE ACTION PLAN FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ............................................................................. I-1 I.B. DEVELOPING THE ACTION PLAN: CITIZEN PARTICIPATION & CONSULTATION ..................................... I-1 I.C. RESOURCES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2015 .......................................................................................................... I-2 I.D. OBJECTIVES AND OUTCOMES ..................................................................................................................... I-4 I.E. EVALUATION OF PAST PERFORMANCE ..................................................................................................... I-6 II. PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS OF PROPOSED ACTIVITIES .......................................................... II-1 II.A. AFFORDABLE HOUSING .................................................................................................................... II-2 II.A-1. Specific Housing Objectives .......................................................................................................... II-3 II.A-2. Needs of Public Housing ............................................................................................................... II-8 II.A-3. Barriers to Affordable Housing .................................................................................................... II-9 II.A-4. Homelessness and Homelessness Prevention ............................................................................ II-9 II.A-5. Fiscal Year 2015 Affordable Housing Activities ....................................................................... II-12 II.B. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ........................................................................................................ II-14 II.B-1. Strategies for Economic Development ....................................................................................... II-14 II.B-2. Fiscal Year 2015 Economic Development Activities ................................................................ II-16 II.C. NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENT................................................................................................ II-18 II.C-1. Strategies for Infrastructure and Public Facilities .................................................................... II-18 II.C-2. Fiscal Year 2015 Neighborhood Improvement Activities ....................................................... II-19 II.D. SOCIAL SERVICES (INCLUDING HOMELESS & NON-HOMELESS SPECIAL NEEDS) ........ II-20 II.D-1. Strategies for Social Service Needs ............................................................................................. II-20 II.D-2. Fiscal Year 2015 Social Services Activities ................................................................................. II-21 II.E. PLANNING & ADMINISTRATION ............................................................................................... II-23 II.E-1. Fiscal Year 2015 Planning & Administration Activities .......................................................... II-23 II.F. NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION STRATEGY AREA ....................................................... II-24 II.F-1. Fiscal Year 2015 NRSA Activities……………………………………………………………....II-24 II.G. FISCAL YEAR 2014 ACTION PLAN AMENDMENTS, CONSOLIDATED PLAN AMENDMENTS and/or ONGOING PROJECTS………………………………………….….11-27 III. HUD REQUIRED NARRATIVES ........................................................................................................ III-1 III.A. GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION OF FUNDS .................................................................................................. III-1 III.B. MANAGING THE PROCESS AND INSTITUTIONAL STRUCTURE ................................................................ III-1 III.C. COORDINATION WITH OTHER ORGANIZATIONS .................................................................................... III-2 III.D. CONSOLIDATED PLAN DEVELOPMENT PROCESS .................................................................................... III-3 III.E. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION – FY15 ACTION PLAN ..................................................................................... III-3 III.F. AFFIRMATIVELY FURTHERING FAIR HOUSING ....................................................................................... III-3 III.G. MONITORING ........................................................................................................................................... III-9 III.H. LONG TERM COMPLIANCE AND PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENTS ........................................................ III-9 III.I. LEAD-BASED PAINT HAZARDS .............................................................................................................. III-10 III.J. ANTI-POVERTY STRATEGY ..................................................................................................................... III-11 IV. APPENDIX IV.A. APPLICATION: STANDARD FORM 424 & CERTIFICATIONS IV.B. OTHER RESOURCES IV.C OVERVIEW OF CITIZENS PARTICIPATION IV.D. MAPS IV.E. SALEM CPMP NEEDS TABLES IV.F. NORTH SHORE HOME CONSORTIUM CPMP NEEDS TABLES I-1 I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY One of the most successful community development resources in America is the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Created in 1974, the CDBG program provides communities with a flexible source of funds to be used to benefit low- and moderate-income persons or to prevent or eliminate slums and blight. HUD Mission Statement The CDBG Program provides annual grants to entitled cities and counties to develop viable urban communities by providing: Decent, Safe and Sanitary Housing Suitable Living Environment Expanded Economic Opportunities Goals of HUD’s CDBG Program HUD provides CDBG funds to entitlement community grantees to carry out a wide range of community development activities. These activities are directed toward: Revitalizing Neighborhoods Economic Development Providing improved community facilities and services All activities carried out with CDBG funds must meet HUD’s national goals and objectives. The City’s specific community and economic development, housing and social service activities funded through the CDBG program are determined annually in the city’s Action Plan. I.A. The Action Plan for Community Development This document is the City of Salem’s Action Plan for Community Development for Fiscal Year 2015 (FY15).1 This Action Plan for 2014-2015 describes the projects that the City will undertake in the next fiscal year with CDBG funds. It also briefly describes some of the other city programs in the areas of housing, community and economic development that the City funds with other resources. The City circulates the Action Plan for Community Development in order to inform Salem residents, leaders, businesses and organizations how Salem plans to use its CDBG funds and to provide an opportunity for public comment. Narrative sections are included throughout the plan in order to increase the public’s understanding of the city’s community development objectives in an easy -to-read, yet comprehensive, format. I.B. Developing the Action Plan: Citizen Participation & Consultation The City of Salem uses CDBG funds to support specific projects and initiatives that are needed by Salem residents and that meet HUD’s national goals and objectives. Identifying the needs of the community is an on-going process. In spring, 2010, after months of public hearings and public TP 1PTThis Action Plan covers activities for the period from July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2015, which is referred to in this document as Fiscal Year 2015 or FY15. I-2 comment, the City adopted a Five Year Consolidated Plan, highlighting the community development needs and goals for July 2010– June 2015. Each year, the City holds additional public hearings and comment periods to review those goals and to make specific recommendations for programs and initiatives to be undertaken in a given year. The result is the annual Action Plan, designed to put into action the goals and strategies established in the Consolidated Plan. Citizen participation included two public hearings and a thirty day comment period. In order to broaden public participation, outreach to participate includes legal advertisements : postings at City Hall, City Hall Annex and on Salem Access Television; and notices sent to the Salem Public Library, Salem Council on Aging, Salem Housing Authority (SHA), all City Councilors, members of the Citizens Advisory Committee and to various public service agencies and neighborhood associations, as well as being placed on the city website. A complete Overview of Citizens Participation is located in the Appendix and includes public hearing minutes. It is important to note that the Action Plan is not a budget, but rather a planning tool that outlines the priorities and activities that the City will undertake to address housing, community and economic development needs. Proposed activities must meet HUD’s eligibility rules, and must be consistent with the Consolidated Plan. The City identifies estimated costs for each proposed activity included in this document. During the year, should the cost of the proposed activities change, these values can be adjusted. In addition, the City can reallocate unused funds to assist new programs that may be developed during the course of the year, or to supplement existing activities that require additional funding. I.B-1. Summary of Comments The Draft Action Plan, Draft Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy and Draft Citizen Participation Plan was made available for public comment from March 25, 2014 through April 23, 2014. A public hearing regarding the draft plans was held on April 3, 2014 and included a brief presentation outlining the planning process and the proposed distribution of funds . The public was invited to comment on the plans and ask any questions. Meeting minutes are included in the Appendix. I.C. Resources for Fiscal Year 2015 The City of Salem receives Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds from HUD to benefit low- and moderate-income persons or to prevent or eliminate slums or blight in Salem through a variety of community development programs. CDBG is a formula-based program designed to develop viable urban communities by providing decent housing, a suitable living environment, and expanded economic opportunities for persons of low- and moderate-income. In addition, Salem is a member of the North Shore HOME Consortium and receives an allocation of Home Investment Partnership (HOME) funds from HUD. HOME funds are dedicated solely for housing programs, and can be used to fund a wide range of activities that build, buy and/or rehabilitate affordable housing for rent or home ownership. The City of Salem is one of thirty member communities in the North Shore HOME Consortium. On behalf of the member communities, the Consortium, through its lead community of Peabody, submits a Consolidated Plan f or operating the HOME program. The city will not use HOME funds to refinance any existing debt secured by multifamily housing developments. I-3 Along with HUD funds, our housing and economic loan programs generate program income, which the City directs to existing or new programs as needed. Income is generated as loans are repaid or recaptured from an assisted property or business. The City typically receives program income funds each year and they help extend its ability to support CDBG-eligible activities. The Federal funding that Salem will receive for FY15 includes $952,491 in CDBG entitlement funds. Additional funds include $100,335 in HOME funds and an estimated $115,000 in program income (from housing and ED loans). In addition to these resources, many activities leverage funding from other sources to maximize the impact of the federal dollars the city receives. Sources may include, but are not limited to, homebuyer matching funds and mortgages, Get The Lead Out funds, business matching funds and donations (Main Streets Program), private donations, lender financing, Working Cities Challenge Grant awarded by the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, Our Common Back Yard funds from the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities (PARC) funds, Environmental Protection Agency funds, National Endowment for the Arts funds, MassDevelopment Brownfields Assessment Program funds, Massachusetts Historical Commission, National Park Service, Low- Income Housing Tax Credits and other State or Federal programs, local Capital Improvement Program funds, as well as Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds. The CPA was adopted by Salem voters in November, 2012. It established a local dedicated fund for the purpose of undertaking open space, historic preservation, outdoor recreation and community housing projects. It is financed by a voter-approved property tax surcharge along with annual matching funds from the statewide CPA Trust Fund. These funds can be used for a variety of purposes, including activities that acquire, create, preserve, support and rehabilitate/restore housing for low and moderate income households. Massachusetts CPA regulations require that 10% of annual CPA revenues be set aside or spent for community housing projects. Many activities leverage funding from other sources to maximize the impact of the federal dollars the City receives. In addition to the City, several housing and community development programs are carried out by non-city agencies that operate through a variety or resources. A listing of anticipated leveraged funds for FY15 is found in Appendix B, including anticipated funding resources for the City of Salem as well as several key organizations, including the Salem Housing Authority, North Shore Community Development Coalition and North Shore Community Action Program, Inc. Together, these resources fund a wide range of activities designed to develop and maintain affordable housing, improve neighborhood public facilities, provide economic opportunities, improve access for people with disabilities, provide critical public services, assist people who are homeless, and prevent homelessness. ESTIMATED FY15 FUNDING $952,491 $100,335 $115,000 CDBG HOME PROGRAM INCOME I-4 I.D. Objectives and Outcomes In 2006, HUD devised a means to uniformly measure accomplishments funded through its housing and community development programs. In doing so, HUD determined that activities should meet one of three specific objectives and three outcomes. They are: Objectives Outcomes Suitable Living Environment Availability/Accessibility Decent Housing Affordability Creating Economic Opportunities Sustainability The chart on the next page lists the activities proposed for FY1 5 and the objectives and outcomes they meet. Objectives Activities must meet one of the following three objectives: Suitable Living Environment - In general, this objective relates to activities that benefit communities, families, or individuals by addressing issues in their living environment. Decent Housing - Activities found under this objective cover the wide range of housing possible under HOME or CDBG. This objective focuses on housing programs where the purpose of the program is to meet individual family or community needs and not programs where housing is an element of a larger effort. Such programs should be reported under Suitable Living Environment. Creating Economic Opportunities - This objective applies to economic development, commercial revitalization, or job creation activities. Outcomes Activities must work to achieve one of three outcomes as follows: Availability/Accessibility - This outcome category applies to activities that make services, infrastructure, public services, public facilities, housing, or shelter available or accessible to low- and moderate-income people, including persons with disabilities. In this category, accessibility does not refer only to physical barriers, but also to making the affordable basics of daily living available and accessible to low and moderate income people where they live. Affordability - This outcome category applies to activities that provide affordability in a variety of ways in the lives of low- and moderate-income people. It can include the creation or maintenance of affordable housing, basic infrastructure hook-ups, or services such as transportation and day care. Sustainability: Promoting Livable or Viable Communities - This outcome applies to projects where the activity or activities are aimed at improving communities or neighborhoods, helping to make them livable or viable by providing benefit to persons of low - and moderate-income or by removing or eliminating slums or blighted areas. I-5 Performance Indicators Performance indicators are the measurements used to determine program impact. The chart below identifies each activity’s applicable performance indicator and the estimated goal of housing units, businesses or persons based on estimated funding. Category Source Objective Outcome # (Units, persons, etc.) Performance Indicators Housing Occupied by elderly Brought to HQS Brought lead safe Made accessible First Time Homebuyer Receiving Housing Counseling Receiving Downpayment Assistance/Closing Costs Congress/Dow Street Housing Revitalization CDBG &/or HOME Decent Housing Affordability 37 Housing Units New rental units that are affordable Economic Development Businesses assisted: New Businesses assisted: Existing Of Existing: Expansions Of Existing: Relocations DUNS number Businesses assisted: New Businesses assisted: Existing Of Existing: Expansions Of Existing: Relocations DUNS number Businesses assisted: New Businesses assisted: Existing Of Existing: Expansions Of Existing: Relocations DUNS number Point Neighborhood Park & Playground Imrpovemeents CDBG Suitable Living Environment Sustainability 2 Pub. Fac.With improved access to a facility or infrastructure benefit Gallows Hill/Mansell Park Improvements CDBG Suitable Living Environment Sustainability 1 Pub. Fac.With improved access to a facility or infrastructure benefit Social Service Activities New access to service Improved access to service North Shore CDC Leadership Development Program CDBG Suitable Living Environment Availability/ Accessibility 75 Persons New access to service Not-Applicable to Salem's Performance Measurement South Harbor Garage Section 108 Loan Repayment CDBG General Program Administration & Rehabilitation Administration CDBG/ HOME Rental Assistance Programs HOME To be reported in IDIS by North Shore HOME Consortium Affordable Housing Programs HOME To be reported in IDIS by North Shore HOME Consortium 1 Pub. Fac.Suitable Living Environment With improved access to a facility or infrastructure benefit Business Technical Assistance CDBG 20 Businesses Availability/ Accessibility Enterprise Center Microenterprise Business Technical Assistance Program CDBG Creating Economic Opportunities 10,000 Persons Small Business Finanancial Assistance Programs CDBG Creating Economic Opportunities Affordability 1 Business CDBG Neighborhood Street & Sidewalk Improvements CDBG Availability/ Accessibility Community Support Services Suitable Living Environment 4 Housing Units 1 Household Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program CDGB & HOME Decent Housing Affordability Availability/ Accessibility 10 Businesses AffordabilityFirst Time Homebuyer Programs CDBG & HOME Decent Housing Sustainability Creating Economic Opportunities I-6 I.E. Evaluation of Past Performance During the many years of Salem’s CDBG Program, the City has made significant improvements to the City’s physical and social environment for its low- and moderate-income residents. The CDBG program has made a strong impact in Salem, as seen through the numerous homes rehabilitated, neighborhood facilities and infrastructure improved, businesses strengthened, jobs created and families served through our public service agencies. The annual Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) provi des an analysis of the accomplishments and progress the City has made toward meeting the goals and objectives laid out in its Five Year Consolidated Plan. The FY14 CAPER, for the current fiscal year, will be available by September 30, 2014. The most recent CAPER, for FY13, evaluated the first three fiscal years of the current 5-Year Consolidated Plan. Low- to moderate-income persons were directly benefited by 100% of CDBG funds spent in FY13. This document is available at the City of Salem Department of Planning and Community Development (DPCD), the Salem Public Library and on the City’s website at www.salem.com. The chart below illustrates FY13 spending by category, as a percentage of overall CDBG and HOME expenditures. FY13 CDBG & HOME Expenditures by Category Neighborhood Improvements, $528,951 , 38% Affordable Housing, $363,229 , 27% Economic Development, $90,631 , 7% Public Services, $161,266 , 12% Planning & Administration, $211,358 , 16% II-1 FY13 PROPOSED EXPENDITURES (CDBG & HOME) Neighborhood Improvements, $257,836 , 22% Affordable Housing, $356,870 , 31% Economic Development, $136,499 , 12% Public Services*, $203,123 , 17% Planning & Administration, $213,498 , 18% II. PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS OF PROPOSED ACTIVITIES AFFORDABLE HOUSING, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENT, PLANNING & ADMINISTRATION AND SUPPORT FOR SOCIAL SERVICES In the Five Year Consolidated Plan, Salem residents identified the community development needs and goals for Fiscal Years 2011-2015. The priority needs identified during that public process included the need for affordable housing, economic development, neighborhood improvement and support for social services. The City based its funding allocations on needs identified, proposed activities and accomplishments to meet those needs and estimated funding needed to reach the goals and accomplishment levels. The pie chart on this page illustrates the city’s proposed FY15 spending by category, as a percentage of estimated CDBG and HOME funds. It is estimated that at least 70 percent of the FY15 CDBG funding and 100 percent of the HOME funding will be used for activities that benefit persons of low- and moderate-income. Total proposed expenditures based on current estimates of funding to be available are $1,167,826. *Some of the funding allocated to Public Services is conditional upon HUD’s approval of the Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Area. This section describes the priority needs and identifies some of the strategies that the city will employ to address them in the coming year. Included are a few of the housing and economic factors that illustrate Salem’s need to continue to invest in housing and economic development and to support a variety of programs to assist all of Salem’s low and moderate income neighborhoods. The narratives describe the various programs and services that the city proposes to undertake in FY15. The programs listed in the following sections are a combination of those managed by the city and by community organizations. Typically, the City identifies activities to be funded from a specific year’s resources, but for some projects, such as multi-year funding commitments or construction projects, the activity may be completed in the following fiscal year or undertaken over several fiscal yea rs. It is not uncommon for the City to have projects that are ongoing from a previous fiscal year. Ongoing projects are not fully described in this plan, but are listed on Page II-27 for informational purposes. Any obstacles and issues related to addressing underserved needs are discussed within each strategy topic. Section II.A-3 covers barriers to affordable housing. II-2 105-111 Dow Street slated for acquistion and rehabilitation. Photo courtesy North Shore CDC II.A. AFFORDABLE HOUSING Salem, like many communities in Massachusetts, is still struggling with the impacts of a roller-coaster real estate market, a foreclosure crisis and a regional lack of affordable rental housing. These conditions have resulted in more families at risk of homelessness. As a result, we continue to place the creation and preservation of affordable housing as the highest priority of Salem’s CDBG and HOME programs. Notable statistics about Salem’s population and housing stock include: Salem’s population is 46.7 percent low- to moderate- income persons; Salem has old housing stock: fifty-four percent of Salem’s occupied housing units were built prior to 1940; Twenty-five percent of Salem homeowners are paying thirty percent or more of their income in monthly housing costs; and Almost twenty-five percent of Salem renters pay fifty percent or more of their income in monthly housing costs.2 Salem’s First-Time Homebuyer Downpayment Assistance Loan Program continues to see a decline in the number of loan applications received. We attribute this to the number of new homebuyers who, although eligible for our programs, are being denied conventional loans as a result of tighter standards instituted by lending institutions in response to recently passed legislation. For renters, the lack of affordable rental housing region-wide, partially due to foreclosures, continues to heighten the demand on public housing and subsidy programs. The demand for subsidized housing far exceeds the supply. People on waiting lists for units or vouchers must wait several years before an opening is available. Foreclosure Crisis Many homeowners who purchased homes in the booming housing market between 2002 and 2005 did so with an Adjustable Rate Mortgage. Since then, their mortgage rates have reset multiple times, in some cases every six months. A homeowner, who purchased a property in Salem in 2004 with a monthly mortgage payment under $1,500, may now have a monthly payment of over $4,000. Worse yet, lenders required little down payment, so many homeowners financed over 90 percent of the purchase price of the home. Now these owners are unable to refinance their homes to a lower rate, nor are they able to sell their homes at a price that will cover their remaining mo rtgages due to declines in property values – putting their mortgage “underwater”. Over the last several years, these factors - increased mortgage rates, high loan to value ratios, and decreased property values - have resulted in a dramatic increase in foreclosures, not only i n Salem, but across the country. In addition to those with adjustable rate mortgages, the foreclosure crisis affected owners with fixed- rate subprime mortgages.3 Many lenders approved owners for subprime mortgages with monthly 2 U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, American Community Survey, 2006-2008 Three-Year Estimates, Detailed Tables. II-3 payments that were more than fifty percent of their household’s monthly income. Payments did not include other housing costs like heat, electricity and taxes. Just a few years after purchasing their homes, some households could no longer keep up with the high monthly housing costs. Some had filed for bankruptcy and many were in danger of losing their homes to foreclosure. Between 2008 and 2013, Petitions to Foreclose were initiated against 725 properties in Salem. The following chart shows the number of Foreclosure Deeds (properties that became bank-owned) in Salem for the past six complete calendar years4. YEAR 1-FAMILY CONDO ALL 2013 8 14 26 2012 16 20 45 2011 12 27 53 2010 18 33 64 2009 19 25 62 2008 19 32 73 This 64% decrease in Foreclosure Deeds from 2008 to 2013 is promising. However, when compared to Essex County which showed an overall 84% decrease for the same period, Salem has not bounced back as fast as its neighboring communities. According to http://www.zillow.com/salem-ma/home-values/, “the median home value in Salem is $288,200. Salem home values have gone up 9.7% over the past year and Zillow predicts they will rise 2.6% within the next year. The median list price per square foot in Salem is $196, which is lower than the Boston Metro average of $213.” Zillow also stated “Foreclosures will be a factor impacting home values in the next several years. In Salem 1.8 homes are foreclosed (per 10,000). This is lower than the national value of 5.0. Mortgage delinquency is the first step in the foreclosure process. This is when a homeowner fails to make a mortgage payment. The percent of delinquent mortgages in Salem is 7.4%, which is lower than the national value of 8.0%. With U.S. home values having fall en by more than 20% nationally from their peak in 2007 until their trough in late 2011, many homeowners are now underwater on their mortgages, meaning they owe more than their home is worth. The percent of Salem homeowners underwater on their mortgage is 13.3%, which is higher than Boston Metro at 10.5” II.A-1. Specific Housing Objectives Salem is at the forefront of providing affordable housing for the North Shore area. Although Massachusetts General Law Chapter 40B requires that 10 percent of the residential housing in every city and town be affordable, 12.25 percent of the communities have actually met the challenge. Salem is one of 43 communities to reach the 10 percent goal. In April, 2013, MA Dept. of Housing & Community Development calculated Salem’s Chapter 40B subsidized housing inventory at 12.4 percent, while the state average was just 9.2 percent. Of the 30 cities and towns in the North Shore HOME Consortium, Salem has the highest percentages of affordable housing. 3 Subprime is a term that refers to the low credit rating of the homebuyer, not the terms of the loan. 4 The Warren Group, “Foreclosure Stats”, www.thewarrengroup.com. 5 Data as of March 11, 2014 II-4 0%2%4%6%8%10%12%14% Boxford West Newbury Essex Hamilton Swampscott Rockport Marblehead Rowley Middleton Manchester Merrimac North Andover Topsfield Gloucester Amesbury Newburyport Salisbury Wenham Ipswich Methuen Danvers Peabody Andover Haverhill North Reading Wilmington Beverly Lynnfield Georgetown Salem NS HOME Constortium Communities Chapter 40B Subsidized Housing Inventory -May, 2012 Source: Mass Dept. of Housing & Community Development Salem administers several successful housing programs. The First-Time Homebuyer Downpayment Assistance Program provides assistance for the greatest hurdle that most families looking to purchase their first home face—saving enough to make the required down payment. The Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program works to rehabilitate housing to make it safe and sanitary. The city also provides funding for homelessness prevention programs through partnershi ps with Catholic Charities, North Shore Community Action Programs, Inc. (NSCAP), the Salvation Army and HAWC. In addition, Salem is a member of the North Shore Housing Trust, a nonprofit corporation established to undertake broad initiatives that will lead to the preservation and creation of housing that is affordable to low- and moderate-income families. While the city has been able to accomplish a great deal, there is still more to do. The following is a summary of Salem’s long-term housing strategy to help address the pressing housing needs of its residents. This strategy includes both new housing production and preserving the existing housing stock for working families. The key components of the strategy include: Producing New Housing Units Salem consistently provides support toward the creation of new affordable hou sing units through the conversion of old, abandoned or underutilized buildings and parcels into new residential housing units. For example, the City provided funding to develop affordable II-5 housing units at the former St. Joseph’s Church site. The Boston Archdiocese’s Planning Office for Urban Affairs (POUA) was the developer. The first phase of the proposed project is complete and included the razing of the former church and convent buildings and the construction of a new four-story building on the site. The 51 units in the new building consist of affordable rental units. The City committed $325,000 of CDBG/HOME funds towards the redevelopment project. The development was also awarded funding through DHCD’s One Stop Funds Program, as well as funds from the North Shore HOME Consortium. In addition, $1 Million in PWED funds were allocated for traffic and infrastructure improvements to the adjacent intersection, now complete. These funds were leveraged by and will benefit the St. Joseph’s Redevelopment. In September, 2013 a lottery was held for the 51 units, with over 1,000 applications received, demonstrating the need for affordable housing. Furthermore, funds for affordable housing are often set aside to provide resources for the city, or a nonprofit partner, to take advantage of opportunities that arise to acquire available abandoned, derelict properties and turn them back into decent, affordable homes. CDBG funds previously helped Habitat for Humanity acquire 1 Harrison Avenue for redevelopment into two affordable housing units that will be affordable for 30 years. An Affordable Housing Fund In 2003, the City entered into a Memorandum of Agreement with a housing developer that resulted in a $50,000 contribution in 2005 for affordable housing activiti es. The City Council created an Affordable Housing Trust at the end of 2006 to create and preserve affordable housing. The first meeting of the Trust took place in March 2007. The City continues to negotiate with developers on a case-by-case basis for affordable units or a contribution to the Trust. The Trust committed $25,000 to Salem Lafayette Development as predevelopment funding for the St. Joseph’s Church redevelopment. The Trust also committed approximately $25,000 for the creation of several affordable housing units, working with a local non-profit agency. Preserving Existing Affordable Units Salem has five private subsidized rental housing developments – Salem Heights, Loring Towers, Pequot Highlands, Princeton Crossing, and Fairweather Apartments. Each of these properties was built with the requirement that they remain affordable for a minimum of 40 years (or until the mortgage was paid). Recently, the affordability of two of these developments was in jeopardy. The city took the following actions: o In February 2003, the city reached an agreement that will keep Salem Heights’ 283 apartments rented at affordable rates for 100 years. o The City negotiated with the owners and tenants of Loring Towers, a HUD 236 property that the owner had proposed to convert to a Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) project. In June 2007, in order to protect the long-term affordability, as well as the affordability for existing tenants, the Mayor signed a 121A Agreement and entered into a Memorandum of Understanding that will ensure that 90 percent of the 250 units will be reserved for families and individuals at or below 60 percent AMI. Furthermore, 10 percent will be reserved for those at or below 30 percent AMI for a period of forty years. II-6 In addition, the Preservation of Affordable Housing (POAH) purchased Fairweather Apartments. This purchase will ensure the continued affordability of these 127 units. Foreclosure Prevention Located at www.salem.com/pages/salemma_dpcd/additionalresources/other , the city’s website contains a list of links to various resources for foreclosure prevention and legal assistance. Additional links are added as they become known. Housing staff are contacting and offering assistance to families threatened with the possibility of foreclosure and are maintaining a tracking list of all pre-foreclosure, foreclosure and bank-owned properties in the city. The City encourages first-time homebuyers to complete a certified homebuyer education course, such as the one funded with CDBG funds through the North Shore Community Development Coalition (NSCDC). Furthermore, the City continues to fund homeless prevention programs through Catholic Charities, Salvation Army, NSCAP and Healing Abuse Working for Change (HAWC). These programs provide emergency financial assistance to prevent eviction. In September, 2013, the Housing Coordinator attended a Foreclosure Prevention Clinic sponsored by North Shore CDC. Eliminating Vacancies as a Result of Foreclosure Foreclosure often results in families being displaced from their home. Foreclosures also result in an increased demand for affordable rental units by both the for mer homeowner and by any displaced tenants. In addition, foreclosure can result in vacant buildings, which can have a deteriorating effect on neighborhoods. The City continues to fund Rental Downpayment Assistance programs at Salvation Army, NSCAP, Citizens for Adequate Housing and HAWC to provide first/last month’s rent and security which can be used by displaced families. The city monitors vacant, abandoned and problem properties through collaborative efforts between the Health Inspector, Fire chief, Building Inspector, City Solicitor and Housing Coordinator and has mapped those properties in GIS. Abutters of bank-owned properties are sent letters asking them to be observant and report problems. The City’s First-Time Homebuyer Downpayment Assistance Loan Program is available to first-time buyers who hope to take advantage of the lower price that they may get by purchasing a foreclosed upon home. The City’s Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program is available to investors who purchase foreclosed properties so that they can bring the property up to code and turn them into affordable rental units. An important part of the City’s recovery and revitalization efforts is helping to re -occupy and repair foreclosed properties, which is accomplished through our First Time Homebuyer and our Housing Rehabilitation Loan Programs. As part of the Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program, any renovated rental units are restricted to affordable rents and must be occupied by low- to moderate-income households for a period of 15 years. II-7 Improving Public Housing The Salem Housing Authority (SHA) currently administers 1088 Section 8 vouchers. In addition, the SHA owns and manages a portfolio of 715 units of decent, safe and sanitary public housing for low income elderly, family, and handicapped residents which are scattered across the City of Salem. Funding to preserve and maintain these properties is provided by the Department of Housing and Community Development and the Department of Housing and Urban Development. In addition to routine maintenance and repair work, the following modernization work is currently either underway or in design at the following SHA developments: $1.4 million window and door replacement at Pioneer Terrace elderly housing; $135,000.00 emergency generator installation at Morency Manor; $11,000.00 water conservation program of replacement of 26 toilets at various units; and $67,600 walkway paving at Rainbow Terrace. The SHA also recently received notification of a $40,906 award from HUD’s Capital Fund Program, which will be used for maintenance and administration operation costs for the SHA’s 39 units of federally funded public housing. Community Teamwork in Lowell, MA administers approximately 360 Section 8 vouchers in Salem. That number fluctuates from time to time based on new vouchers/projects and terminations. CTI also administers the MA Department of Housing and Community Development’s Family Self-Sufficiency Program which provides employment incentives to Section 8 voucher households. There are currently seven DHCD FSS participants in the City of Salem. Providing Expanded First-Time Homebuyers Assistance The City continues its goal to provide families with the opportunity to own their first home through the First-Time Homebuyer Downpayment Assistance Loan Program (FTHB). In addition to basic downpayment assistance, the program offers a $1,000 increase over the maximum loan amount for homeowners who complete First-Time Homebuyer Counseling through a qualified training program. In addition to administering the First-Time Homebuyer Downpayment Assistance Loan Program, DPCD staff provides assistance to coordinate other resources for down payment assistance, such as Massachusetts Housing Partnership (MHP) SoftSecond Loan program and a variety of homeownership programs offered by MassHousing, as well as supp orting first- time homebuyer education workshops provided by various organizations. Providing Assistance to Renters This year, the City will continue its commitment to assist families with rental down payment assistance (first and last month’s rent and security deposit) to provide families with the funds necessary to secure affordable housing. The program is an important tool for helping families with the costs of moving into a decent apartment. Rehabilitation of Existing Housing The majority of the housing stock in Salem was built prior to 1949. While older homes are an integral part of Salem's history and neighborhood fabric, they also require a great deal of maintenance and may not meet current building codes. In response to this issue, the city administers a Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program (funded with both CDBG and HOME II-8 funds) to provide low-interest loans to owners of single and multi-family properties to address cost-prohibitive health and safety issues. Through the rehabilitation of existing housing stock, more homeowners, as well as tenants residing in rental units, can live in decent housing. We have expanded the program to investor-owners with low- to moderate- income tenants, to address code compliance and health and safety issues and to maintain affordable, quality rental properties and to discourage the conversion of affordable rental units into market rate condominiums. In June, 2007, the N. S. HOME Consortium voted to adopt the federal Energy Star Standards. The implementation of this new policy for the use of HOME funds began in October, 2007. All new HOME-assisted units are required to be certified as Energy Star compliant whenever either new construction is involved or where the rehabilitation of an existing structure involves the gutting of the structure to the bare walls. Homeowners are also referred to NSCAP’s weatherization program, where they can get energy-efficiency work undertaken, and then utilize Salem’s loan program, thereby reducing the homeowner’s loan burden. In addition, the City offers deleading assistance for homeowners with a lead poisoned child through MassHousing’s Get the Lead Out Program. This program can be combined with the City’s Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program. As a Local Rehabilitation Agency (LRA) for the Get the Lead Out Program, Salem is responsible for intake of application information, technical assistance, working with the applicant through the construction process and acting as the escrow agent for the loan funds. Work Regionally to Increase the Supply of Housing The housing market operates regionally and the impact of the market is not confined to city boundaries. Salem has more affordable housing than many cities in the region. At 12.4 percent, Salem has the highest percentage of affordable housing of the 30 cities and towns in the North Shore Home Consortium. However, multi-jurisdiction cooperation is needed to address the region’s lack of affordable housing opportunities. No one city or town can, or should, bear the responsibility of providing all of the region’s affordable units. Salem is committed to working with its partners in the North Shore HOME Consortium and with the region’s mayors to encourage the development of housing throughout the area in an effort to increase the supply of housing for all. II.A-2. Needs of Public Housing HUD has not identified the Salem Housing Authority (SHA) as a “troubled” public housing agency. The SHA continues to implement its modernization programs through separate funding sources. The City consulted with the SHA on public housing needs as part of the consolidated planning process, including coordinating one of the public participation meetings with the Resident Advisory Board (RAB). This meeting was held at one of the larger public housing buildings and was well attended. In developing the plan, city staff considered the needs and comments expressed by SHA and other residents, municipal departments and local agencies. In addition to requiring a tenant to sit on the SHA board, the RAB encourages residents to be involved in management. All public notices and copies of the Consolidated Plan, annual Action Plans and annual CAPERs are provided to the Salem Housing Authority to encourage public housing residents’ involvement. II-9 II.A-3. Barriers to Affordable Housing The Five Year Consolidated Plan outlines several barriers to housing affordability in Salem: a shortage of land, the lack of regulatory tools to require or encourage affordable housing in new developments, the lack of resources to preserve existing affordable units , an economy imbalanced by lower-wage jobs, and local government’s dependence on the property tax to finance City services. Like other communities, Salem is not in control of all of these barriers and as a result, its ability to solve them is constrained by financial resources and legal requirements. However, through its efforts to preserve and increase the supply of affordable housing through its Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program, First-Time Homebuyer Downpayment Assistance Loan Program and Affordable Development Programs the City is able to address some of these barriers. And although Salem is above the threshold of 10 percent affordable housing, the City had entertained and approved a friendly Chapter 40B Comprehensive Permit for the redevelopment of the former St. Joseph's church site. The existing zoning was a barrier to affordable housing. This approval effectively waived certain zoning requirements, including density, height and use. In addition, The City Council rezoned the site to Central Business zoning, allowing a mixed use component, thus paving the way for the development of new affordable rental housing in the Point Neighborhood. In addition, the City Council, with the support of the DPCD, has approved the waiver of permitting fees for at least one affordable housing development project. Despite our efforts to help renters become homeowners, there has been a steep decline in the number of participants in the First-Time Homebuyer Downpayment Assistance Loan Program. We attribute this to the number of new homebuyers who, although eligible for our programs, are being denied loans as a result of tighter standards instituted by lending institutions in response to recently passed legislation. In addition, the recent foreclosure crisis (see discussion above) has created new obstacles to developing and purchasing affordable housing. II.A-4. Homelessness and Homelessness Prevention In addition to being a regional leader in providing affordable housing, Salem is at the forefront of providing services for those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Several agencies that serve both Salem and the region are located in the city. Salem is home to the Lifebridge (formerly the Salem Mission), a 34-bed shelter for men and women 18 years or older. Salem-based HAWC is a regional agency offering emergency shelter for battered women and their children. The Salvation Army provides short-term emergency housing at local hotels/motels. DPCD works directly with the NSCAP to expand and enhance its existing programs that address the housing crisis for homeless families and those at risk of homelessness. Since 2006, NSCAP has assisted over 4500 Salem households with job training, legal advocacy, housing assistance (including fuel assistance and homeless prevention) and lang uage learning. In recent years, NSCAP’s Housing Law Project has provided brief legal service or direct legal representation to hundreds of low-income tenants. NSCAP works with clients to resolve housing issues and has preserved or renegotiated tenancies for numerous clients. Based on this experience, NSCAP concludes that a majority of clients are able to avoid homelessness with a modest amount of legal advocacy and funds. Nevertheless, in March 2014, NSCAP provided the following statistics: II-10 Despite the improvement of the job market, 48% of NSCAP’s clients who are Salem residents have incomes below the Federal Poverty Level. The typical hourly wage of a NSCAP client has remained stagnant at $13.00 per hour; Although 40% of NSCAP’s clients work, they still need some sort of assistance to make ends meet. The number of Salem households requesting fuel assistance remains the same at 1,100 households; The price of heating oil has increased from $3.49/gal to $3.90/gal in the last year. This winter has been especially cold. The continued relevance of these statistics, along with the ongoing mortgage crisis, makes homeless prevention a priority need. II.A-4.1. Sources of Funds The City of Salem relies on its federal funding to address homeless needs and conduct homeless prevention activities. Each year, through the public services program, the City of Salem solicits proposals from nonprofit organizations for housing and community services. Through this process, the City funds various homeless programs including, but not limi ted to: rental down payment assistance program, homeless prevention emergency assistance, outreach programs, and transitional housing. The North Shore HOME Consortium, of which the City is a member, also has received funds through the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act programs and the Consortium distributes these funds directly to area organizations. In the past, the Lifebridge has been a subrecipient of these funds. The Lifebridge also receives funding from the state, other nonprofit organizations and private corporations. II.A-4.2. Homelessness & Chronic Homelessness Understanding that people who are homeless have individualized needs, the City of Salem works with service providers that offer an array of services that address needs ranging from meal provision to permanent housing. Some of the agencies the City funds that address homelessness include: Eastgate Fellowship Church – provides a food pantry for low and moderate income residents Haven From Hunger – provides meals, a food pantry and various job-training programs. HAWC – a regional agency headquartered in Salem which offers emergency shelter for battered women and their children and provides counseling, referrals, advocacy and day care. Lifebridge provides meals and clothing, delivers on-site medical and mental health services and refers clients to services including housing, health, public benefits, employment and training, veterans’ services, detoxification, substance abuse and mental health assistance. Having recently moved to a new, larger facility, they are working toward expanding and adding programs, such as computer training, to help increase self -sufficiency, with the goal of working toward eliminating the cause of homelessness, rather than just addressing the symptoms of homelessness. Salvation Army – provides short-term emergency housing at local hotels/motels. St. Joseph’s Food Pantry/North Shore Moving Market– provides food distribution to elderly and disabled residents. In FY06, the City committed to funding assistance for a project at 20 Endicott St./7 High St. being undertaken by the Lifebridge as part of the Mission’s goal to end homelessness by helping homeless individuals to achieve self-sufficiency. It consisted of the acquisition of two buildings that together II-11 would provide 22 units of supportive housing to chronically homeless individuals and an additional unit for a low-income resident manager (the project secured over $2 million in State and Federal funding). Construction is complete and the units are occupied. In addition, the City has a long-established Downtown Outreach Program Steering Committee to address homelessness in the downtown area. The Committee continues to meet three times yearly to review the progress of the Downtown Outreach Worker (provided through Lifebridge) in connecting homeless individuals with housing, detoxification, medical assessments and other human services. They also discuss issues such as the availability of detoxification beds and long -term planning efforts for homeless individuals who refuse service s due to mental health or alcohol/drug abuse problems. The Committee includes representatives from the downtown business community, Lifebridge, and the Salem Police Department, as well as other interested individuals. The City of Salem also continues to support and administer Salem H.O.P.E. (Human Organization Partnership Effort) a network of human service providers that meets quarterly at rotating social service agency locations. Agency representatives meet, exchange information, announcements and updates to enhance coordination of programs. They work to fill gaps in services, avoid duplication of services, and coordinate efforts. DPCD administers this program and produces the Salem H.O.P.E. digital newsletter quarterly. Representatives of the Mayor’s Office and the Department of Planning and Community Development are participants in a newly formed Homeless Youth Working Group being coordinated by the Salem Community Charter School. II.A-4.3. Homeless Prevention Homeless prevention activities sponsored by the city come in various forms. Catholic Charities, HAWC, Salvation Army and NSCAP all provide a CDBG-funded Homeless Prevention Program, to provide emergency assistance to families at-risk of homelessness through eviction. Food pantries, such as CDBG-funded programs at Eastgate Fellowship Church (St. Joseph’s Food Pantry), Haven From Hunger and the North Shore Moving Market, help subsidize food costs for very-low income families. Child care services (through Salem Community Child Care and Salem YMCA) help families financially so that they afford other basic needs and avoid homelessness. II-12 II.A-5. Fiscal Year 2015 Affordable Housing Activities The City of Salem undertakes many strategies for families to live in decent, affordable housing. The affordable housing activities and homelessness programs that will receive FY15 federal funding are described below. All of the programs are either available citywide to households that meet HUD’s income eligibility rules or are targeted to low- and moderate-income neighborhoods. First-Time Homebuyer Downpayment Assistance Loan Program The First-Time Homebuyer Downpayment Assistance Loan Program provides 0 percent interest, deferred-payment loans to families that wish to purchase a home in the City of Salem. The loan is deferred, as long as ownership of the property is not sold, transferred or refinanced. This program provides renters with the opportunity to become homeowners, while potentially freeing up a rental unit for another family. Projected Accomplishments: 1 Household Assisted Proposed Funding: $0 CDBG This activity will use carried over funding from FY14. Rental Assistance Programs The Rental Downpayment Assistance Program, administered through local social service agencies, provides assistance to low- and very low-income Salem residents to help pay first and last month’s rents and security deposits to enable them to obtain decent housing or to help subsidized rents on a temporary basis for families escaping violence. Projected Accomplishments: 36 households assisted Proposed Funding: $40,000 HOME Congress/Dow Street Housing Revitalization The North Shore CDC is in the process of acquiring 3 buildings on Congress and Dow Streets that will add thirty-seven 3-bedroom units to their affordable housing portfolio. A small number will be reserved for formerly homeless families. CDBG funds will assist with acquisition cost. Projected Accomplishments: 37 Housing Units Proposed Funding: $75,000 CDBG This activity will also use $25,000 carried over funding from FY14. TP 6PT Rents are established by HUD annually. Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program The Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program provides technical and financial assistance to help homeowners make needed improvements to their properties. The program’s primary objectives are the elimination of lead paint, hazardous health and safety conditions, code violations, and barriers to accessibility. The program rehabilitates owner -occupied single and multi-family properties, which also creates and/or improves rental opportunities. As requested by residents to address the issue of substandard rental housing, this program also addresses building code violations and health and safety issues in investor-owned properties with preference to locations in low to moderate income neighborhoods. Upon completion of the rehabilitation, and for at least 15 years thereafter, all rental units assisted with federal funding will be restricted to affordable rents.6 Projected Accomplishments: 4 Housing Units Rehabbed Proposed Funding: $118,332 CDBG; $57,325 HOME This activity may also use carried over funding from FY1 4 (to assist additional households). II-13 Community Support Services (housing services, homeless and/or homeless prevention programs) This program provides grants to nonprofit agencies for social service programs that assist low - and moderate-income Salem residents in need. Funded programs are selected through a competitive Request for Proposal process. In recent years, it i ncluded Homelessness Prevention Programs that provides emergency grants in order to eliminate rent or utility arrearages in order to prevent families from being displaced, the Downtown Outreach Program which provides for a Street Advocate to connect homeless persons to shelter and other needed services, a First-Time Homebuyer education program, as well as an accessible housing services for those with disabilities. Projected Accomplishments: See Community Support Services in the Social Services section Proposed Funding: See Community Support Services in the Social Services section Rehabilitation Administration Provides for the administration costs necessary to manage our rehabilitation programs, including inspectional services, mortgage filings, salary, benefits and non -salary expenses. Proposed Funding: $63,203 CDBG; $3,010 HOME II-14 Boston Federal Reserve Bank President Eric Rosengren and Mayor Kim Driscoll during a walking tour of the Pont Neighborhood following the award of a $100,000 Working Cities Challenge grant. Photo courtesy of Ken Yuszkus Salem News. II.B. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT According to the HUD website, in 2013, Salem has 46.8 percent low- and moderate-income residents. Further, the U. S. Census Bureau reports that Salem’s median household income is $56,580 compared to the statewide average of $66,658.7 Salem has not been immune from the recent economic crisis and the resulting job losses. However, there are some signs of improvement. For example, as of December, 2013, the unemployment rate in Salem was 6.6% compared to the statewide average of 7.1%8. While this data is encouraging, there is considerable work to be done, and the City of Salem is committed to continuing efforts to stimulate economic development in order to create jobs. DPCD works to bring new employers to the city, while retaining jobs by helping existing businesses improve their commercial infrastructure or expand their operations. The improved vitality in our neighborhood and downtown commercial districts has the additional benefit of providing goods and services locally and of stabilizing neighborhoods, as we ll as improving public safety. In the coming fiscal year, the city will continue to redevelop commercial districts and work aggressively to attract employers who provide good jobs at good wages for Salem residents. II.B-1. Strategies for Economic Development The following is a summary of Salem’s long-term economic development strategy, which will help to generate new tax revenues, to establish new businesses that provide residents with the products and services they desire, to create new jobs, and to revitalize our commercial areas. The key components of the strategy include: Providing Additional Financing Opportunities for Businesses Businesses often need additional assistance and more creative financing options than may be offered by banks. Even the very best innovative new business idea often has difficulty filling the “gap” between what they can invest and what banks will loan, versus the cost of the project. Without capital, new equipment or storefront improvements, some of the best small businesses can fail. The Salem Business Loan Program offers expanded financing opportunities for local entrepreneurs, while creating jobs and revitalizing the city. The program provides these types of loans: Microenterprise Assistance - provides loans to low- to moderate-income entrepreneurs to assist with their microenterprise business (5 or fewer full -time employees, including the owner) 7 2008-2012 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates 8 Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development II-15 Commercial Revitalization – provides loans to business owners in the downtown and eligible neighborhood districts to assist with the exterior rehabilitation of their business and/or to correct code violations Special Economic Development – provides loans to business owners throughout the city in exchange for job creation and/or job retention for low- and moderate-income people. Low-interest loans for commercial, industrial or mixed-use projects help create and retain jobs while improving the appearance of neighborhoods and promoting economic growth. The DPCD will continue to work with business owners to help finance a small project or to assist with gap financing of larger projects. Providing Technical Assistance for Small Businesses Often small business owners need some degree of technical assistance to help them with managing or growing their business. The needs of local entrepreneurs range from business planning, drawing up financial statements, or navigating the city permitting process. The City’s Economic Development Planner assists with new business location or existing business relocation, walks new businesses through the permitting process, and coordinates available loan programs. The city works in collaboration with several agencies to improve economic opportunity in Salem by providing technical assistance to businesses. The Salem Main Street Initiative, Salem Partnership, Salem Chamber of Commerce, Destination Salem, SBA Small Business Development Center and Salem State University Assistance Corporation’s Enterprise Center each work in cooperation with the city to support local business, with some of the programs targeted toward lo w-income, minority and female entrepreneurs. In 2007, the City finalized an updated version of the Doing Business in Salem Guide that is available on the City’s website. The City is in the process of updating this guide, which will be available in late 2014. Revitalizing the Downtown and Neighborhood Commercial Districts Healthy vibrant downtown and neighborhood commercial districts are essential to Salem’s overall economic health. The Storefront Improvement Program helps to improve the physical appearance of districts by advocating for appropriate design and historic preservation. By offering small business loans and grants toward new signage and façade improvements, the City is helping to enhance our historic neighborhood business districts with financia l incentives to Salem business and property owners. Furthermore, the City has developed the City of Salem Commercial Design Guidelines to help business and property owners with appropriate design. Copies are free at the DPCD office or on the City’s website. Attracting Major Employers Salem has moved from a manufacturing and retail base into a diversified, knowledge -based economy. Nevertheless, no matter which industry sector is most prominent, the need still exists for attracting employers who can provide jobs that give working families a chance to earn a decent living. In partnership with the state, Salem will continue to work to attract major employment opportunities. The City’s designation as an Economic Target Area, as defined by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, allows Salem to offer innovative tax programs and creative financing options, including Tax Increment Financing, as an incentive for new or expanding businesses. MassDevelopment, a state financing agency, also continues to be a II-16 significant partner in Salem’s revitalization, providing much needed financing for manufacturing businesses moving or expanding in Salem. The effort to attract new employers requires an ongoing campaign to market and promote Salem as a great place to live and work. Destination Salem is undertaking such a campaign. Revitalizing Abandoned Industrial Parcels In old cities, especially in the industrial northeast where very little wide-open “greenfield” space remains for new development, one component of economic revitalization is the reuse of “brownfields.” Brownfields are abandoned or underutilized industrial parcels, often contaminated, that blight a neighborhood and lie dormant on the tax rolls. Revitalizing these sites - for commercial reuse, new residential or mixed -use development (residential and neighborhood retail) - can help restore a neighborhood and make the land productive again. The City utilized funding received through the EPA for remediation grants to help with the clean-up of two sites in the Point Neighborhood. Returning these and other brownfields sites to productive use will help improve the appearance of the neighborhoods and will help foster economic development. Currently, the City, in coordination with the Metropolitan Area Planning Council and the City of Peabody, is implementing a $1 million EPA Brownfields Assessment Grant. This grant will provide funding to private property owners to assess brownfields sites in order to plan for their redevelopment. II.B-2. Fiscal Year 2015 Economic Development Activities The City of Salem is dedicated to neighborhood economic development through efforts to revitalize commercial districts, improve exterior building façades, and assist local business owners. The following is a brief overview of the programs the city wi ll fund in FY15. Program delivery costs for loan administration may be included in the total economic development expenditures. Small Business Financial Assistance Programs The City provides financial assistance to local business owners through its Busi ness Loan Program and Storefront Improvement Program, which are operated out of a funding pool. The Salem Business Loan Program works to expand financing opportunities for local entrepreneurs, while creating jobs for low- and moderate-income individuals and revitalizing the city’s urban renewal area and income-eligible neighborhoods. The program provides low-interest loans to qualified entrepreneurs to cover the gap between the amount of financing needed for an economic development project and the amount th at conventional lenders can finance. Funds are available for acquisition, construction, or rehabilitation of real property and for financing related to the purchase of equipment, fixtures, inventory, leasehold improvements and working capital. Terms and conditions of the loans vary. The Storefront Improvement Program – This program is designed to encourage private investment and reinvestment by new and existing property/business owners in eligible commercial districts. The program allows a one-to-one match for façade improvements. The match from the city is up to $5,000 for each storefront. Projected Accomplishments: 1 business Proposed Funding: $0 Location: Citywide availability with eligible projects selected on a rolling basis. This activity will use carried over funds from FY14 and some activities may be undertaken as part of the Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy for the Point Neighborhood. II-17 Business Technical Assistance The City helps to coordinate and fund technical assistance services to lo cal business owners. In FY15, the City will continue to fund the Salem Main Streets Downtown Program. The goal of the Program is to assist in the revitalization of downtown Salem as a vibrant year -round retail, dining and cultural destination through business recruitment, retention and promotion. Main Streets works with entrepreneurs and business owners to secure needed resources and navigate approval processes. Main Streets also works to improve the downtown business climate in support of additional economic development. Technical assistance is also provided to new and existing businesses by the City’s Economic Development Planner, who administers the City’s financial assistance programs and provides administration to the Salem Redevelopment Authority, which oversees the Urban Renewal Area. Projected Accomplishments: 20 microenterprise owners or potential owners assisted Proposed Funding: $113,000 Location: Citywide with a preference for businesses located in income eligible neighborhoods Enterprise Center Microenterprise Business Technical Assistance Program (this activity is also listed in the NRSA section) The Enterprise Center (EC), working with the regional SBA funded Small Business Development Center at Salem State University (SBDC), will jo intly develop and offer four (4) free, Spanish language business workshops that will cover basic business issues, including marketing, sales, financials and business management. These workshops will be specifically geared to help existing Spanish speaking owners of microenterprises (5 or few employees) and entrepreneurs who are developing microenterprises, start and grow their businesses. These workshops will be videotaped and made available through our partnership with the Salem Access TV (SATV) so that they can be viewed 24/7, 365 days a year, as part of a Spanish speaking video library. Each participating entrepreneur and microenterprise owner will also receive one-on-one business counseling support from the SBDC, for 12 months in Spanish or English, as requested. Finally, these funds will subsidize the membership cost for a business owner to join the North Shore Latino Business Association. The Program is leveraging funds from a Working Cities Challenge Grant awarded by the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston. Projected Accomplishments: 10 microenterprise owners or potential owners assisted Proposed Funding: $23,499 Location: All activities to be held in the Point Neighborhood II-18 II.C. NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENT Residents depend on neighborhood infrastructure and public facility improvements to make the city the livable community that it is. By continually investing in neighborhoods, Salem strives to be the best place it can be for people to live and work. Park and street improvements, handicap access and annual tree planting are projects that can be the life of a neighborhood. In FY15, the City will continue the investment in various neighborhoods. II.C-1. Strategies for Infrastructure and Public Facilities Public Infrastructure and Traffic Improvements In FY15, CDBG funds will continue to be used to undertake improvement projects in eligible neighborhoods, such as street paving, new sidewalks, curbcuts/crosswalks, traffic improvements and the removal of architectural barriers citywide. This year, the City will also look at improvements to the pedestrian mall. Neighborhood Planning Initiatives The City is committed to conducting neighborhood planning initiatives. Traffic, streetscape and pedestrian safety improvements on Lafayette Street from the intersection at Harbor Street to the intersection at Washington and Dow Streets are complete. Lafayette Park, also in this neighborhood, will be redesigned. The City will also continue replacing existing neighborhood history signs or installing new history signs in neighborhoods with no signs. In addition, the city continues to assess and clean-up known contaminated sites and is currently working with state and federal agencies on several parcels. Public Facility Improvements The city will continue to invest in efforts that strengthen its public facilities. City Hall has seen major improvements over the last few years, including the construction of a new elevator and related handicap access improvements, as well as roof replacement, chimney repointing and the replacement of skylights, gutters and downspouts currently underway. In FY14, park improvements were undertaken at Gallows Hill and Memorial Parks, along with an addition to the Teen Resource Center in the Point Neighborhood. In FY15, CDBG funds will be used to install a fence at the skateboard park at Gallows Hill Park, as well as improvements to one or more Point Neighborhood parks/playgrounds. Salem Point Neighborhood Visioning Project This project is a collaboration with the City of Salem, the Metropolitan Area Planning Council, North Shore Community Development Coalition and grassroots stakeholders to develop a Vision Statement and Action Plan for the Point Neighborhood. Funded by the Metro Boston Consortium for Sustainable Communities, it included a walking tour, public forums and the development of an interactive web-based game where community members contribute ideas about the neighborhood. The purpose was to empower residents to create II-19 their own community vision. CDBG funds will be used to assist in making this vision a reality. II.C-2. Fiscal Year 2015 Neighborhood Improvement Activities The City of Salem strives to create a truly livable community by continuing to invest in its neighborhood infrastructure and public facilities. Due to the size and scope of these projects, some require multi-year funding; however, the proposed funding levels shown below are for this fiscal year. Neighborhood Street and Sidewalk Improvements /Tree Planting The City’s Street Improvement Program funds the repaving of streets, installation of curb cuts/crosswalks, replacement of sidewalks and planting of street trees in eligible neighborhoods. Some improvements may be undertaken as part of the Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy for the Point Neighborhood. Projected Accomplishments: Locations of street and sidewalk improvements and tree planting is to be determined. Proposed Funding: $29,000 Gallows Hill/Mansell Park Improvements Installation of fencing around the existing skate park. Projected Accomplishments: New fence Proposed Funding: $11,500 Point Neighborhood Park & Playground Improvements (this activity is also listed in the NRSA section) Various improvements to Palmer Cove, MaryJane Lee, Peabody Street and/or Lafayette Parks/Playgrounds, including the installation of a playground splash pad. Projected Accomplishments: Various infrastructure improvements Proposed Funding: $100,000 – This activity may also use carried over funds from FY14. This activity is leveraging funds from an Our Common Back Yard grant from the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. South Harbor Garage – Section 108 Loan Repayments This provides for the annual payment of principal and interest for a HUD Section 108 Loan obtained in 1994, which was used toward the acquisition of land and construction of the South Harbor garage and retail storefront units. Proposed Funding: $37,705.50 The Neighborhood Improvement category will also include $15,000 for program delivery costs and $64,630.50 in unprogrammed/contingency funds. II-20 Power Hour at the Boys & Girls Club II.D. SOCIAL SERVICES (INCLUDING HOMELESS AND NON- HOMELESS SPECIAL NEEDS) Along with housing services to help provide decent, affordable housing and economic development activities to help provide good jobs at good wages, individuals and families may have additional needs that are specific to their household. The Five Year Consolidated Plan identified the need for various social service programs to primarily benefit Salem’s low- to moderate-income population and those with special needs (i.e. physically or mentally disabled, elderly or frail elderly, youth, non-English speaking residents, persons living with HIV/AIDS, substance abusers and homeless persons and families). Each year, Salem sets aside funds for social service programs to address these special needs. Through a Request for Proposals process, the city makes awards to nonprofit service organizations that offer such services. Public services eligible for funding include, but are not limited to, employment, crime prevention, child care, health, substance abuse, education, fair housing counseling, energy conservation, recreation programs, food programs and services for senior citizens. Target populations include, but are not limited to, persons with HIV/AIDS, abused children, battere d spouses, elderly and frail elderly, minorities, non-English speaking residents, residents of public assisted housing, persons who are mentally ill or mentally retarded, substance abusers, youth and persons with disabilities. Funding proposals received are available for viewing at the DPCD. II.D-1. Strategies for Social Service Needs In Fiscal Year 2015, the City of Salem will continue its support of social service agencies that serve Salem’s residents in need. The key components of the strategy include: Provide Financial Assistance to Priority Social Service Programs Through an annual competitive funding round, the City of Salem financially supports nonprofit social service agency programs that provide needed services that help families meet the cost of living, promote family self-sufficiency, serve special populations or provide crisis intervention assistance. In addition, along with the many programs that help directly with housing and household expenses (see Affordable Housing), funds support several other programs which indirectly assist with housing in many ways such as increased pay (i.e. job training, ESL programs) and decreased monthly expenditures (i.e. child care, prescription, food programs) so households can better afford rent or mortgages. Note: HUD regulations cap the amount of funds used for social services at 15 percent of the total (current year entitlement plus prior year program income x 15%). Provide Administrative Assistance to Salem H.O.P.E. Salem H.O.P.E. is a networking group of social service agencies that meet at rotating public service agency locations. Open to all social service agency representatives that serve Salem residents, it is a forum to work toward filling gaps in services and avoiding the duplication of efforts. DPCD staff coordinates the quarterly meetings and distribute s the digital quarterly Salem H.O.P.E. newsletter. II-21 Links to social service agency websites are located at http://www.salem.com/Pages/SalemMA_DPCD/dpcdlinks Independent Living Center also provides an on-line “yellow pages” of resources. It is located at http://www.ilcnsca.org/yellowpages.php II.D-2. Fiscal Year 2015 Social Services Activities The City of Salem has established priority goals that support a broad range of social service programs that are consistent with the needs and goals identified in the Five Year Consolidated Plan. Community Support Services This program provides grants to nonprofit agencies for social service programs that assist homeless individuals and families, as well as low- and moderate-income Salem residents in need. Funded programs are selected through a competitive Request for Proposal process. See section II. D-3 for a list of agencies submitting funding proposals Proposed Accomplishments: Grants for approximately 25 social service agency programs to assist an estimated 10,000 persons. Proposed Funding: $160,123 (will also fund Community Support Services described in the Housing section) Public services carried out pursuant to a Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy by a Community- Based Development Organization are exempt from the public service cap. The following activiting is conditional upon HUD’s approval of the Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Area. North Shore CDC Leadership Development Program This provides for activities to be undertaken per the Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy. The first activity will be to provide funds to North Shore CDC for their Leadership Development Program, which will utilize a series of events, both structured and social in nature to educate, empower, promote self-advoacy, and foster leadership opportunities among the diverse members of the community. It will include community building events, technical assistance for existing grassroots groups, voter engagement, workshops, social media outreach and support of affirmative action. This activity is leveraging funds from a Working Cities Challenge Grant awarded by the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston. Projected Accomplishments: Events and programs for an estimated 75 persons; see Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy for benchmarks Proposed Funding: $43,000 Location: All activities to be held in the Point Neighborhood II-22 II.D-3. Fiscal Year 2015 Social Services Funding Proposals Received The following is a list of public service programs for which funding proposals were received in Spring. FY15 funding awards are typically made in the Fall. Located within or steps from the Point Neighborhood: Boys & Girls Club of Greater Salem - Power Hour Catholic Charities - Homeless Prevention Program Catholic Charities - Little Lambs - Mothers/Babies Program HAWC - Emergency Shelter Children’s Services HAWC - Homeless Prevention Program Independent Living Center of the North Shore and Cape Ann, Inc. - Housing Assistance Services North Shore CDC - Family Stability Program - Educational Workshops Salem Access Television - Youth in Action/Jovenes en Accion Salem Community Child Care - After School Kindergarten Salem Police Department - Point Targeted Patrols VOCES - Hispanic Education Program Located in Downtown Salem: Lifebridge - Medical & Outreach Supportive Services North Shore Community Action Programs, Inc. - Salem Cyberspace College Success Program Salem YMCA - School Age Child Care Located within Salem: Bentley Elementary School - Students on the Move and S’more Fun Cerebral Palsy Association of Eastern Massachusetts, Inc. - North Shore Infant & Toddler Program East Christian Fellowship - Joseph’s Storehouse Food Pantry Salem Council on Aging - Senior Transportation Program The Salvation Army - Homeless Prevention Program Wellspring House - MediClerk Job Training Program Located outside Salem (but available to Salem residents): Community Teamwork, Inc. - Steps to Homeownership Haven From Hunger - Food Pantry Program North Shore Community Action Programs, Inc. - Homeless Prevention Program II-23 II.E. PLANNING & ADMINISTRATION CDBG funds may be used to cover costs associated with planning and gener al administration. In Fiscal Year 2015, the City of Salem plans to use CDBG funds to provide the tools needed to manage the CDBG program. II.E-1. Fiscal Year 2015 Planning & Administration Activities General Program Administration This activity provides for the necessary general administration costs of the CDBG program oversight and coordination. It also includes the development of plans and studies and the provision of public information. General administration costs are capped at 20 percent of the available CDBG funds. Proposed Funding: $213,498 (salary, benefits, non-salary expenses, studies) II-24 The Point Neighborhood is slated to be designated a Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Area. II.F. NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION STRATEGY AREA HUD encourages Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) grantees to develop comprehensive approaches to stimulating the neighborhood and empowering low-income residents in local target neighborhoods. In meeting this initiative, jurisdictions may define a Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Area (NRSA) to revitalize a community’s most distressed areas. NRSAs bring together neighborhood residents, small business owners, and property owners, as well as larger community stakeholders to forge partnerships that commit to neighborhood building, make neighborhoods attractive for investment, ensure that economic activity benefits are reinvested in the neighborhood, and foster growth of resident-based initiatives. Communities with approved NRSAs are offered enhanced flexibility in undertaking economic development, housing, and public services activities with their CDBG funds. This flexibility is designed to promote innovative programs in economically disadvantaged areas of the community. As a result of the Point Neighborhood Visioning Project, which engaged nearly 300 people in a visioning project, the City of Salem has created a six-year Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy (separate document) and CDBG funds will be one source to implement that strategy. Activities proposed for the first year are indicated below. The ten year goal for Salem’s NRS Area is to reduce the disparity between Point residents and the City of Salem as a whole by: Increasing household income; Decreasing the poverty rate; and Decreasing unemployment. II.F-1. Fiscal Year 2015 NRSA Activities Below are the NRSA activities proposed for FY15. Activities listed for funding in other categories (i.e. Economic Development: Small Business Financial Assistance and Neighborhood Improvements: Neighborhood Street and Sidewalk Improvements/Tree Planting) may also be undertaken in the NRSA. Public Services programs, such as Salem Police Department’s targeted patrols, will be undertaken in the Point Neighborhood. Housing activites undertaken by North Shore CDC will be undertaken in the Point Neighborhood (including acquisition/rehabilitation of 37 housing units at 52- 60 Dow and 105-111 Congress Streets, as well as rehabilitation of 77 units of existing housing). Additional NRSA activities may also be undertaken utilizing CDBG funds that were identified for Point Visioning Projects from FY14. Activities utilizing CDBG funds (approximately 16% of the total CDBG funds available - entitlement and program income): II-25 Enterprise Center Microenterprise Business Technical Assistance Program (this activity is also listed in the Economic Development section) The Enterprise Center (EC), working with the regional SBA funded Small Business Development Center at Salem State University (SBDC), will jointly develop and offer four (4) free, Spanish language business workshops that will cover basic business issues, including marketing, sales, financials and business management. These workshops will be specifically geared to help existing Spanish speaking owners of microenterprises (5 or few employees) and entrepreneurs who are developing microenterprises, start and grow their businesses. These workshops will be videotaped and made available through our partnership with the Salem Access TV (SATV) so that they can be viewed 24/7, 365 days a year, as part of a Spanish speaking video library. Each participating entrepreneur and microenterprise owner will also receive one-on-one business counseling support from the SBDC, for 12 months in Spanish or English, as requested. Finally, these funds will subsidize the membership cost for a business owner to join the North Shore Latino Business Association. The Program is leveraging funds from a Working Cities Challenge Grant awarded by the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston. Projected Accomplishments: 10 microenterprise owners or potential owners assisted Proposed Funding: $23,499 Location: All activities to be held in the Point Neighborhood North Shore CDC Leadership Development Program (this activity is also listed in the Public Services section) This provides for activities to be undertaken per the Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy. The first activity will be to provide funds to North Shore CDC for their Leadership Development Program, which will utilize a series of events, both structured and social in nature to educate, empower, promote self-advoacy, and foster leadership opportunities amo ng the diverse members of the community. It will include community building events, technical assistance for existing grassroots groups, voter engagement, workshops, social media outreach and support of affirmative action. This activity is leveraging funds from a Working Cities Challenge Grant awarded by the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston. Projected Accomplishments: Events and programs for an estimated 75 persons; see Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy for benchmarks Proposed Funding: $43,000 Location: All activities to be held in the Point Neighborhood Point Neighborhood Park & Playground Improvements (this activity is also listed in the Neighborhood Improvement section) Various improvements to Palmer Cove, MaryJane Lee, Peabody Street and/or Lafa yette Parks/Playgrounds. This included the installation of a playground splash pad that will serve approximately 100 children between the ages of 2 and 10. Projected Accomplishments: Various infrastructure improvements Proposed Funding: $100,000 – This activity may also use carried over funds from FY14. This activity is leveraging funds from an Our Common Back Yard grant from the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. Location: All activities to be held in the Point Neighborhood II-26 Additional proposed NRS activities that are not directly utilizing CDBG funds include but are not limited to: Hire a part-time Latino Affairs Coordinator (hired September, 2013); Conduct programs and/or events in Point Neighborhood parks (including the annual Summer Concert Series on weekends at Peabody Street Park); Provide an English language learning program contextualized for industry specific vocabulary Produce a retail market analysis of the Point Neighborhood; Produce a commercial corridor plan studying Lafayette and Congress Streets, as well as streets that connect those two primary corridors; Translate the City’s “How to Do Business” guide into Spanish; Nominate the Point neighborhood to the National Register of Historic Places; and Create publicity materials for the Storefront Improvement Program aimed at Spanish-speaking business owners. II-27 II.G. FISCAL YEAR 2014 ACTION PLAN AMENDMENTS, CONSOLIDATED PLAN AMENDMENTS AND/OR ONGOING PROJECTS II.G-1. Action Plan Amendment During the program period it may be beneficial to revise the Annual Action Plan in order to reflect changes in priority needs and goals. There are no revisions proposed for the FY14 Action Plan. II.G-2. Consolidated Plan Amendment This serves to notify the public of a Consolidated Plan amendment - The City of Salem is requesting consideration by HUD for approval of its Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy (attached as a separate document). The Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy is provided in accordance with the criteria established for submission as described in the Consolidated Plan regulations at Sec. 91.215(e) (2). II.G-3. Ongoing Activities In addition, while a number of activities take place entirely in one fiscal year, the City undertakes projects of a larger size, scope or complexity as multi -year projects. The chart below provides a list of ongoing activities and those that will likely continue into FY15. Project Description Economic Development Programs Programs include Business Loans, Neighborhood Storefront Improvements. Business Technical Assistance and Salem Main Street Initiative Housing Programs Included are First-Time Homebuyers Downpayment Assistance Program, Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program and Affordable Housing Programs. Lafayette Park Improvements Park improvements to be coordinated with the redevelopment of the St. Joseph’s site. Memorial Park Field Improvements Resurface 2 acre multi-purpose field Neighborhood Street & Sidewalk Improvements Repaving of streets, installation of curb cuts/crosswalks, and replacement of sidewalks in eligible neighborhoods. Splaine Park Improvements Environmental clean-up and rebuilding of ball field; restoration of basketball court and gazebo, replacement of playground; enhancement of entrances, and installation of community growing spaces using CDBG, City and PARC grant funds. Tree Planting Program Planting of new street trees in eligible areas Neighborhood Historic Signs Replacing existing or installing new sign panels in eligible neighborhoods. II-28 Project Description Point Neighborhood Visioning Project Improvements per the Point Neighborhood Visioning Action Plan will be implemented (i.e. lighting, basketball court, signage, benches) Pedestrian Mall Improvements Infrastructure improvements to enhance pedestrian circulation, safety and aesthetics. Pedestrian Mall Fountain Redesign/rehabilitation of existing fountain. Harborwalk Extension Extension to Harborwalk III-1 III. HUD REQUIRED NARRATIVES III.A. Geographic Distribution of Funds Some of the activities the City of Salem plans to undertake in FY15 are available on a citywide basis. However, the City typically targets activities to specific neighborhoods with concentrations of low- and moderate-income households or to programs that benefit specific populations such as senior citizens, disabled persons and minorities. The maps located in the appendices indicate that the areas with the highest concentration of Hispanic, Black and Native American races are located within one of Salem’s low- and moderate-income areas, the Point Neighborhood, as well as dep ict areas with concentrations of low- and moderate- income households and of Salem’s Urban Renewal Area. HUD has indicated that we should continue to use the 2000 Census block groups for determining low to moderate income areas until census data down to the block group level is released by HUD (no earlier than July 1, 2014). According to the 2000 Census, areas of low to moderate income concentration are the Point Neighborhood, the neighborhoods along Boston Street, the area bordered by Jackson and Wilson Streets and Jefferson and Highland Avenues, South Salem between Lafayette and Canal Streets, the neighborhood south and east of Broad and Summer Streets to Washington and Canal Streets, the neighborhood bordered by Winter, Bridge, Arbella and Briggs and the portion of Essex St reet in Salem Neck. When prioritizing activities, the City pays special attention to those low- and moderate-income neighborhoods where the greatest needs have been identified and whose public facilities and infrastructure are in the worst condition. In accordance with CDBG regulation, the City can undertake specific activities, such as street, sidewalk and playground improvements in the low- and moderate-income neighborhoods or in neighborhoods meeting the definition of “slums and blight”, with the exception of handicap access improvements which can be undertake city-wide. However, recognizing that needs are not solely located in distressed neighborhoods, the City also offers programs that may be accessed by people living outside these areas. For example, the Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program, First-Time Homebuyer Downpayment Assistance Loan Program, and the Small Business Loan Program are offered citywide to allow any low - to moderate-income individual or household to take advantage of their availability . III.B. Managing the Process and Institutional Structure The DPCD administers the City of Salem’s Community Development Program as well as the formula funding received by the North Shore HOME Consortium for which the City of Peabody is the lead agency. Under the direction of the Director of Planning and Community Development, the Assistant Community Development Director manages and monitors Salem’s community development programs. Salem’s housing programs are administered by the DPCD Housing Coordinator under the direction of the Director of Planning and Community Development. In addition, local non-profit agencies, CHDOs and CDCs administer certain housing activities. Many housing activities leverage funds through private lender financing. City departments undertake certain CDBG-funded activities, such as the tree planting program, sidewalk replacement, street paving and curbcut installation. These departments may subcontract work under public bidding procedures and provide requests for reimbursement and any required documentation (i.e. prevailing wage documentation) to the DPCD. III-2 Each year the City of Salem issues a Request for Proposals to nonprofit organizations that offer social service, housing or economic development programs. CDBG funds are awarded to organizations that demonstrate programmatic needs and the capacity to administer the proposed program. The city’s Assistant Community Development Director coordinates the management of the public service and housing subcontracts and the Economic Development Planner coordinates the management of the economic development subcontracts. In general, DPCD staff carries out the remaining activities, including the hiring of consultants or other private businesses through established municipal purchasing procedures. The city’s auditing firm audits Salem’s CDBG program delivery system annually. In addition, HUD staff conducts periodic reviews and monitorings. The City promptly implements recommendations arising as a result of these reviews. The DPCD continuously works to improve upon its methods and procedures for the administration of its programs. III.C. Coordination with Other Organizations USalem Housing Authority:U Although, the city does not currently use its CDBG funds to assist the Salem Housing Authority (Authority), the DPCD coordinates with the Authority to address the housing needs of Salem’s lower-income residents. While developing its Consolidated Plan, the city consulted with the Authority to determine the agency’s most pressing needs. In addition, the Authority’s Comprehensive Plan must take into account the findings of the Consolidated Plan and the City of Salem must certify that the documents are consistent. The Salem Housing Authority is governed by a Board comprised of five members. The Mayor of Salem appoints four of the five board members and the fifth board member is appointed by the Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. One member of the board is required to be a resident of public housing and one member must be a member who represents organized labor. The Authority serves over 1,000 participants through the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program. The Authority receives over $10 million in federal funding to administer this program. Proposed development sites or demolition or disposition of existing public housing developments must follow established regulatory procedures administered by the Building Department, Board of Appeal, Planning Board, etc. Note: Community Teamwork in Lowell, MA administers approximately 360 Section 8 vouchers in Salem. That number fluctuates from time to time based on new vouchers/projects and terminations. UOther Organizations:U In addition to the SHA, the City of Salem works cooperatively with private housing providers and private and governmental health, men tal health, and service agencies and other interested parties to implement its Consolidated Plan. To this end, the city administers Salem H.O.P.E. (Human Organization Partnership Effort), a networking group of human service agencies that serve Salem residents. It is a free forum for agencies to learn about the services being provided by other agencies in order to fill in gaps, coordinate efforts and avoid the duplication of services. All human service agency representatives are invited to attend the quarter ly Steering Committee breakfast meetings held at rotating agency locations. Through this program, agency representatives are introduced to each other and exchange information, announcements and updates. The strength in the III-3 delivery system of nonprofit services is in the networking, collaboration and coordination among the agencies. DPCD is responsible for the organization and administration of this effort. The city also works with nonprofit agencies to administer social service activities. Agencies are urged to apply to the city for CDBG public services funding to undertake priority programs outlined in the Consolidated Plan. Additionally, the City of Salem cooperates and coordinates with other public agencies (and funding sources) to undertake specific activities. Examples include MHFA’s Get the Lead Out Program and Mass Housing Partnership’s Soft Second Mortgage Program. The City of Salem works with the City of Peabody, the lead community for the North Shore HOME Consortium, to coordinate the implementation of its HOME-funded programs. Salem also works with local CHDOs and CDCs to carry out priority activities. The City of Salem will continue its efforts to coordinate and communicate with other municipal departments, local and regional agencies, and public and private housing organizations over the next year. The DPCD will maintain responsibility for coordinating the Salem H.O.P.E. effort and will communicate regularly with subcontracted agencies delivering social services and subrecipients of federal funds. We will continue to work with the Salem Housing Authority (SHA), nonprofit organizations, and housing developers to produce affordable housing in the City. The strength of these relationships is beneficial in streamlining housing development and leve raging additional funds for projects. III.D. Consolidated Plan Development Process In 2009, the City of Salem hired a consultant, Community Opportunities Group, Inc., to complete the Five Year Consolidated Plan (covering Fiscal Years 2011-2015). In doing so, the consultant completed an extensive consultation process with local agencies, department heads, neighborhood groups, and key stakeholders. Daytime focus group sessions and interviews, as well as evening neighborhood meetings were held to encourage participation. In addition, the city held a public hearing at the start of the planning process and a second public hearing during the 30 day public comment period following release of the draft plan. Summaries of each meeting are provided in the Appendix of the Consolidated Plan, along with copies of written public comment. III.E. Citizen Participation – FY15 Action Plan The public participation component for the FY15 Action Plan began with a public hearing held on Thursday, January 16, 2014 at 6 p.m. The hearing was sponsored by the DPCD and citizens were invited to testify regarding priorities for housing, economic development and other community development programs. The Draft Action Plan was made available and a thirty day comment period commenced on March 24, 2014 with a second public hearing held on April 3. 2014. An Overview of Citizen Participation is located in the Appendix and includes minutes of the public meetings. No written comment was received. III.F. Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing The North Shore HOME Consortium’s Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice (AI) was completed in January, 2008 by Western Economic Services, LLC, and is included by reference. The final AI did not identify any specific actions for Salem to undertake in order to overcome the effects of any III-4 impediments identified through that analysis. It did recommend that the Consortium consider taking the following actions: 1. Assist in improving awareness of fair housing law 2. Assist in improving understanding of available fair housing services 3. Assist in improving fair housing delivery system 4. To counteract high denial rates, consider implementing first -time homebuyer training program targeted at particular types of consumers 5. Incorporate more formalized elements of fair housing planning in Consolidated Plan 6. To aid in expanding awareness of inclusive land use policies, the Consortium might wish to consider extending fair housing training to the area’s boards and commissions, as well as public and elected officials 7. Assist in alerting involved agencies to the prospects of their involvement in institutional barriers that detract from affirmatively furthering fair housing or acting in the public interest of furthering education of fair housing and the fair housing system. At HUD’s request, the City of Salem carefully reviewed the AI again in September, 2010. The AI covers all communities in the NS HOME consortium, including the city of Salem. As part of the research process, the consultant reviewed available data from the U.S. C ensus Bureau, HMDA data and discrimination complaint logs. Furthermore, the consultant conducted public forums and phone interviews of interested parties including, but not limited to: service providers, real estate professionals, property managers, lenders, local officials and staff. Many of the organizations contacted for interviews are located in Salem and/or operate in the city. In general, the City determined that the AI was thoroughly researched and inclusive of Salem’s fair housing concerns. In ad dition to the City’s review, the Affordable Housing Trust Board reviewed the draft AI and submitted comments to the consortium. The NS HOME Consortium’s AI comprehensively addresses the known impediments to fair housing in the consortium area, including the city of Salem. While there are differences between the consortium communities, the AI points out these differences and highlights issues of concerns to the cities, including Salem. The AI established findings and recommendations on a consortium-wide basis, but the consultant noted circumstances when a community’s statistics and demographics differed from the others. For example, the racial and ethnic makeup of residents of the consortium cities differs from that of the suburban communities. Following are findings pertinent to Salem: Salem has high ethnic and minority concentrations in some neighborhoods. Salem has a high proportion of lower-income households compared to other communities. People living in Salem with disabilities are not concentrated in one area. While, mortgage denials are higher in some neighborhoods than others, Salem has proportionately fewer residents who were denied mortgage loans than areas in other consortium communities. (Note: While the trend holds, the number of sub-prime loans denied to Salem residents was higher than loans from prime lenders.) Salem has lower levels of homeownership than other consortium communities; this is primarily due to the diversity of Salem’s housing stock. The AI identifies the following impediments to fair housing choice in the NS HOME Consortium communities. While the consultant identified impediments for the consortium as a whole, City staff with their intimate knowledge and experience of the city’s dynamics and neighborhoods, and through III-5 information gathered for the city’s FY2005 and FY2011 Five Year Consolidated Plans, determined that the following selected impediments, excerpted from the AI, were relevant to Salem: 1.) Lack of awareness of fair housing rights; 2.) Lack of awareness and understanding of available fair housing services; 4.) High home mortgage loan denial rates for selected minorities; 5.) Unlawful discrimination appears to be occurring in rental markets, particularly as it relates to disability, familial status, and race or national origin; 7.) The high concentrations of minority and disabled populations tends to support the notion that housing location policies are not as inclusive as may be desired in affirmatively furthering fair housing; 8.) Recent case history shows that local housing authorities within the Consortium award preference to individuals on subsidized housing waiting lists based upon local residency. This may be viewed as an impediment to fair housing choice for individuals not residing within each of these local communities who may wish to move to another community; furthermore, this practice may contribute to a lack of demographic diversity within the Consortium’s thirty communities. Note from City of Salem: Establishing local preferences, including preferences for people who reside and/or work in a community, is a common practice of housing authorities and is not specific to the City of Salem or the NS HOME Consortium communities. This practice is acceptable to HUD. There were no new impediments identified during the public participation process in the development of the FY15 Action Plan. The City of Salem has worked and continues to work to address the impediments identified above (1, 2, 4, 5 and 7), by carrying out the following activities:  Local officials receive training so they understand the Fair Housing Law and can educate others: In 2009, the City’s Assistant Community Development Director, the Housing Coordinator and a board member of the City’s Affordable Housing Trust attended a Fair Housing T raining hosted by the North Shore Home Consortium and conducted by The Fair Housing Center. Staff shared information received at the training with the remainder of the AHTF board members. (These efforts work to address impediments 1 and 2.) In May, 2012 the Housing Coordinator attended a HUD Fair Housing Seminar held in Gloucester as well as a HUD Equal Access to HUD Programs & Cultural Competency workshop held in Boston in September, 2012. The Housing Coordinator also attended Fair Housing Accessibility First sponsored by HUD’s FHEO Office. (These efforts work to address impediments 1 and 2.)  The City provides information to its residents, property owners and real estate professionals regarding the fair housing law, including protected classes, individua l rights and resources: In January 2009, the DPCD created a separate page on the city’s website for Fair Housing and Housing Discrimination. The page explains housing discrimination and fair housing laws and is designed to assist consumers, real estate professionals and lenders. The page also lists resources available to victims of discrimination. (These efforts work to address impediments 1 and 2.) III-6  The City reaches out to potential victims of discrimination and persons who have limited housing choice through its work with local housing and human service providers: The City of Salem provides public service and housing assistance funding to agencies whose activities assist specific populations with improving their quality of life. Provider assistance may include locating appropriate and, if needed, accessible housing, as well as a range of human services. Providers regularly interact with minority, disabled and low-income populations. These interactions present opportunities for providers to understand their clients’ housing concerns and to assist them in cases of discrimination. Therefore, it is critical that providers understand the fair housing laws and available resources for addressing fair housing issues. To this end, the City’s community development staff provides technical assistance and guidance to local housing and service providers. In addition, the City directs its CDBG funding to programs that promote fair housing through the provision of other services. For example, the City funds the Independent Living Center’s Accessible Housing Education Services Program. Furthermore, the city requires all sub-recipients to comply with the Fair Housing Act. (These efforts work to address impedime nts 1, 2, 4, 5 and 7.)  The City calls attention to local housing issues and encourages people, organizations and agencies to work together to address them: In light of recent changes in lending practices and increases in foreclosures, in April 2009, the City’s Affordable Housing Task Force sponsored a Housing Summit to provide a forum for discussing the housing challenges facing Salem. Over 30 people attended the summit including: Affordable Housing Task Force board members, real estate professionals, directors of local non-profits, regional planners and other housing advocates. In, March, 2013, the City of Salem hosted an Abandoned Housing Initiative Receivership Training Seminar with the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office in order for municipalities to partner and learn about how to help revitalize properties threatened by foreclosure and/or in need of rehabilitation, reverse the ill effects of the foreclosure crisis and keep our neighborhoods safe and secure. In addition, the City of Salem administers Salem HOPE, a networking group of social service providers that meets quarterly at rotating public service agency locations. It is open to all social service agency representatives serving Salem residents and is a forum to work toward filling gaps in services and sharing insights and concerns. Members often discuss issues that have arisen (including those relating to housing, employment and disabilities) and providers have the opportunity to coordinate efforts. (These efforts work to address impedime nts 1, 2, 4, 5 and 7.)  The City takes advantage of opportunities to interact directly with the public to promote awareness of fair housing laws and available resources that work toward the intent of fair housing: The City’s housing staff regularly participate in homebuyer fairs held by lending institutions and real estate professionals. At these fairs, the City provides information and counseling to attendees regarding its first-time homebuyer, rehabilitation and deleading programs. In addition, staff disseminates information regarding the fair housing law, including protected classes, typical violations and resources available to victims of discrimination. This is an opportunity for staff to talk one-on-one with residents who may be victims of discrimination in lending and/or victims of steering. By speaking with people first-hand, staff are able to learn about the fair housing climate in the city and identify fair housing issues. Staff presented at four workshops in FY09 and staff presented at one workshop in FY10, one in FY11, one in FY12 and one III-7 in FY13 (an additional two were forwarded packets for distribution). (These efforts work to address impediments 1, 2, 4 and 7.)  The City creates partnerships with local organizations to educate minority and low -income homebuyers about their rights under the fair housing law: The City provides financial assistance to nonprofit organizations that conduct CHAPA-certified, first time homebuyer educational courses. These courses are held primarily in the Point Neighbor hood, where Salem has its highest concentration of racial and ethnic minorities. Among other things, courses inform participants about their rights when working with real estate agents and lenders. The program covers fair housing issues and what to do if someone is a victim of discrimination. In addition, the program covers the responsibilities of landlords under fair housing laws. Most recently, Community Teamwork has conducted trainings in February, May and September 2009, in June 2010 , March and October, 2011, and in March and June, 2012. In addition to the CTI course, the same information was provided by the Housing Coordinator at a forum sponsored by the Independent Living Center of the North Shore and Cape Ann on Salem’s Affordable, Available and Acc essible housing in September, 2012. North Shore CDC has been contracted to provide FTHB trainings in FY14. (These efforts work to address impediments 1, 2 and 4.) As HUD noted, the Fair Federal Housing Act does not cover persons of low-income as a protected class. The City of Salem acknowledges that affirmatively furthering fair housing is not limited to addressing issues of income and housing affordability. As detailed above, the City’s actions to affirmatively further fair housing are not limited to promoting affordable housing. The City of Salem acknowledges its responsibility to consider and address its own unique impediments to fair housing should the Consortium’s AI insufficiently address them. City staff is regularly informed about fair housing-related issues and concerns through their interactions with the public and local organizations. The City has used the Consortium’s AI and its own experience to inform its approach to affirmatively furthering fair housing. Salem will continue to work with the Consortium to identify and address fair housing issues and impediments both for the city and the region. Furthermore, the City of Salem has examined issues pertaining to fair housing directly through its consolidated planning processes in 2005 and 2 010. During this planning, the City held a series of public meetings and interviews with neighborhood groups, service providers, business associations and housing professionals. Participants were asked to comment on fair housing and discrimination in the city. Perhaps surprisingly, these discussions did not point to any particularly unique impediments to fair housing. However, the City acknowledges that given the ethnic and racial composition of its population, age of housing stock and prevalence of renter housing, it must examine the potential for housing discrimination and submit any known AI issues exclusive to Salem during the development of the next Consortium AI. We have reviewed the possible impediments listed in the Concern above and have provided o ur perspective on them as follows: Salem has one of the largest inventories of subsidized and affordable housing in the consortium. Salem’s subsidized and affordable housing is located citywide, including in some of Salem’s areas of minority concentration (see “Subsidized Housing Inventory” map located in Salem’s 2010 Consolidated Plan). The City does not conclude that its subsidized and affordable housing is disproportionately located in areas of minority concentration to a degree that presents an impediment to fair housing choice. III-8 Salem property owners have been greatly affected by the downturn in the housing market and the prevalence of foreclosures. Foreclosures have occurred citywide (see map “Mortgage Foreclosures” located in Salem’s 2010 Consolidated Plan). It is clear from this map that as of January 2010, foreclosures are not concentrated in areas of minority concentration. The NS HOME Consortium analyzed the level of mortgage denial in each of its communities by block group. While denial rates were higher in Salem’s minority block groups, they were within the overall average of all loan denials in all consortium communities, and therefore we cannot conclude this to be an impediment at this time. As part of its 2010 Consolidated Planning process, Salem reviewed its zoning bylaw to identify barriers to affordable housing. This review determined that as the city is nearing build-out, it is essential to preserve existing affordable units and encourage high density and affordable housing in appropriate areas. Salem has not experienced neighborhood objection and zoning practices that limit development of supportive housing for persons with disabilities, specifically. Salem is one of the region’s providers of services for persons with disabilities and, as one of the region’s suppliers of subsidized housing also is a provider of its affordable, and accessible housing. While the consortium’s AI notes that Salem does not have a disproportionate share of persons with disabilities living in the city, there ar e concentrations in some neighborhoods. The City acknowledges a need to examine whether accessible alternatives are sufficiently available to meet demand. The City monitors this through its association with the Independent Living Center, for which the City provides public service funding toward their Accessible Housing Assistance Service Program, which provides fair housing and education services, including information and resources on affordable, available and accessible housing, through community forums and individual education. Given the ethnic diversity in Salem, the City continually works to face the challenge of how to serve its non-English speaking residents. In addition to language barriers, often there are cultural barriers that make it difficult to reach out to people who may benefit from social services, may have housing issues, or may experience discrimination. The City translates several of its public notices into Spanish. In addition, service providers receiving CDBG funds must translate their marketing materials into a language that best serves the needs of their clientele. Most providers translate materials into Spanish, Portuguese or Russian. Furthermore, two DPCD employees (including the City’s Housing Coordinator are bilingual (Spanish/English). This not only helps break language barriers, but also helps with cultural barriers. In March, 2012, the City added Google Translate to its website to allow users to automatically translate our web pages into one of more than 50 languages. The programming information was also forwarded on to agencies on the Salem HOPE distribution list and to the agencies who receive CDBG public service funding. The consortium’s AI identifies discrimination in rental housing as one of the impediments to fair housing in the region. Salem’s housing stock is old and lead paint is prevalent. This presents a concern to landlords who may otherwise rent units to families with children. One of the ways the City of Salem works to address this is by operating a deleading ass istance program that offers financial assistance to property owners to remove lead paint from their properties. III-9 III.G. Monitoring The DPCD monitors all projects to ensure compliance with applicable Federal, State and local regulations and program requirements. As part of ongoing monitoring, public service subrecipients submit monthly reports that include income, race and ethnic information on clients served and programmatic accomplishments. In addition, public service subrecipients are monitored on-site each year (exceptions are noted in the Monitoring Plan, which is located in Five Year Consolidated Plan). Agencies submitting reimbursement requests must include proof of expenditure of funds, as well as documentation that the pre -determined benchmark or goal was attained. All tenant based rental assistance provided with HOME funds requires an inspection with a HQS report. All First-Time Homebuyer Downpayment Assistance Loan Program properties and Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program properties receive on-site inspections. Rehabilitation projects must meet current housing codes and non-emergency projects must meet HQS. All tenant based rental assistance provided with HOME funds requires an inspection with a HQS report. Monitoring of affordable housing loan activities undertaken with CDBG or HOME funds for compliance with affordability requirements and/or other programmatic requirements is discussed in full in the Monitoring Guide. Monitoring of economic development activities undertaken with CDBG funds for compliance with Davis-Bacon and job creation is discussed in full in the Monitoring Guide. There is also a Loan Management Policy for dealing with delinquent or in default housing or economic development loans. The DPCD also annually reviews its performance in meeting its goals and objectives set for in the Consolidated Plan during the development of the annual CAPER. Payments to agencies are made on a reimbursement basis to ensure compliance with expenditure requirements. The Assistant Community Development Director encourages timely submission of reimbursement requests by subrecipients and reviews timeliness status weekly until the annual 1.5 draw ratio is met. The complete Monitoring Guide is located in the 5 Year Consolidated Plan. III.H. Long Term Compliance and Performance Measurements Salem has implemented a performance measurement system for the following program areas: Public Services - Public service contracts include performance measurement indicators. The annual CAPERs outline the effectiveness of those measurements. Specifically, the City requires subcontracted social service agencies to report on the impact of their programs as measured by the performance indicators. Internally, a spreadsheet is maintained which tracks the receipt of monthly repor ts and the status of on-site monitorings. Public service agencies are required to submit reimbursement requests that are tied to pre-determined benchmarks or performance outcomes, as well as proof of expenditure of funds. Housing Programs - Housing rehabilitation program staff track each project in a formal system that details project status and loan details. In addition, staff maintain a comprehensive written manual detailing program procedures and policies. There is also a master loan spreadsheet that tr acks all loan III-10 details for the First-Time Homebuyer Downpayment Assistance Loan Program and the Housing Rehabilitation Program, including period of affordability, discharge dates, rent restrictions and monitorings. The City monitors HOME-funded rehabilitation projects with rental affordability restrictions annually for the duration of the affordability period. Housing files contain statutory checklists, as well as documentation on flood management, wetlands protection, and historic resources, as applicable. A quarterly report is provided to the City’s Finance Department on new loans issued, loan state and loan discharges. The Housing Coordinator follows the Loan Management Policy for review of existing loans and process to address delinquent, default or unco llectable loans. Economic Development – A quarterly report is provided to the City’s Finance Department on new loans issued, loan status and loan discharges. Monitoring of job creation is determined by the time period in the funding Agreement. Monitoring consists of verification that the goals for low/moderate income jobs to be created and/or retained have been met. A standard monitoring form is used. The Economic Development Planner follows the Loan Management Policy for review of existing loans and process to address delinquent, default or uncollectable loans. Additionally, the City ensures long-term compliance with program requirements, including minority business outreach and comprehensive planning requirements, in several ways. In particular, the DPCD has a Monitoring Plan, Section 3 Plan and Minority Outreach Procedures in place that allows the City to track whether long-term goals are being met. As detailed in the Managing the Process and Institutional Structure section of this document, the City manages its programs to ensure compliance with identified goals and federal, state and local regulations. The Environmental Review Record contains statutory checklists, documentation on flood management, wetlands protection, historic properties protection and prevailing wage documentation, as applicable. III.I. Lead-based Paint Hazards The Salem Board of Health disseminates information regarding the proper disclosure of lead hazards upon selling or renting a housing unit and inspects rental units for lead paint h azards. In Salem, a landlord is required to obtain a Certificate of Fitness inspection when an apartment becomes vacant. Board of Health personnel conduct this inspection enforcing the State Sanitary Code for Housing. When the information is sent to the landlord prior to this inspection, a letter describing the Federal law is included, as is a copy of the Tenant Notification Form in English and Spanish. Also, the Board of Health periodically sends notification of regulations regarding lead-based paint to area realtors. In addition, Board of Health personnel are trained Lead Determinators. Should the Board receive a call from a tenant who is concerned that there may be lead-based paint in his/her apartment, potentially affecting their children under six years of age, the Board is able to send out a Sanitarian to conduct a Lead Determination. If lead paint is detected, an order is sent to the landlord requiring compliance with the State Lead Law. The Board ensures compliance with the order. The State Lead Program is notified of the results of all Lead Determinations. In cooperation with the State of Massachusetts and other municipal departments, the City of Salem, through its DPCD, works to decrease the number of housing units containing lead -based paint hazards. The City, through the DPCD, actively works to reduce lead-paint hazards in pre-1978 housing occupied by lower-income households through the City of Salem’s Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program. Through the Salem Housing Rehabilitation Loan and Get the Lead Out Programs, the City provides loan funds for qualified applicants for lead testing, hazard reduction and abatement activities, and temporary relocation reimbursements. Lead-based paint hazard control measures are consistent with III-11 the federal Title X requirements and State lead based paint regulations. MassHousing’s Get the Lead Out Program is also available to homeowners with a lead poisoned child. Finally, all participants in the First-Time Homebuyer Downpayment Assistance Loan Program are given a copy of the EPA brochure Protecting your Family from Lead in Your Home. III.J. Anti-Poverty Strategy This Anti-Poverty Strategy describes programs and policies the City is supporting in its efforts to reduce the number of households living below the poverty level. Some public service agency representatives state that Salem residents in poverty stay in poverty because they lack adequate skills for better employment opportunities. As a result, they work multiple jobs to pay for housing, utilities, transportation expenses, and childcare. Providing adequate job training and educational opportunities will enable them to enter the workforce at a more competitive level. Salem uses CDBG and other funds to pursue an anti-poverty strategy carried out by the City and a variety of social service subrecipients. The City’s anti-poverty strategy is comprehensive and it consists of four components: education, job training, affordable housing and social services. III.J-1. Education The Salem School Department has been participating in a voluntary desegregation program since 1987 in an effort to give residents more choices about the school system they want their children to attend. The City has used state funding to renovate and improve its educational facilities and provide school - age children with an environment conducive to learning. Many of Salem’s schools focus on particular subjects. The school choice program is ideal for educating children with specific skills that will enable them to obtain employment when they graduate. For example, the Saltonstall School is a magnet school that focuses on science and technology. It is equipped with 140 computers for its 400-plus students. Like many of Salem’s schools, the Saltonstall School provides transitional bilingual classes, which integrate English and Spanish speaking students within the classroom. This approach helps Spanish speaking students to become proficient in English. Encouraging youths to attend service-oriented schools will provide the future workforce with the skills necessary to f ind employment and reduce poverty. In addition, the Horace Mann Laboratory School focuses not only on academics but also attempts to teach students important social skills that will help them communicate in the working world. The school also encourages community service by offering programs to its students within nursing homes and helping needy families. Activities such as these help students at an early age see the importance of working and encourage them to obtain jobs after they finish their education. Salem’s Parent’s Information Center provides parents with information to help make educational decisions for their children. It provides interpretation and written translation services, resources for school information, and adult education programs. The center also provides school placement services. The Information Center coordinates the City’s school choice program designed to improve racial balance within the school systems. The City of Salem’s Title 1 Program provides programs such as Computers for Beginners for parents of school-age children. This type of program is designed to help low-income families who may not otherwise have access to computer training. The City’s attention to its public schools is part of a larger strategy to help children succeed academically and in the work place. An adequate school system is crucial to reducing poverty in future generations. The Salem Public Schools support bilingual classroom settings and technology-based training that will enable those with lower incomes to improve their job opportunities. III-12 In FY14, the City supported various educational programs with CDBG funds, including the Bentley School’s After School Enrichment Program that requires a mandatory 20 -30 minutes of homework time followed by other educational and/or physical activities. Programs administered by non-profit agencies include Salem Cyberspace’s CyberYouth Academic Program (College Success Program), a program that assists lower income youth with career exploration and college preparation. The Boys and Girls club offers one on one homework help each day after school. North Shore Community Development Coalition provides a Family Stability Program that provides workshops on ESL, tax return preparation and FTHB education to a mainly Latino population. VOCES provides GED and Citizenship classes to lower income Latino residents. We anticipate assisting these or similar programs in FY15. III.J-2. Job Training and Employment Resources The North Shore Career Center helps potential employees to improve their skill s and meet the needs of the job market. The Career Center receives funding from federal, state and local resources to provide free job placement, job training and job readiness. With the continued support of the City of Salem, the Career Center continues to help economically disadvantaged populations receive specific skills to obtain better paying jobs. Salem is home to Training Resources of America (TRA) - formerly Mass. Job Training, Inc. - a private non-profit organization funded by various state and federal agencies. TRA offers programs such as basic adult education, GED preparation and ESL classes. TRA also has programs to help young parents receive an education that they might otherwise not be able to receive because they are disadvantaged. The program offers a basic education and pre-vocational skills training to help adults obtain better employment and reduce dependence on public assistance. Job training and ESL classes help to strengthen and diversify the City’s labor force by providing opportuniti es for lower-income people to advance in employment. The City of Salem is the lead community for the North Shore Workforce Investment Board (WIB), representing 19 surrounding communities. The DPCD has a seat on the Board and represents the economic development sector on the North Shore. The WIB directs federal, state and local employment and training funds so that job seekers can find training and employment , and businesses can find employees that are skilled and ready to work. Through partnerships with schools, colleges, training providers, public organizations and businesses, the WIB builds and supports a workforce development system that serves all members of the North Shore community at any point where work-related services are needed.P 9 The WIB assists over 14,000 employers, schools and agencies, adults, and youths each year with job screening services, labor needs programs, job training, career training and other services. The WIB is also responsible for administering the F1rstJobs Summer Employment i nitiative for North Shore Teens. F1rstJobs places North Shore youths in jobs that will provide them with important job training and skills that will be useful in the future when applying for employment. Other programs include Training for Employed Workers, Training for Displaced Workers, School to Career, Welfare to Work and Workforce Investment Act. In early 2014, the City of Salem was awarded a $100,000 Working Cities Challenge grant, a groundbreaking effort to support cross-sector collaboration in the state’s small to midsize Gateway Cities. The Working Cities Challenge is an initiative led by the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston with a twofold goal: to advance collaborative leadership in Massachusetts smaller cities and to support TP 9PT North Shore Workforce Investment Board, “Mission Statement,” <http://www.northshorewib.com/>. III-13 ambitious work to improve the lives of low-income people in those cities. Salem’s funds will be used to bring the Point Neighborhood's economic indicators in line with rest of the city by focusing on four issue areas: economic development, small business development, workforce d evelopment, and leadership development. Our goal is to use these leveraged funds to undertake economic development activities in the proposed Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Area. Through its CDBG funds, the City of Salem supports a variety of job t raining and employment assistance programs, such as the Wellspring House MediClerk Program which trains eligible participants for clerical positions in the medical field and Morgan Memorial’s Career Planning Program for high school students with disabilities. III.J-3. Affordable Housing Through cooperative efforts with state, federal and local organizations, the City has taken a comprehensive approach to preventing poverty. Providing adequate, affordable housing for Salem’s low- and moderate-income residents is critical to the success of any anti-poverty strategy. High housing costs and low-wage jobs continue to hinder the efforts of some to climb out of poverty. City agencies such as the Salem Housing Authority and the DPCD are committed to providing safe, secure, suitable, and appropriate affordable housing opportunities to very-low, and low- and moderate-income family, elderly, and disabled households. In addition, many housing providers and social service agencies work together to combat poverty in Salem. The City’s established partnerships with agencies such as the NSCAP, the North Shore HOME Consortium and the North Shore Community Development Coalition increase its success at bringing services to lower-income residents and encouraging them to participate in revitalizing their community. The North Shore HOME Consortium’s goal is to expand the regional supply of affordable housing through the acquisition, rehabilitation, and new construction of rental units, homeownership assistance and housing rehabilitation, and housing options for special needs populations and the homeless. The DPCD is one of thirty member communities receiving a formula allocation of HOME funds. Salem is committed to distributing its HOME funds to programs that provide assistance to those in need of affordable housing. Some examples of HOME assistance in Salem include funds for the City’s own Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program, the North Shore Community Development Coalition (a CHDO) and rental down payment assistance programs provided by NSCAP, Citizens for Adequate Housing, Salvation Army and HAWC. In addition to funds allocated to individual communities, the Consortium financially supports activities that contribute to affordable housing in the region. Salem provides significant funds to community housing development organizations (CHDOs), specifically North Shore CDC and NSCAP. CHDOs are focused on changing the social and environmental factors that foster poverty and in motivating low-income residents to take control of their future and the future of their neighborhoods. North Shore CDC works to increase the supply of affordable housing through acquisition and rehabilitation projects. The CDC works closely with public and private agencies to improve the quality of life for Salem’s low- and moderate-income residents. NSCAP is an anti-poverty agency providing services to Salem, Peabody, Beverly and Danvers. The goal of NSCAP is to help low-income people empower themselves as they move toward self-sufficiency, and to motivate the larger community to be more responsive to the needs of low-income people. This agency provides an array of services, such as assistance with home heating bills, ESOL and citizenship classes, home care for senior citizens, weatherization, a housing assistance program, and a transition to work program with job training, financial management services, scattered sites shelter, and job- III-14 readiness workshops, as well as immigration, housing and welfare ad vocacy. These programs are designed to help the poor become self-reliant and less dependent on public assistance. In November, 2013, the Housing Coordinator attended a workshop entitled Confronting Poverty on the North Shore, sponsored by the Metropolitan Area Planning Council, North Shore CDC and North Shore United Way, CHAPA’s Annual Regional Meeting in Peabody and a workshop on Housing Law Basics held at Wellspring House in Gloucester, sponsored by NSCAP. The Housing Coordinator also attended a Strengthening Mobility workshop sponsored by Greater Lynn Senior Services in pa rtnership with the North Shore Community Center as members of the Aging and Disability Resource Consortium of the Greater North Shore, Inc., funded by the Federal Transit Administration’s New Freedom’s Initiative held in August, 2013. III.J-4. Social Services According to the 2010 U.S. Census, 1,656 female single parents have dependent children under 18 .10 The challenges facing this population are inadequate, affordable childcare choice s, a lack of jobs that provide “mother’s hours” and insufficient transportation o pportunities. The Massachusetts Office of Child Care Services, Region 3 office, is located in Salem. It provides childcare referrals and financial assistance. The agency provides a way for lower-income families to obtain adequate daycare so they can obtain employment and improve their quality of life. Through CDBG, the City of Salem funds 20-25 non-profit social service programs annually. Through an annual competitive funding round, Salem financially supports programs that provide services to help families meet the costs of living, promote family self-sufficiency, serve special populations and/or provide crisis intervention assistance, in essence, programs that work to break the cycle of poverty. Along with the many programs that help directly with housing and household expenses (see Housing Section), CDBG funds support several programs which indirectly assist with housing in many ways such as increased pay (i.e. job training, ESL programs) and decreased monthly expenditures (i.e. child care, food programs, prescription assistance) so households can better afford rent or mortgages.. There are also many non-CDBG funded programs available to Salem residents to help households overcome various obstacles to self-sufficiency. Salem H.O.P.E. is a networking group of social service agencies that meet at rotating public service agency locations. Open to all social service agency representatives serving Salem residents, it is a forum to work toward filling gaps in services and avoiding duplication of efforts. DPCD staff coordinates the quarterly meetings and distributes the Salem H.O.P.E. digital newsletter quarterly. 10 U.S. Census, 2010 SF1 100% Data: Households and Families: 2010 - American Fact Finder, http://factfinder.census.gov. IV. APPENDIX Appendix A: Application: Standard Form 424 & Certifications – To be included in final version Appendix B: Other Resources Appendix C: Overview of Citizens Participation Appendix D: Maps Appendix E: Salem CPMP Needs Tables - To be included in final version Appendix F: North Shore HOME Consortium CPMP Needs Tables IV.A. Application: Standard Form 424 & Certifications These are not included in the digital version, but are included in the hard copy. IV.B. Other Resources This section describes the anticipated resources that assist Salem residents in addition to CDBG and HOME funds. These include leveraged funding for Salem’s CDBG and HO ME activities, financial resources for Salem’s community partners and other services and resources available to Salem residents. IV.B-1. Financial/Leveraged Resources Many activities leverage funding from other sources to maximize the impact of the federal dollars the City receives. In addition to the City, several housing and community development programs are carried out by non-city agencies that operate through a variety or resources. The tables below include anticipated funding resources for the City of Salem Department of Planning & Community Development, as well as several key organizations, including the Salem Housing Authority, North Shore Community Action Programs, Inc., Lifebridge and North Shore Community Development Coalition. While it is not possible to anticipate every source of funding, the table below indicates some of the sources of funds that CDBG and HOME will likely leverage during FY15. The dollar amounts are best estimates and do not indicate a minimum or maximum amount that will be leveraged. City of Salem FY15 funding resources/anticipated leveraged funds: Source Amount Federal Sources CDBG $952,491 HOME $100,335 Program Income $115,000 Subtotal Federal $1,167,826 Federal Sources (Non-CDBG or HOME): Environmental Protection Agency - Revolving Loan Fund (applied with Peabody, MA - for use over 5 years) $1,000,000 National Endowment for the Arts - Our Town Grant (applied) $100,000 Subtotal Federal $1,100,000 State Sources: Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs - Our Common Back Yard (awarded) $200,000 Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs - Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities (applying) $400,000 Massachusetts Historical Commission - Survey & Planning Grant (awarded) $16,000 MA Cultural Council - Cultural Facilities Fund (applied) $45,000 Massachusetts Historical Commission - Massachusetts Preservation Projects Fund (applied) $75,000 MA Office of Coastal Zone Management - Coastal Community Resilience Program (awarded) $200,000 Mass Clean Energy Center - Solarize Ma Round 2 (awarded) $2,500 EOHED - MassWorks Infrastructure Program 2013 (awarded for FY14 and FY15) $1,275,000 Seaport Advisory Council (awarded - FY14 and FY15) $4,050,000 Green Communities (awarded - to be spent over FY14 and FY15) $248,000 Subtotal State $6,461,500 Local/City Sources: Capital Improvement Program $57,000 Community Preservation Act (applied) $353,600 General Fund (Conservation Commission, Historical Commission, Planning Department, Planning Board, Market Place) $580,721 Subtotal Local/City $991,321 Private/Other Sources: Homebuyer matching funds $7,500 Business matching funds (Main Streets) $20,475 Federal Reserve Bank of Boston - Working Cities Challenge (awarded) $100,000 MAPC District Technical Local Assistance (awarded) $25,000 Subtotal Private/Other $152,975 TOTAL $9,923,622 Note: Other sources of funds that may be leveraged, but for which no dollar estimate can reasonably be determined, are MA Get the Lead Out funds, private mortgages and private donations. Salem Housing Authority funding sources/anticipated leveraged funds (for year ending September 30, 2014): Source Amount Federal Sources U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Housing Assistance Payments $10,762,504 HUD Capital Fund Program $40,906 HUD FY14 Federal Public Subsidy $121,198 Subtotal Federal $10,924,608 State Sources: MA Dept. of Housing & Community Development 4001 $587,282 MA Dept. of Housing & Community Development MRVP $11,520 MA Dept. of Housing & Community Development Formula Funding $4,295,000 Subtotal State $4,893,802 Local/City Sources: $0 Subtotal Local/City $0 Private/Other Sources: $0 Subtotal Private/Other $0 TOTAL $15,818,410 North Shore Community Action Programs, Inc. FY14 revenues: Source Amount Federal Sources FEMA $12,800 Federal Indirect: Salem HOME Fund, HOME Fund, DHCD, DOE through Action $2,447,730 VITA Grant: EITC $3,629 Subtotal Federal $2,464,159 State Sources: DHCD-CSBG & DHCD-EITC 313,371 DOE 175,232 DHCD 1,662,128 DHCD/LHAND 298,143 Subtotal State $2,448,874 Local/City Sources: Municipal Contracts: Salem CDBG, ASOST thru DESE, Peabody HOME $90,000 Community Preservation Act (applied) $132,700 Subtotal Local/City $222,700 Private/Other Sources: Donations $158,982 Private Contracts & Grants $1,384,979 Tuition & Service Fees $1,296,977 Subtotal Private/Other $2,840,938 TOTAL $7,976,671 Lifebridge FY15 funding sources/anticipated leveraged funds: Source Amount Federal Sources HUD - McKinney Funds $94,528 Subtotal Federal $94,528 State Sources: DHCD $384,923 Subtotal State $384,923 Local/City Sources: CDBG $9,800 Subtotal Local/City $9,800 Private/Other Sources: Donations $161,400 Private Contracts & Grants $48,400 Commercial Income $386,500 Private Client Fees $69,100 Subtotal Private/Other $1,154,651 TOTAL $1,643,902 North Shore Community Development Coalition 2014-2015 funding sources/anticipated leveraged funds: Source Amount Federal Sources LIHTC 4,521,000 HOME Funds 400,000 CDBG 59,075 Federal Historic Credits 1,832,000 Subtotal Federal $6,812,075 State Sources MA Dept. Elementary Secondary Education -YouthBuild $81,000 State Historic Credits $1,221,750 Brownfield Redevelopment Fund $166,513 Subtotal State $1,469,263 Local/City Sources CDBG Salem 9075 CDBG Peabody 8000 Subtotal Private/Other $17075 Private/Other Sources Grants/Foundations 207,500 Events 105246 Contributions 25000 Community Investment Tax Credit 200000 Federal Home Loan Bank 400,000 Eastern Bank Mortgage 2,000,000 Fees (development, asset mgmt., property, resident services, development overhead) 872646 Subtotal Private/Other $12,125,880 TOTAL $20,424,293 IV.B-2. Services In addition to financial assistance, provided to Salem residents through the City and its community partners, there are numerous programs and services available to Salem residents. Some are funded through CDBG (see Housing and Public Services sections of this plan). Some non-CDBG funded resources not previously mentioned in this plan include, but are not limited to: Greater Lynn Senior Services - THE RIDE THE RIDE paratransit service provides door-to door, shared-ride transportation to eligible people who cannot use fixed-route transit (bus, subway, trolley) all or some of the time because of a physical, cognitive or mental disability. THE RIDE is operated by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) in compliance with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). They provide 39,877 to Salem residents in FY12. Independent Living Center of the North Shore and Cape Ann, Inc. The ILCNSCA is the North Shore and Cape Ann service and advocacy agency for all persons with disabilities. The agency is located at Shetland Properties in the Point Neighborhood and is available to assist with completion of SSI/SSDI, food stamps and various housing applications. ILCNSCA advertises monthly times that are set aside where staff are available in a group setting to offer guidance on completing the Universal Housing application for subsidized housing across Massachusetts. They assist approximately 30 people annual with completing the UHA, Section 8 centralized waiting list or regional Section 8 waiting list. North Shore Community Development Coalition North Shore CDC invests in neighborhoods to create thriving communities, striving to provide quality affordable housing and foster economic empowerment and community development on the North Shore. Located in the Point Neighborhood, its residents make up the majority of their clients. North Shore CDC continues to advance quality programming that offers residents in the region basic life skills to aid in achieving economic stability and a self -sufficient life. Programming includes YouthBuild North Shore, Homeownership Training and Counseling, Community English Program and Family Stability Program. Along with its programming, North Shore CDC provides bilingual assistance to complete various applications. Annual numbers for the past year include: o VITA - 27 o FAFSA -2 o SNAP - 5 o Child Care - 3 o MassHealth - 6 o Housing re-certification - 3 o Housing applications - 29 plus 41 for 135 Lafayette St. o Referrals - 186 for basic needs, rent help, PCA, Career Center, and ESL o Job applications - 1 o Unemployment court request - 1 They are also planning on bringing financial literacy services to the Point Neighbo rhood sometime over the next year. Catholic Charities Catholic Charities North began more than 95 years ago with initial sites in Salem and Lynn. The programs at Catholic Charities North strive to prevent hunger and homelessness for local families in a financial emergency; engage youth in education and employment programs focused on long term solutions to poverty; and support families in their effort to build safe, nurturing environments for children. The Salem office, in the Point Neighborhood, offers Basic Needs, Family Support and Counselling services. Just over 50% of Catholic Charities Salem Basic Needs clients reside in the Point Neighborhood. Budgeting and financial education are offered to all Basic Needs clients. The agency will also assist with providing information and assistance with applications upon request. HAWC HAWC provides free services and support to victims of domestic abuse residing in 23 cities and towns on Massachusetts’ North Shore. HAWC services include a 24-hour hotline, support groups, individual advocacy, legal advocacy, and hospital advocacy, children’s services, a shelter program, community education, and a Parent-Child Trauma Recovery Program. Advocates meet with individuals one- on- one to support them with identifying their needs and accessing resources. They also provide financial literacy specifically to clients living in their shelter. The agency is located at Shetland Properties in the Point Neighborhood. Citizens for Adequate Housing Citizens for Adequate Housing, Inc. ends homelessness one family at a time by providing a dignified, nurturing, and supportive environment that empowers each family to reach its social and economic potential. They provide a temporary home for homeless families and permanent affordable housing to low income families. 18% of its residents are from Salem and are placed with CAH for temporary family shelter. They provide one on o ne financial literacy training (using DVDs) and are considering partnering with a local bank to do a more in-depth training in FY15. North Shore Community Action Program Inc. North Shore Community Action Programs, Inc. (NSCAP) provides social services that enable low-income families and individuals to obtain the skills and knowledge they need to become economically self-sufficient, civically engaged, and to live in dignity and decency. To achieve its mission, they provide a range of programs and services in five key areas: Education and Training, Economic Stabilization, Housing and Homelessness Prevention, Energy Services, and Home Care. Through NSCAP’s Salem CyberSpace Program located in downtown Salem, financial l iteracy is provided for both high school and middle school students. Under Energy Services, NSCAP provides Fuel Assistance to 861 eligible households in Salem. As of 5/7/14, the agency has provided $472,185.63 in fuel assistance for the 2013 -14 season (with the deadline extended to 5/15/14). NSCAP also provides tax preparation services for low income households whose gross income may qualify them for the Earned Income Tax Credit. The program is free and runs from January through April at three sites. In 2014, the Peabody site served 194 Salem residents, the Beverly site served 12 Salem residents and the Salem site (held at North Shore CDC in the Point neighborhood) served 96 Salem residents. NSCAP will also assist clients that have case management (i.e. r ep payee’s, shelter clients, HOPWA clients, ABE clients, etc.) with preparation of applications for Social Security Disability, food stamps/SNAP or other applications. Other agencies/collaborations At Salem High School, students have the option to choose an elective course that allows them to build their knowledge of money and how investing works. Journeys of Hope (serving homeless and at-risk young adults) is exploring having a financial literacy program in the Fall. The Boys and Girls Club of Greater Salem (steps from the Point Neighborhood), periodically provides a financial literacy program to its teens through local banks, most recently Salem Five. Salem State University offers many programs that are open to residents, teachers and Salem High School students. Along with non-credit classes and programs, the community can enjoy an award-winning theatrical performance, take advantage of the print and electronic resources of the library, or bring the family to an exciting athletic event. There are athletic camps and clinics, a Center for the Arts, the Explorers Institute for Learning & Retirement, along with part-time degree programs. Salem is fortunate to also host many State offices, several of which are located in or near the Point neighborhood. Agency offices in Salem include, but are not limited to, the Salem Juvenile Court, Probate and Family Court, Transitional Assistance Department, Division of Unemployment Assistance, North Shore Career Center and MA Rehabilitation Commission, Links to social service agency websites are located at http://www.salem.com/Pages/SalemMA_DPCD/dpcdlinks. Independent Living Center also provides an on-line “yellow pages” of resources. It is located at http://www.ilcnsca.org/yellowpages.php IV.B-3. Housing Vouchers The following agencies administer Section 8 vouchers to Salem residents: The Salem Housing Authority currently administers 1088 Section 8 vouchers. Community Teamwork in Lowell, MA administers approximately 360 Section 8 vouchers in Salem. The number fluctuates from time to time based on new vouchers/projects and terminations. CTI also administers the MA Department of Housing and Community Development’s Family Self-Sufficiency Program which provides employment incentives to Section 8 voucher households. There are currently seven DHCD FSS participants in the City of Salem. IV.C. Overview of Citizens Participation IV.C-1.1. Initial Public Hearing On January 2, 2014, the City published an English/Spanish legal ad in the Salem News and an English/Spanish notice was posted at City Hall & City Hall Annex. Notices were provided to the Salem Public Library, Salem Council on Aging and the Salem Housing Authority for posting. An English/Spanish Community Bulletin Board request was posted with Salem Access Television. Notices and a cover letter were provided to all City Councillors. A press release was sent to the Salem News and the Salem Gazette. The public hearing notice was also posted to the City’s website and was mailed to various social service agencies and neighborhood associations, as well as the Citizens Advisory Committee members. The public hearing was held on January 16, 2014. A public participation guidebook was provided to all attendees. A Spanish translator was present. Minutes of the meeting are included herein. IV.C-2. Availability of the Draft Plans and Request for Public Comment IV.C-2.1. Availability, Advertisement, Public Hearing & City Council The City publicized the availability of the draft Action Plan, draft Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy and draft Citizen Participation Plan, the date/time of the public hearing and the public comment period in several ways in order to obtain broad public comment. Information regarding plan availability and the upcoming comment period and public hearing was provided to those attending the Salem H.O.P.E. meeting of March 13, 2014. An English/Spanish Community Bulletin Board request was provided to Salem Access Television. An English/Spanish legal ad was published in the Salem News on March 20, 2014 indicating the availability of plans and providing notice of the 30 day comment period & scheduled public hearing. English/Spanish notices were posted at City Hall and City Hall Annex and on www.salem.com. Notices were provided to the Salem Public Library, Salem Council on Aging and the Salem Housing Authority, and were mailed to several social service agencies, neighborhood associations and Citizens Advisory Committee members. The notices were also emailed to the Salem H.O.P.E. distribution list. A press release was sent to the Salem News and the Salem Gazette. Copies of the plans were provided to the Salem Housing Authority and Salem Public Library for public viewing and copies were available at the Department of Planning & Community Development. Copies of the plan were provided to the members of the Citizens Advisory Committee. The plan was made available for download on www.salem.com. The public comment period commenced on March 24, 2014 and ended on April 23, 2014. A public hearing was held on April 3, 2014 at City Hall Annex. Copies of the draft plans were provided to all attendees. A Spanish translator was present. Minutes of the meeting are included herein. Copies of the draft plans were provided to the Salem City Council. The City Council approved submission of the Application for Federal Assistance on April 10, 2014. IV.C-3. Citizens Advisory Committee The Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) is a group of individuals appointed by the Mayor. The CAC usually includes one or more of the following: representative(s) fr om low/mod neighborhoods, a representative of a non-profit agency, disabled person, elderly person, minority person, representative of a Salem business, person on public assistance, and/or public employee (i.e. police officer, teacher) and/or other interested Salem residents. The group reviews funding requests received by nonprofit social services agencies and makes funding recommendations. The CAC is also invited to review and comment on the draft Consolidated and Action Plans and to attend both of the yearly public meetings. Current appointed members include minority residents, a person with disabilities, senior citizens, a public housing resident, a police officer, a representative from a non - profit agency and representatives from various neighborhoods, including the Point Neighborhood and the Boston Street Neighborhood. IV.C-4. January 16, 2014 Public Hearing (9 attendees, 4 city staff) The City of Salem held a public hearing regarding the development of the FY1 5 Action Plan for Community and Economic Development for the period of July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2015. The public hearing was held in the third floor conference room at the City Hall Annex, 120 Washington Street, on Thursday, January 16, 2014 at 6:00pm. Present representing the City of Salem were Lynn Duncan, Director; Jane Guy, Assistant Community Development Director; Andrew Shapiro, Economic Development Planner; and Naomi Francisco, Housing Coordinator, who was also available to provide Spanish translation. Public Participation Guidebooks were available to all attendees in the audience. Ms. Duncan welcomed the group and asked the audience to introduce themselves. Ms. Guy stated that the purpose of this hearing is to get public comments on Salem’s housing, community and economic development needs and priorities in order to prepare the Action Plan for the federal funding (Community Development Block Grant and HOME) that the City expects to receive for the period of July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2015 or FY15. Ms. Guy stated that the City has not been informed of its FY14 allocation, but is using level funding as an estimate. In FY14, the City was allocated $968,058, a slight increase over last year, but still about 22% less than four years ago. For HOME, $93,638 was Salem’s allocation in FY14, the Ci ty’s lowest allocation ever, more than 50% less funding than just four years ago. Ms. Guy stated that the Action Plan is a one year document that outlines the activities that utilize CDBG and HOME for FY15. Each year, the Action Plan includes activities that were identified as priorities in the 5-Year Consolidated Plan, completed in 2010 following a series of neighborhood and stakeholder meetings, as well as any new needs and priorities that might be identified. To utilize CDBG or HOME funds activities must be considered eligible by HUD definitions and must primarily assist very low, low or moderate income households or neighborhoods, create jobs or imp rove the urban renewal area. Examples of some programs we have funded include business loan program to create or retain jobs, housing rehabilitation loan program, first time homebuyer loan program, handicap access improvements, public facility improvements such as improvements to playground, infrastructure improvements such as tree planting, sidewalk curb cuts and street resurfacing, studies such as to preserve historic buildings, and grants to social service agencies for various programs, such as funds to prevent eviction, food pantries, youth activities, senior transportation, child care, neighborhood police bike patrols and job training. Activities undertaken can be projects or programs that are managed directly by the City of Salem or they can be projects or programs managed by other organizations. They programs can benefit low to moderate income neighborhoods or households. She indicated the low to moderate income neighborhoods on the map, noting that HUD has advised us to use 2000 Census information until further notice. She added that work can be done in the Urban Renewal Area. Programs, such as our housing or social service programs, can be done anywhere in the city, as long as the household income-qualifies. Ms. Guy stated we start the process with this public hearing. The Plan will be drafted and will be made available for a 30 day public comment period toward the end of March. There will be a second public hearing sometime in April as well as the submission of the Application for Federal Funding to the City Council for approval. The Plan is submitted to HUD by May 15th. Ms. Guy opened up the meeting for questions or comments. She asked if there are any new needs or priorities that have arisen, any activities that could be used to meet those needs, any programs that should be continued or any that are not successful. Deric Lepard from North Shore Community Action Programs commented on how grateful they are to have utilized this funding in the past. Mr. Lepard further commented on his conversations with Catholic Charities stating there’s a greater need for assistance for rental arrearage and prevention of eviction, because of the increase in families in motels and people who have been displaced. He stated that often times it is for something that can be remedied with the funds the agency receives , so it prevents entire families from becoming homeless, as well as the disruption it causes families. Mr. Lepard also stated that with the loss of unemployment benefits, which ended in December, 2013, the agency has received a higher influx of calls of people in need as well as for arrearages, utilities, and start-up funds. He stated that it helps a lot of Salem residents and it’s good to partner with other agencies that are attending the meeting. Ms. Guy added that CDBG funding to social service programs is capped at 15 percent of the current year entitlement and program income received last year. Of the total, 15 percent is the maximum amount the City is able to allocate to social service agencies. As the City’s entitlement grant decreases, so does the funding amount available to social services - unless additional program income is received. For example, if the city were to increase interest rates on its loans which are now at 0 percent, program income would increase. Kristen Anderson from North Shore Community Development Coalition provided her recommendations in favor of supporting projects that are based upon the Salem Point Vision and Action Plan, which engaged approximately 300 people in a neighborhood vision for the Point Neighborhood, which is part of the CDBG designated area. Ms. Anderson state d that there were a few specific items that CDBG funds ca n be directed to, such as prioritizing funding for rehabilitation and new affordable housing investments be made in the neighborhood, supporting programs providing housing/tenant education programs and opportunities in English and Spanish, and infrastructure, specifically improving the economic development of commercial corridors along Lafayette and Congress Streets. Ms. Anderson also recommended community service programs geared towards welcoming new immigrants to the community and workshops that provide job, career or housing training targeting that area, in particular. Councilor William H. Legault asked if the small turn-out at this meeting was normal. Ms. Guy stated the meetings are highly advertised. She noted that there tends to be more participation during the Five-Year Consolidated Plan neighborhood meetings. Ms. Duncan stated that there are a core of standard programs that are run each year, such as housing rehabilitation, economic development loan program for business and microenterprises to create jobs and social services assistance. Ms. Duncan further stated that Ms. Guy is now working on a request for proposals to social service agencies for their program funding proposal s and to economic development agencies such as Main Streets, North Shore Community Development Corporation and Enterprise Center for their proposals. She stated that is fairly standard. She noted that some social service agencies are not present, but they expect to be getting RFP and will be submitting their requests. She encouraged people to attend the next public meeting when the draft Action Plan is available. Councillor Legault stated that he was surprised when there is a million dollars at stake here. Ms. Anderson stated that the Point Vision and Action Plan process engaged close to 300 people in its planning process and came out with very specific items. We encourage CDBG to use this as a tool that includes a lot more voices than are present here. Ms. Guy stated the Five-Year Consolidated Plan, every Action Plan for the last ten years, as well as the Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) are available on line. Councilor Legault asked if any part of the St. Joseph’s site project will have programs that will be eligible for any of the Community Development Block Grant funding. Ms. Guy stated that the project received assistance for the acquisition of the property. Ms. Guy further stated that if any agency wanted to provide a service on that site, specifically for the individuals who live in the area or within the neighborhood, such as a first time homebuyer class, it would be eligible. Ms. Duncan stated that the tenants would be eligible for programs , rather than the developer. She also noted that the affordable housing project received HOME funding from the city as well as direct funding from the North Shore Home Consortium in Peabody for the acquisition of the property. She stated that she would love to see commercial tenants make use of the City’s small business loan program. Lucy Corchado suggested focusing on businesses and loan assistance or start up for the retail space. She stated that there were some retailers interested in the St. Joseph’s retail spaces, but found them to be expensive, so she encouraged loan assistance to local owners for startup. Ms. Duncan stated that the city has funds available now and potential owners should be directed to Andrew Shapiro. Ms. Corchado asked if there was still rehabilitation money available for lower income property owners. Ms. Duncan replied in the affirmative. Councilor Legault stated that the Point Neighborhood could use some new restaurants. Ms. Duncan stated that the City will be receiving a Technical Assistance Grant from the Metropolitan Area Planning Council to conduct a Commercial Corridor Study and Retail Market Plan to look at redevelopment potential, whether it’s housing or commercial. Ms. Duncan stated this plan might determine if the neighborhood would support a small bodega, restaurants or other small businesses. Councilor Legault stated that the Salem Point Neighborhood is going to need a social center which cannot be accomplished with a CVS or bar. He stated that any neighborhood needs a hub of activity for people to gather and socialize; otherwise it will just be a place where people sleep and drive off to work. Ms. Duncan noted that she and Kylie Sullivan were discussing some ideas earlier today on how Main Streets might be leveraged to assist the Point Neighborhood, as well. Ms. Corchado suggested enhancement of the green space that exist in the parks in the Point, particularly Palmer Cover, noting that there is not a lot of re creational space in the area, especially for the teenagers that live in the area. Ms. Corchado stated that there was a complete playground at Palmer Cove that no longer exists and that MaryJane Lee is more geared for younger children. Mickey Northcutt from North Shore Community Development Corporation recommended some planning money to come up with a pl an for capital improvements to revitalize Mary Jane Lee Park in order to make it more welcoming for the many small children. Mr. Northcutt stated the North Shore Community Development Corporation has requested HOME/CDBG funding to acquire and renovate a couple buildings, one being a problem property facing Mary Jane Lee Park and which shares a common fence with Mary Jane Lee Park. He stated that it is an opportunity to focus on the revitalization of this park by having a friendly property owner to work with on it. Ms. Duncan commented that one of the opportunities the city is now eligible for through the state as a gateway city is a spray park with a water feature. She suggested giving some thought as to a good location, as this will be happening in the immediate future. She noted it could be at MaryJane Lee or at Palmer Cove Park to increase utilization. She did not think there was a lot of extra space with the ball field there. Councilor Legault stated the ball field at Palmer Cove could be in transiti on because it’s underutilized as Salem State now uses its own field as well as the Salem High School uses its own field. He stated Mary Lee Jane Park is a large central space and has been a neglected opportunity for the last several years. He further spoke of Lafayette Park, stating that it is the social center of that part of the neighborhood, and it needs some attention. Ms. Duncan stated that there is some funding set aside for Lafayette Park which was discussed during the Point Neighborhood Vision and Action Plan. She stated that now that St. Joseph’s will be occupied there will be more demand and we would like to move forward on the best way to use it. She suggested thinning out some of the trees and noted that the City has replaced benches and did period lighting along the Lafayette frontage. She stated that the City wants to get input on how to upgrade the rest of the park. Councillor Legault stated that we need to give real attention to that park. He stated that with the RCG project coming up on Mill Hill, it all needs to tie in together. Mr. Northcutt suggested looking at MaryJane Lee, Palmer Cove and Lafayette together, even if all the physical renovations can’t be done all at once, so that there is a plan for over a series of years. He suggested there be a design process to look at the ball field at Palmer Cove. Councillor Legault noted that there are community gardens at Palmer Cove and to clean up the park would make it a better situation. Ms. Corchado stated that it could be the home of the Latino Softball League. Ms. Duncan stated that the Park and Recreation Commission is looking at all of their assets, parks and fields to determine their needs. Ms. Rincon stated that she supported all the ideas raised, as a NSCDC staff member and a former child who used all those spaces and whose daughter who goes to day care next to MaryJane Lee. IV.C-5. April 3, 2014 Public Hearing (2 attendees, 4 city staff) The City of Salem held a public hearing regarding the development of the FY1 5 Action Plan for Community and Economic Development for the period of July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2015. The public hearing was held in the third floor conference room at the City Hall Annex, 120 Washington Street, on Thursday, April 3, 2014 at 6:00pm. Lynn Duncan, Director of Planning and Community Development opened the meeting and stated that this was the second public meeting for fiscal year 2015 Community Development Block Grant program. The first meeting was held in January 2014 and was held to obtain public comment on Salem’s community needs. This meeting is to receive comment on the Draft Action Plan. Ms. Duncan introduced Andrew Shapiro, Naomi Francisco and Jane Guy. She stated that one piece that is different in this year’s Action Plan is that city will be submitting a Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Plan for the Point Neighborhood, along with the Action Plan to HUD. She stated that the Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Plan is based on the 2013 Point Vision and Action Plan done in collaboration with the North Shore Community Development Coalition, Point Neighborhood Association and the Metropolitan Area Planning Council. It is the guiding document for the Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy. Jennifer Firth asked if the Plan had been funded through CDBG. Ms. Guy, Community Development Assistant Director, clarified that the 2013 Point Vision and Action Plan was not funded through CDBG but some of the activities to implement the Point Vision and Action Plan under the Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Plan are CDBG e ligible. Andrew Shapiro, Economic Development Planner, stated there are both CDBG eligible and ineligible activities are included within the Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Plan. Ms. Duncan stated that the city received a $100,000 grant from the Boston Federal Reserve Bank through their Working City’s Challenge Grant and the program is based on the Point Vision and Action Plan. She stated that the city is working toward implementing the Point Vision and Action Plan using resources of the Working City’s Challenge. Ms. Duncan stated that the Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy gives the city more flexibility relative to funding social services through Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDOs), such as the North Shore CDC. Ms. Guy stated that the Action Plan is a one year document that outlines the activities the city will undertake with Federal Funds from CDBG and/or HOME for the upcoming fiscal year to do affordable housing, economic development, neighborhood improvements and support for social services. Ms. Guy stated the process starts in January with a public hearing. The Action Plan includes priority activities from the 5-Year Consolidated plan, as well as any new needs or goals that have arisen since the City completed the 5-Year Consolidated Plan in 2010. Ms. Guy stated that the process for new 5-Year Consolidated Plan starts in the fall 2014. Ms. Guy stated comments received from non - profits, residents and businesses at the initial public hearing are considered, as well as any new information that the city has gained to create the One-year Action Plan. Ms. Guy further explained that to utilize CDBG or HOME funding the activities need to be determined eligible by HUD’s definition and must primarily assists very low, low and moderate income households or neighborhoods. Ms. Guy indicated the eligible areas listed on a map. She stated that projects or programs can be undertaken in Salem’s Downtown area as indicated on the map under our slums/blight designation. Ms. Guy stated some of the programs/projects are undertaken by city staff, while others can be managed by social service agencies or other organizations. The city issues a Request for Proposals (RFP) for social service agencies to request funds and has received approximately 25 applications/requests for different programs that will assist very low, low and moderate households. Ms. Guy stated that HUD has informed the city that the CDBG FY15 (July 1, 2014 – June 30, 2015) formula allocation is $952,491.00 which is $15,567 less than last fiscal year. The City will receive an increase in HOME funding of $6697 for a total of $100,335. The city also estimates a total of $115,000 in program income will be generated. Ms. Guy stated that the Action Plan continues to include the core programs such as the Business Loan program which creates or retains jobs, funding for Salem Main Streets, Housing Rehabilitation Loan program, rental down payment assistance, neighborhood infrastructure such as street improvements and tree planting and grant s for Social Service agencies for various programs such as preventing evictions, food pantries, prescriptions, youth activities, senior transportation, childcare, police bike patrols and job training, Ms. Guy stated that some of the new activities for the FY15 Action Plan include North Shore CDC’s housing acquisition project to acquire properties on Dow and Congress Streets and create new affordable housing, construction of a new fence around the skateboard park at Mansfield Park, matching funds to install a Splash Pad at Maryjane Lee Park and additional park funding improvements for Palmer Cove and/or Lafayette Park. Ms. Guy stated funding will continue in FY15 for activities/projects funded in the prior or current year which are in several stages of implementation such as Memorial Park field improvements, neighborhood history signs, the Pedestrian Mall improvements including the fountain restoration, an extension to the Harbor Walk, and the implementation of some of the goals in the Point Vision Plan stating any CDBG funding set aside for these activities/projects will remain in place. The Action Plan also includes a Consolidated Plan amendment. The City of Salem is requesting that HUD approve our Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy for the Point Neighborhood. This designation allows more flexibility in carrying out activities that help revitalize the neighborhood, such as economic development, housing and public service activities. Ms. Guy stated that the third document available for public comment is the Citizen’s Participation Plan which is how the city will proceed with the public participation process over the next five years. Ms. Guy stated the public comment phase ends April 23, 2014; afterwards all public comment will be considered, changes made if needed, and the plan will be finalized and submitted to HUD. Teasie Riley Goggin stated that with regard to her awareness of rooming houses in the city, she felt that the houses are sometimes not appropriate for young male professionals working or attending school. Ms. Riley commented on the need to assists males within the community and to possibly have a program available similar to the Women’s Friend. Ms. Guy stated the city that if an agency found a building and presented a proposal, the city could consider funding it. Ms. Guy also stated the city has the Brookhouse Home, but it is only for seniors. Ms. Goggin stated that there is nothing available for young men and that she wasn’t sure what was available at the YMCA. Ms. Guy questioned if there are statistics identifying a need for this type of housing. Ms. Goggin stated she is aware of the Lafayette Hotel and the Lincoln Hotel, but felt it was in a location where young men would not want to go. Ms. Riley asked who was acquiring the homes on Dow Street. Ms. Duncan responded that it is the North Shore CDC that would be acquiring the buildings and that the city is only providing a small percentage of the total cost of the acquisition and that the North Shore CDC is getting funding from other sources of financing to rehab the properties in order to provide affordable units, which she believed would be apartments and not single rooms. Ms. Duncan questioned if Ms. Goggin was speaking of affordable housing by definition or affordable by its nature because it’s a single room rental as opposed to an apartment. Ms. Goggin stated college students have the option of dorm rooms and suggested something with a sliding scale for young men that might not be students, but may be going after their GED or an alternative program, or need to make a move. It could be something similar to Lifebridge as they make a move, so that don’t have to stay at home. Ms. Duncan stated that Salem College University is interested in having some rooms primarily for their graduate and potential international students at the RCG’s proposed development on Dodge and Washington Streets. Ms. Duncan asked Ms. Guy to introduce this topic to the social services agencies at the next HOPE meeting. Ms. Guy stated this topic could be discussed via the consultants through the Consolidated Plan process and also be determined if it is statistically supported. Ms. Goggin questioned if the City would be losing CDBG funding now that so many long awaited affordable housing projects are underway. Ms. Guy stated that the city has not received the new map from HUD identifying the eligible areas, which would be based on the 2010 census household income. Once received, the eligible areas may change, which would affect where funding can be utilized for various activities. Ms. Duncan stated there is still so much need, and some larger projects can’t be assisted because it would take the whole budget. She noted that there are also larger, multi-family buildings for which there are not sufficient resources. Ms. Goggin stated that she hoped the city would open the door a little wider, not on affordable housing for families but for seniors whom she believes are in need and may not be honest with their situation. Ms. Guy mentioned that through the Consolidated Plan process, the city and an experienced consultant meet directly with the seniors at the Council on Aging to inquire as to their specific needs. Ms. Firth disclosed that she is employed by Boston Federal, but is not representing the agency a nd will never represent her employer in town meetings. Ms. Firth stated that she works in the bank supervision and regulation department at Boston Federal, and that she is on the board of Historic Salem, Inc. She noted that Historic Salem had questions regarding neighborhood improvement funding and questioned how eligible neighborhoods are defined. Ms. Guy replied that it is defined by the US Census every ten years. Ms. Guy explained that the cities receive the information from the US Census a few years later and further explained that the problem with the last Census was the way the information was provided to HUD. Cities were able to define the areas because the information was provided at the block group level, but now it’s provided as census track levels creating a discrepancy between the two entities. Ms. Guy further stated that HUD should be releasing the new maps soon and has informed municipalities to continue using the current maps. Ms. Firth asked how the neighborhood project allocation is defined. Ms. Guy stated that the process starts with the 5-Year Consolidate Plan where goals are identified; the Action Plan is created every year to implement those goals and may change yearly depending on the community needs. Requests for proposals are i ssued for social services, housing, economic development programs, as well as to department heads to inquire as to their requests for funding projects/programs within the community. Ms. Guy further stated that these requests and identified needs come in various ways, the city attempts to combine, prioritize and implement as much as possible each year. She stated that there are some core programs that we continue to fund, that the city tries to do some park improvements each year, as well as some street improvements and tree planting. The City may also get requests for public building handicap accessibility projects. Some that were completed over the years include Old Town Hall, the City Hall elevator, the addition of a handicap bathroom at a fire station where polling takes place within a low-to-moderate area, and accessibility access to the YMCA pool. Ms. Duncan stated that improvements are also i dentified when the city conducts a neighborhood plan or a strategic plan. For example, some of the activitie s slated for implementation with CDBG funding were generated by the Point Vision and Action Plan. Ms. Duncan stated that the improvements to the Pedestrian Mall were generated through discussion at forums that took place in the winter of 2011 and have been implemented incrementally using some city and CDBG funds. She noted, however, that some neighborhood plans are for neighborhoods that aren’t within the eligible areas and can’t utilize CDBG funds. Ms. Duncan added that the city is not able to utilize CDB G funding toward neighborhood improvements in ineligible areas, but could assist households with housing rehabilitation anywhere in the city if they meet the income guidelines. Ms. Goggin asked about a request for Salem Common improvements which were deni ed several years ago because it was not an eligible area. Ms. Guy stated the only a portion of the Common area that is eligible is the senior housing complex. She explained that the projects could not be undertaken throughout the entire city because the city is not 51 percent or more low-moderate income, but recalls a time in the 1980’s where assistance could be undertaken city-wide because the community was a minimum of 51 percent low/mod. Ms. Duncan stated that , while the city previously had greater flexibility, the change is better for the city, showing that the city as a whole is doing better. Ms. Firth stated that the Action Plan indicates an unallocated amount towards neighborhood improvements in the amount of $64,000. Ms. Guy stated that the city set that amount aside because the Point Vision and Action Plan activities are still being defined. She added that at the time, the city did not know the allocation from HUD until the day before the draft came out. She stated that there are also som e ongoing projects that may need an increase in funding. In addition, citizens at the previous public meeting were advocating for improvements to the Mary Jane Lee, Palmer Cove and Lafayette Parks; therefore the city wanted has some contingency funds. Ms. Duncan stated that the City wanted to have some contingency in CDBG for Splaine Park, in order to avoid going back to City Council for unexpected costs. She stated that the city is also getting a splash pad at Mary Jane Lee Park. Contingency funds will help in case there are cost overruns. Ms. Goggin questioned if the Splash Pad was being installed this year. Ms. Duncan replied in the affirmative and noted that the City Council would need to vote to accept the funds and further explained that the city received the grant because Salem is one of the Gateway Cities and it is through a grant called “Our Common Backyard”. Ms. Guy stated the good thing about have a little bit of funds unprogrammed is for things that come up during the year, as long as it meets the overall goals of the Consolidated Plan. Ms. Duncan stated the amount of the grant for the splash pad is $200,000. She stated that there will also be some project related costs such as conceptual plan to determine placement, having a landscaped architect work with a pool company to create construction specifications, as well as advertising costs. Ms. Firth stated that she wanted to convey from Historic Salem an offer to partner to support the historic integrity of the Point. Ms. Duncan suggested HSI contact North Shore CDC to assist them in their pursuit to get National Register Designation for the Point Neighborhood, which is currently in an appeal process with Massachusetts Housing Commission (MHC). She stated that the North Shore CDC may need assistance getting the word out and talk to property owners about advantages. She stated that HSI could help be an advocate for that designation, which would be a great partnership. Ms. Goggin inquired about the commercial space at the St. Joe’s development. Ms. Duncan stated that they are still trying to lease. She understands there has been interest, but no tenants yet. Mr. Shapiro stated that he spoke with someone interested in having a restaurant there. Ms. Goggin inquired as to the Community Health Center potentially moving or expanding to the school building at the St. Joe’s site. Ms. Duncan believed building is too small to accommodate the clinic’s combined functions and that they are still looking for a location. Ms. Goggin then questioned if there is a community room in the new building. Ms. Duncan replied in the affirmative. Mr. Shapiro stated the Planning Office for Urban Affairs is looking to furnish the community room and have it available for the community in the next couple months. He believed Peabody Properties would be the contact for use of the space. Ms. Goggin asked if any funding in the Action Plan is set aside for the Senior Center. Ms. Duncan replied there are no funds programmed for it. IV.D. Maps The following maps are included in the hard copy of this report: o Low to Moderate Income Areas ( From 5 Year Consolidated Plan) o Urban Renewal (SRA) boundaries. For a digital version of the map to go http://www.salem.com/Pages/SalemMA_BComm/forms/RenewalMap.jpg o Areas of Racial & Ethnic Minority Concentration from 5 Year Consolidated Plan o Poverty Rate from HUD’s CPD Maps (HUD’s CPD Maps is a recently released on-line mapping application) The 5 Year Consolidated Plan can be viewed at http://salem.com/pages/salemma_dpcd/studiesreports/conplan2010.pdf . CITY OF SALEMFive-Year Consolidated Plan 8 Community Opportunities Group, Inc. Boston, Massachusetts 00.510.25 Miles 8 Data Sources: MassGIS, Bureau of the Census, Applied Geographics, Inc. !(T !(T HIGHLA N D AVEN U E B R ID G E S T R EE T LORINGAVENUELAFAYETTESTREETES S E X S T R EET CANALSTREETFORTAVENUENORTHSTREET S WA MP S COTTROAD D E R B Y S T R E ETJEFFERSONAVENUEF E D E R A L S T R E E T BOSTON S T R EET F IR STS T R E ETM A S O N S TR E E T WEBB STREET BROADWA Y V ALLEYSTREETTREMON T S T R E E T W ILLSONSTREET MEM ORIALD R IVE OR D STREETORNESTREETMOFFATT ROA DBROADSTREET SALEMSTREETWASHINGTONSTREE TDEARBORNSTREET R A Y MO NDROADPROCTORSTREET CLARK STREET MARGINSTREETSUMMITSTREETKERNWOODSTREETS A B L E ROAD !(1A !(22 !(35 !(62 UV107 UV129 UV114 UV127 UV128 UV129A UV114 UV114 UV129A SALEM BEVERLY DEPOT Areas of Low- and Moderate- Income Concentration Peabody Marblehead Swampscott Danvers Lynn Beverly MAP 4LEGEND !(T Stations Lines Census Tract Boundaries Percent Population 0.221 - 0.509 0.510 - 0.886 Major Roads Limited Access Highway Multi-lane Hwy, not limited access Other Numbered Highway Major Road, Collector Local NorthRiverCollinsCoveCatCoveGlendale Cove Beverly Harbor Palmer Cove 8 Data Sources: MassGIS, City of Salem. 2047.01 2047.02 2041.01 2042 2046 2045 2044 2041.02 2043 CITY OF SALEMFive-Year Consolidated Plan 8 Community Opportunities Group, Inc. Boston, Massachusetts 00.510.25 Miles 8 Data Sources: MassGIS, Bureau of the Census, Applied Geographics, Inc. !(T !(T HIGHLA N D AVEN U E B R ID G E S T R EE T LORINGAVENUELAFAYETTESTREETES S E X S T R E ET CANALSTREETFORTAVENUENORTHSTREET S WA MP S COTTROA D D E R B Y S T R E ETJEFFERSONAVENUEF E D E R A LS T R E E T BOSTON S T R EET F IR STS T R EETM A S O N S TR E E T WEBB STREET BROADWA Y V ALLEYSTREETTREMON T S T R E E T W ILLSONSTREET MEM ORIALD R IVE OR D S TREETORNESTREETMOFFATT ROA DBROADSTREET SALEMSTREETWASHINGTONSTREE TDEARBORNSTREET R A Y MO NDROADPROCTORSTREET CLARK STREET MARGINSTREETSUMMITSTREETKERNW OODSTREETS A B L E ROAD !(1A !(22 !(35 !(62 UV107 UV129 UV114 UV127 UV128 UV129A UV114 UV114 UV129A SALEM BEVERLY DEPOT MAP 5 Peabody Marblehead Swampscott Danvers Lynn Beverly Areas of Racial & Ethnic Minority Concentration LEGEND !(T Stations Lines Census Tract Boundaries Minority Areas 3.8% - 14.5% 14.6% - 15.5% 15.6% - 25.6% 25.7% - 68.3% Major Roads Limited Access Highway Multi-lane Hwy, not limited access Other Numbered Highway Major Road, Collector Local NorthRiverCollinsCoveCatCoveGlendale Cove Beverly Harbor Palmer Cove 8 Data Sources: MassGIS, City of Salem. 2047.01 2047.02 2041.01 2042 2046 2045 2044 2041.02 2043 CPD Maps Consolidated Plan and Continuum of Care Planning Tool IV.E. Salem CPMP Needs Tables These tables are not included in the digital copy, but are included in the hard copy. IV.F. North Shore Home Consortium CPMP Needs Tables These tables are not included in the digital copy, but are included in the hard copy.