Conroe Relocation/Reconstruction Program

The Conroe Relocation/Reconstruction Program is one of many Success Stories that have been locally nominated for recognition in celebration of CDBG's 30th Anniversary.

Success Story Details

Success Story Description

In 1998, the City of Conroe, Texas identified the need to modify their current rehabilitation program. The City Council, after careful review and consideration, included within the rehabilitation program an owner-occupied relocation and reconstruction program where there was demonstrated need and cost effectiveness. Along with this idea, the City Council decided to focus this relocation and reconstruction program on specific low- to moderate-income target neighborhoods. The program was designed to make a difference street by street and neighborhood by neighborhood.

This project was initiated in the Tenth Street Target Area, a portion of the city that covers four city blocks. The first house was reconstructed in 1999. The City also renovated a neighborhood park, stepped up code enforcement and police presence. The neighborhood gang was eliminated and the drug activity has greatly decreased. To-date, 15 houses have been reconstructed under the CDBG Housing Program and the homeowners moved into new, safe and sanitary homes. These homeowners include five elderly widows, four single mothers with children, one elderly gentleman raising grandchildren, one elderly widower, and four elderly couples—one raising a grandchild and one with a handicapped spouse. Reconstruction has sparked new construction with four new houses in this area, two by individuals and two by the City's affordable housing program. All together this small area has 19 new homes.

The Washington School Target Area originally included three city blocks. During the 2002 program year, the City Council saw the need to expand this area to include another three blocks due to the number of rental houses. There are now three homeowners living in reconstructed houses in this target area and an additional five houses are under construction. Habitat for Humanity is also very active in this area, with 19 new homes. By working together and with law enforcement and code enforcement, the neighborhood is being impacted in a big way. Clearing clouded titles continues to make progress slow. The Tenth Street and Washington School Target Areas are designated low- to moderate-income because 51% or more of the population meets low- to moderate-income guidelines.

The Council also saw the need to step just a few blocks outside existing target areas for a special need and approved the reconstruction of a home for a mother and daughter with a severely handicapped two-year-old. This allowed the mother and daughter to move under one roof to provide the best possible care for the child.