Planning District Priorities (unranked)

1. Foster cooperation within the region through the use of affordable housing initiatives. This can be accomplished by a region-wide committee to set regional goals and to mesh these regional goals with local efforts;
2. Educate the public on the need for affordable housing and on programs available to assist low- and moderate-income residents;
3. Establish a regional mechanism for disseminating information on affordable housing initiatives and for evaluating current efforts and policies;
4. Establish a regional loan fund, financial management tools and technical assistance for the region's housing non-profits.
5. Provide self-help opportunities for first-time homebuyers, including credit counselling.
6. Participate in Virginia Housing and Development Administration Assistance to First-Time Home Buyers.
7. Support an equitable distribution of owner-occupied and rental units throughout the region.
8. Provide a regional housing counselling program, with particular emphasis on teenage mothers and single heads of households.

Priorities for Albemarle County (unranked)

1. Rehabilitate substandard owner-occupied homes;
2. Increase opportunities for first-time home buyers;
3. Rehabilitate substandard renter-occupied homes and multi-family units;
4. Increase mixed use, high density development in designated growth areas;
5. Assist special needs groups (elderly, disabled, homeless and single parent families).

Priorities for the City of Charlottesville (unranked)

1. Increase opportunities for first-time home buyers;
2. Rehabilitate or replace substandard owner-occupied homes;
3. Rehabilitate substandard renter-occupied homes and multi-family units;
4. Provide financial assistance and support services to low-income renters;
5. Assist special needs groups (elderly, disabled, homeless and single parent families).

Priorities for Fluvanna County (unranked)

1. Rehabilitate substandard owner-occupied homes;
2. Increase public education on affordable housing programs and good consumer practices;
3. Increase opportunities for first-time home buyers.

Priorities for Greene County (unranked)

1. Increase opportunities for first-time home buyers;
2. Increase public education on affordable housing programs and good consumer practices;
3. Assist special needs groups (elderly, disabled, homeless and single parent families);
4. Rehabilitate substandard owner-occupied homes;
5. Increase multi-family rental units in areas with water and sewer.

Priorities for Louisa County (unranked)

1. Rehabilitate substandard owner-occupied housing;
2. Increase opportunities for first-time home buyers;
3. Increase scattered site development of homes for first-time home buyers;
4. Increase number of affordable single family homes in villages;
5. Assist special needs groups, especially the elderly.

Priorities for Nelson County (unranked)

1. Rehabilitate substandard owner-occupied housing;
2. Address water/wastewater needs of owner-occupied housing;
3. Increase opportunities for first time homebuyers;
4. Increase public education on affordable housing programs and good consumer practices; and provide counseling on homeownership and maintenance;
5. Increase availability of small (2-4 unit) rental units in areas with water and sewer and provide support services to low income renters.

In keeping with the priorities developed during the Consolidated Planning Process, the region's local governments have developed a series of projects designed to address the priorities of each jurisdiction as well as the region. These projects are detailed in the attached Listing of Proposed Projects.

1. Resources
   1. Federal: Charlottesville's FY96-97 Entitlement Grant has been set at $713,000, while HOME funding for the Consortium has been set at $669,000. The breakdown of Consortium funds by locality, and by eligible Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDOs) is as follows:

      Administrative Funds: (10%)	$ 66,900
      Program Funds: (90%)
      Albemarle:	$ 83,625
      Charlottesville:	$ 83,625
      Fluvanna:	$ 83,625
      Greene:	$ 83,625
      Louisa:	$ 83,625
      Nelson:	$ 83,625
      Regional CHDO	$100,350
      Total:	$669,000

      In addition, Albemarle Count is applying for $827,780 in competitive State CDBG funds. Greene County is applying for $400,000 of CDBG funds. The status of these funds will not be known until June, 1996.

   2. State: The Commonwealth of Virginia offers several programs to support affordable housing in the State. They include: the Virginia Housing Partnership Fund, which includes the Indoor Plumbing Program and the Homeless Intervention Program; the Emergency Home Repair Program; the Local Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program; the Homeownership Assistance Program; Multi-Family Loan Program; the Weatherization Assistance Program; and the Congregate Loan Program. In addition, the Commonwealth of Virginia administers several federal programs available to the jurisdictions in the Planning District.

      The Virginia Housing Development Authority offers programs, primarily in the form of low-interest loans, to promote affordable housing. They include: the Virginia State Tax Credit Program for landlords who reduce rents to elderly and disabled tenants; the Program for Housing Persons with Mental Disabilities and Recovering Substance Abusers; the Multi-Family Equity Investment Program; the Basic Home Purchase Loan Program; the Single Family Affordable Housing Program; and the Home Rehabilitation Loan Program. The Regional Loan Fund program mixes state and federal HOME funds to establish a loan fund for first-time home buyers. The Thomas Jefferson Planning District, through the Thomas Jefferson Housing Improvement Corporation (TJHIC), has $500,000 available from this program. Two new programs, HomeStart and FlexFunds, will provide funds for first time home buyers.

   3. Local Programs: Every locality within the Planning District offers resources in support of affordable housing initiatives. As discussed below, private, non-profit resources are available in each locality within the Planning District and they are supported with local funds. In Charlottesville, the Charlottesville Housing Improvement Program (CHIP) receives approximately $120,000 from the City. In Albemarle County, the Albemarle Housing Improvement Program (AHIP) receives approximately $300,000 from the County. In addition, the Charlottesville Housing Foundation, Albemarle County, and AHIP worked together in the development of 30 first-time home buyer homes (Crozet Crossings) using a combination of local funds, federal and private funds. Similar support is given in Nelson County to the Nelson County Community Development Foundation (approximately $50,000 per annum), in Louisa County to the Louisa Housing Foundation, in Greene County to Skyline CAP, and in Fluvanna County, to the Fluvanna Housing Foundation.

      In-kind contributions, such as the donation of land and the waiver of local fees, is another way in which localities support affordable housing in the Planning District.

   4. Private Resources
      1. For-Profit: The Thomas Jefferson Planning District is blessed with private, for-profit businesses that support affordable housing. This support comes in the form of donated services and technical expertise. In addition, certain corporations such as the Jefferson Area Home Builders Co., specialize in affordable housing using Farmers Home Administration funds. Manufactured housing companies, such as Nationwide Homes, have been a valuable resource for affordable homes, including replacement homes and have offered quantity discounts for efforts such as Montreal Village in Nelson County.

      2. Non-Profit: Eleven private, non-profit housing foundations serve the Thomas Jefferson Planning District Consortium. The Charlottesville Housing Foundation serves Charlottesville and Albemarle through acquisition and rehabilitation of existing housing and through new construction to assist low and moderate-income citizens. CHF is the major fund raiser for private funds in the Planning District. It has established a revolving loan fund to write down interest on homeowner rehabilitation. CHF uses private donations and low-interest bank loans, often to leverage state and federal funds. The Jordan Development Corporation operates two facilities for the elderly and handicapped, in the Town of Scottsville (Albemarle County) in the community of Crozet (Albemarle County). The Midway Corporation supports affordable housing in the city of Charlottesville through Monticello Vista apartments. The Louisa Housing Foundation uses private donations also to leverage public monies, especially for the rehabilitation of substandard housing. The Fluvanna Housing Foundation serves Fluvanna County's residents using private donations and serves as an implementing agency for housing programs in the County. In Greene County Skyline CAP and Rapidan Better Housing leverage federal, state and private funds. Nelson County, too, has a private, non-profit housing foundation, the Nelson County Community Development Foundation, that has been successful at raising private funds to assist housing initiatives in the County. The Nelson County Community Development Foundation has been successful in new home construction for first-time home buyers and at rehabilitation of substandard housing. On a Planning District level, the Thomas Jefferson Housing Improvement Corporation coordinates resources for the region and administers programs on behalf of localities.

2. Activities to be Undertaken

   The list of proposed projects table details the proposed projects to be undertaken beginning in fiscal year 1996 (July 1, 1996). In brief, the rehabilitation of substandard homes is a priority as is down payment and closing cost assistance for first time home buyers. One project in the City addresses needs at Ephphatha Village, a HUD-funded housing development serving people with hearing impairments. The projects reflect both local and regional priorities to increase opportunities for first-time homebuyers and to rehabilitate substandard homes. Though none of the projects has a direct impact on people who are homeless, many of the projects are designed to increase the supply of affordable housing, which will assist in alleviating overcrowded conditions in existing housing and on identifying and rehabilitating overcrowded housing units.

3. Geographic Distribution

   In Charlottesville, all CDBG projects except the Removal of Architectural Barriers will be undertaken in the City's six CDBG Target Neighborhoods: Rose Hill, Starr Hill, Fifeville, 10th and Page, Ridge Street and Belmont. At least 50% of these neighborhoods consist of persons who are considered low to moderate income (i.e. less than 80 percent of MFI). Five out of six of the neighborhoods also contain Charlottesville's highest percentage of minority population. See the Proposed Projects Map and Community Development Block Grant Target Neighborhood Map pages following this section.

   Within the region, Consortium HOME funds are made available on an equal share basis. Should Albemarle County compete successfully for state CDBG funds, the Esmont community in southern Albemarle will be the target neighborhood. In Greene County, the Tom's Road area is the target neighborhood.

4. Homeless and Other Special Needs Activities

   The HIV Supportive Services Initiative addresses the needs of people with HIV/AIDS, including assistance in preventing homelessness by the provision of short-term rent/mortgage/utility payments, as well as food, clothing, and medical assistance. This program also works to identify low-income, primarily African-American Charlottesville residents with HIV/AIDS, provide comprehensive case management, and build community support.

   The Salvation Army has received a regional grant from the State of Virginia, Homeless Intervention Program, in the amount of $150,000 to return families and individuals in crisis to self-sufficiency and economic independence. It is estimated that 80 households, or 184 persons will be provided with HIP assistance each year during the two year grant period. In addition, the Salvation Army has received a $25,000 grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to provide follow-up to families assisted through this and other programs. It provides mentoring using volunteers to help families further on the road to self-sufficiency. This program is one of several in the area that addresses the continuum of care.

5. Other Actions
   1. General - The City of Charlottesville will continue to promote affordable housing by supporting regional housing activities and through continued use of the Section 8 program, low interest loan programs for rehabilitation and weatherization, and downpayment/closing cost assistance programs. In addition, the City provides financial support for the following agency programs that provide housing support:

      Community Attention Homes provide a residential program from troubled adolescents, including emergency crisis referrals that can provide housing for up to two months, as well as the long-term program that provides housing for up to a year.

      Family Group Homes utilize 10-15 private homes for residential care for troubled adolescents.

      The Monticello Area Community Action Agency provides Hope House, supportive temporary housing for low-income families without other resources. They also provide housing counselling for City residents.

      The Shelter for Help in Emergency (SHE) provides temporary help to battered women and their children. Clients can stay in the shelter for up to six weeks, in which time the staff helps them locate and secure permanent housing and counselling.

      Region Ten Community Services Board provides a comprehensive range of mental health, mental retardation and substance abuse services which includes the M.O. Center, a 22 bed detox unit that served 424 people in 1994. In addition Region Ten provides an intermediate care facility for mentally retarded adults, group homes, licensed adult homes, subsidized apartment and supervised apartments for mentally ill and mentally retarded adults and transitional residential placement for persons who have completed substance abuse treatment.

      Children, Youth and Family Services encourages positive growth of children and healthy family relationships. One of their services is the Runaway Emergency Shelter program.

      Rent and Real Estate Tax Relief programs sponsored by the City provide assistance to the elderly and disabled in the city. Last year 54 people received rent relief and 312 people received tax relief. Other localities in the Planning District offer similar assistance.

   2. Public Housing - The City's Comprehensive Grant Five-Year Action Plan calls for $686,000 in funding for FY97, which includes $112,200 for the Drug Elimination Grant funding a resident newsletter, Community Service Officer, and other projects, as well as $300,000 in physical improvements to the Crescent Halls site, $145,000 in physical improvements to the Westhaven public housing site, and $140,000 for the 6th Street Community Center. The Charlottesville Redevelopment and Housing Authority continues to provide quality housing and support to the City's lowest income population. Coordination with the City of Charlottesville is ensured by the inclusion of three City Councillors as Housing Authority Commissioners.

      The Redevelopment and Housing Authority submitted their Family Self -sufficiency Program Action Plan to HUD in March, 1996, which outlines an approach that includes mobilizing and coordinating a comprehensive array of existing services to meet the particular needs of each individual family. The program will concentrate on ten client/families living in public housing in an effort to enable these families to be economically independent, and in turn, to reduce the dependency on welfare assistance and on all types of housing subsidies. In addition, the Authority will work to create an awareness in the community of the problems faced by low income families and to demonstrate the Authority's capacity to assist families through the efficient and innovative use of existing public and private resources.

   3. Job Creation and Training - The PVCC West Main Street Center will introduce higher education to the residents of the West Main Street area, which is surrounded by three of Charlottesville's CDBG Target Neighborhoods: Starr Hill, Fifeville, and 10th and Page. The Center will provide career counselling, academic courses, and skill-building courses and will target course offerings to meet the training needs of surrounding businesses. Support for the Center comes from Piedmont Virginia Community College, the University of Virginia (which is furnishing the center's computer lab), and the City of Charlottesville, both through general revenue support and by dedicating a portion of its CDBG funding. The Center was created in response to a study by the City's Social Development commission on the need for job training, especially in low-income neighborhoods.

   4. Specific CDBG requirements The activities that will be undertaken with CDBG funds are all described in the Listing of Proposed Projects. No "urgent needs" activities are included in this listing. The available funding includes:

      96-97 Entitlement	$713,000
      Reprogrammed Prior Year's Income	$13,945
      Estimated Program Income	$30,000
      TOTAL	$756,945

      

   5. Specific HOME Requirements

      Guidelines for resale under first time home buyers assistance:

      Resale will be to low-income families who will use the home as their principal residence;

      The price of resale will be affordable to other low income families and this price will reflect a fair return on the previous owner's investment n the property. Shared appreciation, wherein an owner in which any appreciation realized during the term of homeownership shares the appreciation between the participating jurisdiction that subsidized the initial purchase and the homeowner;

      The homes will be affordable to low income families for a period not less than 15 years (when existing homes are used in the program) and that monthly payments that include principal, interest, taxes and insurance will not exceed 30% of the gross income of a family whose income is 80% of the median income for the respective jurisdictions. For newly constructed homes, the period of affordability under the above guidelines will be 20 years rather than the 15 years for existing dwellings.

   6. Citizen Participation

      The City of Charlottesville has been including citizens in the planning process through both public hearings and citizen committees. The process began in September when the CDBG Task Force, made up of representatives from each Target Neighborhood, as well as the School Board, Planning commission, Federation of Neighborhoods, and two at-large members, met to discuss overall priorities and recommend a Priority Neighborhood for FY 96-97. This was followed in October by a joint meeting of the Social Development Commission (which makes recommendations for CDBG-funded public services), the Planning commission (which makes recommendations on physical improvements), and the CDBG Task Force. At this meeting the groups discussed CDBG priorities, and supported projects done in partnership with the neighborhoods. The initial public hearing was held at the City Council meeting on October 16th, where North Belmont was designated the Priority Neighborhood, and amounts for social programs and administration were determined. It should be noted that prior to this and all other CDBG Task Force meetings, notices were mailed to a broad list of potentially interested parties, including the Health Department, Housing Authority, Salvation Army, as well as neighborhood associations and non-profit agencies serving low-income people, the elderly, and people with disabilities. Following this public hearing, the work of the three citizen committees began in earnest, with the Social Development Commission issuing an RFP for potential public service projects, the CDBG Task Force reviewing and recommending potential projects, and the newly-designated North Belmont CDBG Task Force setting goals and determining projects for their neighborhood. Each group held multiple meetings through January, and the consolidated list of potential projects was sent to the Planning Commission for a public hearing on February 13th. At this hearing, and at the additional public hearing held by the City Council in March, the bulk of the citizen comments were in favor of the North Belmont proposals. At the Planning Commission, there also was support voiced for the funding for Ephphatha Village, and for city lots for Habitat for Humanity. There also was a request for funding for the Free Clinic. City Council approved the Action Plan on May 6th, deleting Housing Demolition funds, reducing Housing Administration funds, and adding funds to the PVCC West Main Street Center project; the list was slightly revised in accordance with earlier guidance when notice of the revised Entitlement amount was received on May 9th.

      At the regional level, the development of this Action Plan began with a meeting of the non-profit housing providers from each locality, where priority needs and projects were voiced. An open invitation for the public to assist in the development of this Plan was held for a week prior to drafting of the Plan. A community-wide public forum on housing and community development needs and priorities in the region was held on April 30, 1996. Discussions focused on affordable housing, impediments and opportunities regarding fair housing and on community development needs. It was decided that the 15% CHDO set-aside requirement for Consortium HOME funds be used region-wide for assistance to first-time homebuyers for all CHDO-eligible project, including rental rehab. Two letters were received supporting the use of CHDO funds for a regional pool to assist first time homebuyers. A letter was received suggesting that Greene County delete its priority to "increase multi-family rental units in areas with water and sewer", but was received too late to be considered by the Greene Board of Supervisors. Other changes made reflect the decrease in funding from the $765,000 expected to $669,000. The Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission held a public hearing on May 2, 1996 to further seek public sentiment. One comment was made, expressing support for the decisions made at the April 30th public forum.