The Crossroads to the future has long been known as the "Crossroads of New England." The largest number of interconnected roads in Connecticut meet at East Hartford, making it an ideal location for business and for living. The town is within an hour of the seashore, Foxwoods casino and entertainment complex, historic Mystic Seaport, colonial Sturbridge Village...two hours from New York City, Boston, and the best in New England skiing...and mere minutes from Hartford and Connecticut's Capital.

Action Plan

The Town of East Hartford Consolidated Plan presents a strategic vision for housing and community development that includes a One-Year Action Plan with anticipated spending in 1995 totaling approximately $626,000 from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and program income. These funds will primarily be spent in the following areas:

• Housing Rehabilitation
• Downpayment Assistance
• Main Street Rehabilitation District Facade Improvements
• Code Enforcement and Code Enforcement Area Improvements

Citizen Participation

The Town of East Hartford, through its Grants Administration Office, is the lead agency for the administration of the Community Development Block Grant Program as well as for the coordination of the Consolidated Planning process. Consultation and coordination efforts were led by the Housing Rehabilitation Specialist who was responsible for all data collection, follow-up interviews and analysis activities. Additional assistance was provided by the Town's Assistant Grants Administrator who is responsible for the CDBG program. The consultation and citizen coordination process included the following activities:

• Formation of a Community Forum Task Force that provided consultation on identification of specific community needs and recommendations for improvements.

• Consultation with the Director of the East Hartford Housing Authority and solicitation of public and assisted housing resident association presidents to provide resident comments/input during the development of the Consolidated Plan.

• Questionnaires were mailed to a number of organizations to gather data on community housing and non-housing needs to include: homelessness; services to frail populations; needs of elderly, children, and those with disabilities; fair housing and affordable housing, in an effort to further involve private agencies, community groups and financial organizations in the planning process.

• Contact and discussions with directors of the Town's Social Services, Health, and Development Departments, plus key Police Department personnel, to solicit data during the development process.

• A Community Development Planning Consortium was initiated to encourage collaborative analysis and problem solving among Hartford area jurisdictions. Core members included the Town's Rehabilitation Specialist, with community development/planning specialist from Hartford, West Hartford and Manchester. Entitlement recipients from other surrounding towns have been invited to join the consortium for the primary purpose of identifying key issues and trends affecting Hartford area municipalities and strategies to deal with changes occurring throughout the region.

• A series of four public hearings were held after being publicized as a legal advertisement in a local newspaper, in order to solicit community organizations and citizens views and comments regarding community development housing and non-housing needs.

• The proposed Consolidated Plan was made available for a 30-day public comment period. The public comment period was advertised in a local newspaper on June 9, 1995. A summary of the full document was published on the same date.

The Town of East Hartford is located on the banks of the Connecticut River. Census data comparing 1990 population figures with those from 1980 shows that East Hartford saw its total population decrease by four percent (4%), from 52,563 in 1980, to 50,452 in 1990. Although total population decreased, East Hartford's minority population increased significantly over this period. Between 1980 and 1990, there was an increase of one- hundred and fifteen percent (115%) in the Town's Black, non-Hispanic population; an increase of one-hundred and forty one percent (141%) in East Hartford's Hispanic (all races) population; an increase of two hundred and twenty-seven percent (227%) in its Asian and Pacific Islander population; a seventeen percent (17%) increase in Native American population; and a fifty-nine percent (59%) increase in population among all other ethnic groups. At the same time, the Town's White population decreased by nearly ten percent (10%) over the same period. In 1980, ninety-four percent (94%) of East Hartford's total population was White. In 1990, Whites accounted for only eighty-six point four percent (86.4%) of the Town's total population. It is clear that the trend in East Hartford is a move toward racial and ethnic diversity.

Between 1980 and 1990, median household income nearly doubled from $19,272 in 1980 to $36,664 in 1990. Twenty-two percent (22%) of all households in East Hartford fall within the very low income category of 0%-50% of Median Family Income. African Americans and Hispanics were disproportionately represented in the very-low income category (incomes between 0%-50% of MFI), at twenty-seven percent (27%) for each category.

Conditions

Cutbacks in defense at the national level have had a devastating impact on the region, and in particular, East Hartford. Historically, East Hartford has relied heavily on defense-related employment (Pratt & Whitney). The Town continues to suffer the effects of downsizing. East Hartford's unemployment rate of 7.4% (March 1995) is significantly higher than the overall State of Connecticut rate of 5.4%.

Housing Needs

Providing emergency shelter and services to individuals and families in need and bringing existing, deteriorating housing units into compliance with Federal Housing Quality Standards to provide residents with safe and decent affordable housing are the primary goals as outlined in the Consolidated Plan.

The following specific housing priorities are identified in the Consolidated Plan:

• Improving the supply of standard, affordable housing through the rehabilitation of existing single and multi-family owner-occupied homes.

• Promotion of homeownership for first-time low and moderate income buyers.

• Support of efforts to temporarily house homeless women and children on an emergency basis through establishment of Phase II of the Town's homeless shelter.

• Assistance to low income families in publicly-assisted housing who could benefit from participation in an ownership program

The preservation and improvement of the existing housing stock, with a primary focus on owner-occupied housing, remains a critical need in East Hartford. Seventy-eight percent (78%) of the very low income (incomes between 0%-50% of the MFI) homeowners in East Hartford are elderly. Three-quarters of the elderly population in this category are experiencing cost burden and one-third report housing problems. Among all other very low income homeowners, nearly three quarters are experiencing severe cost burden and the same number report housing problems.

Housing Market Conditions

Heavy reliance on defense-related employment and the inability of the region to rebound from a five-year economic recession have significantly impacted owner and rental housing in East Hartford. The Town's unemployment rate of 7.4% remains significantly higher than the State unemployment rate of 5.4%.

A high rate of unemployment and corresponding reduction in household income has affected the ability of many families of all income levels to meet their housing costs. For example, among potential first-time homebuyers, it has contributed to a reluctance of many to take on the financial burden of homeownership. While rental housing provides a more affordable shelter option, the loss of income of one or both wage earners in a household can seriously impact their ability to continue paying rent.

According to 1990 census data, there are a total of 21,274 housing units in the Town of East Hartford. Of this total, 12,108 units are occupied owner units and another 169 are vacant owner units for sale. The total number of owner units, 12,277, comprises 57.7% of the Town's housing stock. According to census data, a vacancy rate of 1.38% exists for owner-occupied units; however, more recent assessments indicate that this number is higher.

Rental housing comprises 41.4% of the housing stock in East Hartford. The total number of rental units is 8,797; of this number, census data indicates that 8,235 are occupied units and 562 are vacant. Supply of rental housing continues to exceed demand and the vacancy rate is 6.39%.

Affordable Housing Needs

Construction of housing units peaked prior to 1970 in East Hartford, with 82% of all units built prior to that time. Of the total 21,274 housing units in East Hartford, 3,697 or 17.4% were constructed prior to 1940. Many of the Town's oldest units may be in substandard condition; however, the Town's Building Department estimates that the majority are suitable for rehabilitation.

East Hartford's homeownership opportunities continue to meet locally defined affordability definitions. The Capitol Region Fair Housing Compact defines affordable housing as housing for which households pay no more than 30% of their gross annual income, where such income is less than or equal to the area median income for the Hartford PMSA as determined by HUD. East Hartford's average sales price of $112,000 for a single family home is the second lowest in the Capitol Region making homeownership an affordable option for low and moderate income households.

Households with incomes at 0-30% of MFI continue to experience the greatest housing cost burden. However, information from the CHAS Data Book indicates that among this income group, affordable rent is less than the area's fair market rental rates as determined by HUD. The general economic conditions in East Hartford and increased vacancy rates have contributed to a stabilization of rental rates over the last few years.

Homeless Needs

The Town of East Hartford estimates that on an average night, 75 people are homeless. This figure is based on 1994 data provided by the State of Connecticut which indicated that 75 people stayed at area shelters. The number is further supported by the Town's Social Services Department based on referrals of individuals to area shelters and a report by the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness, stating that an average of 75 individuals from East Hartford used area shelters on a daily basis.

Data collected by the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness indicates that the homeless population is 43% African American, 33% White, and 22% Hispanic. The Town's Social Services Department estimates that approximately 75% of the homeless population are individuals with special needs; including those who are severely mentally ill with drug and/or alcohol problems as well.

No hard data exists to support the number of unsheltered homeless in East Hartford. However, it is estimated that there may be up to 50 persons lacking a fixed, regular, adequate night-time residence who do not make use of area shelters. Individuals living in makeshift shelters, cars, or abandoned buildings characterize the unsheltered homeless population. In addition, it is estimated that up to 15 youths may be living in temporary arrangements with other than their own families or households.

The Town's Social Services Department continues to work to solve both short-term and long-term problems associated with homelessness. Using existing resources, the Town is addressing the following needs in an effective and coordinate manner:

• Ability to gain access to the Town's Social Services network and available housing opportunities;

• Employment opportunities and basic adequate income;

• Substance abuse treatment programs and follow-up services; and

• Community mental health services.

The opening of Phase I of the Town's homeless shelter at 381-385 Main Street represents a significant attempt to address the needs of the homeless. This centrally located site on the busline and near the Town's Social Services Department provides shelter for 10 men. The managing agency, Community Renewal Team of Greater Hartford, Inc. (CRT), also provides case management services and assists clients with meeting medical, social and housing needs by providing access to the many supportive services available in the East Hartford area. Completion of the shelter project will be accomplished in the future with an additional 20 beds planned for 24-hour use by women and children.

Public and Assisted Housing Needs

East Hartford has a total of 591 federally assisted low-income public housing units. These include 491 elderly units and 100 family units. As of April, 1995, there were only five vacant units. No public housing units are expected to be lost from the public housing inventory for any reason. Section 8 vouchers and certificates include 150 family units at Veterans Terrace (Section 8 Substantial Rehabilitation); 111 elderly and family units (Section 8 Existing); and 173 family units (Housing Voucher). In addition, 47 portable units are with the Town, increasing the total of 284 Section 8 Existing and Housing Voucher units to 331. No units are expected to be lost from the assisted housing inventory. In fact, an additional five units were added at the 452 Main Street site when the East Hartford Housing Authority moved its central office.

The East Hartford Housing Authority owns and manages two state-financed housing developments. These include an 80-unit moderate rental family development at King Court; and a 60-unit elderly complex at Daly Court/Hutt Heights.

There are currently 341 households/individuals on the Section 8 waiting list. Thirty-seven of these applicants have documented, verifiable federal preferences. The Housing Authority applies all federal preferences on an equal, unweighted basis. Local preferences are established at the statutorily allowed limit of 50%.

In addition to affordable housing, the Town has identified the following needs for special needs populations:

• Support services for the Town's elderly and frail elderly populations, to include assistance with daily living activities, assistance with household chores and home health/nutritional care.

• Supportive housing to include group homes, and shared housing for individuals with mental, physical and developmental disabilities.

• Improved access to community resources and supportive services currently in place for all special needs populations.

Barriers to Affordable Housing

The Town of East Hartford is exempt from the State of Connecticut's Affordable Housing Land Use Appeals Act 89-311 because more than 10% of the Town's dwelling units met the State standard of affordable. A significant portion (11.3%) of the Town's housing stock is either publicly assisted and/or has rental subsidies or mortgages through the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority.

East Hartford's tax policies, land use controls, zoning ordinances, and building codes/fees do not pose significant barriers to affordable housing. The Town's housing stock, the majority of which was constructed prior to 1970, reflects past development and zoning practices which did not restrict diversity. Even with virtually no developable land remaining and with the level of affordability described, the Town of East Hartford continues to do its share by emphasizing the improvement of its existing affordable housing stock.

Lead-Based Paint

1990 census data shows that 17,453 or 82% of all housing units (21,274 total) in East Hartford were constructed prior to 1970. Nearly 20% of these were constructed prior to 1940 and 31.3% were built before 1950. HUD estimates that on a national average, 90% of units constructed prior to 1940 contain lead paint; 80% constructed prior to 1950 contain lead paint, and 62% of those constructed between 1960 and 1979 contain lead paint.

Average (national) percentages applied to East Hartford numbers show the following: ninety percent (90%) x 1,615; eighty percent (80%) x 2,319; and sixty-two percent (62%) x 4,134 = 5,872. Based on this formula, an estimate of 5,872, or 27.6% of all housing units in East Hartford occupied by extremely low, very low and low income households could contain lead-based paint.

In addition, the Town of East Hartford's Health Department performs blood lead level screening on all children six and under who are clients of the East Hartford Health Clinic. One hundred and thirty-seven children have been tested since 1990. Thirteen cases of confirmed venous blood above 14 ug/dL have been identified and are currently being monitored by the Town's Health Department Nursing Staff. The general locations of places of residence of these cases are: Main Street (200s block); Burnside Avenue (500s block), Tolland Street, Francis Street, Silver Lane, Central Avenue, Orchard Street, Sunnyreach Drive, Phelps Drive, Garden Street, Hamner Street, Indian Hill and Holmes Street.

Community Development Needs

In an effort to respond to the rapidly changing economic and social climate in East Hartford as well as to shape the future of the Town, a Community Forum was held on February 1, 1995. The forum was sponsored by the Rotary Club of East Hartford in cooperation with the Town of East Hartford's Grants Administration Office. Emphasis was placed on citizen participation and decision making in the community planning process. As a result of an assessment of Community Task Force findings, consultation with key department heads, and analysis of survey results the following have been defined as Community Development Needs:

• Increased financial support of public services which provide improved community services.
• Improvements to public building facilities.
• Improvements to park facilities.
• Improvements to public infrastructure and facilities benefitting low/moderate income areas.
• Assistance in the revitalization of the Central Business District.
• Increased employment opportunities through a strong commitment by the Town to the stimulation of new business and the retention of existing businesses.

Housing and Community Development Objectives and Priorities

A high rate of unemployment and corresponding reduction in household income has affected the ability of many families to meet their housing costs. Housing objectives focus on the improvement of the supply of standard, affordable housing through the rehabilitation of existing single and multi-family owner-occupied homes, promotion of homeownership for first-time low and moderate income buyers, and support of efforts to temporarily house homeless men, women, and children. Community development objectives focus on increased financial support of public services, improvements to public building facilities, improvements to park facilities, improvements to public infrastructure and facilities benefitting low/moderate income areas, assistance in the revitalization of the Central Business District, and increased employment opportunities through a strong commitment by the Town to the stimulation of new business and the retention of existing businesses. The recently designated State Enterprise Zone, located within Census Tract 5106 and the inclusion of the Town of East Hartford into the National Trust for Historic Preservation's "Miracle On Main Street Program", will provide the catalyst for revitalization and economic and community development efforts.

Housing Priorities

The Town of East Hartford has identified three priorities for affordable housing. These include: (1) the improvement of the supply of standard, affordable housing through the rehabilitation of existing single and multi-family owner-occupied homes; (2) the promotion of homeownership opportunities for first-time low and moderate income buyers; and (3) the assistance to low income families in publicly-assisted housing who could benefit from participation in an ownership program.

Priorities for the alleviation of homelessness include: (1) the continued operation of the Town's homeless shelter; and (2) the commitment to house homeless women and children on an emergency basis through establishment of Phase II of the Town's homeless shelter.

The priority for non-homeless persons with special needs is to continue support of those community agencies providing housing linked with supportive services for the frail elderly and others with special needs.

Non-Housing Community Development Priorities

In an effort to increase economic opportunities for low and moderate income populations and to enhance the quality of life in East Hartford by improving facilities benefitting low- moderate income areas, the Town has identified two specific priorities for the strategy period. These are:

• The revitalization of downtown through the promotion of economic development in the Central Business District; and

• The physical improvement of parks and facilities in deteriorating low and moderate income areas.

Anti-Poverty Strategy

1990 census figures show that 5.3% of the Town's population has an income below the poverty level. Nearly seven percent of those are elderly and more than 14% are female heads of household.

Resources used by the Town to address the issue of poverty are primarily State and Federal programs administered through the Town's Social Services Department. To maximize the use of limited resources, the Social Services Department coordinates/enhances its services with those available through local nonprofit agencies.

Using a "safety net" approach, individuals below the poverty line are provided with financial assistance, emergency housing assistance, referrals for substance abuse (where appropriate), and access to the Employment Services programs. The Town also uses CDBG public service dollars to fund programs directly benefitting very low income persons; including, substance abuse counseling services, elderly outreach services, community policing activity programs, and the services of a food/fuel bank coordinator who is also responsible for delivering clothes, food and toys to the Town's neediest families.

Housing & Community Development Resources

The Town utilizes a number of funding sources to address housing and community development needs. The primary federal resources are CDBG entitlement funds for housing, public services, public facility improvements, and economic development; Section 8; and the Comprehensive Grant Program for physical improvements to those federally funded housing complexes operated by the East Hartford Housing Authority.

State resources used by the Town include: (1) State of Connecticut Department of Social Services funds including Section 8 vouchers and certificates, the rental assistance program and funds for transitional housing and service facilities; (2) State of Connecticut Department of Human Resources - urban action discretionary funding for establishment of a homeless shelter; (3) State of Connecticut Department of Public Health & Addiction Services - funding for preventive health programs for very low, low, and moderate income residents; and (4) Connecticut Housing Finance Agency (CHFA) - funding for below market rate mortgages for low and moderate income residents and those in public housing.

Coordination of Strategic Plan

The Town of East Hartford's Grants Administration Office is responsible for the Consolidated Plan activities; however, coordination of services and assistance with data collection is provided by other departments and organizations. These include: directors of the Town's Social Services, Health, and Development Departments; the director of the East Hartford Housing Authority; and directors of a number of nonprofit community agencies.

In addition, in an effort to encourage collaborative analysis and problem solving among Hartford area jurisdictions, a Community Development Planning Consortium has been initiated. The Town's Housing Rehabilitation Specialist, along with community development and planning personnel from other towns, established the consortium to identify key issues and trends affecting area municipalities and strategies to address changes occurring throughout the region.

The Town of East Hartford One-Year Action Plan outlines the proposed use of approximately $626,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds and program income. These funds will be used to benefit low and moderate income residents of East Hartford through the following specific activities:

• Housing Rehabilitation; $78,000 for low-interest and deferred loan program benefitting low and moderate income homeowners town-wide to allow them to bring their owner-occupied homes up to Federal Housing Quality Standards.

• Downpayment Assistance; $71,962 for low-interest and deferred loans benefitting low and moderate income individuals and families to assist with the opportunity to purchase homes within East Hartford.

• Main Street Rehabilitation District Facade Improvements; $100,000 for improvements to the exterior of buildings limited to the correction of code violations for commercial, industrial, or mixed-use buildings in the Main Street Rehabilitation District.

• Special Economic Development; $70,000 to assist special economic development activities by a Community Based Development Organization. Community economic development projects will include and increase economic opportunity, principally for persons of low and moderate income, will stimulate or retain businesses or permanent jobs.

• Code Enforcement; $20,000 to pay the salary of one inspector enforcing codes in deteriorating or deteriorated low and moderate income Census Tracts.

• Code Enforcement Area Improvements; $25,000 to be used in conjunction with the ongoing Code Enforcement program limited to deteriorating or deteriorated low and moderate income Census Tracts. A combination of public improvements and housing rehabilitation activities will be conducted as part of this improvement program.

Locations

The geographic area of focus for projects that are included in the One-Year Action Plan, generally centers on the Main Street Rehabilitation District and those low and moderate income Census Tracts that immediately surround this specially designated Rehabilitation District.

Housing Goals

In the upcoming Action Plan Year the Town of East Hartford anticipates to accomplish the following:

• The improvement of the supply of standard, affordable housing through the rehabilitation of existing single and multi-family owner-occupied homes.

• The promotion of homeownership opportunities for first-time low and moderate income buyers.

• The assistance to low income families in publicly-assisted housing who could benefit from participation in an ownership program.

Maps

MAP 2 depicts points of interest and low-moderate income areas.

MAP 3 depicts points of interest, low-moderate income areas, and minority concentration levels.

MAP 4 depicts points of interest, low-moderate income areas, and unemployment levels.

MAP 5 depicts points of interest, low-moderate income areas, unemployment levels, and proposed HUD funded projects; in addition: a table provides information about the project(s).

MAP 6 depicts neighborhood streets, unemployment levels, and proposed HUD funded projects, as described in the table under MAP 5.