The City of Hollywood is situated in the southern extremity of Broward County, Florida. Centrally located along the Atlantic Ocean coast between Miami and Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood is convenient to travel by land, air, rail and sea. It is characterized by residential neighborhoods, excellent medical facilities, and an industrial base of small businesses and light manufacturing.
As an entitlement community, the City of Hollywood has prepared a Consolidated Plan for submission to HUD which represents the planning and application aspects required by HUD for participation in its formula grant programs. The document contains a comprehensive housing affordability strategy and a non-housing community development plan to address the prioritized needs that have been identified within the jurisdiction over a five-year period, including a one- year action plan describing the activities the City intends to undertake during Fiscal Year 1995 with respect to these priorities.
The One-Year Action Plan contains a description of the activities and programs that the City of Hollywood intends to undertake during Fiscal Year 1995 with respect to the priorities that have been discussed within the five-year strategic plan. A summary has been provided of the categories of residents by tenure type of renter and owner to be assisted, housing and community development activities and programs to be undertaken, and the resources that the City expects to be available in support of these activities. The funding mechanisms described include funds that the City intends to contribute from federal and non-federal public sources, private sources and other resources that are reasonably expected to be available to address priority needs and specific objectives that have been identified in the five-year strategy. Included is a description of the governmental entities and other organizations and agencies that are to be involved in the service delivery and management of these programs and activities.
The action plan identifies the geographic areas in which housing and community development assistance is to be directed during Fiscal Year 1995. An explanation of the rationale and selection process for determining such distribution within the jurisdiction and of the expected impact of this investment is provided.
The estimated amount expected to be available to the City from federal sources during Fiscal Year 1995 totals $2,702,038. This includes the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) allocation of $1,730,000, estimated CDBG program income of $150,000, unobligated reprogrammable CDBG fund from previous years of $323,309, and the HOME Investment Partnership (HOME) Program allocation of $499,000. In addition, the City has submitted an application to obtain a line of credit in the amount of $8,650,000 under the Section 108 Loan Guarantee Program. Finally, the City anticipates an allocation of $729,076 in SHIP funds from the State of Florida.
The City of Hollywood Consolidated Plan for 1995 represents the culmination of an extensively coordinated technical process with public involvement and consultation with adjacent units of local government, and with public agencies and private non-profit organizations that provide assisted housing, health services and social services. The interaction of these various groups consisted of public hearings and public meetings conducted by City of Hollywood Community Development Division staff, meetings between agency representatives and Community Development Division staff, telephone conversations, written correspondence, and responses to surveys and questionnaires in order to garner necessary feedback relevant to the strategy contents. In this manner the City was able to assign general priorities for its housing and community development needs with funds reasonably expected to be available during this period.
A public hearing was held on March 8, 1995, before the Community Development Advisory board (CDAB), comprised of residents of various neighborhoods in the City, for the purpose of explaining the planning process for the consolidated submission required by HUD and to solicit the input of citizens, appropriate public agencies, and social service organizations. Letters were mailed to known involved agencies and organizations to advise them of the meeting, and public notice of the meeting was published in a local newspaper of general circulation on February 19, 1995.
Applicants eligible for funding under the City's CDBG and HOME programs made presentations of their proposed activities at public meetings held before the CDAB on May 9 and 10, 1995. Funding recommendations were made by the CDAB at a public meeting held on May 18, 1995, at which a summary of prioritized housing and community development needs was provided to the CDAB members for their reference. A combined notice to the public of these meetings was published in a local newspaper of general circulation on May 7, 1995.
A notice to the public containing a summary of the proposed Consolidated Plan, and advising of its availability for public inspection, was published in a local newspaper of general circulation on June 4, 1995. This notice provided for a thirty day public comment period. Copies of the proposed plan were made available to the public at City Hall, the City library, and various community centers in the jurisdiction. A public meeting was held on June 14, 1995, to review the proposed Consolidated Plan before the CDAB.
A public hearing was held before the City Commission on July 5, 1995, at which time members of the public were provided the opportunity to comment on the proposed Consolidated Plan. After further discussion, the City Commission approved by resolution the submission of the City's Consolidated Plan to HUD.
On August 15, 1995, a public hearing was conducted before the CDAB to consider the proposed amendment to the City's Consolidated Plan for the City to participate in the HUD Section 108 Loan Guarantee Program in order to establish the Hollywood Business Development Loan Program. Public notice of this meeting was published in a local newspaper of general circulation on July 30, 1995.
A notice to the public was published in a local newspaper of general
circulation on August 20, 1995, summarizing the proposed amendment, and advising
of its availability for public inspection. This notice provided for a thirty day
comment period. A second public hearing was conducted before the City Commission
on September 20, 1995, at which members of the public were provided the
opportunity to comment on the proposed amendment. After further discussion, the
City Commission approved by resolution the submission to HUD of the application
to participate in the Section 108 Loan Guarantee Program.
According to the 1990 U.S. Bureau of Census (Census) data, the population of the City of Hollywood was 121,696. This represents a population growth rate of 3.8% between 1980 and 1990. In 1995, the City annexed additional areas into the jurisdiction with an estimated population of 7,376. The 1990 Census data further indicated that the population of the jurisdiction is 84% White, 9% Hispanic, 6% African-American, and 1% other minorities. Both the Hispanic and African-American populations in the jurisdiction have increased over 100% during the past decade.
In 1990, median family income (MFI) for the City of Hollywood was $27,352. This figure was considerably lower than the MFI for the Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area (SMSA) of $30,571. Over 43% of the total population in the jurisdiction qualified as extremely low-, low-, and moderate-income (with incomes below 80% of MFI), and only 8% qualified as middle- income (with incomes of 80% to 95% of MFI).
The 1990 Census data suggest a strong correlation between minority concentrations and geographic areas defined as low-income (areas where 51% or more persons are lower income). Furthermore, the two largest minority groups, Hispanics and African-Americans, are significantly concentrated in five scattered census tracts in the jurisdiction.
According to 1990 Census data, there are 63,303 available housing units in the City, of which 84% are occupied. This is indicative of a large number of seasonal and transient residents. Ownership trends since 1970 show a steady decline in the number of owner- occupied units, while the number of renter-occupied units has steadily risen over the last twenty-five years. In 1990, approximately 54% of the housing stock consisted of owner- occupied units. Between 1980 and 1990, the housing stock increased overall by 10%, with a 15% increase in multi-family (renter) units and 5% increase in single-family (owner) houses. This represents a growth rate of approximately 500 units per year. By contrast, Broward County experienced a 27% increase in its housing stock during this period.
As indicated by 1990 Census data, 26% of home owners in the jurisdiction
spend more than 30% of gross household income on housing-related expenses, and
48% of renters spend more than 30% of gross household income on rent. In
general, the lower the income, the greater the cost burden for housing becomes
for City residents, often in excess of 50% of gross household income.
Statistics indicate that about 63% of the City's housing stock is over twenty-five years old. This has created a demand for maintenance and rehabilitation to preserve existing housing units. It is estimated that 80% of substandard units in the City are suitable for rehabilitation.
The region, including the City of Hollywood, has undergone an economic and social transformation that has been prompted by the rise of global markets, the fast pace of technological development and demographic changes. Historically, the region's economy has, for the most part, been dependent upon population growth and tourism stimulating the construction, service and trade industries. The current economic climate has dictated the need for the region to diversify its economy and pursue global markets to strengthen its economic base.
The region has excellent infrastructure and resources only in isolated and limited cases. Locally, the City of Hollywood is old and deteriorated in comparison to the county as a whole. The present state of the City's physical facilities involved in the delivery of basic services to its residents directly affects the City's ability to enhance the quality of life for the present and to accommodate growth for the future. The City must provide infrastructure and related services in a cost effective manner that will be affordable to its present and future residents and competitive with other jurisdictions in the region in order to encourage growth and economic development.
The public service needs of the jurisdiction are extensive. The City has no human services component and relies heavily on non-profit organizations and state and county agencies to meet its social service needs.
Because of the residential character of the City and the lack of available land for new construction in the jurisdiction, the preservation of the quality and condition of the existing housing stock is critical to the overall economic stability and future growth of the community. Given the age and deteriorated condition of the City's housing stock and the cost burdens for housing experienced by lower income home owners in the jurisdiction, major rehabilitation costs are unlikely to be met without outside assistance.
Renter households in the jurisdiction are likely to have a combination of housing problems and rental cost burdens. This is especially evident with "small related", "large related", and "elderly" households with extremely low-, low- and moderate-incomes. These renter households are more likely to reside in housing with physical defects and experience cost burdens exceeding 30% of gross household income, and often to the extent of a severe cost burden in excess of 50% of gross household income. Rental assistance and rehabilitation are the primary needs for these renter households.
The City of Hollywood had 63,606 available housing units in 1990, 84%, or 52,904 units, of which were occupied. Over 54% of the housing stock consists of owner-occupied units, predominantly single-family or duplex housing units. For the most part, the owner-occupied units accommodate larger sized families as 37% of those units contain two bedrooms and 47% contain three or more bedrooms. The number of bedrooms in rental units, by comparison, would indicate housing units suitable for smaller families as 55% of rental units contain 0-1 bedrooms and 33% contain two bedrooms. Vacancy rates are generally higher for rental units than for owner-occupied units, despite the increase in the number of rental units over the past twenty-five years.
As previously noted, almost two-thirds of the City's housing stock is over twenty-five years old. According to a survey conducted by the City's Code Enforcement Division in 1989, approximately 3,798 units could be classified as substandard. It is estimated that 80% of these substandard units are suitable for rehabilitation. The same survey indicates that an additional 21,248 units are in need of some form of rehabilitation or property improvements.
The 1990 Census data indicate that 26% of home owners in the jurisdiction spend more than 30% of gross household income on housing costs, and 48% of renters spend more than 30% of gross household income on rent. It is estimated that 73% of extremely low- and low-income renter households experience a cost burden or severe cost burden for housing. By contrast, only 24% of moderate-income renters and 30% if moderate-income owners spend more than 30% of gross household income on housing costs.
The median house value in the jurisdiction is $82,100, one of the lowest in the county. Given the City's MFI of $27,352, a large portion of the existing housing units in the jurisdiction is not affordable to those residents earning less than the median. The dilemma of home ownership is further compounded by the reality that many of the houses in the affordable price range tend to be older, deteriorated stock. As a consequence, even when affordable for purchase - either with or without downpayment assistance - the household is often faced with rehabilitation costs which are unlikely to be met without outside assistance for this purpose.
The Broward Coalition for the Homeless Annual Survey (1995) reveals that there are more than five thousand homeless persons in Broward County. Although dispersed throughout the county, most are concentrated within the older communities of Pompano Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and Hollywood.
The critical lack of emergency shelter beds has been identified as a major priority in establishing a continuum of care for the homeless. In 1993, the City Commission approved the site in Hollywood proposed for the Broward Outreach Center, a facility to provide emergency and transitional shelter and comprehensive rehabilitative services for the homeless. Scheduled to open in 1996, the shelter will initially provide forty-one emergency beds and nineteen transitional beds for motivated clients.
In south Broward County, a total of one hundred four transitional units are presently available specifically to families, HIV+/AIDS individuals, corrections release individuals, and un-wed mothers. Two providers, the Salvation Army and Hesed Compassion, are currently expanding their facilities to provide an additional twenty-four transitional family units in the jurisdiction.
Perhaps the most significant gap which needs to be bridged is the gap between transitional programs for the homeless and permanent affordable housing. The Coalition has urged local housing authorities to become more integrated in the continuum and participate in the development of programs and opportunities for Broward County's homeless population.
Another major gap in the continuum of care for the homeless is the lack of formal links between outreach workers and homeless shelters. The goal of homeless shelters and service providers is to link both systems to provide a comprehensive approach in establishing a true continuum of care for the homeless in Broward County, including the City of Hollywood.
The Hollywood Housing Authority (HHA) owns and operates Driftwood Terrace, a ninety unit elderly apartment complex, and Apollo Terrace, a thirty unit family complex. The design of Driftwood Terrace incorporates provisions for disabled accessibility, including ground floor accessibility via ramps and handrails for lobby areas, six apartment interiors for wheelchair accessibility, and four units for disabled accessibility.
The HHA also issues 454 Section 8 certificates and vouchers designated specifically for the City for assisted rental housing. An additional fifty Section 8 certificates are to be earmarked for the Family Self-Sufficiency Program. The HHA reports a minimal vacancy rate of 2% in both public housing complexes due to the demand for assisted housing. At the present time, there is a waiting list of over one thousand applicants. Of these, approximately 90% qualify for federal preference for admission to rental assistance programs. The HHA is to give priority to those applicants who qualify for the federal preference assistance and also reside and work in the jurisdiction.
An unbudgeted need of approximately $122,000 for physical improvements to the two public housing complexes has been projected by the HHA.
The City is currently 95% built out, which represents inherent barriers to new affordable housing. The lack of available land prohibits new housing development on a large scale. Land that is available is increasing in price, often exceeding an amount considered to be affordable.
Other impediments to new affordable housing development are directly related to the rising costs of building materials in the region and the implementation of new construction requirements under the South Florida Building Code which was revised in October 1994. The revised codes include increased hurricane safety requirements which increase construction costs and are ultimately passed on to the consumer.
In December 1993, the City Commission adopted a Local Housing Incentive Plan which provides for the identification of affordable housing developments and incentives to reduce the regulatory costs of developing this housing. The plan requires the City to review its tax policies, land use controls, zoning ordinances and subdivision regulations, growth limits, building codes, and permitting fees and procedures.
The City of Hollywood intends to join together with the City of Fort Lauderdale, the City of Pompano Beach, and the City of Sunrise in updating a study of impediments to fair housing which exist throughout Broward County. The original study, which was prepared ten years ago, has indicated that this is a regional problem that persists in all areas of the county. Once a current analysis has been completed, specific actions can be developed by the City of Hollywood to effectively address these impediments and affirmatively further fair housing within the jurisdiction. Records are to be maintained by the City reflecting both the analysis of impediments and the actions taken to address these impediments in accordance with fair housing certifications which are required by regulations governing the consolidated plan.
According to the 1990 Census data, there were 63,303 housing units in the City of Hollywood. It is estimated that 40,034 were built prior to 1970, when lead-based paint was still in use, and may contain potential lead-based hazards. The City's Community Development Division staff addresses lead-based paint hazards in accordance with federal regulations in the implementation of its housing rehabilitation program. Participant property owners are notified of these hazards and of the symptoms associated with lead-based contamination. The City's Community Development Division Housing Inspector is one of two people in Broward County certified for the inspection of lead hazards in residences and lead-based risk assessment. The City continues to prohibit the use of lead-based paint in any of its federally or state funded construction or rehabilitation projects.
The City's Consolidated Plan has identified a number of priority community development needs within the jurisdiction and has developed a strategy to identify these needs. The focus of the plan is directed toward four critical issues: economic development, commercial revitalization, neighborhood revitalization and public improvements, and public services. The plan reflects the interrelationship of these components and the manner in which they combine to adversely affect the quality of life for current and future residents of the City. It stresses the need for a unified and concerted effort to address these issues as the failure to address one lessens the likelihood of resolving others.
Because of the sometimes unwieldy bureaucratic structure and the many
varying funding resources and service providers in the jurisdiction, piecemeal
service planning rather than overall system planning has persisted. As well, a
number of factors have contributed to gaps that persist in the delivery of
affordable and supportive housing in the jurisdiction. These factors include
limited involvement of both non-profit and for-profit developers in the
provision of affordable housing; limited coordinated advocacy for the provision
of supportive housing for the homeless and residents with special needs; and
limited coordination with other jurisdictions to provide affordable housing with
available federal and state resources. The City's Consolidated Plan recognizes a
set of interrelated issues requiring a systematic approach of coordinated
actions on the part of all involved to realize meaningful resolutions.
The primary goal of the HUD Community Planning and Development programs covered by this consolidated submission is the development of a viable urban communities characterized by decent housing, a suitable environment, and expanding economic opportunities for individuals having low- and moderate-income. The primary means in attaining this goal is to extend and strengthen partnerships among all levels of government and the private sector, including for- profit and non-profit organizations, in both the production and the operation of affordable housing and addressing community development needs.
The most serious problem facing the City of Hollywood is the preservation of the existing housing stock. This is of primary importance because a high proportion of the City's land area is built out. Generally, housing problems in the jurisdiction can be attributed to cost burdens for housing experienced by residents and an aging housing stock. Consequently, outside assistance for rehabilitation expenses is necessary for this purpose.
Non-housing community development objectives are to revitalize residential neighborhoods, to redevelop the main commercial/retail areas - including the central business district, to develop economic development opportunities for low and moderate income residents, and to provide more adequate public services.
The City's priorities for affordable housing include the preservation of the existing housing stock, increasing the supply of affordable housing through acquisition and new construction, reducing the housing cost burdens for lower income households through home ownership assistance and rental assistance, improving the living environment of lower income residents, assisting public housing residents to become more self-sufficient, and increasing the housing opportunities for lower income and minority residents.
Priorities for the alleviation of homelessness in the jurisdiction include measures providing a comprehensive approach in establishing a true continuum of care for the homeless. This entails the provision of adequate emergency shelter, ensuring transitional and permanent housing alternatives for the homeless, expanding supportive services for homeless persons not capable of independent living, and providing support networks and services for persons at risk of homelessness. For the non-homeless persons with special needs in the jurisdiction, increased supportive housing and housing linked to supportive services for the frail elderly, persons with HIV+/AIDS, and other persons with special needs is a priority.
Priorities for economic development include the creation of a "pro-business"environment within city government which distinguishes it from competing jurisdictions, evaluating and modifying, where feasible, city ordinances to facilitate business development, including an impact fee deferral program and rezoning as related to land use and site development requirements, and the abatement of property taxes for qualified businesses. The action plan encourages the development of a formal partnership of government, education and business to develop and support a skilled labor force by enhancing lifelong skills training.
The priorities set for commercial revitalization include the encouragement of growth and development of existing and new businesses along the US 441 commercial/retail corridor through the cooperative efforts of City government and the business community, the development of the traditional downtown shopping district as a restaurant, entertainment, retail, and cultural destination, and the development of public/private cooperative initiatives to redevelop other major vacant or underutilized facilities in the jurisdiction.
The City's Consolidated Plan prioritizes the need to improve the quality of life in the City's neighborhoods by stabilizing neighborhoods, encouraging the creation of community based organizations, improving the delivery of City services to residents, ensuring that the community's neighborhoods are safe, and providing recreational and cultural opportunities for residents. It further indicates that the City must provide infrastructure and related services in a cost effective manner that will be affordable to present and future residents and competitive with other jurisdictions in order to encourage growth and economic development.
Public services are essential to the quality of life of the City's residents. Most public services, especially those concerned with senior services, youth services, child care services handicapped services, health services, substance abuse services, transportation services, fair housing counseling and employment training, have been determined to be of medium to high priority in terms of relative need in the City's Consolidated Plan.
Although the City has not prepared a formal anti-poverty strategy, the City's strategic plan for economic revitalization contains an action plan for jobs and economic development which could directly or indirectly assist the jurisdiction in reducing the number of households with income below the poverty level in the jurisdiction. The plan further recognizes the need to prioritize anti-poverty programs and support social service organizations administering existing programs such as Head Start, assistance for families in crisis, subsidized child care, job training activities, self-sufficiency programs for public housing residents, and housing and mortgage counseling.
The primary federal resources available to the jurisdiction include the CDBG, HOME and Section 8 Rental Certificates and Vouchers allocations. HOPWA funds are allocated by HUD to Broward County designated by interlocal agreement with the City of Hollywood and other involved municipalities as the lead agency responsible for distribution of these funds throughout the EMSA. The City receives an entitlement from the State of Florida through the SHIP program.
The City of Hollywood, through its Community Development Division, is to serve as the lead agency for the coordination of resources in conducting the affordable and supportive housing strategy contained in the City's Consolidated Plan. The Community Development Division is responsible for administering the various federal and state funds the City receives, either through entitlement or on a competitive basis, to address issues concerning affordable housing, supportive housing, and homelessness prevention, and other community development needs.
As well, a variety of public and private organizations are involved in
administering strategy components. The City has established a partnership with
local private lending institutions to provide affordable housing for income
eligible first time home buyers in the jurisdiction. The HHA is responsible for
providing public housing and for the implementation of various programs in the
jurisdiction, including those authorized under Section 8. The City is fully
supportive of non-profit organizations involved in the provision of affordable
housing, public services, and housing and supportive services for the homeless
and persons with special needs.
The City of Hollywood One-Year Action Plan outlines the use of $3,431,114 in CDBG, HOME, and SHIP funds, and anticipated program income. These funds are to be utilized in the following manner:
In addition, the City has applied for a line of credit of $8,650,000 under the Section 8 Loan Guarantee Program in order to establish a business loan program to start, expand or improve businesses in the jurisdiction.
Depending on the nature of the activity and the implementing agency, the programs discussed in the action plan are designed to address the needs of residents at the communitywide level and the special needs of residents in targeted areas. Generally, those activities providing a direct benefit to a limited clientele, including housing rehabilitation, replacement housing, public services, and public facilities and improvements activities, are provided on a citywide basis. Those activities that provide special services that benefit residents of targeted areas, such as the social services and referrals, are offered on a limited area basis. The subsidized loan program for commercial rehabilitation is restricted to those business either located or intending to locate in the Hollywood Community Redevelopment Agency district.
As previously mentioned, the City of Hollywood, through its Community Development Division, is to serve as the lead agency for the coordination of resources in conducting the affordable and supportive housing strategy contained in the Consolidated Plan. the HHA is responsible for providing public housing and rental assistance under Section 8. Non-profit organizations, for the most part, are responsible for a wide range of public services, as well as shelter and comprehensive services for the homeless population, including those threatened with homelessness in the jurisdiction.
The housing goals contained in the One-Year Action Plan include the rehabilitation of 177 single-family houses owned and occupied by low- and moderate-income residents, the demolition and replacement of two single-family houses owned and occupied by low-and moderate-income residents, the provision of home buyer assistance for 65 income-eligible households, the acquisition of 10 vacant lots for the new construction of single-family houses for low-income families, the provision of rental assistance for 454 households, placing 50 public housing residents in self-sufficiency programs, and providing shelter and comprehensive rehabilitative services for 700 homeless families and individuals.
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, and proposed HUD funded projects; in addition, a table provides information about the project(s).
Jed Baumwell
Director, Community Development
P.O. Box 229045
Hollywood, FL 33022
U.S. HUD contact: Marion Guilford, CPD Representative
