The City's 1995 CDBG grant amount is $104,000. The City does not participate in other HUD programs, but it does participate in the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP). The City's CDBG is distributed as follows: $25,000 to Punta Gorda Housing Authority for facility improvements (playground, etc.); $3,450 to Charlotte County Homeless Coalition (rent and office equipment); $9,000 to Cooper Street Recreation Center (recreation facility improvements); $45,000 to Habitat for Humanity (new affordable houses); $14,550 to Program Administration; $7,000 to unprogrammed funds.
The City held two public hearings and consulted with various governmental
agencies and other entities. Groups consulted include the Punta Gorda Housing
Authority, the Department of Social Services, and various agencies serving low-
and-moderate-income persons, such as the Salvation Army, the St. Vincent DePaul
Society, Seventh Day Adventist Community Service Center, Good Samaritans, and
the Homeless Coalition of Charlotte County.
According to the 1990 Census, Punta Gorda's population was 10,747. Out of
5,189 households in 1990, 4,864 (93.7%) were White, 247 (4.9%) were Black, and
about three-fifths of the remaining 1.4% of households were Hispanic. The
median family income in Punta Gorda was $34,158.00. White persons comprised the
majority of those in the very low, low, and moderate-income categories.
Proportionally more Black and Hispanic households were very low or low-income,
though a higher proportion of White households experienced moderate incomes.
The proportion of households experiencing 95% or more of the median family
income was 72.9% for Whites, 29.5% for Blacks, and 48.0% for Hispanics.
Punta Gorda is located in Charlotte County, one of the fastest-growing counties in the United States. Though its growth rate has been less than that of Charlotte County, Punta Gorda's population increased almost 60% over the decade 1980-1990. Home building, service, and retail businesses, government (Punta Gorda is the County Seat), and health care are the basis of the local economy which is fueled by retirees.
In the 1990 Census, only 74% of the City's total 7,050 housing units were occupied, which reflects the substantial seasonal fluctuation of residents who live in Punta Gorda only during the winter months. Since 1990, single-family home construction has dropped to less than 150 units annually. Only 2.4% of the City's housing units were considered substandard, with most of these being owner-occupied and suitable for rehabilitation. Punta Gorda's median value for owner-occupied homes was $166,000 in 1990, and the median contract rent for two-bedroom units was $431 per month.
2. Affordable Housing Needs
There appears to be a shortage of rental units for very low-income families of four earning 50% of median-income and units available for purchase by families earning 80% of median income.
3. Homeless Needs
It is estimated that there are 82 homeless people within the City on any given day. The homeless and near-homeless within Charlotte County are most often families headed by a single female age 18 to 35. Families with householders ranging from 30 to 59, who are typically rendered homeless due to job loss or illness, are the next-most common among the County's homeless. There are also some chronically homeless persons, and these are typically single men. Charlotte County Access Service reported 533 requests for housing assistance in fiscal 1992-1993, of which 170 were homeless or near-homeless in need of housing, and 258 were requests for assistance with rent. The three main areas of need identified by local service providers were more affordable housing units, an expanded rental assistance program, and increased access to housing counseling.
4. Public and Assisted Housing Needs
The Punta Gorda Housing Authority managed 184 public housing units which are generally in poor to fair condition, and there were 93 Section 8 vouchers or certificates and vouchers. Waiting lists exist for both programs. In or adjacent to Punta Gorda there are 88 units in two developments that are subsidized by FMHA (no vacancy data available). Other persons with supportive housing needs are estimated as follows: elderly (31); frail elderly (60); severely mentally ill (39); developmentally disabled (77); physically disabled (209); alcohol or drug addicts (4); and AIDS (2).
5. Barriers to Affordable Housing
The City reviewed its regulations as part of its SHIP program. The City has ample land zoned for residential purposes, and its regulations allow for group homes. The City knows of no existing barriers to affordable housing.
6. Fair Housing
The City has certified that it will affirmatively further fair housing.
7. Lead-Based Paint
Punta Gorda's housing stock is on average very new, with a substantial portion of it being built after the 1978 ban on lead-based paint. However, lower income persons are somewhat concentrated in older housing units where lead-based paint may be present. The County Health Department monitors the incidence of elevated blood levels of lead, and this problem appears to be very minimal.
Punta Gorda has chosen to concentrate its CDBG spending within or adjacent to its existing Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) where older building stock, older infrastructure, and lower income populations are most concentrated. Needs include affordable housing and improvements to public housing, community facilities, and services that support low-and-moderate income persons.
The City of Punta Gorda coordinates its CDBG activities with governmental
entities and community groups. CDBG activities to be carried out under the
Consolidated Plan support the City's Community Redevelopment Plan and its
Comprehensive Plan.
The City's intention is to address the highest priority housing needs. The City may carry out activities, including acquisition, disposition, public facilities and improvements, clearance, public services interim assistance, housing rehabilitation and preservation, and planning and capacity building. Housing, public facilities, and public services are the major focus.
(See III-B.)
The City's highest housing priorities are assistance to renters and owners with very low incomes who pay in excess of 30% of their incomes for housing or who live in substandard housing. Highest priority for homeless assistance are homeless families. Special needs housing was assigned a low priority.
The City's non-housing priorities support its Redevelopment Plan through the range of activities listed in IV-A. Based on dialogue with citizens, primary non- housing priorities will continue to be in the areas of public facilities and public services.
The City's anti-poverty strategy is based on its status as a retirement community. Growth in the retiree population should lead to an increased demand for goods and services which can translate to increased employment. The City's strategy is to encourage new businesses and the expansion of existing businesses.
The City is served by a Housing Authority with public housing and rental assistance, CDBG and SHIP programs, various health and supportive services programs provided at the County level, and private non-profit agencies that assist the homeless and low-income persons. There are no real gaps in the institutional structure, but there is potential for strengthening service capabilities.
Through the review of its Strategic Plan, One-Year Action Plans, and
individual activity implementation plans, the City will continue to coordinate
with State and County agencies, the Punta Gorda Housing Authority, and local
service providers.
The City's CDBG is distributed as follows: $25,000 to Punta Gorda Housing Authority for facility improvements (playground, etc.); $3,450 to Charlotte County Homeless Coalition (rent and office equipment); $9,000 to Cooper Street Recreation Center (recreation facility improvements); $45,000 to Habitat for Humanity (new affordable houses); $14,550 to Program Administration; $7,000 to unprogrammed funds.
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).
Bob Johns,
Director of Planning and Zoning
326 West Marion Avenue
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
(941) 575-3324
