Monroe is the urban center for the western portion of the Northeast Louisiana Region. Located in Ouachita Parish, along the Ouachita River, Monroe provides trade, financial, medical, professional, educational, and cultural services for roughly 400,000 people throughout a 13-parish area in Louisiana and several counties in South Arkansas. Still, the effect of poverty is more critical because Monroe is the third poorest city in the United States among cities with population over 50,000. As a result, for Monroe to continue addressing the housing and community development needs, a planning process was developed and the Consolidated Plan was prepared.
The purpose of the City's Plan is to meet the needs of very low, and low to moderate income citizens. The goals are to help maintain strong family units, to create more locally owned business, to have safe and adequate housing for everyone, to have truancy and suspension alternative for school students, to reduce the rate of crime in the neighborhoods and to provide alternatives for the "idle" youth in the community.
The attendance was not as expected. We believe that the people felt that
their views and priorities had already been presented during the EZ/EC
broad-based planning process. (A series of (11) community meetings were held
over nine (9) nights during the last week of March and the first week of April
1994 for gathering information regarding the citizen's needs. About 600
citizens participated in the meetings and gave strong input as to what they
felt wold be solutions to the poverty problems. These meetings were held at
churches and recreation centers throughout the city. Continuing with a
broad-based participation, four (4) Community-wide meetings were held at
Northeast Louisiana University and the Monroe Civic Center where citizens
established priorities, ranked and projects formed. Ouachita Working Task Force
recorded that over 700 citizens attended the community-wide meetings). However,
the Citizen Advisory Council (CAC) gave their recommendations during the
planning process. The CAC is composed of ten (10) members representing low and
very low income persons, members of minority groups, residents of areas where a
significant amount of activities are proposed or ongoing, the elderly, the
handicapped, the business community, and civic groups who are concerned about
the programs. The Monroe City Council conducted two public hearings during its
legal and regular sessions. Finally, for review and comments, the plan was
placed in all branches of the Ouachita Parish libraries located in the city
limits and Monroe City Hall informational desk.
According to the 1980 Census, the poverty rate for the City of Monroe was 29.6 percent, and in 1990, the poverty rate was 37.8 percent. The 1990 census shows that the City is the 3rd poverty-ridden city in the nation, according to the Committee of Strategies to Reduce Chronic Poverty. Therefore, the findings suggest that 19,639 of the city's 54,909 residents are living below the poverty level. The City's economy wallowed in recession with high digit unemployment rates. The stagnation of the economy was highlighted by the weak employment growth. White non-Hispanic persons migrated to the urban fringe areas. This resulted in the population count decreasing to 54,909 persons in 1990, which is a 5 percent decrease from the 1980 census data. The main reason for the population decline in Monroe between 1980 and 1990 was due to the economic recession. Many people left the City, Parish, and the State to seek employment opportunities elsewhere.
The City of Monroe with its 54,909 residents, while the economic hub of the
region, basically is divided into two racial and economic divisions. The
African-American population, of which most households have low and moderate
incomes, live primarily south of Louisville Avenue (U.S. Highway 80). The White
population, of which most households have moderate and upper incomes, live
primarily north of Louisville Avenue. It is the southern section of Monroe that
is the primary focus of the Consolidated Plan.
The City's economy is viable and accommodating. It has three (3) large modern hospitals and four (4) major financial institutions plus a great university along with the professionals required to staff each. Notwithstanding theses present conditions, opportunities for improvement are abundant. Land suitabilities in accordance with urban development and major impacts on future land use will not identify current assets and problems, but also indicate future trends which must be accommodated or modified.
Existing major streets are serving larger volume of automobiles than originally designed, thereby creating the need to overlay and reconstruct most streets. Street construction and improvements throughout the City, specifically the South 18th Street connection to I-20, may convert vacant land along the proposed route to commercial development.
According to the Transit Director, the City need eleven (11) new buses to accommodate citizens. Existing buses are in terrible condition and is creating financial stress on the maintenance budget.
Floods records have been used to identify drainage problems and needs. Since 1884, when weather records were initially started, the Ouachita River has exceeded its forty (40) foot flood stage level at least 39 times. Several improvements have been made to the system which have relieved drainage problems. The city has installed and operates fifteen (15) pump stations diverting water out of the Youngs Bayou Basin in the Ouachita River and Bayou DeSiard. In addition, forty-seven (47) drainage projects have been completed since 1981 that alleviates flooding.
Currently, the city's recreational facilities are not adequate to serve the public's need. The City of Monroe does not have an enclosed swimming pool that is accessible to the general public. The three (3) pools that exists at the recreation centers are all in need of repair. One of the pools is not in use, another has severe leaks, and all three need to have circulation systems upgraded. The playground equipment at most playgrounds are very limited and has been vandalized therefore, it is not safe to be used by children of the community. The tennis courts have fallen to ill-repair. Most of the light fixtures have been vandalized and the nets have been removed from the courts. The City's basketball goals, backboards and light fixtures have been vandalized beyond repair.
As in other cities, the City of Monroe has a variety of owner-occupied units exist, ranging from single family wood frame shotguns on piers, which are lacking incomplete kitchens, bathrooms, plumbing, and electricity too far less than luxurious that are in need of substantial rehabilitation. It is estimated that 12 percent of the owner units are regarded as substandard. Of the substandard owner-occupied housing units, it is estimated that 50 percent of them are suitable for rehabilitation. The condition of rental units in the City of Monroe is stated to be the same as owner-occupied units. It is estimated that 30 percent of them are suitable for rehabilitation.
The proportion of owners experiencing housing problems are slightly less than the proportion of renters experiencing housing problems. Of 73.1 percent renter households with incomes below 51 percent have housing problems. Renters households with incomes below 51 percent, 58.4 percent that have housing problems are elderly. Of 73.8 percent small families with incomes below 51 percent have housing problems; 86.9 percent of the large families with incomes less than 51 percent have housing problems.
The 1990 Census confirms that there was 21,610 year round housing units. During this time, 11 percent of the housing units were vacant. Those vacant units consisted of 1,158 units for rent, 267 units for sale and 1,054 other units.
An October 11, 1988 housing study revealed that cost of single family homes increased from an average of $51,369, to a high of $71,587 during 1980 - 1987. During this period, prices increased an average of 4.53 percent or $3,354 per year. The 1990 Census data showed that the median dollar cost of owner-occupied housing is $50,000, which denotes a 36 percent increase of aggregate housing value for $17,900. The following table show houses purchased in the City from 1990 to 1994 and it indicate low income persons fall far below affording the average house cost.
| YEAR |
NUMBER OF HOUSES PURCHASED | TOTAL VALUE OF HOUSES | AVERAGE COST |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1994 |
452 |
$45,141,486 |
$99,870 |
|
1993 |
409 |
$40,251,600 |
$98,414 |
|
1992 |
364 |
$33,432,138 |
$91,846 |
|
1991 |
269 |
$20,784,635 |
$77,266 |
|
1990 |
254 |
$22,397,700 |
$88,179 |
Data indicates that 31 percent or 2,227 homeowners fall within 0 to 50 percent Median Family Income (MFI), for very low income households. The proportion of owners experiencing housing problems are slightly less than the proportion for renters. Of the total 2,227 very low income owner households, 51 percent or 1,119 owner households fall within 0 to 31 percent of the MFI. They also represent 79 percent or 884 of the owner households within this income level having any housing problems. Seventy-eight percent (78 percent) or 872 of the very low income owner households are cost burden and pay in excess of 30 percent of their income for housing expenses. A total of 57 percent or 637 owner households are paying in excess of 50 percent of their income for housing expenses.
Renters constitute 70 percent or 5,093 of the very low income households. Of the total 5,093 very low income renter households, sixty-nine percent (69) or 3, 485, fall within 0 to 30 percent of the Median Family Income (MFI) and represents 74 percent of renter households within this income level have housing problems. Sixty-four percent (64 percent) of the very low income households are cost burden and pay in excess of 30 percent of their income for housing expenses. Data reflects 20 percent of renter households pay in excess of 50 percent of their income for housing expenses.
Data indicates within this group that all other households are experiencing the greatest cost burden, 61 percent are paying in excess of 50 percent of their income for housing expenses, 56 percent are small related, 48 percent are large related, and 28 percent are elderly.
Over 74 percent of extremely low-income renter households live in units that are physically inadequate, overcrowded, and/or unaffordable. Excessive cost burdens are by far the most prevalent of the citizens needs. Sixty-seven percent of extremely low-income renters paid more than 30 percent of their income for housing.
In the City of Monroe 76.8 percent of all minorities have housing problems with income less than 51 percent. 70 percent of the elderly minority has housing problems. 74.6 percent minority small families have housing problems. 75.5 percent Afro-Americans (elderly) with incomes below 51 percent are having housing problems. 74.3 percent of Small Afro-American households with incomes below 51 percent are having housing problems. 86.4 percent of Afro-American large families with incomes below 51 percent are experiencing housing problems.
There are a total of four (4) homeless facilities in Monroe. Survey data collected by the Office of Community Services (OCS) stated that 440 homeless persons received temporary housing assistance in the City of Monroe from January 1, 1991 through November 22, 1991. The shelter providers states that there is a need to serve 75 to 80 homeless persons daily. They also state that 1,630 unduplicated homeless persons need to be served annually within the City of Monroe. Therefore, more beds and supportive services are needed to serve the homeless.
Some of Monroe's Public Housing developments need updating with central air/heat, vent-a-hoods, counter tops/cabinets, and shower heads. Also, an elderly assisted housing complex has leaks in the basement. Monroe Housing Authority reported that as of January 1, 1995 there is only 47 units available. During this time, there was no Section 8 Certificate or Vouchers available. There are approximately 1,634 families including elderly that are on the Public Housing and Section 8 Waiting lists. Thus, there is a need for more public and assisted housing within the City of Monroe, especially for the elderly and special needs population.
In the City of Monroe, affordable housing is not adversely affected by tax policy, land use controls, zoning ordinances or building codes. The area that is affected deals with the economic growth of the City. Many residents do not earn the wages necessary to purchase a home. The rising cost of construction materials plays a major role in decent housing residents not being able to afford a new home.
The City of Monroe has entered into an agreement with Northeast Louisiana University to conduct an Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice in the City of Monroe to determine the Impediments to Fair Housing Choice in its Housing and Community Development Program and Activities; and based on the results of the analysis, the City of Monroe will take steps to alleviate any noted conditions which limit Fair Housing Choice.
Information obtained from the City of Monroe's Health Unit reflects that six (6) children tested positively for lead-poisoning in 1991, nine (9) children in 1992, eight (8) in 1993, and as of January 1, 1995, eight (8) have tested positively for lead-poisoning. The Monroe Housing Authority reports that their housing units have been tested for Lead-Based Poisoning and abatement is in progress for the units with positive testing.
Community Development includes crime, juvenile crime, child abuse, substance abuse, inadequate public facilities and infrastructures improvements. Crime rates clearly indicates that public services and public safety is a constant preoccupation in the City's lower income neighborhoods. The City's lower income neighborhoods need to continue organizing against crime, encourage swift elimination of abandoned and nuisances properties.
Lower income neighborhoods lack sufficient resources for the promotion of health, social, educational, vocational and character development of lower income youth. According to data in the EZ/EC application, 25 percent of the babies born in the City are born to teen mothers, as compared to the 16 percent in the state of Louisiana. Thus, a range of services and opportunities are essential to accompany future economic growth.
According to a street study performed by IMS Infrastructure Management Services, the City has 371 deteriorated streets. Of the total, 353 streets require reconstruction and 18 need overlaying. There is also a possibility that 12 of the streets need undercuts. Twenty-seven percent of the streets, are located in lower income neighborhoods, which is also 99 percent African-American
A need still exists for continuous drainage improvements within the City of Monroe. With in the City, seven of the lower income neighborhoods have flood prone problems.
There are five public owned multi-purpose recreational centers for the entire City. Of the five centers, four are primarily servicing lower income people. All four centers require major renovations. The City currently has 29 neighborhood parks, with 9 servicing lower income neighborhoods. Most of the parks have basketball courts, tennis courts, playground equipment and benches. The parks in lower income neighborhoods has been vandalized and is in poor condition.
It's essential that the City of Monroe continue its relationship with HUD,
other Federal Agencies, the State and various local public and private entities.
Every effort will also establish new relationships and newly created community
base organizations. Furthermore, the City and the Housing Authority will
continue receiving technical assistance from HUD, National, Regional, State
Community Development, Housing Agencies and Organizations in identifying and
meeting the needs for an increased supply of decent, affordable housings. The
City will also encourage local nonprofit and for-profit organizations to obtain
technical assistance from these viable agencies and organizations.
The City adopted most of the vision categories from the EZ/EC planning process. They were developed and ranked by citizens according to their relative importance in rebuilding the community. Those vision categories are:
Over the next five years period, it estimated $172 million will be spent on housing and community development priorities. It is estimated that $46.06 million will be spent for street improvements alone. The Monroe City School Board will spend about $58 million for alterations and additions to existing schools and constructing two new schools. At least $12 million is earmarked for Monroe Regional Airport and drainage improvements project. Over $1 million will be use to construct the Southside Community Center at 3500 Jackson Street. An estimated total of $8,100,460 will be used to upgrade the park and recreation facilities during next five years.
We will continue to use HOME and CDBG Funds to increase the supply of standard, affordable housing through substantial rehabilitation of existing housing units within our CDBG Target Areas (Grayling Bend and Renwick Neighborhoods), and other low income areas where CDBG funds have been expended. We will promote homeownership through HOME Funds, Private Funds, and Tenant Based assistance will continue to be provided through Section 8 Vouchers and Certificates from the Monroe Housing Authority. Homeless Projects will be funded through ESG Funds.
| COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PRIORITIES |
PRIORITY NEED LEVEL High, Medium, Low, No Such Need |
ESTIMATED DOLLARS |
|---|---|---|
|
Public Facilities |
M |
10,963,460 |
|
Infrastructure Improvement |
M |
95,117,422 |
|
Public Service |
H |
47,868,400 |
|
Accessibility |
H |
410,250 |
|
Economic Development |
H |
11,578,000 |
|
Code Enforcement |
H |
200,000 |
Education plays an important part in the development of those who are a part of our community no matter what their abilities or disabilities are. To break the cycle of poverty, efforts are being made through the Ouachita Multi-Purpose Community Action Headstart Program to educate our young children who are below the poverty level. The Monroe City School System is also a part of our effort to take action to deal with the education concerns of Monroe. Education has been given top priority in building a work force capable of meeting the requirements and demands of the approaching next century. A comprehensive strategic plan will increase the effectiveness of schooling to better prepare Monroe's citizens for productive employment. The City of Monroe's Community Development Division along with the Monroe Housing Authority and the local banks will continue in the next five years to develop desirable housing in a healthy environment for low and moderate income residents. We will continue to promote attractive areas of residential development that are well-planned, balanced and consistent with population and economic patterns. Continue promotion of rehabilitation of deteriorated residential housing (homeownership, owner-occupied, rental).
To a carry out the plan, local governments will take a leading role in providing resources. During a five year period, more than $127 million in the City of Monroe and School Board's direct funding will be invested in our community. Over $70 million is expected to benefit lower income persons.
It is estimated, the State of Louisiana will provide over $12 million in direct funding to the City of Monroe. These funds are for the Monroe Regional Airport and drainage projects.
During the next five (5) years, the City of Monroe and the Housing Authority are expected to be awarded approximately $25 million in HUD formula grant funds (CDBG, HOME, and Public Housing Comprehensive Grant Program Funds). Up to 10 percent of CDBG allocation will be competitively awarded to 501 (c), three (3) nonprofit organization each fiscal year. The City will also comply with the HOME regulations and competitively award 15 percent to a Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO).
The City currently has $82,533 in program income which was derived for principle and interest payments under the Rental Rehabilitation Program. During the next five years the City anticipates on receiving approximately $150,000 in program income from the Rental Rehabilitation Program. The City has generated $22,085 in program income which was repaid under CDBG and HOME low interest direct loan programs. Approximately $160,000 will be generated in program income within five years. The City of Monroe has a small amount of $41,229.00, which was derived from the now-terminated Urban Development Action Grant. These funds are to be used for economic development loans. As of January 31, 1995, the City had $45,044.96 in program income due to the payments of principle and interests on economic development loans. Of this amount, $20,780.24 has been committed to a subrecipient for the carrying out of a micro enterprise loan program. The remaining $24,264.72 is to be utilized for economic development purposes. With the anticipation of more economic development loans within five years, approximately $50,000 will be generated in program income.
A Section 202 elderly housing grant was awarded to a nonprofit organization to construct 41 housing units. The amount of the grant is $1,917,400.00.
Over a five (5) year period, the Plan calls for over $50,000,000in existing and new capital investments, program wages, and cash contributionsfrom the business community, not counting the value of donated technical assistance and donated time.
The City of Monroe Community Development Division will work together with the Public Work Department, the Community Affair Department, the Planning and Zoning Division, the Director of Administration Department and the EEO/Compliance Division to use resources for the growth of the community. We will network with the Monroe Housing Authority, private and governmental health, mental and social service agencies on the housing community development needs in the neighborhoods.
The City of Monroe standards and procedures for monitoring activities
supported with CDBG funds' tract all federal statutory and regulatory
guidelines. Monitoring will be viewed as an ongoing process involving
continuous communication and evaluation of housing activities, subrecipients,
local agencies, and public and private-for-profit and nonprofit entities.
| KEY PROJECTS | LOCATIONS | LEAD AGENCIES | # OF HOUSEHOLDS SERVED |
|---|---|---|---|
| Substantial Housing Rehabilitation | Grayling Bend and Renwick Neighborhoods | Community Development | 4,761 |
| Southside Community Center | 3500 Jackson St. Lee Avenue Neighborhood | Community Development | 14,315 |
| Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) | City-Wide | Community Development and Monroe Housing Authority | 54,909 |
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).
