The City of Bay City is located in the eastern lower peninsula of Michigan. Approximately two hours from Detroit. Bay City, once an industrial city now leans towards the service and tourist industry. Bay City's consolidated plan has three basic goals, to provide decent housing, provide a suitable living environment and expand economic opportunities. To reach these goals Bay City encourages citizen participation and the interaction of public and private agencies so that the City may work together as a whole.
The City of Bay City was given an entitlement of $1,960,000 for Program Year 1995-1995. Funding was made available following the submission of an accepted Consolidated Plan to HUD.
The Community Development Block Grant Program will be used to fund a wide variety of activities. Included among Bay City's eligible activities are : acquisition of property and relocation of occupants, construction of certain public facilities and utilities, provision of certain public services, direct rehabilitation and direct rehabilitation financing for residential structures, certain economic development activities and certain planning activities.
The City of Bay City held two public hearings to receive citizens views on community development and housing needs and priorities as a part of the planning process which lead to the preparation of the City's 1995-96 Community Development Block Grant Final Statement and Consolidated Plan. The location, dates and times of these hearings were as follows
These public hearings were conducted as open forums in which citizens were invited to discuss any community development and affordable housing priorities and needs. City Staff was present to receive and respond to any citizen's comments as well as to provide information on the Community Development Block Grant, the Consolidated Planning process and the City's past performance in the community Development Block Grant Program.
The schedule for review and approval of the City's Consolidated Plan was as follows:
| Initial Public Hearings | January 16, 1995 & January 24, 1995 |
| Development and review of Consolidated Plan in consultation with interested citizens, non-profit organizations and Citizens District Councils. | January 25, 1995 - March 25, 1995 |
| Final Public Hearing on Consolidated Plan | April 10, 1995 |
| Final Approval of Plan by City Commission and submission of Plan to HUD | June 5, 1995 |
Citizens were urged to attend these hearings and express their views on the
City's community development and housing needs.
Bay City is a mature community experiencing a lag in growth similar to that experienced by other older, industrial Midwestern cities. Bay City's population has declined steadily since 1950. Between 1980 and 1990, Bay city's population fell from 41,593 in 1980 to the 1990 census figure of 38,936, a reduction of 6%. Household size declined while the total number if dwelling units increased from 16,320 to 16,764. Average household size declined from 2.65 in 1980 to 2.48 in 1990. The Bay City economy is stable at the present time although the 15 year period from 1970 to 1985 saw a number of plant closings and workforce reductions.
Bay City is 93.6% White, 2.4% Black, 5.6% Hispanic Origin, 0.8% American Indian & Eskimo & Aleut and 0.4% Asian & Pacific Ils.. Races are scattered throughout the City.
36% of Bay City's households are Very Low Income (0 to 50%), 18% are Low
Income (51% to 80%), 8% are Moderate Income (81% to 95%) and 38% of Bay City
households are 95% above Median Family Income. National Median Family Income is
$35,225.
The City of Bay City is an older Mid-Western City with declining population and aging infrastructure. Employment trends have been stable over the past five years, however, Bay City did experience lengthy periods of high unemployment between the 1960's and 1990's.
Rental - The rental housing market consists of 5,350 units with a 5%vacancy rate. Public housing accounts for 564 dwelling and a further 320 are located in housing assisted with Sec. 8 contracts.
Most rental units are in one or two bedroom configurations of less than 900 sq. ft. each. These are frequently located in two story frame structures originally built as single- family residences and subsequently converted to two to four dwelling units structures. Bay City maintains an active rental housing inspection program and overall condition of rental housing is fair. Contract rent in 1990 was $268. with 56.7% of the units rented at between $250 and $499. A further 41.7% of the units rented at less than $250. per month. It is estimated that 50% of the 1,640 rental households needing housing assistance are cost burdened or severely cost burden. This subtotal is equally divided between cost burden households.
Owner Occupied - Approximately 63% of Bay City's housing stock is owner occupied. There is a 1% vacancy rate for owner-occupied housing. Typical housing units are detached frame dwelling on 50 x 100 foot lots with 1,200 - 1,500 square feet of living area. The median housing value was $32,600 with sales records indicating 84% of housing in bay City selling for a price of $50,000 or less. The condition of the owner occupied housing stock is generally good and average housing rehabilitation costs are approximately $15,000.
Cost trends in the Bay City market have been stable over the past five years. Housing cost increases are expected to run at or below overall inflation rates over the next five years.
Extremely low income (<30% of Median Family income): This group constitutes two-thirds of the total very low income group (2,116 of 3,120 households) for renter households. This category represents 52% of owner low income households. Elderly households account for on-half of extremely very low income households. Eighty-three percent of small family renters are cost burdened and 70% of this category are severely cost burdened. Large family and other renter households are cost burdened to the extent of 80% and 82% respectively. Seventy-nine percent of extremely low income households are cost burdened and 49% have severe cost burdens. With the exception of elderly renters, between 70% and 80% of all other extremely very low income household categories (owner and renter) have housing problems.
Very Low Income: This group constitutes 70% of total low income households (5,800 households). The primary components of this group are elderly (2,193) and small family household (1,045). Renters constituted 54% of the low income households and small family households were the largest renter category, small family households (1,045).
Seventy-five percent of small family low income households have cost burdens and 9% service cost burdens. With the exception of elderly homeowners (23% of whom are cost burdened) at least one-third of all low income households are cost burden and 60% of low income renter households are cost burdened. Housing problems are indicated for 63% of low income renter households and 38%of low income owner households. No disproportional minority group need were identified.
Other Low Income: Small family and elderly households accounted for 50% of the total other low income category. Elderly owners and small family renter households have the greatest need. Elderly renters have the highest cost burden percentage among other low income households (32%) as well as the highest percentage of households with housing problems (32%). Severe cost burdens did not exceed 3% in any category. No disproportional minority group needs were identified.
Moderate Income: Most moderate income households ere homeowners (80%). No moderate income renters were cost burdened, or severely cost burdened or identified housing problems. Owner households indicated 6% with housing problems: 4% cost burdened and 0% severely cost burdened.
Overcrowding and substandard housing conditions clearly impact most severely on low income households. These conditions appear to effect both renters and owners uniformly. No reliable data is available on the specific housing needs of the elderly and persons with disabilities who do not require supportive housing services.
Needs of sheltered and unsheltered population: The city of Bay City does not have a large homeless population and the shelter needs of the homeless are provided by the Cornerstone for Comfort shelter program. This service is provided through a consortium of local churches and provides shelter to an average of 12 individuals. These are unrelated individuals without children for the most part.
The Bay County Women's Center provides emergency shelter for female victims of domestic violence and their dependents. The Women's Center served a total of 340 individuals during 1992. No reliable data is available on homeless persons who are severely mentally ill; drug or alcohol addicted; youth or AIDS diagnosed.
Needs of Persons Threatened With Homelessness: A majority of individuals and families below 30% of median income are elderly or small family households. It is not known, however, the extent to which these households are threatened with homelessness.
| Elderly (62+, Disabled, Handicapped) | |||||||
| Total Applications: | 142 | ||||||
| With Federal Preference | 23 | ||||||
| Disabled/Handicapped | 75 | ||||||
| Family | 1BD | 2BD | 3BD | 4BD | 5BD | ||
| Total Applications | 7 | 162 | 187 | 37 | 25 | ||
| W/Fed. Preference | 2 | 102 | 107 | 21 | 20 | ||
| Disabled/Hndcpd | 1 | 29 | 26 | 3 | 4 | ||
Contracts with social service providers indicate the following supportive housing needs:
No public policies exist which constitute financial or institutional barriers to the provision of affordable housing.
Bay City participates in a HOME funded first time home buyers program since previous assessments and strategies have identified a need for the first time home buyer assistance, particularly for small family households.
A priority is for fair housing counseling and testing. These services will respond to the need to maintain equal access to housing opportunities for all households.
In conjunction with the Tri-County Fair Housing Center Inc., the City has completed an evaluation of it's Fair Housing needs and activities directed at meeting needs on an going basis through the Tri-County Fair Housing Center Inc..
It is estimated that 800 dwelling units occupied by low income households contain lead-based paint hazards.
Public Facility Needs - Parks and recreational facilities are designated as the highest priority public facility needs. These improvements are designed to promote neighborhood stability within the City's low and moderate income CDBG target neighborhoods. All park improvements are completed in accordance with input received from the target neighborhood Citizens District Councils. Medium priority is assigned to the development of neighborhood facilities and parking facilities.
Infrastructure Improvements - Street and sidewalk improvements are designated high priority infrastructure improvements. Sidewalk improvements will be make within residential portions of the City through the low income household sidewalk replacement project. Neighborhood business areas serving predominately low and moderate income neighborhoods are targeted for sidewalk improvements in the Columbus, Johnson Street and Midland areas. Sidewalk improvements are also planned within the downtown area.
Medium priority infrastructure improvement needs include sewer improvements and other infrastructure improvement needs. Sewer improvement needs include the construction of storm sewers for related street work. These storm sewer improvements enhance the use ability of the road work. Other infrastructure improvements include improved street lighting with the Johnson Street and Columbus Neighborhood business area. This lighting would address the need for improved security within these neighborhood business districts.
Public Service Needs - Crime Awareness services and Fire Awareness services are listed as high priorities.
Coordination between the various unities of local government, State agencies
and non-profit organizations is maintained through the Bay County Housing Task
Force.
The City of Bay City's vision is to leverage City Block Grant funds in order to address the City's Public Facilities, Housing Infrastructure, Public Services, Economic Development and Planning Needs.
Renter - Available assistance will be concentrated on Small Families with cost burdens in excess of 50% MFI and 30% MFI. These households are dispersed throughout Bay City and current housing inventory conditions indicate that existing housing units should be the primary resource for addressing this need. Vacant and substandard housing and housing suitable for rehabilitation will be rehabilitated utilizing the City's CDBG-Funded Rental Rehabilitation Program and MSHDA-administered HOME Rental Rehabilitation Funds. Tenant based assistance will be provided through the MSHDA-administered HOME Program. Additional assistance will be provided through the Bay Area Housing Development Corp.(First-time home buyer assistance and affordable multi-family development)
Assistance will also be targeted to Small Family Renter households residing in properties with physical defects and Large Family Renter households who are cost burdened. These groups represent the next level of priority for the commitment of buildable housing resources. These households are dispersed throughout Bay City and current housing inventory conditions indicate that existing housing units should be the primary resource for addressing this need.
Owner - The highest priority for housing assistance among owners are cost burdened owner households. These households are concentrated within the Patterson- Belinda, Jefferson-Lincoln, Columbus, Southend, Midland and Northwest CDBG target areas. The City's CDBG-Funded low interest and deferred payment rehabilitation loan programs will be the primary resource for assisting these households.
The next priority for owner assistance is owners residing in housing with physical defects. These households are concentrated within the Patterson-Belinda Jefferson-Lincoln, Columbus, Southend, Midland and Northwest CDBG target areas.
Public Facility Needs - Parks and recreational facilities are designated as the highest priority public facility needs. These improvements are designed to promote neighborhood stability within the City's low and moderate income CDBG target neighborhoods. All park improvements are completed in accordance with input received from the target neighborhood citizens District Councils.
Medium priority is assigned to the development of neighborhood facilities and parking facilities. Neighborhood facility development is specifically targeted to the Southend neighborhood and will include support of the acquisition of the Bay County Child and Senior Citizens, Inc. of their facilities at 1001 Marsac. Parking facilities will be developed in support of the Columbus, Johnson Street and Midland Neighborhood business areas.
Infrastructure Improvements - Street and sidewalk improvements are designated high priority infrastructure improvements. Sidewalk improvements will be make within residential portions of the city through the low income household sidewalk replacement project. Neighborhood business areas serving predominately low and moderate income neighborhoods are targeted for sidewalk improvements in the Columbus, Johnson Street and Midland areas. Sidewalk improvements are also planned within the downtown area.
Medium priority infrastructure improvement needs include sewer improvements and other infrastructure improvement needs. Sewer improvement needs include the construction of storm sewers for related street work. These storm sewer improvements enhance the use ability of the road work. Other infrastructure improvements include improved street lighting with the Johnson Street and Columbus Neighborhood business area. this lighting would address the need for improved security within these neighborhood business districts.
Public Service Needs - Crime Awareness services have been identifies as a high priority public service need. These services include community policing within three CDBG- target areas; the coordination of thirty block watch groups within low and moderate income neighborhoods and Drug Awareness Resistance Education Services, primarily directed at low and moderate income neighborhoods.
A second high priority public service need is fire awareness services. These services consist of various fire prevention services directed at low and moderate income households. These services consist of smoke detector installation for low income households; fire safety inspections for low income households; fire safety instruction within elderly high rise properties and school fire safety programs, primarily for children from low and moderate income households.
A third high priority need is for fair housing counseling and testing. these services will respond to the need to maintain equal access to housing opportunities for all households.
Medium priority public services include respite child care services. These services are necessary to all low income single parent household heads to obtain employment and/or counseling. these household heads do not have sufficient financial resources for professional child care while they seek employment or counseling.
Historic Preservation Needs - Medium priority historic preservation needs exist within the Midland Business area. Exterior code corrections are needed in this area with the emphases being placed on historically sensitive improvements since the area is a State designated historic district.
Economic Development Needs - The highest priority economic development need is commercial -industrial infrastructure. The City's infrastructure is generally outdated and lacking in capacity. Storm drainage in areas available for industrial development is an actual need which must be addressed within the next fixe years.
Planning Needs - Coordinated neighborhood planning with a strong emphasis is resident participation. There is a need to continue this process within the Patterson-Belinda, Jefferson-Lincoln, Columbus, Southend, Midland and Northwest target neighborhoods. This planning will continue to be created to neighborhood improvement need and priority identification.
It is the City's strategy to utilize available housing and community development resources to create affordable housing and neighborhood improvements aimed at reducing the number of households living in poverty with respect to the preservation of affordable housing, the City will continue to coordinate its affordable housing efforts with the Bay County Housing Task Force. The Housing Task Force membership includes representatives of numerous public and private organizations who serve households living in poverty. This consultation and coordination will lead to a linkage between the City's affordable housing initiatives and the providers of services to low income households.
| AGENCY | TYPE | SERVICES |
|---|---|---|
| Bay City Housing Commission | Public-PHA | Management and development of assisted housing |
| Bay Arenac Community Mental Health | Public | Provider of housing for clients |
| Bay Arenac Community Living Facilities | Private | Provider of housing for handicapped individuals and individuals with mental disabilities |
| BASIS | Private | Provider of housing for recovering drug and alcohol abusers |
| Bay Area Housing Development Corp | Private | Non-profit affordable housing sponsor |
| City of Bay City | Public CD Agency | Direct housing rehabilitation loan |
| Cory Place | Private | Provides emergency housing placements for runaway youth |
| Michigan State University-Agricultural Extension Services | Public | Housing and budget counseling services |
| Cornerstone for Comfort | Private | Emergency shelter |
| Mid Michigan Alliance | Public | Emergency Improvements and weatherization work |
| Women's Center | Private | Emergency Housing for spouse abuse victims |
The City will continue to be an active member of the Bay County Housing Task Force in the interest of maintaining coordination between housing providers and health, mental health and service agencies.
The City will continue to support the Bay Area Housing Development Corp, a non- profit housing sponsor. The city will continue to seek ways of improving the institutional structure through the Bay County Housing Task Force.
Monitoring will be provided through the Annual Single Audit process.
Progress will be monitored through internal reviews of activities.
Description of Key Projects (Locations & Lead Agencies Included)
Priority allocations and the connection between priority needs, activities and use of funds are based on the following one year objectives. These one year objectives are direct projects of the citizens participation process.
A. Continuation of Jefferson-Lincoln Redevelopment Project:
B. Continuation of Midland Revitalization Program - Including:
C. Continuation of the Columbus Avenue Revitalization Project - Including:
D. Continuation of Activities within the Patterson-Belinda Project Area -Including:
E. Continuation of the South End Area Development Program - Including:
F. Continuation of the Northwest Development Program - Including:
G. Continuation of Rehabilitation Assistance to residential income property occupied by low and moderate income households.
H. Continuation of street scape improvements and elimination of blighting influences within downtown area.
I. Provision of assistance to low income households in repairing or replacing sidewalks.
J. Provision of fair housing counseling services.
K. Provision of public services and facilities designed to address various community needs including public safety, child care, and recreation. Services provided by the previously listed area agencies.
L. The provision of necessary administrative services to ensure CDBG activities are being carried out efficiently and in accordance with applicable Federal Regulation.
M. Homelessness - Activities addressing homelessness will consist of rehabilitation assistance to the Bay county Women's Center for facility rehabilitation.
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.
MAP 6 depicts points of interest, low-moderate income areas, unemployment levels, and proposed HUD funded projects within one neighborhood.
