Taylor's Consolidated Plan is a comprehensive planning tool for government units to meet their development goals when applying for Federal funds under various formula grant programs offered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
The Consolidated Plan presents a strategic plan for housing and community development. It includes a One-Year Action Plan for spending approximately $873,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds and program income during the 12 months starting July 1, 1995. These funds will be spent primarily on housing rehabilitation, infrastructure improvements and public services.
A public hearing was held in February, 1995 to obtain citizen input on the
needs and priorities that the Consolidated Plan should address. Only one
written comment was received which supported continuation of several public
service activities. A summary of the plan was then published in March in the
local newspaper soliciting comments on the proposed plan, with none being
received.
The City of Taylor contains 24 square miles with, according to 1990 census
data, 24,895 households totaling 70,811 persons. Approximately 68 percent of
the households are owner-occupied, while 31 percent live in traditional rental
housing and only one percent resides in group quarters. More than 40% of the
rental complexes in Taylor are located in the southern one-third of the City,
and more than half of those are located in a one square- mile area. Demographic
evidence suggests a stable, working-class community, largely made up of white,
owner-occupied households, with racial and ethnic minorities concentrated
primarily in areas of rental housing.
The concentration of low-income rental housing in a one square mile area in the southwest corner of the City, has resulted in the majority of social needs and problems being concentrated there. A highly disproportionate share of City services are required to support the residents of this area. The City's economy has been improving, while much of the housing and infrastructure is relatively new. Pockets lack basic infrastructure such as sidewalks and enclosed drains.
There are no glaring housing needs in the City. Much of the housing is less than 30 years old, while other available data does not indicate substantial numbers of substandard housing units. However, local programs, to include code inspections, indicate a need for maintenance and moderate rehabilitation of owner occupied households to keep the housing stock at an acceptable quality level. A wide variety of affordable housing units are available in various areas of the City. With a median family size of 2.82 persons, overcrowding is not a serious problem.
A review of the market confirms that the City is a working-class community with affordable housing in both the owner-occupied and rental sectors. The average cost of the approximately 17,000 single family homes in Taylor is $47,000 with a steady vacancy rate of 3 percent. The median monthly mortgage amount is $550.
In the rental arena, there are nearly 7,200 units in the City of which 3,096 are assisted housing. Subsidies skews the median payment to $457. In the concentrated are in the southwest corner of the City, the median monthly rent is $208. Public housing consists of 111 units of senior citizen housing. Again, significant amounts of affordable housing are available.
The primary needs for affordable housing are in keeping owner-occupied units up to standard where the owner can not afford necessary maintenance and upgrades. Units occupied by handicapped individuals frequently need accessibility improvements.
Surveys revealed four homeless families, 2 single adults and two youths. Half of the homeless resulted from domestic violence. While some support of emergency shelters is indicated, efforts should be concentrated on counseling services to prevent homelessness from domestic violence, runaways or substance abuse.
The 111 units of Public Housing are in good repair. Records indicate that most assisted housing is in adequate physical condition although the impacted area in the southwest corner could use additional support services. It is not anticipated that there will be a loss of existing inventory.
The City has completed a Housing Impediments Analysis and no major barriers were found. Extensive numbers of affordable single family and rental units are available.
The City is currently appealing a decision regarding alleged discrimination involving the expansion of a group home in an area zoned for single family residential housing. It will abide by the ultimate decision in the case.
It is believed that virtually no rental housing in the City is at risk, as it tends to be newer than owner housing. It is estimated that approximately 20 percent of owner housing (nearly 3,400 units) may have lead based paint. Of these, it is estimate that approximately 30 percent contain small children.
The City has determined that its major needs include a neighborhood facility to consolidate public services in its impacted southwest corner. This facility will be used in conjunction with CDBG funded public services to address various social needs of low income residents, including those needs listed in the Housing Needs section of this summary.
Mobility is another issue that can be addressed in part by physical improvements. Handicapped accessibility to seven public buildings has been identified as a problem as well the need for sidewalks in the southwest corner of the City.
The Community Development Division coordinates the use of CDBG funds within
the City. External coordination is conducted as necessary in the course of
individual projects, such as providing funding for homeless shelters.
The City intends to utilize available funds to address identified needs. Particular emphasis will be given to addressing root problems in the southwest corner of the City.
The various public service activities are intended to reduce poverty while home rehabilitation activities should assist persons to maintain independent lives.
Resources are limited to available Community Development Block Grant funds.
As indicated above, components of the plan are coordinated as necessary by
the Community development division.
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 for one neighborhood.
TABLE (without associated map) provides information about the project(s).
