Housing Needs

Information provided by the 1990 Census indicates that 27 % of all homeowners and 37 % of all renter households experience housing problems, such as paying more than 30% of their income for housing (known as "cost burden"), or living in substandard or overcrowded units. Various subgroup by income and tenure experience a higher percentage of housing problems. 67 percent of owners under 51 % of median family income experience housing problems; 80 % of renters under the same threshold experience housing problems. High housing costs, which lead to cost burden, are a significant factor. Some examples which helped to establish are the following percentages which experience either cost burden or severe cost burden (paying over 50% of income for housing): 79% of extremely low income (0-30% MFI); 66% of low (30-50% MFI): and 46% of moderate (50-80% MFI) experience cost burden; extreme cost burden is experience by 59% of extremely low; 25% of low, and 12% of moderate income households in the County.

Homeless and Special Needs

The State of New Jersey conducted a homeless count in May, 1993, which indicates that the County's homeless population was estimated at 129 homeless persons., including 61 single adults provided with emergency shelter. Some of the more frequently occurring special needs of homeless persons are alcohol/ substance abuse and domestic violence. The analysis indicates that a continuum of care is required to provide social services to the homeless as that they can enter permanent housing. Lack of affordable housing is a significant problem for homeless persons and families.

Community Development Needs

To provide a positive impact on the community, a comprehensive plan is required that integrates public services, economic development, infrastructure, and housing needs. Overall needs were the basis for establishing the goals.

Housing and Community Development Objectives and Priorities

The goals established in the Consolidated Plan for the five-year period 1995-1999 are as follows:

Housing:

1. Increasing and maintaining the supply of housing affordable for both rental and purchase by low and moderate income households.
2. Preservation of the housing stock currently serving low and moderate income (less than 80% of area median) households by supporting rehabilitation and conservation of both owner occupied and rental units. lncreasing the supply of affordable housing suitable for special needs populations.

Homeless/Special Needs:

1. Develop transitional housing for single homeless men.
2. Support applications for federal assistance that meet the homeless needs of Somerset County
3. Fund homelessness prevention activities.
4. Increase the supply of affordable housing suitable for special needs populations.

1. To assist in the conservation, expansion, and reconstruction of commercial and industrial facilities and create jobs.

1. To reconstruct, replace, rehabilitate, acquire or construct facilities including water, sewer, fire protection, recreational, parking, neighborhood center and barrier free facilities
2. To eliminate conditions detrimental to health, safety, and public welfare

Public Services:

1. To assist in the provision of counseling, education, recreation, transportation, and related public services.

Description of Key Projects

Maps

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.

MAP 6 depicts Neighborhood Segments and streets with proposed HUD funded projects; in addition, a table provides information about the project(s).

Roselee Welch
Director of Community Development
Phone: (908) 231-7039