Relative to public hearings, ads are placed in the Sentinel Tribune, the local daily newspaper, at least 10 days prior to the hearing, noting the time and place. All other media serving the community receive notification as well. A minimum of three public hearings are held for the Community Development Block Grant Program prior to grant submission. Relative to the Performance Report, notices are placed at least 15 days prior to the deadline for submission stating the place where the public can review and comment on the report. Substantial amendments to the year's program require a public hearing and a 30-day comment period. All public hearings take place in Council Chambers, City Administrative Service Building, 304 N. Church Street, Bowling Green, OH.
The 1990 median family income (MFI) was $36,799 and the median household income was $21,766. There are 53.79% low/moderate income people in the community.
During the 1980's, Bowling Green State University's enrollment increased 6%. Since 1990 the University's enrollment declined slightly. Forty-six percent (46%) of the student population reside off-campus.
The Community Development Foundation, which assists new commercial and industrial establishments locate in the community, has commitments totaling approximately 700 new jobs for the past year and the next several years. The unemployment rate for Wood County is approximately 4.0%.
Relative to the existing Section 8 complexes, there are a total of 142 family units and 200 elderly units in the City. There are 104 2-BR units of Section 236. Recently 180 rental units were built using tax credits. All Section 8 complexes are fully occupied with waiting lists ranging from 6 months to 1 year. The Section 236 complex has a 2-year waiting list.
According to the 1990 Census, there were 3,585 units of owner-occupied housing. The number of vacant units totaled 28 with a vacancy rate of 0%. The average value of owner-occupied housing in 1990 was $87,800. Between 1990 and 1995, 146 new houses were constructed. The average cost was 167,400 exclusive of land. Land costs in the City are high ranging between $25,000 - $40,000 per lot. There are few older homes that are affordable to low and moderate-income persons due in part to the good condition of the City's housing stock and the fact that many of the affordable homes were purchased and rehabilitated by low/moderate- income persons who participated in the City's Downpayment Assistance Program and Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation Program. There is no new housing construction that is affordable to lower- income persons in the community.
Rental units exist with monthly rents that are affordable for lower-income families. However, rental assistance is needed for those at or below 50% of the median income who are rent burdened.
There are barriers to constructing affordable new construction in the community. Local builders prefer building more expensive homes.
Funds are needed to match Section 18 Rural Transportation Grants in order to provide public transportation via a taxi service. The annual ridership is 60,000 with 50% of the riders being elderly and/or persons with disabilities.
The City has been successful in recruiting new industries in the community. The greatest need is the construction of affordable new housing units to meet the anticipated demand of the labor force. The City established an Economic Development Revolving Loan Fund. Currently, the finance pool is large enough to support the demand.
The Downtown Business Association, whose mission is to keep the downtown viable, needs assistance to pay staff salaries.
The City embarked on a multiple year plan to replace the antiquated traffic signals throughout the community.
Many lower-income households are located in the older neighborhoods that have tree-lined streets. In these areas many of the sidewalks need replacing. In the newer residential areas, other than those affected by subdivision regulations, there are few sidewalks. Consequently, sidewalk construction is needed.
Seven meetings were held evaluating data, identifying and prioritizing needs, and suggesting ways to address needs. A Public Notice was placed in the Sentinel Tribune summarizing the Committee's recommendations that were incorporated in the Consolidated Plan.
The City will explore the feasibility of building new houses in the $60,000 to $85,000 price range.
An allocation of $80,000 will be made to the City's Rental Rehabilitation Program from the Community Development Block Grant Program. Greater emphasis will be placed on rehabilitating 1-BR and 2-BR units. Seventy percent (70%) of the units must be housed by low or moderate-income people. All units must be brought up to the Wood County Building Code and the City will match the landlord's contributions up to a maximum amount based on the number of bedrooms. Ten-year mortgages are placed on the property and loans are forgiven at 10% a year. Properties housing undergraduate students are not eligible for funding. Maximum loans range from $10,000 to $17,000 per unit.
The City received a HOME funded grant in the amount of $450,000 for downpayment assistance and owner-occupied rehabilitation.
Downpayment assistance is provided to lower-income households. The maximum grant is $12,000; Low-income households are not required to contribute any assistance; Moderate-income households must contribute 40% of the downpayment required. The after-rehabilitation value of the homes cannot exceed $74,800. A 15-year mortgage is placed on the property.
Owner-occupied rehabilitation loans are provided to low-moderate income households. With few exceptions, the maximum loan amount is $15,000. Low-income households repay the loan at time of title transfer; Moderate -income households repay the loan on a monthly basis at a 3% interest rate. A 15-year mortgage is placed on the property.
An Elderly Emergency Repair Program recently was funded with $30,000 from the CDBG program to provide grants to repair/replace one-substandard housing condition to a maximum of $6,000. Participants must be 62-years or older. No payback is required; no mortgage is placed on the property.
The Bowling Green Housing Authority, under contract with the Lucas County Metropolitan Housing Authority, received 30 Section 8 Vouchers for low-income households.
The B G Taxi Service provides rides for all area residents. A regular fare is $2.00. The elderly, persons with disabilities, or children between the ages of 4 years and 12 years when accompanied by a parent pay half fare with a Transit ID. Transit ID cards can be obtained on the Second Floor, City Administrative Services Building, 304 N. Church Street, Bowling Green, OH at a cost of $1.50 with proper identification.
The City will allocate $32,050 to the Downtown Business Association for staff salaries. The Downtown Business Association works with downtown merchants to better serve the community by keeping the storefronts occupied, planning promotional activities for the downtown, and keeping the area attractive.
The City contracts with the Fair Housing Center, Toledo, OH to investigate fair housing complaints and conduct educational training relative to fair housing laws.
An annual allocation of $40,000 is made to replace existing traffic signals. In 1995 the signal at Main Street and Wooster Street will be replaced and the signal for the cross walk in the 100 block of S. Main Street will be replaced. The City's Utility Department is responsible.
Funds in the amount of $75,000 are allocated to construct sidewalks on E. Poe Road, N. Prospect Street extended, Dixie Street, S. Mercer Road, and Frazee Avenue. The City's Public Works Department is responsible.
Engineering has been planned for work on S. College Drive. The City's Public Works Department is responsible.
An allocation of $50,000 will contribute to the purchase of a new fire truck to replace the existing one. The total cost of replacement is $300,000.
Program income from existing loans is expected to total $50,000 and provide adequate funding for the loan pool. New loans will be funded at 2/3 of the Dow Jones prime rate at time of closing. For each $10,000 borrowed, one new job must be created. Loans are available to manufacturing, industrial and commercial establishments. The Loan Administration Board oversees this program. For information, contact the Community Development Foundation, 121 East Wooster Street, Bowling Green, OH.
Costs associated with implementation of the City's housing programs are paid with CDBG funds. Salaries, fringe benefits, training, travel, and office supplies are paid for one and one-half staff members. Housing soft costs are also paid.
- Rental Rehabilitation Program - 6 rental rehabilitation units - Emergency Repair Program - 6 grants awarded - Downpayment Assistance Program - 17 grants awarded - Owner-occupied Rehabilitation Program - 18 loans awarded - Tenant-Based Assistance (Section 8 Voucher Program) - 30 vouchers awarded
MAP 1 depicts the City of Bowling Green and its region as well as selected points of interest.
MAP 2 depicts low and moderate income areas of the City.
MAP 3 depicts areas of greater unemployment within the City.
MAP 4 depicts the racial distribution within the City.
MAP 5 depicts the projects and neighborhoods within the City.
Carolyn Lineback, Grants Administrator
Department of Community Development
304 North Church Street
Bowling Green, Ohio 43402
Telephone: 419-354-6220
