The city of Aguadilla is the nucleus of economic activity within the Northwestern region of the island of Puerto Rico. Together with the Municipalities of Aguada, Moca and Isabela, constitute the Aguadilla M.S.A. with a composite population estimated at around 175,000 residents. Sixty-five percent (65%) of the population or 113,350, are considered to be below or bordering the poverty line. We, therefore, consider that improving opportunities for our constituents is a top priority of the Municipal administration.
Submission requirements under a consolidated plan offer local jurisdictions the opportunity to shape the various programs under HUD into effective well coordinated neighborhood and community development strategies, while creating the opportunity for strategic planning and citizen participation to take place within a comprehensive network, and reducing the risk of duplication of effort.
In order to accomplish our main objective, to improve opportunities for a better life of our residents, we count on the support provided by HUD with funding through the CDBG, ESG and HOME programs. Fund allocations are as follows:
| CDBG | - | $ 2,693,000.00 |
| ESG | - | $ 106,000.00 |
| HOME | - | $ 434,000.00 |
We also have committed funds from other federal, state and local agencies.
The Community Development Office, designated as the head office
responsible for the preparation of the Consolidated Plan for the Municipality,
scheduled two public hearings in order to obtain input from citizens. The
public hearings were announced through the largest circulating newspaper, and
were conducted as programmed. Written invitations were submitted to
organizations within the jurisdiction both public and private. Observations and
comments from participants were the primary tool for determining community needs
and for committing funds for project development.
Estimated population for the Municipality is 63,453 residents. Composite population by household is estimated to be 15,212. Many of the typical social ailments affecting modern urban centers, including conditions of poverty, affect over two thirds of families within the jurisdiction. Among the basic needs of families, adequate housing constitutes one of the most prominent.
Also, a growing number of individuals and families that lack the resources and the means to obtain assistance from government agencies end up in the ranks of the homeless. Frequently, the most affected are individuals suffering from mental conditions, alcohol and drug abusers, victims of domestic violence, HIV +, afflicted and related health problems.
Most such ailments are rooted, primarily, in economic disadvantages that cause deprivation to raise the level of stress and tension within affected households often precipitating a sense of powerlessness to deal with the immediate reality, and ultimately, incapacitating the persons affected. Most families with chronic economic deficiencies strive within the poor communities concentrated alongside the urban core. The net income for families falling bellow the poverty lines, such as the ones just described is estimated a $9,500.00.
From an ethnic or racial point of view, this category is generally not applied to Puerto Rican population.
While homeownership appears to be large by national standards, (an estimated
66% of the total housing units are owner occupied) a large percentage of
families, namely those in the lower income brackets reside in substandard
housing in poor conditions , as evidenced in the sections ahead.
While recent developments within the overall economic landscape reflect improvements due to a sudden pick-up in the rate of growth within commercial and retail sectors, this phenomenon has not yet spilled into the less advantaged sectors of the population that seem to lag behind as their circumstances prevent them from participating, to any significant degree, in job opportunities and other economic activities that show signs of improvements.
During 1990, the municipality's labor force was 16,500 workers. The percentage of unemployment within the region was estimated to be 18.2%.
During the year 1992 , the sectors generating the most employment opportunities within the municipality was the manufacturing industry (factories-30. 5%), while the services sector generated 26.27% and public administration generated 46.68% of all employment.
In the last six years there have been six housing projects constructed in Aguadilla, for a total of 474 new units. Two construction projects are for leasing purposes. Project "Villas Universitarias" was sold during 1993 at a price of $72,000.00 per unit. Presently 10 additional units have been constructed.
According to the Rules and Permits Administration (ARPE), 171 permits have been extended for private and public housing construction. In the last four years, 990 new permits have been granted. Units prices fluctuate between $24,000 and $43,000.00.
The bulk of these units' construction is undertaken through private initiatives mainly first time owners and young families that concentrate their efforts upon housing ownership. To that end they contribute a great portion of their income.
Most construction of new housing, however, is beyond the means of the less advantaged sectors, while a newly constructed unit by private developers usually carries a price tag that makes it forbidden.
The non-availability of affordable housing in both the rental and homeownership sectors represents the biggest housing need within the municipality.
Homeownership opportunities for low income families are scarce due to the unattractiveness of this sector to banking institutions and private developers alike , in part for the financial risks involved.
According to the Department of Social Services, there were 125 homeless persons residing in the Municipality of Aguadilla. This information is based upon the requests for assistance from individuals claiming to lack housing.
Families and individuals that must depend on public assistance are prone to become homeless if their particular needs are not met, even at the expense of public support. The situation is aggravated by the fact that the gross of those seeking it are, usually, head of household , and see such assistance as their only resource.
Presently, there are nine housing projects in Aguadilla, totaling 1,956 units. There is also, a public housing project, "Residential José de Diego" with a total of 150 units, that was part of an "ownership" pilot program. Total public housing units are 2,106.
A large amount of families and individuals living in overcrowded conditions through the assistance of a relative, would be absorbed by development of additional public and assisted housing units. Considering their slim probabilities of affording rented, non-public assisted housing, these residents are at high risk of becoming homeless and are, therefore , obvious candidates to occupy public and assisted housing units on a priority basis.
| DESCRIPTION | TOTAL |
|---|---|
| ALL HOUSEHOLDS | 65.7 |
| (PERCENT INCIDENCE BY INCOME GROUP) | |
| 0-30% | 83.2 |
| 31-50% | 66.4 |
| 51-80% | 56.4 |
| DESCRIPTION | TOTAL |
|---|---|
| ALL RENTERS | 11.1 |
| (PERCENT INCIDENCE BY INCOME GROUP) | |
| 0-30% | 12.2 |
| 31-50% | 10.4 |
| 51-80% | 12.5 |
The situation has been substantially discussed in Affordable Housing Needs.
Recent policies in housing development and management require strict
adherence by regulating agencies, including the Municipality of Aguadilla, to
developers and administrators alike, in order to ensure access to decent
housing to families in need of such, regardless of differences in social ,
ethnic, physical or other status. No incident has been recorded of violations
to these policies.
The Municipal administration of the city of Aguadilla hopes to reverse economic and social trends of the past decades, that had severely hampered its growth potential and, consequently , the well being of its inhabitants. To accomplish that goal it has embarked, during recent years, upon the task of utilizing available resources in developing projects that attract investment and promote capital flow within its jurisdiction while accomplishing capital improvements within the infrastructure.
We hope that, as the growth of vital sectors within the socio-economic spectrum revive and strengthen, the benefits will drip down and permeate the social strata throughout. We have witnessed great improvements in critical areas such as a notable reduction in the rate of unemployment, an upsurge in investment and business activity , and an overall improvement within key elements of the infra-structure. Still , we strive to bring opportunities close to home to disadvantaged sectors of our community.
A significant amount of funds will be allocated, from both federal and local sources, in order to meet our housing and community development needs. Specific allocations are detailed in the Consolidated Plan, including the housing sector.
Priority No. 1-Increase the Housing Stock in Aguadilla
In order to meet this priority, the Municipality of Aguadilla will take the following activities:
This project will be performed in coordination with a Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) known as "Posada de Amor". Presently, we have committed the amount of $1,5251,000.00 in HOME funds.
Priority No. 2- To provide Rehabilitation Assistance to Low- and Very Low- Income Citizens
This program was initiated through the commitment of $100,000.00 in CDBG funds, and will continue for Fiscal Year 95 through the commitment of an additional $100,000.00. We estimate that through the utilization of these funds will be able to rehabilitate 200 housing units. Throughout the next five years, we expect to commit additional funds for the continuation of the program. We expect to rehabilitate approximately 100 units annually.
Priority No. 3- Development of a Permanent Housing for the Elderly
In order to alleviate the burden of elderly citizens faced with the plights common to them, we intend to rehabilitate the "Victor Hernández" Building. This building is located in the "Camaseyes" Ward, Aguadilla. We intend to convert this five stories building in a single room occupancy housing complex for the elderly. After developing the housing complex, we estimate that we will be able to establish additional services other than housing. All services made available to this population are intended to assist them become self-sufficient.
Priority No. 4- Implementation of the Family Self-Sufficiency Program
We consider the Family Self-Sufficiency Program to be the solution to move program participants into self-sufficiency and a more permanent living environment. Currently the Municipal Section 8 Office, is initiating the Family Self-Sufficiency Program with 25 Section 8 participants. Since the Section 8 Housing Stock consists of 282 participating families , we expect to implement the Family Self-Sufficiency through the enrollment of all program participants.
The Municipal Marina constitutes the most important non-housing project undertaken by the Municipality of Aguadilla. Definite steps have been taken to achieve the completion of this project. The Municipality of Aguadilla, in coordination with the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers will complete the construction of the breakwater around June 1995. This joint venture serves as an example of partnership and collaboration among agencies. The next phase of the project consists the development of the Marina and fishing facilities. We expect to complete this project within the next five years provided funding is available.
Priority No. 2 - Canalization of "Río Ojo de Agua" and "Río Culebrinas"
The Municipality of Aguadilla, in coordination with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is preparing a detailed project report for the canalization of these two rivers. The "Ojo de Agua" River is located in Aguadilla Pueblo Ward, Census Track 4008 (ACTIVITY # 6 ON THE MAP). According to the 1990 Census, 94% of the population of the Aguadilla Pueblo Ward is of low-moderate income. The river extends across "El Parterre Park" and flows into the Marina Shore Line. During rainy season , the "Ojo de Agua" River is constantly flooding the downtown area of the city, this places at risk the people residing and commuting in the immediate area of "El Parterre".
The "Culebrinas" River begins in Census Track 4010, Victoria Ward. According to the 1990 Census, 93% of the population in C.T. 4010 is of low/moderate income. The Culebrinas River extends across the Municipality of Aguada and ends approximately in the Municipality of San Sebastián. This river has a high tendency of flooding, affecting not only the residents of Victoria Ward, but also, the residents of Espinal, Aguada The residents of Espinal have only one access road toward their neighborhood and it floods during rainy seasons, eliminating the only possible access to the residents.
This river possess such a threat to the safety of the area residents that the Municipality of Aguada will also support this project by committing the amount of $60,000.00 for the completion of the Canalization Study.
The Municipality of Aguadilla currently has 12,695 households that are considered to be very low income. This amount represents 70% of the total number of households (18,278) in Aguadilla.
The Municipal administration acknowledges its responsibility to seek new alternatives in order to assist to improve the quality of living of it's very low and low income sectors.
In 1994 this entity initiated a consortium under the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA). The JTPA Program represents a primary resource by which we will assist to improve labor and educational needs. In addition the JTPA Program will assist to improve local economy by placing participants in the manufacturing industries.
By placing candidates in all available labor markets, the participants of the JTPA program will receive valuable labor and education skills that will assist them to retain\find a more permanent job opportunities and preserve affordable housing for our very low and low income community.
The Municipality of Aguadilla will coordinate with other programs at local, state, federal, public and private sector in order to seek all possible alternatives or programs that will assist the Municipality to reduce the number of very low and low income households.
We will also promote the participation of Section 8 participants in the Family Self- Sufficiency Program by providing all available opportunities in order to assist them to become self sufficient and reduce their dependability of public assistance.
The Municipality of Aguadilla will allocate a significant amount of funds in order to meet our housing and community development needs. Primary resources available in order to carry out this plan will come from federal funds due to the funding limitations at local level.
We anticipate that the following funds will be available to carry on this strategic plan:
Elimination of slums and blight, elimination of conditions that are detrimental to health, safety and public welfare, conservation and expansion of the nation's housing stock, expansion and improvement of the quantity and quality of community services, better utilization of land and other natural resources, reduction of the isolation of income group within communities and geographical areas, restoration and preservation of properties of special value, alleviation of physical and economic distress, and conservation of the nation's scarce energy resources.
We have also identified the needs to increase the collaboration and cooperation with other agencies outside the local government. In order to expand the opportunities of the program participants to receive assistance in a wide variety of areas.
The preparation of the Consolidated Plan provided the unique opportunity to open new opportunities for collaboration among all the agencies participating in the existing service delivery system. Thus, the needs of the community will be approached, not only in terms of housing, but rather by addressing a wide variety of needs that include but are not limited to health, nutrition, job opportunities, housing, homeless, poverty, recreation, etc.
In the preparation of the Consolidated Plan, we found that by working together among the agencies, we were able to objectively access the way we have been conducting business. We also found that by establishing the linkage, the gathering of information to be considered in the decision making process was more reliable.
The Community Development Office will develop procedures to monitor its own
administration of the HOME Program in order to ensure quality control. Senior
staff will randomly monitor staff work write-up and cost estimates by
reinspecting selected proprieties themselves and then reviewing the staff's
reports, and by underwriting selected loans to ensure that all program
requirements are being met.
Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) Activities and Projects
The Municipality of Aguadilla will commit the amount of $379,628 in CDBG funds to continue providing public safety and protection services through the Municipal Police Force. The Municipal Police has been operating since 1986, it's services are offered community-wide. The Municipal Police Department is located in the Plaza Marina Building, Aguadilla Pueblo Ward (CT 4008, 94% L/M).
This activity is intended to provide assistance to low income citizens residing in housing units where structural conditions represent a threat to the health and safety of the household. During FY-95 we are hereby committing the amount of $100,000 in CDBG Funds to continue providing this Community Wide Service. The Lead Agency responsible for implementing this program is the Community Development Office. During FY-95 we expect to be able to rehabilitate approximately 100 low income housing units via the utilization of these funds.
During FY-95, the Municipality of Aguadilla intends to commit the amount of $200,000 in CDBG funds for the acquisition of two trolleys. The implementation of a trolley service in Aguadilla is necessary to provide transportation services in low income communities that are currently unattended by the traditional "público" routes. As indicated by several cementers in the Consolidated Plan Public Hearings, there are several communities that lack massive transportation for school children because these communities are not within the route covered by the school buses from the Department of Education. The Municipal Department of Public Works will be responsible for operating the trolley service on a daily basis.
In 1994, the Municipality of Aguadilla embarked in a joint venture with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) in order to conduct the canalization of these two rivers. During FY-95 we will commit the amount of $168,000.00 in CDBG funds. Funds will be assigned as follows:
| "Río Ojo de Agua"
Aguadilla Pueblo Ward CT 4008 | $108,000.00 |
| "Río Culebrinas"
Victoria Ward CT 4010 | $60,000.00 |
As stated previously, this entity conducted an Analysis of Impediments which was submitted and approval by HUD. We also included a Transition Plan depicting those public facilities having architectural barriers limiting access to disabled persons. In FY-95 we intend to initiate the correction of these facilities via the commitment of $100,000 in CDBG Funds. These funds are intended to correct deficiencies identified in the City Hall Building (CT 4008) and the Diagnosis and Treatment Center (CT 4009).
The Municipal Marina Project has been covered in great detail throughout the entire plan. During FY-95 we are hereby committing the amount of $500,000 in CDBG Funds for continuing the development of the Project. The Lead Agency responsible for this project is the Community Development Office.
During the public hearings held for the Consolidated Plan, one citizen commented on the lack of recreational facilities in the Tamarindo Sector. The Tamarindo Sector is located in the Aguadilla Pueblo Ward, it is also the primary innercity access to the Central Business District. The Tamarindo Sector is rich in historical heritage for it is the place were famous persons such as Rafael Hernández and José de Diego were born. This sector is also one of the oldest areas of the city and it reflects a degree of deterioration in the structures of the Sector. The Municipal Administration of Aguadilla recognizes the historical importance of this area, and intends to contribute to its revitalization. This Sector is also in the vicinity of the Municipal Marina Project. During FY-95 we intend to commit the amount of $117,604 in CDBG funds for the acquisition and construction of a passive recreational area in this very-low income community. The Lead Agency responsible for the development of this project will be the Community Development Office.
| a. Section 108 LGA Repayment | $581,168 | |
| b. CDBG Administration | $538,600 |
For this activity we are committing the amount of $325,500.00 in HOME funds. Via the utilization of these funds we intend to provide low interest bearing loans for low/moderate owner occupied housing rehabilitation. We are currently in the process of identifying a banking institution that will assist the municipality to process loan applications to the program. Our goal through the provision of this program is to provide our low and very low income community the opportunity to rehabilitate a housing unit by making rehabilitation costs affordable.
The amount of $65,100 will be committed for this purpose in accordance with program regulations. This amount is equal to 15% of total amount of funds allocated during this year. Funds will be committed to "Posada de Amor", a qualified CHDO for acquiring 4670 square meters of land in the Camaseyes Ward for the purpose of developing the property for construction of affordable housing for low/moderate income families.
The amount of $43,400.00 is set aside for the purpose of Program Administration and planning. This amount equals a 10% of this year assignment.
The amount of $10,600 is set aside for the purpose of program
administration. This amount equals a 10% of assigned funds for this year.
MAP 2 depicts points of interest and low-moderate income areas.
MAP 3 depicts points of interest, low-moderate income areas, and unemployment levels.
TABLE (without associated map) provides information about the project(s).
Mr. Jaime Acevedo
Director, Community Development Office
Municipality of Aguadilla
P.O. Box 1008
Aguadilla, P.R. 00605
Telephone: (809) 891-3965
Fax: (809) 891-3930
