Chesapeake is a newly-formed city, created in 1963 by the merger of Norfolk County (1636) and the City of South Norfolk (1921). The city is located in Southeastern Virginia and is one of the cities comprising the Norfolk-Virginia Beach-Newport News Metropolitan Area. It is bordered on the west by Suffolk, east by Virginia Beach and north by the cities of Portsmouth and Norfolk. The city is the second largest in Virginia and the 13th largest city in land area in the U.S. at 353 square miles. Approximately 118,789 acres of the land remains undeveloped, including 8,463 acres of water. Agricultural enterprises comprise approximately 71,155 acres with 48,193 acres devoted to actual farm production. The remainder of the city's land is dedicated to developed land, transportation and public/private utility facilities.
The Consolidated Plan (CP) for the City of Chesapeake is designed to address the needs of a new city with older sections that have aging infrastructures and new areas that are beginning development. The One-Year Action Plan is funded with $1,584,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding and $513,000 in HOME Investment Partnership Program funding. The funding is primarily targeted for neighborhood revitalization activities such as property rehabilitation and public improvements to water and sewer lines and roadways.
The City of Chesapeake's Community Development programs are
directed and coordinated by
the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs (OIA) and administered by
the Chesapeake
Redevelopment and Housing Authority (CRHA). The CRHA is the
designated lead agency for
the Consolidated Plan's (CP) development, implementation and
performance reporting process.
The CRHA, in coordination with the OIA, convened a Chesapeake
Consolidated Plan
Subcommittee (CCPS) of representatives from city departments,
community agencies receiving
CDBG and HOME funding, agencies providing services to the
homeless and persons with special
needs, civic and church groups, and concerned community leaders.
The CCPS held several
meetings to develop the CP and a Citizen Participation Plan (CPP)
to insure citizen
participation throughout CP planning, implementation and
performance reviews. The CPP
draft and the CP draft were advertised in three (3) local
newspapers and made available at five
branch libraries and OIA for a thirty (30) day citizen review
period. Two public hearings were
advertised in three local newspapers. The first public hearing
solicited citizen input on the
development of the CP and the CPP draft while the second hearing
solicited input on the CP
draft. The Chesapeake City Council advertised and held an
additional public hearing on the
City's Community Development programs on April 25, 1995. The CP
was adopted by the
Chesapeake City Council on May 23, 1995. Opportunities for
continued citizen input will be
provided during the development of the CP Action Plan and the CP
performance review, on an
annual basis.
The City of Chesapeake is one of the fastest growing cities in Virginia. The 1990 census indicated a total population of 154,612. Our most recent figures provided in July of 1995 estimated the population at 186,337, up 20% from 1990. The population makeup of Chesapeake is 70% white, 27% black, and 3% are other minorities.
The 1994 median family income (MFI) is $43,529, up from the
1990 figure of $39,093. According
to the 1990 census data, 30% of all households were in the low-
and moderate income range
(households with income below 80% of the MFI).
African-Americans, who represent 27% of the
total population, have 46% of its households represented in the
low- and moderate income
ranges. Twenty-one percent of the census tracts in the City of
Chesapeake contain
concentrations (50% or greater) of racial/ethnic minorities.
These census tracts are primarily
in the South Norfolk area of the city.
Chesapeake's economy is based primarily on retail trade and the major industries of manufacturing and agribusiness. The major products manufactured include building materials, plastics, plywood, fertilizer, refrigerators, steel and railroad equipment. Corn, wheat, soybeans, nursery products and timber are the major components of the agribusiness industry. In addition, the economy relies heavily upon government which supplies over 50% of the employment for the City. Chesapeake's central location has unlimited potential for market development and is experiencing an increase in employment and in the number of private sector business establishments.
One of the most crucial needs as identified in the Consolidated Plan is to develop low income housing for persons in the 0-30% and 31-50% ranges of the City's MFI. The qualifying income needed to purchase an average home, which currently list for $104,913, is approximately $36,000. Over 30% of the population could not purchase a home at this cost.
Rehabilitating the existing housing stock through the provision of low interest and deferred loans and grants, and technical assistance to low and moderate income families is another need identified in the Consolidated Plan.
In addition, housing is needed for our elderly population, which has increased 50% since the 1980 census, in the form of additional housing and assistance to those who wish to remain in their homes as they become faced with fixed incomes. Housing and support services for the homeless and persons with special needs are also addressed in the CP.
Based on 1990 Census data, there are 52,173 occupied households in the City of Chesapeake. Approximately 38,116 (73%) are owner households and 14,057 (27%) are rental households. It is estimated that approximately 20% of the total renter-occupied units are substandard, and 50% of those substandard units are not suitable for rehabilitation. Chesapeake's existing housing stock consists of primarily single family detached dwellings on lots ranging from 5,000 to 15,000 square feet. A total of 1,229 certificates of occupancy were issued between January 1, 1995 and July 1, 1995 indicating a substantial growth in population.
The 1990 Census showed a 39% increase in renter households from the 1980 data. This is attributed to the high cost of homeownership in the area. Fifty-nine percent of all rental households at or below 50% of MFI have a cost burden greater than 50% of their income. These households need rental assistance and affordable housing options. Thirty-seven percent of all homeowners in the same MFI range have a cost burden greater than 50%. These owners need rehabilitation assistance and low-income, first-time homebuyer opportunities such as downpayment assistance, homeownership and credit counseling, and home maintenance training.
Our House, established in 1988, is a shelter that serves homeless families. In 1994, 130 individuals or 46 families were helped. The shelter can house up to three families, which would include a maximum of ten individuals for up to 30 days. The extent of homelessness was far greater than the service the shelter could provide. Fortunately, due to the proximity of other localities, Our House is able to refer residents to nearby agencies for homeless services. The nature and extent of homelessness by racial and ethnic groups is overwhelming high for African-Americans. Over 90% of the homeless population in Chesapeake is African-American. In addition, a critical need exists for transitional housing to assist homeless families when they leave the shelter to transition out into the community. There also exists a need for priority housing and supportive services for persons with special needs, such as mental and physical disabilities, persons with HIV/AIDS, and substance abuse problems.
The Chesapeake Redevelopment and Housing Authority (CRHA) owns 467 units of public housing. Sixty-five of those units were newly constructed in July 1995 in the Campostella Square area. The oldest development was built in 1959 and the other developments were either built or acquired within the last eight years. Therefore, the condition of public housing is fair to good. The public housing waiting list has 384 applicants.
CRHA has 197 vouchers and 532 certificates under its Section 8 Program. The Section 8 waiting list has 514 applicants.
There are 965 units of assisted housing in Chesapeake. The units serve a variety of the population including the elderly. Most developments maintain a 90-100% occupancy rate with physical conditions ranging from poor to good. Conventional housing in the city consists of approximately 774 units with an average rent of $340 and an occupancy rate of nearly 100%.
The Chesapeake Community Services Board (CCSB), which provides housing related services to persons with mental disabilities reports a waiting list of 69 clients. As reported by T.A.C.T. (Tidewater Aides Crisis Task Force) a need exists for housing and services for single HIV/AIDS households, who generally fall within the 0-30% MFI, with a cost burden greater than 50%.
The available public and assisted housing programs listed above serve approximately one-half of the city's population in the 0-50% MFI range.
Incentives to develop, maintain, or improve housing are encouraged by public policies. The City of Chesapeake will further support affordable housing by:
During the past year, the Chesapeake Redevelopment and Housing Authority was successful in obtaining waivers of building permits and tap fees on CRHA owned and developed projects. The City plans to continue this practice until such time as a general waiver policy for projects serving low and very low income households is enacted.
Staff from the City of Chesapeake and the Chesapeake Redevelopment and Housing Authority continue to remain active members of the Tidewater Community Housing Resource Board (TCHRB). Through this regional fair housing group numerous efforts to affirmatively further fair housing are made possible. In April of 1995, the final draft of the revised TCHRB Fair Housing Handbook was completed. Presently a member of the TCHRB is investigating the cost of printing 1500 copies.
On March 23, 1995, a Fair Housing Seminar was sponsored by the Tidewater Builders Association/TCHRB. The Virginia Landlord Tenant Act and Fair housing laws were the topics. The seminar was publicized nationally with 270 persons in attendance including representatives from the real estate industry and consumers.
On October 24, 1995 a Fair Housing/ADA Seminar was held. The seminar was geared towards providers of housings. The majority of the lenders in the Tidewater area were also sent material on the meeting. The meeting was sponsored by the TCHRB along with Tidewaters Builders Association and its Multifamily Housing Council. A special ADA training session was conducted by the Endependence Center.
The TCHRB has been active in preparing an affirmative marketing agreement which not only builders and brokers would execute, but lenders as well.
Members of the TCHRB have been actively discussing components of the Fair Housing Analysis to identify the impediments to fair housing which must be completed by February 6, 1996. All members of the TCHRB will be contributing information.
Homes built prior to 1970 may contain interior and/or exterior lead-based paint. The South Norfolk area (comprised of census tracts, 201, 202, 203, 204, 205.01, 205.02, 206, and 207) has approximately 9,033 housing units. Of these total units, it is estimated that 80% or 7,226 were built prior to 1970, thus having the potential for lead-based paint. Of these 7,226 housing units, it is estimated that 65% are occupied by low-income or moderate income families. There were nine cases of elevated blood levels in children reported in 1994.
The Chesapeake Redevelopment and Housing Authority has completed all lead-based paint and abatement in all public housing parks. All other housing units or day care centers have been abated or built subsequent to 1980.
The City of Chesapeake has a low unemployment rate of 4.5%. It is necessary to development skills of the unemployed and improve skills of those in low paying jobs to insure that they will remain employable. Community development needs also include adequate and affordable day care, adult education and vocational training programs, additional schools to relieve overcrowding, improved transportation to relieve traffic congestion and to improve motorist safety, increasing water treatment standards, new parks and playgrounds and infrastructure improvements.
Under the guidance of the City of Chesapeake Office of
Intergovernmental Affairs, the
Chesapeake Redevelopment and Housing Authority served as lead
agency, with the
responsibility of overseeing the development of the Consolidated
Plan. The planning partners
participating in the process included, Public Works, Inspections
Department, Public Utilities,
Planning Department, Health Department, Parks, Recreation and
Maintenance, Police ,
Community Services Board, Economic Development, Social Services,
Youth Services,
Interagency Consortium, SEVAMP, Endependence Center, and Our
House. These agencies,
organizations and departments attended meetings regarding the
Consolidated Plan and were
given opportunities to participate in the development process.
Written responses were provided
by the planning partners concerning their proposed activities for
the ensuing five year period.
These responses included a statement of objectives, a priority
needs assessment and a strategic
plan to bring needs and resources together. As a result of the
process, a better understanding
of the resources and services provided by the partners was
reached. Common areas of concern
as well as goals and objectives were identified and a
communication network was established.
The city's goal as outlined in the city's Comprehensive Plan is to be a largely self-sufficient, affordable municipality of residential communities supported by compatible commercial, industrial, and institutional development. The goals should be integrated with a continuing strong agricultural sector, provide jobs, a sound tax base, and goods and services in a manner which respects and preserves the natural resources, and offers varied cultural opportunities and leisure activities for its residents.
Specifically pertaining to affordable housing, it is the policy of the city to promote affordable, structurally sound housing with basic facilities and utilities for healthy living for all socioeconomic groups within its boundaries, while striving for greater self-sufficiency and economic viability.
To address the priority of preserving existing housing stock through rehabilitation and acquisition for low and very low income families, the City has the following programs:
The City of Chesapeake will continue to address the priorities for affordable housing through public and assisted housing. Rehabilitation of existing housing stock will continue to serve the minority concentrated area located in South Norfolk. CDBG funds will be provided for real estate acquisition, installation of new water and sewer lines, roadway improvements, demolition, relocation and other CDBG eligible activities necessary to redevelop the Campostella Square area. Campostella Square (formerly Foundation Park) was purchased by CRHA in July 1988, with financial assistance from the City and HUD. The area consists of approximately 100 acres. As of December 1, 1995, only 98 units of the original 832 units of substandard housing remain for demolition. CRHA has successfully developed 357 units of new multifamily housing (292 units are conventional and/or low-income tax credit developments and 65 units are public housing). In addition, the Authority developed seven single family homes with a partnership with Tidewater Builder's Association (TBA), and is proposing the development of additional single family homes utilizing efforts from TBA and the Southhampton Roads Habitat for Humanity non-profit organizations. Of the remaining 98 units, only 56 families occupy the units with an average rent of $225 per month.
The Authority recently received approval from HUD for a 6.8 million dollar Section 108 Loan Guarantee for the redevelopment of Campostella Square. The Section 108 funding will allow the City and CRHA to expedite real estate acquisition, relocation, demolition, and site development activities.
Elderly residents of the city, who are no longer able to maintain their own residences, wish to live as independently as possible. By providing elderly housing that is affordable to the larger majority of senior citizens in the city, such as Chesapeake Crossing (elderly community targeting persons 55 or older), the city can significantly address the need for rental opportunities for the elderly. Activities undertaken in this priority include the construction of new affordable housing communities designed to meet the particular needs of the elderly population. A referral service is also provided to match elderly households with housing and services, thus providing incentives to private, and non-profit developers to construct additional rental housing and enhance opportunities for the elderly.
Rental assistance to low and very low income households will continue through efforts by the Chesapeake Redevelopment and Housing Authority. CRHA provides rental assistance to qualified households within the city through Public Housing, Section 8 and conventional housing stock. The recent completion of the Peaceful Village development created a 16% increase in the public housing available in the City of Chesapeake.
The City of Chesapeake has a variety of programs and supportive services to address the priority needs of homeless individuals and families with children. One of the earliest means of intervention to forestall the crisis of homelessness is the Community Resource Network (CRN). The CRN provides emergency aid to Chesapeake families in need. Shelter for families, assistance with rent and utilities, and emergency food services are part of the outreach program to residents in distress. The largest project of CRN is Our House, Chesapeake's only homeless facility.
Our House is a temporary emergency shelter for homeless families. The shelter can house up to three families which would include a maximum of ten individuals, for up to 30 days. In addition to providing housing, Our House staff provides counseling, educational programs, employment services and other activities to help those assisted return to the community as productive citizens.
The City of Chesapeake will continue contracts with other agencies and organizations to provide assistance to homeless residents. These agencies and organizations include, H.E.R. (Help and Emergency Response Shelter), The Haven Family Center, PARC Place, the Union Mission, and the Salvation Army.
The City is also seeking funding to establish a transitional housing facility to assist homeless families that leave shelters to transition out into the community. The plan, which would be administered by Our House, would make transitional housing available for a period of 6 months to 2 years. While in transitional housing, homeless families would have an opportunity to find permanent housing. The children in these families would reside in one place for a period of time as opposed to moving back and forth from house to house. In addition, opportunities for employment could be emphasized as part of the curriculum for obtaining transitional housing.
Priority housing and supportive services for persons with special needs is another concern that must be addressed. The Chesapeake Community Service Board (CSB) and Department of Social Services are the major providers to persons in this category. These local government entities provide housing related services to persons with special needs. The City also supports other agencies such as SEVAMP, which provides services for elderly households, and Endependence Center, which provides supportive services for persons with physical disabilities.
Persons with HIV/AIDS and their families who require housing assistance, are served by HOPWA (Housing Opportunities for Persons with Aids) as well as local agencies and organizations. HOPWA is a federal program administered by the State.
Priorities for nonhousing community developments include transportation, education, health issues, public utilities, public safety, community facilities, parks and recreation, economic development activities and other public service provisions including fair housing counseling and planning.
CDBG funding has been targeted for Code Enforcement through the Environmental/Rental Division of the Chesapeake Inspections Department. This department enforces environmental codes within CDBG target areas. The department inspects rental units to insure that they are safe and sanitary. In addition, they enforce codes for building maintenance to maintain minimum safety and sanitary standards as specified by Volume II of the Uniform Statewide Building Code. The enforcement of debris, vegetation control and demolition activities are also regulated by the department. Code enforcement efforts are intended to provide better living conditions and promote economic growth in CDBG target areas.
Addressing the needs for affordable day care is Children's Harbour. Children's Harbour is a day care facility serving clients who are primarily from low/moderate income families. The activities at the center enhance the development and improve the academic performance of the children who attend. Parents of these children are required to attend workshops designed to strengthen their parenting skills.
As the city's population grows, the demand for health care services increase. To meet the need the South Norfolk Health Clinic provides preventive health care, health promotion and maintenance of chronic conditions to low-income residents throughout the City of Chesapeake.
The Chesapeake Department of Parks, Recreation and Building Maintenance has a master plan with long term objectives reaching to the year 2010. Funding for these projects are addressed by the city's Capital Improvement Budget. The department has begun a program to upgrade existing neighborhood play areas in economically distressed areas. The recently completed "Fun Forest", a huge play area at City Park, was a combined effort of the city, volunteers and businesses to serve children from all parts of the city.
The Police Department has started a Community Policing effort in South Norfolk. Community policing is a new and innovative strategy being utilized throughout the country in various forms, and is usually easily adaptive to a community's population base, geographic area, etc.
The Chesapeake Office of Youth Services established the Chesapeake Council on Youth Services (CCOYS) several years ago. The council is comprised of over 50 institutions and agencies providing services to Chesapeake youth and families. The goal is to establish a mechanism through communication, collaboration, and facilitation between those within the youth serving community.
CRHA is implementing on-site computer centers at two public housing parks to provide marketable computer skills to its residents in an effort to promote self-sufficiency. Computer skills will also be taught to youth between the ages of 5-12. A program designed to provide job readiness orientation to assist residents in locating, obtaining, and maintaining employment is also being implemented. Instruction will focus on attendance, personal appearance, attitude, job responsibility and effective job behavior.
The proposed city Capital Improvements Budget through 1999 provides for over $800,000,000 in funding for nonhousing community development needs to be addressed as the population base continues experiencing significant growth.
The city shall:
By utilizing the principle of self-help and individual community responsibility, low income persons can be given the opportunity to change their environment. In addition to utilizing public funding, non-profit organizations will be involved in providing housing services and opportunities.
The primary Federal resources include CDBG, HOME, Public Housing, Section 8, CGP (Comprehensive Grant Program), PHDEP (Public Housing Drug Elimination Program), and PHDEV (Public Housing Development Program). Resources from the State include Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development HomeStart Program. Local resources are provided from the city budget on an as needed basis. Private programs include local lending institutions' affordable housing programs under the Community Reinvestment Act and a wide range of non-profit housing providers.
Under the guidance of the City of Chesapeake Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, the Chesapeake Redevelopment and Housing Authority is responsible for the Consolidated Plan activities, but as mentioned earlier, a variety of public and private organizations are involved in the process.
The City of Chesapeake will monitor the achievement of
Consolidated Plan goals, compliance
with CDBG, HOME and Section 108 Loan Program regulations, the
occurrence of ongoing
comprehensive planning, and the level of minority business
outreach. On-site subrecipient visits
will be conducted by the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs
(OIA) and Finance Department
Staff at least twice annually. Subrecipients will also submit
quarterly reports to the OIA
addressing housing and community development activities. Periodic
meetings of the
Consolidated Plan Committee will also be held to discuss housing
and community development
needs and activities and the development of the annual action
plan.
The City of Chesapeake One-year Action Plan outlines the proposed use of approximately $1,584,000 in CDBG funds, and $513,000 in Home funds, in addition to program income. The CDBG funds will be spent primarily on housing and community development activities to include:
The majority of the projects in the One-Year Plan are for very low and low-moderate residents throughout the city. A substantial portion of funds are targeted for the Campostella Square area.
Lead agencies are the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs and the Chesapeake Redevelopment and Housing Authority.
Highlights of Chesapeake's housing goals for the first year include:
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; in addition, a table provides information about the project(s).
