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• Introduction
  • Section 1. Narrative Statements
    • A. Assessment of Three to Five Year Goals and Objectives
    • B. Actions Taken to Affirmatively Further Fair Housing
    • C. Evaluation of Affordable Housing
    • D. Continuum of Care Narrative
    • E. Other Actions Indicated in Strategic and Actions Plans
    • F. Leveraging Resources
    • G. Citizen Comments
    • H. Self Evaluation
  • Section 2. CDBG Funds Narrative
  • Section 3. Home Fund Narrative
  • Section 4. HOPWA Narrative
  • Section 5. ESG Narrative
• Summary of Expenditures and Distribution (In Dollars)

INTRODUCTION

The City of Akron prepares a Consolidated Strategy and Plan to fulfill the goals of the National Affordable Housing Act. The Act has the objective of reaffirming the national commitment to decent, safe and sanitary housing for every American. The Act requires that in order to obtain certain Federal housing and urban development programs, state and local governments must have an approved Consolidated Strategy and Plan. The Consolidated Plan is a consolidated process for three Community Planning and Development formula programs: Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME), and Emergency Shelter Grants (ESG).

The Act requires Akron to describe its housing needs and market conditions, to set out a 5-year strategy that establishes priorities for meeting those needs, to identify resources anticipated to be available and to establish a one-year investment plan. The City of Akron prepared a 2000-2004 five year Strategy and a 2000 Annual Plan. This Strategy is a comprehensive planning document that serves as a working guide for the application of resources to address local housing, quality of living environment and economic needs.

This Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) identifies progress in carrying out the annual Consolidated Plan, provides the City an opportunity to assess its annual performance in relationship to its overall five-year Consolidated Plan priorities and objectives, and discusses what actions or changes it may contemplate as a result of its annual performance.

Covered Period of Performance
This Consolidated Annual Plan Performance and Evaluation Report covers activities through the 2000 Federal fiscal year, January 1, 2000 through December 31, 2000.

Submission Deadline
This Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report must be received by the Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) no later than March 31, 2001.

Citizen Participation
The Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report for the 2000 Federal fiscal year, was made available for public comment on March 15, 2000.

The City has made this report available to the public for examination and comment for a period of 15 days. The City is submitting with the performance report a description of the process it undertook to ensure the public had an opportunity to review and comment on the proposed report.

Advertisements notifying the public of the availability of the CAPER appeared in the AKRON BEACON JOURNAL March 15, 2001 and on the City's website. Public comments were received regarding the Report as a result of the public participation process. A copy of the CAPER as submitted to the Department of Housing and Urban Development will be available for examination by the public upon request. 

In this section, the City is required to demonstrate how activities undertaken during the program year address pertinent Strategic Plan objectives and areas of high priority identified in its five year Consolidated Plan. The tables beginning on page 7 summarize how activities address these objectives, so that overall performance in meeting Consolidated Plan goals can be assessed.

Areas of High Priority

The City of Akron worked to address the following priorities through activities outlined in the 2000 Annual Consolidated Plan:

Priority A:
Neighborhood Rehabilitation, Owner Occupied Housing

1. Housing Rehabilitation Program

The City, in selecting the areas to receive intensive housing treatment, considered a broad range of criteria including not only the age, value and condition of the housing stock, but also owner occupancy rates, household income and other demographics. By selecting areas which have a relatively high level of households with low and moderate incomes, Akron has structured the rehabilitation program to meet the needs of low income households. By monitoring this activity, Akron has assures that a majority of the rehabilitation carried out assisted low income needs.

Public improvements have been provided within Neighborhood Development areas and Neighborhood Housing Petition Areas. Improvements ranged from reconstruction of streets, walks, curbs, installation of storm sewers and street trees. Just as rehabilitation of older, yet viable housing is an important component of neighborhood revitalization, so too is the reconditioning and upgrading of old infrastructure. This activity benefits low and moderate income areas.

To date, 28 neighborhoods comprised of over 17,500 homes and apartments, have participated in the program.

2. Neighborhood Housing Petition Program

The Petition eligibility area generally encompasses the central ring of the City. In this area, 60% or more of the households are low and moderate income. The area is characterized by aged housing in declining condition. This area does not include areas previously served as Neighborhood Development Areas, and also does not include the downtown or the Opportunity Park Urban Renewal Area. The Petition Area is generally surrounded by Neighborhood Development Areas. The Neighborhood Petition Program areas contain far fewer homes than Neighborhood Development Areas. Never the less, substantial improvements are made in these small neighborhoods.

Needs of very low income elderly and people with disabilities have been addressed by Akron's Housing Rehabilitation Program and Minor Home Repair Program. Loan and grant monies were available for the alteration of homes owned by low income, disabled persons, enabling these homes to become accessible to the disabled.

Priority B:
Rental Housing Rehabilitation

The Rental Rehabilitation Program offered financial assistance to rental property owners in Neighborhood Development and Housing Petition Areas for the correction of housing code violations. This assistance is a matching grant of up to $5,000 for a single unit property and up to $10,000 for a 2-4 unit property. Higher amounts are available for properties with five or more units. In order for an investor-owner to utilize the rental rehabilitation program, match money must be committed to the project. Market rate loan funds are also available to investor owners. The Rental Rehabilitation budget is reflected in the Rehabilitation budget for each target area. Units are predominantly occupied by very low or very, very low income families.

The City has also provided funds for rehabilitation of rental housing through non-profit housing organizations usually as part of a Low Income Housing Tax Credit project. The City contracts with non-profit organizations on a project basis.

Priority C:
New Housing Construction

The provision of affordable housing through new construction has been addressed through local development corporations in cooperation with the City of Akron. Low Income Tax Credit (LIHTC) housing is targeted to income groups from extremely low income households to moderate income households. The City strives for a mix of income to promote viable neighborhoods. The City has set aside a portion of its HOME funds for projects by non-profit housing organizations or Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDOs). These funds are used to facilitate new construction in conjunction with the State of Ohio Low Income Housing Tax Credit Programs.

The Urban Neighborhood Development Corporation (UNDC) has contracted with local builders for construction of quality homes on infill lots usually in the City’s Neighborhood Development Areas. These homes blend with the neighborhood architecture and bring new life to old neighborhoods.

CHDOs constructing homes this year included UNDC, East Akron Neighborhood Development Corporation (EANDC) and Annunciation Terrace Limited Partners. Other notable agencies or non-profit providers of new housing include Habitat for Humanity, which utilizes private donations and volunteers, and Alpha Phi Alpha Homes.

Priority D:
Homebuyer Assistance

Home ownership is a key ingredient for neighborhood stability and economic well being. The City's goal is to assist more lower income residents to become homeowners. Frequently, homes that are affordable to lower income residents are in need of rehabilitation. When homes are affordable, many prospective buyers may lack savings for a down payment.

Akron's Home Purchase Incentive Program (HPIP) has enabled persons buying homes in targeted areas to use up to $2,000 to match their own down payment funds. The remainder of the grant and low interest loans have been used for home repair. Buyers agree to live in their house for at least five years or part of their grant is repaid.

This program has been available in both the Neighborhood Development Areas and in Neighborhood Housing Petition Areas.

The City was awarded the Affordable Housing Program from the federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati to buy down interest rates for low and moderate income households already participating in the HPIP program. The City also sets aside HOME funds for use by non-profit and CHDOs, which may include a home buyer assistance component.

Priority E:
Support Facilities and Public Services

The City believes that in many instances support services are crucial to the success of housing programs. Akron has funded agencies to provide supportive services to individuals in Neighborhood Development Areas and Petition Areas. Categories of service include senior citizens, youth related, home maintenance training, fair housing, and general supportive services.

Priority F:
Homeless Persons, Individuals and Families Assistance

Akron has worked to provide emergency housing to homeless persons, increase the supply of transitional housing and enrich housing for formerly homeless families.

The top priorities have been to assist with the rehabilitation and support of existing facilities. Other funded activities support assistance in securing permanent housing.

Priority G:
Acquisition of Property to Remove Blight or Assemble Land for New Construction

Akron has planned acquisition of vacant land and/or properties with CDBG funds for the purpose of development of housing in coordination with CHDO, other non-profit housing agencies or private for profit builders. The City land banks appropriate parcels for future redevelopment city-wide.

The City has initiated a Land Revitalization acquisition program authorized by the State of Ohio. While federal funds are not used directly for this program, the program can result in the construction of new homes, including Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC), non-profit developers, or market rate housing. The City exercises its right to acquire parcels for both residential and commercial purposes within the City limits as they become available.

Over 2,200 dilapidated, vacant structures have been acquired and demolished to eliminate slum and blighted conditions. (See Non-Housing Community Development Plan.) Acquisition of rental and owner housing takes place within Neighborhood Program Areas. (No table is provided for this section because City programs indicated are found under other priorities.)

Priority H:
Non-Homeless Persons with Special Needs

The City has provided CDBG funds for non-homeless persons with special needs. The City operates the Minor Home Repair Program (see Priority A) to assist low-income elderly, and persons with disabilities. The City provides CDBG or HOME funds for the residents of the Neighborhood Development Areas or Neighborhood Petition Areas who are in need of adaptations to make their home handicapped accessible, such as funding for the installation of ramps for wheelchair accessibility. (No table is provided for this section because City programs indicated are found under other priorities.)

Non-Housing Community Development Programs

The City has also undertaken non-housing Community Development Programs which support economic revitalization within neighborhoods, correct slum and blight conditions within low income neighborhoods and allow completion of Urban Renewal activities.

The Waiver Demolition Program enables the demolition of dilapidated structures, including garages, commercial and residential units at no charge to owners. This program addresses slum and blight conditions. This program is city-wide in scope.

Akron's Neighborhood Business District Program has provided funds to revitalize neighborhood business districts in low income areas. Funds are for business property rehabilitation as well as acquisition, relocation and clearance of dilapidated property. Public improvement to the existing infrastructure is an important aspect of the program.

Small Business Assistance was provided through the Enterprise Community Loan Program. CDBG funds, local City funds and a U.S. Treasury Grant as a Community Development Financial Institution are used to match bank commitments to fund small business loans. This fund, as well as a technical assistance program, is operated by the East Akron Neighborhood Development Corporation. The activity area is Akron's Enterprise Community Area and Enterprise Zone.

The Minority Business and Technical Assistance Program provides loan guarantees to new minority businesses on a matching basis with banks. The purpose of the program is job creation/retention of businesses. Technical Assistance is also provided.

The Neighborhood Partnership Program is made available to neighborhood organizations. Matching grants of $500-$7,500 are awarded for small neighborhoods based projects based on innovative ideas for improving a neighborhood. The program is offered city-wide through local funds and partnerships with the Akron Community Foundation.

The tables on the following pages summarize the accomplishments for the objectives outlined above. The activities meet one of the following objectives:

1. Encourage and support Housing Rehabilitation and Repair within target areas.
2. To encourage New Home Construction for households with a variety of incomes.
3. To provide Homebuyer Assistance to households.
4. Provide Support Services and Facilities for low income residents.

5. To pursue Acquisition of Property for New Construction within target areas of the City.

Activities

Strategy/
Objective

Geographic
Distribution

Goals

Accomplishments

1

1

1

1

1

1

B. Actions Taken to Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing

The City utilizes Fair Housing Contact Service (FHCS) to promote the policy and practice of equal housing opportunity. FHCS activities are broken down into three major divisions: client services, research and public/industry education.

Client Services Division - provides direct advisory and referral services to residents with investigation, housing counseling and requests for information, tests the housing delivery system for discriminatory patterns and practices and investigates reported incidents of housing discrimination and harassment.

Research Division - staff review, investigate and monitor the local lending industry for compliance under fair housing laws and conduct research of local housing markets, housing providers and communities to assess the effectiveness of fair housing programs.

Public/Industry Education - combines the outreach and affirmative marketing activities of the agency. This division also provides for education of real estate professionals, lenders, public officials, and community groups and offers various speaking engagements and community events to promote awareness of fair housing.

In 2000, the City of Akron’s Department of Planning and Urban Development conducted a series of meetings of the Fair Housing Task Force to complete the Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice required to complete the City’s Consolidated Plan. As a HUD-funded Entitlement Community, the City of Akron is charged with identifying impediments to fair housing choice and preparing a plan to address them. Over 60 representatives from municipal, community, and civic organizations having information or ability to provide information regarding Fair Housing Choice participated.

The mission of the Fair Housing Task Force was to research, review, and identify current and potential impediments to fair housing choice in the City of Akron. An impediment to fair housing is any policy or practice that causes or allows housing discrimination to occur. Some of these are unintentional, such as advertising for a male or female roommate.. There was a consensus that clear guidelines, definitions, and procedures should be available and readily accessible to the public, as well as to government entities, lenders, mortgage brokers, realtors and others associated with housing. Fair Housing Task Force agreed to remain intact and meet quarterly to review Fair Housing concerns and progress.

ANALYSIS OF IMPEDIMENTS TO FAIR HOUSING

The City of Akron, Ohio, Department of Planning and Urban Development commissioned an Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Contact Service, a nonprofit fair housing organization in Akron, Ohio. This Analysis of Impediments was commissioned according to Akron's obligation as an entitlement grantee of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that it will affirmatively further fair housing.

In 1998, Fair Housing Contact Service, under contract from the City of Akron, Department of Planning and Urban Development, conducted an Analysis of Impediments (AI) to fair housing choice. This Analysis examined the public and private housing sectors in relation to possible housing impediments. The AI was conducted according to the suggested format for the analysis of impediments listed in the Fair Housing Planning Guide (1996).

Since the AI was completed in the fall of 1998, the City of Akron has been cooperating with HUD concerning the findings and implementation. To date, there has been no final resolution to the outstanding issues. The City of Akron plans to solicit further comments from citizens and community organizations about impediments that may exist and means to overcome those impediments. However, since no changes have been officially made to the AI of 1998, the following summary outlines the actions being taken by the City to address the impediments identified.

HUD requires the jurisdiction to discuss its accomplishments and the accomplishments of other entities in providing assistance to extremely low, low and moderate income renter and owner households, during the reporting period. The following table outlines the number of households actually assisted by income group, compared to goals of the FY 2000 Annual Plan.

In carrying out its Rehabilitation Programs, the City closed in IDIS a total of 296 cases of homeowner assistance in 2000. An additional 12 cases of renter assistance were closed. The IDIS report for 2000 housing rehabilitation activities identifies as closed any rehabilitation case in which all funds for that project have been spent prior to the end of the program year and so entered in IDIS. The program completion data in the following table reports the number of completions entered in IDIS in 2000.

HOUSING PROGRAM COMPLETIONS

D. Continuum of Care Narrative

The Akron/Summit County Continuum of Care represents a broad collaborative effort of homeless persons and supportive services. Homeless service providers have worked together to develop a system to provide a continuum of services to homeless individuals, families, mentally ill, and disabled in the community. The City has a system in place that provides the homeless with not only shelter, but supportive services to equip them with the necessary tools to assist them in overcoming this period in their lives. Homeless shelter providers have been meeting to further evaluate the needs in the community and to identify any existing gaps that may exist. Agencies and service providers continue to meet to identify additional gaps in the system.

Substantial steps were taken to identify and address the needs of homeless persons and the special needs of persons that are not homeless but require housing. These efforts resulted in the development of a Continuum of Care strategy for the homeless and the expansion of existing service to meet demands or fill identified needs. Two committees were convened.

The Continuum of Care Community Committee, consisting of representatives from banks, hospitals, the University, foundations, private businesses and neighborhood organizations, will meet on a quarterly basis. The Committee will be involved in coordination of the Continuum of Care application process, regular updates on the homeless environment in the Akron/Summit County area, and agency updates.

The Community Service Coordinating Committee, consisting of shelter and supportive service providers, will meet on a monthly basis. The Committee will discuss the coordination of services, share agency information, deal with problems regarding services delivery, work to develop a community wide plan, oversee the refinement of a vision/strategy focusing on the homeless, review components of the system currently in place and develop a data gathering/tracking system.

In 2000, nine proposals were submitted in the 2000 Continuum of Care application to fill gaps in existing services. Emphasis continues to be placed upon projects addressing transitional housing and permanent housing needs as well as programs facilitating the transition of permanent housing. Four agencies received funding in 2000.

Additional information on actions taken to address the needs of homeless and special needs persons can be found in Section 5.(a) ESG Activities and in Section 1(a) table, Priority F.

E. Other Actions indicated in Strategic and Action Plans

1. Addressing obstacles to meeting underserved needs.
   To minimize the negative effect of public policy on the availability of affordable housing, the City of Akron has continued educating the public on the need for affordable housing, and promotes a diversity of affordable housing programs. The City will continue meeting with lenders who serve the Akron area and holding public meetings to inform citizens of housing programs.
   
   Actions and steps continue to be taken to eliminate identified gaps and to strengthen, coordinate, and integrate the institutions and delivery system. Some actions are the continued practice of one-stop permitting, coordinated social services with housing treatment areas, and participation on committees/boards involved in housing and social service delivery.

2. Fostering and Maintaining Affordable Housing
   The City is committed to provide adequate land for a variety of housing types through Zoning and Land Use and Development Guide Plan updates. Akron will pursue other funding sources for affordable housing as they become available and continue working with non-profit housing developers.

3. Eliminating Barriers to Affordable Housing
   Akron has worked to eliminate excessive site development standards through its Zoning Task Force and has worked to eliminate obsolete and prescriptive building code requirements through the Building Task Force.

4. Overcome Gaps in Institutional Structures
   Akron has worked to eliminate identified gaps in institutional structures, and integrate institutions and delivery systems. Actions taken include pursuit of other funding sources for affordable housing. Quarterly meetings with the Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority (AMHA), building programs with lenders serving the area, and continuing to work with non-profit housing developers. The City attends meetings throughout out year with the Housing Network and CHDOs, as well as with various citizens committees. The City also works with the University of Akron, drawing on its strengths in education, training, research and evaluation.

5. Public Housing Improvements and Resident Initiatives
   
   The City of Akron holds meetings throughout the year with the Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority (AMHA) to discuss issues of mutual concern and to update progress of any new housing programs or developments. Continuing communication will help ensure coordination on programs and monitor progress.
   
   AMHA is implementing its improvement program. Steps include increasing the overall occupancy rate and vacant unit turnaround, converting units to marketable size, and modernizing other units, instituting new management techniques, and continuing to address drug and related problems. Modernization includes an $11 million renovation of the Joy Park Homes, with over 200 units.
   
   AMHA has encouraged resident involvement in management and participation in home ownership. Initiatives include family activities, counseling, and offers for home ownership.

6. Evaluation and Reduction of Lead based Paint Hazards
   
   The Akron Health Department is the lead agency for the Akron Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control Program. Its Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (CLPPP) has provided extensive screening and intervention to children under six years old identified with elevated blood lead levels. The current program screened 3,616 children in 2000 through the Akron Health Department Clinics. Other children are screened at Children's Hospital Medical Center, and those exhibiting elevated results are referred to Akron's CLPPP for case management and environmental interventions. The end-of-year caseload was 122 children. One hundred forty-seven inspections/risk assessments have been done by referrals from the CLPPP and other agencies.
   
   The Akron Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control Program's goals are to reduce the lead hazards in at least 5,822 homes of low to moderate income families with children under the age of six; conduct recruitment and training of minority and low income contractors and workers; provide training for area residents to prevent lead poisoning; and develop a public health promotion program.
   
   In 2000, 133 applications for assistance were received; of these, 87 have been approved for grant/deferred loan assistance. The program has 25 licensed lead abatement contractors and 18 licensed lead abatement workers.
   
   The Tenant Relocation Plan is consistent with the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Act of 1970, the Uniform Relocation Act Amendment of 1987 and the Department of Housing and Urban Development rules and regulations, which require that persons involuntarily displaced as a result of federally funded projects and programs will not suffer disproportionate injuries as a result of this program.
   
   Two relocation homes were rehabilitated and cleared for occupancy in 1999. In 2000, they were used by 36 families in need of relocation. There were also 8 families who used hotel relocations and 39 arranging their own relocation with subsidy provided for food and mileage.
   
   Outreach and Educational initiatives are a collaboration of the Akron Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention program with Block Clubs, Community Groups and Agencies. Outreach takes place at government offices, community centers, places of employment, etc. A mobile health clinic will also be used.

7. Ensuring Compliance with Program Requirements
   
   The City monitors implementation of its Consolidated Plan in conformance with all applicable regulations. Akron is in regular contact with HUD officials in the Columbus, Ohio office, and recently hosted a site monitoring visit.
   
   The Rehabilitation and Comprehensive Planning Sections of the Department of Planning and Urban Development and the Health Department meet quarterly to discuss the progress of the Neighborhood Development Program. At this meeting, the appropriate timing for opening and closing of activities in various areas, utilization of staff, promotional activities, operational procedures and distribution of effort throughout the program are discussed.

8. Reduce the Number of Persons Living Below Poverty Level
   
   In December of 1994, the City was selected as an Enterprise Community. As an Enterprise Community, the City receives federal funds and special federal consideration for growth and revitalization of the community. The Enterprise Community Strategy and process is important to the development of the Consolidated Plan as many common needs and solutions exist.
   
   Akron has been involved in human service programs dedicated to providing supportive services to people emerging from poverty. The City also works with AMHA, CHDOs, CDCs, and supports their efforts to train and uplift people in poverty. Akron works in partnership with area agencies on Economic Development programs for low income, inner city neighborhoods. These activities are outlined earlier in this report.

F. Leveraging Resources

The City actively encourages the leveraging of private funds for neighborhood development and community projects.

Homeowners who are below 80% of the median income are provided additional funds for housing rehab in the form of a deferred loan. By requiring a lien to be placed on the property for the amount of the deferred loan, funds can be recycled. At sale of the property or upon vacation of the property, the owner repays the funds and the lien is released.

The Housing Rehabilitation program requires residents to commit matching funds based on income, and promotes the use of subsidized low interest home improvement loans through local lenders.

The City of Akron currently works directly with several local banks in Akron's Housing Rehabilitation Program. Agreements with National City Bank, Key Bank, and First Merit Bank, allow for reduced interest home improvement loans and Charter One Bank provides first mortgage refinancing to eligible applicants. The city subsidizes the home improvement interest rate down to a rate of 6%. Residents with incomes exceeding 80% of Area Median Income are required to match the grant funds from the City.

Under the HOME program, a 12.5% matching requirement for 2000 funds applied. The City utilized local funds (income tax, etc.) from the street improvements program for HOME funded neighborhoods as match.

Leveraged funds totaling over $1.5 million are reported in the tables at the end of this report.

G. Citizen Comments

The majority of comments and concerns expressed by various groups and citizens throughout the year were for the need for additional Community Development (CD) projects in more areas and the need for more Federal money for these projects. The following is a brief summary of citizen and community groups concerns, comments and funding proposals regarding the City of Akron's CD/HOME program. Copies of correspondence, newspaper ads, tape recordings of meetings, etc. are on file with the Department of Planning and Urban Development.

The annual public hearing on CD Needs usually generates many requests, proposals, and comments. The City of Akron held its meeting August 19, 1999 for the FY00 CD Program. Approximately 28 persons attended the meeting representing neighborhoods, community organizations as well as social service agencies. The meeting had a format where the audience was divided into three discussion groups. This format resulted in a wide variety of comments and active participation by those attending. Notes from this meeting were summarized in Akron's 2000 Consolidated Plan.

A presentation was also made describing the requirements for preparation and submission of the annual Grantee Performance Report and its availability to citizens for review. A CDBG Program Progress Summary for the period January 1, 1998 through December 31, 1998 was also given.

The Planning Commission Public Hearing on the FY2000 CD/HOME Program was held in October 1999. Representatives of community organizations and social service agencies were in attendance.

H. Self-Evaluation

In its Consolidated Plan, the City has identified the housing needs of low to moderate income citizens and developed strategies to help meet those needs. The strategy is summarized in the Mission Statement: Maintain and conserve Akron=s affordable housing stock and neighborhoods, expand home ownership opportunities, and address housing needs of lower income persons including the homeless and special needs populations.

The City of Akron has successfully met the overall goal of the community planning and development programs to develop viable communities by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment and expanding economic opportunities principally for low and moderate income persons.

Neighborhood Development Areas

Over the past 25 years, targeted development areas consisting of 400 to 700 households have been established throughout the central city. These are areas of fundamentally sound housing stock and a substantial number of homeowners with low to moderate incomes. These neighborhoods receive concentrated attention to help maintain or improve the quality of housing, including financial assistance, home buyer assistance, education, training and support services.

Residents are encouraged to bring homes up to health and safety code standards through home improvement grants or loans, following City inspections. Buildings that are beyond repair may be removed and the cleared parcels can be reutilized for new home construction. The City supports several nonprofit agencies that build new homes for low to moderate income homebuyers. Akron also invests in necessary public improvements, from pavement to sewer lines to street trees. The City coordinates the work of a variety of social service agencies to meet the needs of NDA residents from youth through seniors or people with special needs.

In 2000, this concentrated neighborhood development activity has taken place in 10 Akron neighborhoods. The Goodyear, Manchester, Noble, Aqueduct and Mason Park neighborhood areas were in the final stages of the program. The Glover, Crouse, Victoria Bisson, and Kenmore II Development Areas are underway.

For those areas in the final stage of the Redevelopment Program, 100% of homes have been inspected - a total of 3,208 residences. Of those, 2,925 have been brought into compliance with Akron’s housing code through 2000. This average compliance rate of 91% demonstrates a substantial improvement in the quality of housing for low to moderate-income residents of some of the City’s older neighborhoods. Plus, the investments in public improvements and the increased access to human and community services throughout development areas add up to an overall improved quality of life.

Residents of Akron’s newer development areas can look forward to similar improvements. Virtually 100% of the planned housing inspections have taken place in the Glover and Victoria development areas and over 60% of inspections in the larger Crouse area were completed by the end of 2000. In the older Glover and Crouse areas, compliance’s are at 65% and 41% respectively after somewhat more than two years since they opened. Most development areas take five or more years to complete.

Neighborhood Petition Areas

The innermost ring of the City surrounding the Central Business District consists of neighborhoods of predominately renter occupied housing and very low to extremely low income. However, there are small, stable neighborhoods within this zone that can benefit from concentrated improvement efforts. Akron extends the opportunity for financial assistance and public improvements to neighborhoods whose residents petition for assistance.

Though the impact of improvements is not as dramatic in these more isolated areas of improvement, the quality of housing is never the less improved.

For example, in the Leroy/Thornton, Rhodes, Fern/Bellevue, Victory/Paris, Cuyahoga, LaCroix, Celina/West Thornton, Robert/Weeks, Campbell, 5^th Avenue and Fuller Petition Areas, a total of 108 homes were inspected. Of those, 36% or 39 were brought into compliance by the end of 2000. The combination of low income and absentee landlords clearly impedes progress in even a small area of 60-80 homes. Petition areas also take several years to complete.

In 2000, the Fifth/Fuller/Robert Weeks Petition Area and the Campell Petition Area were contracted out to CHDOS (East Akron Neighborhood Development Corporation and WENDCO, respectively.

Homeless

Akron's strategy for homeless and special needs populations has been to address not only the immediate needs for crisis intervention, food and shelter, but to reduce dependence on shelters through transitional and education programs.

During 2000, the City funded 9 emergency and transitional housing programs through the Emergency Shelter Grant Program. The Consolidated Plan strategy indicates the City’s three funding priorities:

1. rehabilitation of emergency and transitional facilities
2. operating costs of shelter activities
3. essential services, especially those that assist shelter residents to secure permanent housing.

The City visits all of the agencies on an annual basis to ensure that all of the funded activities are achieved to provide safe, dry, and clean housing to the homeless. Agencies are required to provide a specified number of bed days on an annual basis. Monthly reports are required to monitor the number of homeless served as well as bed day provided. All activities and goals for 2000 have been successfully completed.

Evaluation of Development Programs

Akron's concentrated approach to community development has effectively met the objectives of providing decent housing and a suitable living environment. Though strictly speaking goals for residential rehabilitation and related activities may not be met on a yearly schedule, programs are generally producing the planned results. The year 2000 census is expected to reveal that population and housing values have remained stable or improved within the Neighborhood Development areas.

Some adjustments are anticipated to Akron=s program in upcoming Consolidated Plans:

The first may be to set a smaller optimum size for Neighborhood Development Areas. Experience has shown that redevelopment is more effective in more compact areas of less than 300 households. The health inspections are more manageable, repair work is accomplished in a more timely fashion, the participation rate is generally greater in smaller neighborhoods and the impact more noticeable. City resources are limited to a particular neighborhood for a shorter period of time.

Participation is usually not as high in Petition Areas as in Neighborhood Development Areas. This is most likely due to the greater number of rental properties in Petition Areas, lower household incomes and poorer housing condition. Akron has implemented a rental registry program with the goal of identifying owners of all rental properties in the City.

The City has increased the amount of deferred loans available to low and moderate income households to $5,000. This is in addition to the $5,000 grant and 6% loan funds also available to low/moderate households.

While Akron=s program is effective at preserving low to moderate income neighborhoods, it does not address the issue of economic geographic stratification in the City. Generally, homebuyers of above moderate incomes tend to settle on the outer edges of Akron, or in the suburbs. Stability and economic viability of neighborhoods could be enhanced through modest investments by middle income householders.

SECTION 2. CDBG FUNDS NARRATIVE

A. Relationship to Consolidated Plan

In the Final Statement of Community Development Objectives submitted in November, 1991, the City of Akron indicated Community Development funds would be used for Housing and Neighborhood Revitalization and Public Services. The City is attempting to fulfill those purposes by meeting the objectives listed below.

Housing and Neighborhood Revitalization

1. "Prevention or elimination of slums or blight."
   
   The City is preventing slums or blight from occurring through a concentrated multi-faceted program of revitalization in neighborhoods that are experiencing decline but have not reached a stage of serious deterioration. This is achieved through mandatory code enforcement, housing rehabilitation assistance, and public improvements. Slums and blight are eliminated by the selective removal of deteriorated structures or ones with a negative environmental impact.

2. "Preservation and upgrading of the housing stock."
   
   The City has an aging housing stock. Through activities of code enforcement and housing rehabilitation, outdated or deteriorated mechanical or structural conditions will be improved to current standards. This will extend the useful life of the housing stock.

3. "Upgrading of public improvements within the housing treatment areas, including street, walk, and sewer construction and reconstruction." Within Akron's neighborhoods the public infrastructure has aged with the housing stock or was never fully developed. These public improvements add to the function and appearance of the neighborhood and complement the housing rehabilitation.

4. "Strengthen the tax base and the employment base."
   
   The City is working toward increasing the tax and employment base by encouraging the development and expansion of small businesses. This is achieved in cooperation with local lenders by providing loan guarantees on private loan funds.

Public Service

"Provision of social services to support the physical improvement of the neighborhoods."

The City of Akron recognizes that improvement to the physical environment and living conditions of its residents impacts on one aspect of its citizens' lives. To address the myriad circumstances that affect segments of our community, the City of Akron funds programs directed towards youth, women, senior citizens, handicapped, the poor, and the environment.

Each CDBG assisted activity undertaken by the City of Akron, with the exception of Planning and Program Administration, meets one of two national objectives - benefit to low and moderate income persons or aid in the prevention or elimination of slums or blight.

The description of population served is outlined in Section 1 C. The tables in that section and Section 1 A. detail the extent to which CDBG funds were distributed among categories of housing need.

B. Changes in Objectives

There have been no changes in program objectives in 2000.

There is some discussion of possible program changes in the self-evaluation section of this report.

C. Pursuit of Resources

The description of activities for 2000 demonstrates that the City of Akron has pursued other resources and actively implemented its Consolidated Plan. For example, Akron has encouraged and supported the use of State Low Income Housing Tax Credit funds to build new homes in the City. Akron also makes use of State Issue 2 Transportation funds in conjunction with CDBG funds for public improvements programs.

D.  Explanation of any funds not used for National Objectives

Not applicable.

E. Occupied Real Property

Rehabilitation occupied homes is a key element of Akron’s housing program. The City minimized displacement in the CDBG funded Housing Areas by emphasizing rehabilitation over clearance and replacement.

The majority of dwellings rehabilitated are single-family units. In order for the mandatory rehabilitation to be affordable, the City utilizes grants, low interest loans, deferred loans and investment loans (full costs, deferred loans to very low income elderly homeowners). These funds are paid back when title transfers.

Acquisition of residential dwellings is primarily due to environmental/incompatible land use reasons; and thus results in a reduced number of households being displaced. The City's Development Services Division is responsible for providing Relocation Services. Prior to entering negotiations to acquire property, the Relocation Section interviews site occupants as to their needs and provides information - i.e., a General Information Notice and Fact Sheet - regarding Relocation Assistance/ Services.

In the CDBG funded Housing Rehabilitation Program, the Relocation Section monitors each project to insure a General Information Notice is served to the tenant-occupant in a timely manner by the property owner. At the time the owner of rental property submits an application for financial assistance, the property owner is required to show proof tenants in the project will not be economically or physically displaced. Shortly after the owner is approved for financial assistance, an Information Packet is sent to the property owner. This packet includes a detailed explanation of the owner's responsibilities to include serving a General Information Notice to each tenant and having tenants complete a questionnaire. An "Owner's Report" must be submitted documenting current/prior tenant occupancy, pre-rehab/post-rehab rent and a description of the dwelling to include bedroom location and measurements, as well as utility costs.

Until a review of the above information is completed, no project will be approved for financial assistance. Monitoring continues during the ongoing rehabilitation work through project completion.

Minimal displacement occurred as a result of Code Enforcement. The City has established an optional relocation program to pay moving expenses using the fixed-rate schedule. In addition, the Housing Authority gives a preference to lower income tenants for occupancy under Section 8 and properties owned by the Authority. Referral to counseling services is provided.

F. Economic Development

The City of Akron has worked in cooperation with the Enterprise Community Fund (ECF) on economic development activities in central city, low income and minority areas. Activities included the Minority Business Technical Assistance Program and Micro Lending activities.

The ECF did not partake in any economic development activities where jobs were made available to low or moderate income persons, but were not taken by them. ECF reports that a total of 5 full or part time jobs were created or retained by beneficiaries through 2 loans totaling $45,467. Most beneficiaries of 2000 ECF small business loans were to low/moderate income individuals. (ECF beneficiaries are not required to submit information regarding individual employees.)

A. Distribution of Funds

Akron prepared a five-year Consolidated Strategy and Plan which covered the period of January 1, 1996 through December 31, 2000. An annual plan for FY2000 covers the period from January 1, 2000 through December 31, 2000.

Akron's HOME Program covers priorities A, C and D. The City of Akron utilizes its HOME funds to undertake homeowner rehabilitation within targeted Neighborhood Housing Treatment areas and within Neighborhood Housing Petition areas.

Homeownership Rehabilitation

The Neighborhood Housing Rehabilitation Program is an on-going program in which both rental and homeowners are encouraged to participate. Mandatory compliance with the Akron Environmental Health Housing Code is required. Financial assistance is made available in terms of grants, matching grants and low-interest loans. Improvements to public infrastructure are also undertaken.

HOME funds were used to undertake homeowner rehabilitation for those owners whose incomes were below 80% of the median income as defined by HUD. (Rental housing rehabilitation is undertaken with CDBG funds). HOME funds were committed in the Glover, Mason Park, Goodyear, Manchester, Noble, Aqueduct, Crouse, Victoria, Bisson and Kenmore II Neighborhood Development Areas. The City undertakes rehabilitation in these areas over a four to five year period. Therefore, to understand the total benefit to low-

income households within an area, all program years should be considered.

The Neighborhood Housing Petition Program began in June 1992. This program enables Akron residents within an eligible area (generally the inner city) to petition the City for a housing improvement program in their neighborhood. This program combines housing inspections and code enforcement with financial assistance for repairs. The program is in the third round of petitions, which began in the summer of 2000. A Neighborhood Housing Petition Program Committee was formed to review the program petition procedures. Funds were budgeted for this program from both HOME and CDBG. During the 2000 program year, HOME funding was used in the Leroy/Thornton, Rhodes, Fern/Bellevue, Victory/Paris, Cuyahoga, LaCroix, Celina, West Thornton, Robert/Weeks, Campbell, 5^th Avenue and Fuller Petition Areas.

Of the 20 households assisted by HOME, 3 were at income levels below 80% of the median income but greater than 50%; a total of 3 were at income levels below 50%, and 3 were at income levels below 30% of the median. Seven additional HOME petition program properties were rentals and not subject to income calculation. The HOME application indicated that all funds would be expended on households whose income did not exceed 80% of the median income.

Of the seven Petition program cases assisted by the CDBG funds, three were rentals not subject to income calculations; three were at income levels below 80% of median income but greater than 50%, and one was above 80%.

First-Time Homebuyers

The City of Akron did not use HOME funds for its Home Purchase Incentive Program (HPIP). CDBG funds were used for this program. However, the Community Housing Development Organizations did develop programs, which utilize the HOME set-aside, for First-Time Homebuyers Programs. This is detailed in Section C.

B. Private Sector Participation

The City of Akron has established long term relationships with the major commercial banking institutions within the community to provide affordable rehabilitation financing to lower income households. There are four such agreements in place. HOME funds are used to "buy down" interest rates for lower income households.

Additionally under the HOME Program, two Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDOs) with which the City has contracted for provision of affordable housing to lower income first-time homebuyers, have also established separate but similar relationships with private lenders. These relationships have resulted in the availability of affordable HOME purchase and rehabilitation financing for HOME eligible homebuyers.

The City, in cooperation with the State of Ohio, is participating in two low-income housing tax credit projects utilizing HOME funds as well as local private financing and privately syndicated equity financing. The City intends to continue to participate with non-profit and for-profit entities to maximize their participation in provision affordable housing to lower income households.

(See HOME match report at the end of this document.)

C. Minority Outreach

The City of Akron has established procedures to identify, contact and solicit participation by minority and women-owned businesses in the housing rehabilitation program. This activity has been closely monitored to improve rates of participation. Rates of participation have increased through use of new contractor selection methods as well as contractor recruitment efforts. (See Home Program Annual Performance Report.)

D. Community Housing Development Organizations

During FY2000, the City solicited proposals from non-profit organizations serving the City of Akron to increase the supply of housing affordable to low-income households. Akron has ongoing contracts to provide low-income housing through five different programs.

HOME funds from the City and the State of Ohio in a contract with East Akron Neighborhood Development Corporation (EANDC) were used to sponsor a low-income tax credit new housing rehabilitation program. Permanent financing for the project is being provided by First Merit Bank with equity invested from the syndication of tax credits by Ohio Capital Corporation. The City of Akron provided $240,444 in HOME funds to construct and rehabilitate 40 homes. The new single-family detached homes are being constructed on scattered sites of previously vacant lots. The rehabilitation homes were all previously vacant and abandoned structures.

East Akron Neighborhood Development Corporation has developed South Akron Homes, Arlington Homes, and North Akron Homes. The Housing Network conducts emergency home repairs and constructed 50 low income units at Annunciation Terrace using $245,000 in HOME funds. B.I.C.E.E. is under contract for home repair.

SECTION 4. HOPWA NARRATIVE

The City of Akron received no HOPWA funds in 2000.

In 2000, the City of Akron received Emergency Shelter Grant entitlement of $300,000. The City's activities emphasized funding emergency and transitional facilities and assisting homeless persons to obtain permanent housing.

The City's first ESG funding priority was the rehabilitation of emergency and transitional facilities. The City is committed to assuring that the community's facilities for the homeless provide decent, safe and sanitary residence. Because of the transient nature of shelter operations, these facilities incur significant wear and tear. As community facilities, it is important that the physical condition of these facilities remain high to provide good living conditions for the residents, to portray a good image of shelter operations, maintain acceptance of the facility's presence, and be a positive physical aspect of the neighborhood in which it is located.

The City's second 2000 funding priority was for operating costs of shelter activities. The City emphasized the purchase of furniture and equipment under this activity. Again, the City is concerned with maintaining a quality living environment for residents and to respond to the inevitable wear and tear on facilities.

The City's third funding priority was for essential services, especially those that assist shelter residents to secure permanent housing. In 1995, the City established a security deposit program to assist families leaving the shelters to secure permanent housing. Other eligible activities considered for funding would link residents with needed services or programs.

Activities are detailed in Priority F Table in Section 1(A) of this report.

Process of Awarding ESGP Funds

The City sponsored a meeting of all shelter and homeless service providers on September 8, 2000. At this meeting, the City reviewed ESGP program requirements and described the City's funding goals as stated in the application. The City solicited proposals from all interested parties, allowing approximately 40 days to return proposals.

The City followed several policies in its review of ESGP proposals:

1. The City will provide assistance to a wide variety of shelters, recognizing the variety of service needs.
2. A division of support among emergency and transitional facilities.
3. An emphasis on rehabilitation of structures and the purchase of furniture and equipment.
4. An emphasis on the support of existing shelters which continue to meet documented need over the funding of new shelters.
5. New activities funded will support assistance in securing transitional and permanent housing.
6. The City will consider ESGP financial support of new residential developments only if the most recent preceding development by that organization has been outside of the City and is of similar or greater size than that proposed for inside of the City. This policy will apply to all organizations developing residential options for the homeless or special needs populations.

Through the course of 2000, the City of Akron has progressed with proper system utilization. This year data assembled for the CAPER had fewer discrepancies between IDIS reports and City internal records.