Title
GCRA Housing Programs Update (NB)
Explanation
This item is a follow up to the GCRA Housing Initiatives Update provided to GCRAAB on July 20, 2021 (Legistar # 210166). The GCRA is releasing five new housing programs in the near future. The original launch date of all five programs was in the late summer or early fall, but due to unforeseen delays, programs will be announced as they become live.
Each of these programs are a piece of a comprehensive strategy towards the Area’s objectives to implement community housing initiatives that directly benefit community members by maintaining the culture and population of an area. The 10 Year Reinvestment Plan outlines the housing objectives of the area to add new infill housing, improve existing homes in the district, and provide quality housing at different price points for renters and homeowners.
The suites of program offerings are as follows:
1. My Neighborhood Grant Program: Offers a $25,000 incentive forgivable loan to former neighborhood residents to welcome them back to purchase a home or lot. Eligible neighborhoods include: Cedar Grove II, Duval, Fifth Avenue, North Lincoln Heights, Pleasant Street, Porters, Springhill and Sugarhill. This program was approved by the City Commission on August 5, 202. Application workshops will be organized by early fiscal year 2022, October 1, 2021.
2. Neighborhood Paint Program: Provides free pressure washing and painting services to the exterior of single-family residential homes. Eligible neighborhoods include: Duval, Fifth Avenue, Pleasant Street, Porters, Springhill and Sugarhill. A Request for Proposals (RFP) was posted, and closed on May 24, 2021. Two out of town vendors responded, and the City Manager’s office requested a rebid with some changes to encourage local contractors to participate. Staff anticipates this posting by the end of the Fiscal Year 2021, or September 30, 2021.
3. Heirs Property Program: Offers free probate legal assistance to heirs’ property owners to clear the title to their homes. The program is offered district-wide. On July 15, 2021 the City Commission approved the award to Three Rivers Legal Services as the primary vendor and Lippes-Mathias-Wexler as the secondary vendor. Once the vendors are under contract they will assist staff in finalizing program documents. Staff anticipates this program going live prior to the end of Fiscal Year 2021, or September 30, 2021.
4. GCRA/CWC Partnership: The GCRA and Community Weatherization Coalition are partnering to offer home energy tune-ups and more permanent home energy upgrades to homeowners, renters, and lessors. The program is offered district-wide and awards are based on needs identified through the CWC’s Home Energy Tune-Up Program. On July 19, 2021 the City Commission approved this partnership between the GCRA and CWC. GCRA staff met with GRU staff and recognizes and opportunity to partner on a joint contract. Next steps include working with GRU staff and the City Attorney’s office to see about leveraging funding and administration by combining the two programs.
5. Historic Home Stabilization Program: Proposed program offers funding for structural improvements to historic homes to resolve code violations and dangerous conditions. The Program is offered for contributing structures to Gainesville’s historic districts within the GCRA District boundary. On July 20, 2021 the GCRA Advisory Board heard a presentation about the program and recommended revisions to program policies. Staff is in the process of collecting data in order to return to the Advisory Board with the information needed to make recommendations for revisions, if applicable. It is expected to go before the GCRA at the September 2021 meeting.
GCRA staff is preparing a marketing plan to educate District Neighbors about these opportunities. To inform the community, GCRA staff will attend neighborhood association meetings and host community workshops to help interested applicants apply. Neighborhood members will be sent postcards through the mail, and brochures will be distributed at community centers. A press release will be sent out to news outlets, information will be posted online and through social media, and an advertisement will be broadcasted through TV and radio.
As these are all pilot programs, the GCRA has committed to reviewing the efficacy of each program and any suggested changes will be brought back prior to the first year anniversary of each program.