Title
GCRA Housing Programs Update (NB)
Explanation
The GCRA will release a suite of five housing-related programs in FY22. Each program is a piece of a comprehensive strategy addressing the Area’s objectives to implement 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. The My Neighborhood Grant Program offers a $25,000 incentive forgivable loan to recipients who purchase a home or lot in a neighborhood which they grew up. 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, 2021.
a. Update: The application window for this program will begin January 1.
2. The Neighborhood Paint Program provides free pressure washing and paint services to the exterior of single-family residential homes. Eligible neighborhoods include: Duval, Fifth Avenue, Pleasant Street, Porters, Springhill and Sugarhill.
a. Update: RFP for program has been posted and proposals are currently in evaluation. There will be three application periods open for specific neighborhoods in 2022. They will be as follows:
i. January 1-March 3: Greater Duval Neighborhoods
ii. April 30-June 30: Porters, Springhill, and Sugarhill Neighborhoods
iii. September 30-November 30: Fifth Avenue, and Pleasant Street Neighborhoods
3. The Heirs’ Property Program offers free probate legal assistance to individuals with an heirs’ property. The program is offered district-wide.
a. Update: Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. Marketing has begun for the program. Staff will visit neighborhood association meetings in January.
4. The GCRA-CWC Partnership is an agreement between the GCRA and Community Weatherization Coalition (CWC) 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.
a. Update: GRU Attorney has asked that GRU and GCRA program be combined into a single contract. Staff is working to create a combined contract to execute with CWC.
5. The Historic Home Stabilization Program proposes to offer funding for stabilizing improvements to historic homes in order to resolve dangerous conditions. Staff received feedback from the Board at the October Advisory Board meeting that requires further research. This program will return to Board at a future date.
GCRA staff is preparing a community outreach campaign to inform neighbors and local nonprofits about these housing programs, and encourage a “word-of-mouth” approach to spreading knowledge about the programs. The second objective of the campaign will be to have an in-person staff presence in the community to make it easy for residents to navigate the application process. Each program will be marketed through different avenues, depending on their reach and purpose. GCRA staff will attend neighborhood association meetings and host community workshops to help interested applicants apply.
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.
Fiscal Note
None.
Recommendation
GCRA Advisory Board to receive update from staff