HomeMy Public PortalAboutA 2015-09-02- CDBG AGENDA
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT
ADVISORY BOARD COMMISSION
PUBLIC HEARING
RECEIVED
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2015 AUG 2 6 2015
6:00 P.M.
CITY OF LYNWOOD
LYNWOOD CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS •"ITY CLERKS OFFICE
11330 BULLIS ROAD, LYNWOOD, CA 90262 1ae€u
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Evelia Hernandez, Chairperson
Dion Cornelious, Commissioner Marisela Perez, Commissioner
Susana Medina, Commissioner Lorraine Moore, Commissioner
OPENING CEREMONIES:
A. CALL TO ORDER
B. FLAG SALUTE
C. ROLL CALL
D. CERTIFICATION OF AGENDA POSTING
E. PUBLIC ORALS: (ITEMS ON AGENDA ONLY)
F. APPROVAL OF MINUTES —April 1, 2015
G. NEW BUSINESS
•
1. Public Hearing
- Fiscal Year 2014 Consolidated Annual Performance
and Evaluation Report (CAPER)
H. STAFF ORALS
I. BOARD ORALS
J. ADJOURNMENT
it
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT
ADVISORY BOARD COMMISSION MEETING
MINUTES OF APRIL 1, 2015
CALL TO ORDER:
CDBG Chairperson Hernandez called the meeting to order on the above
captioned date at 6:08 p.m.
FLAG SALUTE: The flag salute was led by Commissioner Cornelious. All in
attendance participated in the flag salute.
ROLL CALL:
Present: •
Chairperson Evelia Hernandez
Marisela Perez, CDBG Commissioner
Dion Cornelious, CDBG Commissioner
Absent:
Susana Medina, CDBG Commissioner
Elizabeth Battle, CDBG Commissioner
Also present was Lynwood staff Annette Potts, Deputy Director of Administrative
Services.
CERTIFICATION OF AGENDA POSTING:
Staff stated that the agenda was posted per the Brown Act.
PUBLIC ORALS: NONE
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: February 11, 2015 and March 4, 2015
Commissioner Cornelious moved to approve the Minutes of February 11, 2015.
The CDBG Commission voted unanimously to approve the Minutes as
presented.
Commission Perez moved to approve the Minutes of March 4, 2015. The CDBG
Commission voted unanimously to approve the Minutes as presented.
NEW BUSINESS
A. NEW BUSINESS - Public Hearing
The Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Consolidated 5-Year Plan, Fiscal
Year 2016 Strategic Plan and Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice.
Commissioner Cornelious motioned to open the public hearing. The
Commission approved unanimously to open the hearing. Annette Potts, Deputy
Director of Administrative Services, explained that the purpose of the public
heating was to obtain citizen's input and comments on the City of Lynwood draft
HUD Consolidated 5-Year Plan, Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice
(Al) and Fiscal Year (FY) 2016 Strategic Plan, which included the proposed
allocations as recommended by the CDBG Commission:
1. CDBG Administration $215,000
2. Fair Housing Foundation $ 10,000
3. Section 108 Repayment $629,983
4. Code Enforcement Program $245,153
5. Senior Citizen Program $ 50,000
6. HOME Program Activities $316,296
Ms. Potts directed the public to the Strategic Plan section of the document which
lists the above activities and amounts. She explained that the activities, if
approved by Lynwood City Council, would be implemented during fiscal year
2016, which begins July 1, 2015 and ends June 30, 2016. Ms. Potts also
mentioned that staff is currently reviewing the Section 108 Loan debt service and
that if the City decides to pay off this debt, then an additional $600,000 in CDBG
funds will be available for programming, which will increase services provided to
the community in the upcoming years.
Ms. Potts also commented that the draft Consolidated 5-Year Plan which
includes a summary of the Al and FY 2016 Strategic Plan were made available
to the public for a 30-day review period from March 19, 2015 to April 23, 2015
and that the Consolidated 5-Year Plan, FY 2016 Strategic Plan and Analysis of
Impediments to Fair Housing Choice will be submitted to Lynwood City Council
at their May 5, 2015, meeting for final approval.
Ms. Evelia Hernandez expressed her concern regarding the homeless population
in Lynwood. Ms. Hernandez noted that although Lynwood makes service
referrals for the homeless, there are no homeless shelters located in the City of
Lynwood. Mr. Dion Cornelious shared a story where as he was dumping trash
from one container to another and a homeless man that has been in the
Lynwood area for more than ten years, stopped by and helped him. Ms.
Hernandez expressed the sorrow she and her son feel every time they come
across a particular homeless man located near the Lynwood Library.
Marisela Perez agreed that there is a need to help the homeless population in
Lynwood, but if Lynwood's homeless does not accept assistance or referrals,
there is not more that the City can do. The CDBG Commission expressed their
desire to do more for the homeless and recommended that the City seek
additional means to assist its homeless population.
The Analysis of Impediment to Fair Housing Choice (Al) document in its entirety
was submitted to the CDBG Commission at their March 4, 2015 at which time
the CDBG Commission recommended approval of the Al to Lynwood City
Council. The Fair Housing Action Plan of which is part of the Al, is included in
the Consolidated 5-Year Plan and had been reviewed by the CDBG Commission
at a prior meeting:
Upon completion of the discussion on the draft Consolidated. 5-Year Plan, FY
2016 Strategic Plan and Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice, the
CDBG Commission recommended unanimously that the Lynwood City Council
approve the draft documents.
The Public Hearing closed at 6:15 p.m.
STAFF ORALS
Staff informed the CDBG Commission that the draft HUD Consolidated 5-Year
Plan, FY 2016 Strategic Plan and Analysis of Impediments of Fair Housing
Choice will be submitted to City Council at their May 5, 2015 meeting for final
approval and that there were no meetings scheduled for the months of May,
June, and July, however if the need arises, staff will contact the CDBG
Commission.
BOARD ORALS — The CDBG Commission thanked staff for the reporting
submitted and commented that the materials were extensive and very
informative.
ADJOURNMENT
The CDBG Commission adjourned at approximately 6:30 p.m.
Chairperson, CDBG Commission Date
Annette Potts, Deputy Director of Administrative Services Date
MEMORANDUM
DATE: August 25, 2015
TO: Honorable CDBGAB Chairperson and Members
FROM: Annette Potts!Deputy Director of Administrative Services
SUBJECT: Fiscal Year 2014 Consolidated Annual Performance and
Evaluation Report (CAPER)
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires cities such
as Lynwood that receive Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and
HOME Investment Partnership (HOME) Grant funds to submit a Consolidated
Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER). The CAPER includes:
• a description of resources made available
• the investment of available resources
• the geographic distribution and location of investments
• the number of families and persons assisted (including the racial and
ethnic status of persons assisted)
• actions taken to affirmatively further fair housing
• other actions indicated in the City's Strategic Plan and the Action Plan.
For fiscal year 2014, the City of Lynwood received $1,470,876 from the
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Community
Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnership (HOME)
Grant program in the amounts below:
SOURCE AMOUNT
FY 2014 CDBG Allocation $1,126,616
FY 2014 HOME Allocation 344,260
Total amounts from CDBG and HOME grants: $1,470,876
HUD provided these funds to assist Lynwood in providing decent affordable
housing; addressing slum and blighted conditions and providing public
improvements and services for low and moderate income residents.
The chart below is a summary of how CDBG and HOME funds were distributed.
FISCAL YEAR 2014 ACTIVITIES
CDBG PROGRAM Amount HOME PROGRAM Amount
CDBG ADMINISTRATION $215,000 HOME ADMINISTRATION $34,426
FAIR HOUSING 10,000 CHDO ACTIVITIES 51,639
SECTION 108 REPAYMENT 627,933 HOUSING REHABILITATION 258,195
CODE ENFORCEMENT 223,683 TOTAL HOME PROGRAM $344,260
SENIOR CITIZEN PROGRAM 50,000,
, TOTAL CDBG PROGRAM $1,126,616
Enclosed for your review is the City of Lynwood draft FY 2014 CAPER. A public
hearing will be held at your September 2, 2015 meeting to allow for you and the
public to comment and/or provide input on the Draft report.
Attachment "A" is the Summary of Accomplishments Report for FY 2014 CDBG
and HOME funded activities. If you have any questions or need additional
information prior to our September 2, 2015 meeting, please don't hesitate to call
me at (310) 603-0220, extension 269.
Thank you.
ATTACHMENT"A"
FISCAL YEAR 2014
July 1, 2014—June 30,2015
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT(CDBG)
SUMMARY OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS
FUND PROJECT/ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION ALLOCATION BENEFICIARIES OUTCOME
CDBG CDBG Administration Secure federal funding and documentation, program $215,000 Citywide Availability
11330 Bullis Road monitoring/audits, reporting and compliance, financial
Lynwood, CA 90262 management systems, provides technical assistance and
process pymts. for community organizations.
CDBG Fair Housing Provide services to ensure Lynwood residents receive $10,000 268 People Availability/
Foundation equal opportunities to rent, lease or purchase housing Accessibility
3605 Long Beach Blvd. without regard to race, religion, sexual orientation or
Long Beach, CA 90807 gender.
CDBG Code Enforcement Identifies and ensures the correction of residential $223,683 4,102 Housing Sustainability
11330 Bullis Road code, health and safety violations in low-mod areas. Units cited
Lynwood
CDBG Section 108 Make payments and financial reporting on the City's$7 $627,933 Debt Service All debt paid
Repayment million Section 108 Loan debt. - for FY 2014
CDBG Senior Citizens Provides services activities including exercise and health $20,000 147 Seniors Availability/
Program classes, excursions, referrals for legal aid, taxes and social Accessibility
11301 Bullis Road benefits, nutrition, and medical.
Lynwood, CA 90262
Street reconstruction including wheelchair ramps&ADA Street are
CDBG FY2014 Street improvements to Wisconsin Avenue; Sequoia Drive; $280,000 Being designed Sustainability
Improvement Project Michigan Avenue and Cornish Avenue. For construction.
FISCAL YEAR 2014
July 1, 2014—June 30, 2015
HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIP(HOME) PROGRAM
SUMMARY of ACCOMPLISHMENTS
FUND PROJECT/ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION ALLOCATION BENEFICIARIES OUTCOME
HOME Program To provide HOME program management,oversight
HOME Administration and monitoring. 34,426 Citywide Availability
Community Development
Housing Development No new projects
_HOME Organization(CHDO) Provide funds to CHDO for the development of new housing. 51,639 Affordability
Rehabilitation Program Provide grants and deferred payment loans to qualified
Loan/Grants available property owners,for home improvements and corrections Affordability/
HOME City wide to code violations. 258,195 32 Families Sustainability
I I
.
DRAFT
CITY OF LYNWOOD
CONSOLIDATED ANNUAL PERFORMANCE
AND EVALUATION REPORT (CAPER)
Fiscal Year 2014
July 1, 2014 - June 30, 2015
COMMUNITY DEVELOMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG)
AND
HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIP PROGRAMS
8/15
CITY OF LYNWOOD
CONSOLIDATED ANNUAL PERFORMANCE
AND EVALUATION REPORT (CAPER)
FISCAL YEAR 2014
TABLE OF CONTENTS
wa 4 � t? ti� 7a e 4 �re RAGE
Executive Summary 1
A Assessment of Goals and Objectives 3
B Affirmatively Further Fair Housing 4
-Actions taken to eliminate housing impediments 5
-Summary of Impediments to fair housing choice and actions taken 6
C Affordable Housing 6
D Continuum of Care 7
E Other Actions 9
1. Actions to Address obstacles to meeting underserved needs 9
2. Economic Opportunities 9
3. Foster and maintain affordable housing 10
4. Eliminate barriers to affording housing 10
5. Overcome gaps in institutional structures and
enhance coordination 11
6. Improve public housing and resident initiatives 11
7. Evaluate and reduce lead base paint hazards 12
8. Ensure compliance program, comprehensive planning,
requirements and monitoring 12
9. Reduce the number of people living below the poverty level 12
F Leveraging Resources 13
G Citizen Participation 13
H Self Evaluation
- Goals and Accomplishment Chart 15
I Monitoring 17
J CDBG Narrative Statements 18
r
0 a 4 4 a`•"#e �'u' ` i"�a"j+y ;',�tw & ." t'v' .-` : I. . Y y,' ,7A P
HOME CAPER Narratives 21-24
CITY OF LYNWOOD
CONSOLIDATED ANNUAL PERFORMANCE
AND EVALUATION REPORT (CAPER)
FISCAL YEAR 2014
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires Cities that receive
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Program funds to submit a
Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER). The CAPER
provides a summary of the actions taken to meet the housing and community
development needs identified in the FY 2014 Annual Action Plan with the use of federal
funds. The CAPER also identifies non-federally funded activities that assisted in
meeting the City's goals of providing decent housing, a suitable living environment and
expanding economic opportunities.
This report covers the fifth and final program year of the City of Lynwood's 5-Year
Consolidated Plan 2000-2014. It contains three main parts: First, a set of narrative
statements that discuss the City's achievements in housing and community
development in relation to its Consolidated Plan (ConPlan). The second part provides
narratives that focus on the financial and programmatic performances of Lynwood's
entitlement-formula grants, the Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG),
and HOME Partnerships for Investment Program (HOME); and of these performances
in relation to the City's Annual Action Plan (AAP) for fiscal year 2014. Other narratives
in this part describe the abilities of the City and its community agencies to leverage
additional resources for housing and supportive services activities. A third part of this
CAPER compiles attachments of supporting data for the narratives found in the first two
parts. -
The City--has-exceeded the goals set in the 5-Year Consolidated Plan and Annual Action
Plans, which have resulted in improvement and stability in low-income neighborhoods.
Activities such as street, public and facility improvements, home improvements, and the
provision of public services, have a positive long-term impact on the community.
Summary of Resources and Distribution of Funds
HUD resources available for use during fiscal year 2014 include:
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) FY 2014 Allocation: $1,126,616
Home Investment Partnership Program (HOME) FY 2014 Allocation: 344,260
Total funds available for FY 2014: $1,470,876
Fiscal year 2014 fund distributions are as follows:
Activities/Programs Fund Amount
CDBG Administration $215,000
Fair Housing Services 10,000
Section 108 Loan Repayment 632,933
Code Enforcement 223,683
Senior Citizen Program. 50,000
CDBG Subtotal $1,126,616
HOME Administration $34,426
HOME CHDO Activity 51,639
HOME housing rehabilitation 258,195
HOME Subtotal $344,260
Geographic Distribution:
Lynwood endeavors to provide services throughout the City (in every census tract area)
to ensure that the needs of low and moderate-income residents are met with the use of
HOME and CDBG funds. The City has six (6) census tracts. Each census tract contains
at least 70% low to moderate-income residents, as documented in HUD's Annual
updated for Low/Mod Income Summary Data (LMISD). A demographic assessment of
the City reveals that services are needed in every census tract throughout the City.
Neighborhoods that may be identified as focus areas will not be concentrated on to the
exclusion or neglect of other areas. However, a strong plan of collaboration will occur
within certain areas that require a multitude of services and programs to achieve
success with revitalization. The overriding objective is to address the needs of low and
moderate-income persons and neighborhoods throughout the City.
Lead Agency:
The City of Lynwood City Manager's Office is the lead agency for overseeing the
development and implementation of the program year five Action Plan and
administration of the CDBG and HOME programs. The City Manager ensures that the
goals of the City Council and the community are met through the various programs and
activities within the Consolidated Plan. Other public and/or private agencies
responsible for administering programs covered by the Action Plan include: Lynwood
Public Works, Lynwood Development Services and the Recreation and Community
Services Departments, in addition to the Fair Housing Foundation, a non-profit
organization.
Consultation: Working within the goals set by Lynwood City Council, staff Worked
closely with the Community Development Block Grant Commission, neighborhood
groups and residents developing goals, initiatives and strategies that are pertinent to
each neighborhood in addition to public services providers who have direct contact with
the clientele being served.
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FISCAL YEAR 2014
CONSOLIDATED ANNUAL PERFORMANCE
AND EVALUATION REPORT
A. ASSESSMENT OF GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The City of Lynwood has successfully completed its fifth year of the City's Five-Year
Consolidated Plan despite the global recession and its impact on federal, state, and
local funds. Lynwood is pleased to a report solid performance. The number of
residents benefiting from CDBG and HOME funded activities exceeded expectations in
most cases. This exemplifies the broad array of programs offered and evidences the
City's continuing efforts to be effective stewards of federal funds in the service of its
residents. Lynwood met its spending targets for low and moderate income beneficiaries
through its affordable housing and public services and facilities programs. Lynwood also
stayed under mandated caps on public services spending and expenditures for planning
and administrative functions.
Lynwood's pattern of investments did not change significantly in FY 2014. Focus and
priorities were placed on activities that assisted with community conservation, low and
moderate income family needs, and/or people with special needs. The pattern of
investment also emphasized coordination between agencies and leveraging of
government funds with the use of the City's General Fund and private resources. The
City continues to encourage non-profits as well as partnerships between for-profit and
non-profits for development of affordable housing.
Lynwood allocated $280,000 in CDBG funds through a substantial change process for
residential street improvements located at Wisconsin Avenue, Sequoia Drive, Michigan
Street and Cornish Avenue. These streets were among the most deteriorated streets in
the City, as identified by the Lynwood Public Works Department. In addition, a
comprehensive array of services and programs were implemented to improve the
quality of life for Lynwood's youths, seniors and all residents by creating and
coordinating public services aimed at health, safety, education and fair housing.
Nevertheless, as state and private funding resources reduced their contributions,
services were necessarily scaled back in order to maintain safe and effective
operations. Despite the difficult economy, Lynwood is a community successfully
pursuing its housing, anti-poverty, anti-homelessness, and community development
goals with a creative and varied fusion of financing sources; professional commitment,
creativity, and insight; and active community support.
The City identified the following priority needs to increase housing opportunities for all
residents of Lynwood and promote stability in declining areas by: - -
(1) Preserving the Existing Housing Stock;
(2) Increasing Affordable Housing Opportunities;
(3) Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing;
3
(4) Addressing the Needs of Homeless Individuals, Families and Special Populations;
(5) Providing public Infrastructure Improvements;
(6) Expanding the City's Economic Base and Promoting Job Opportunities.
The table below lists activities funded and implemented in FY 2014 to include set goals,
objectives and program outcomes. -
ACTIVITY FUNDS OBJECTIVE GOAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS
ALLOCATED SET OUTCOME
Provide decent
housing and 100 268 Availability/
Fair Housing $10,000 suitable living People People Accessibility
environment
Senior Citizens $50,000 Suitable Living 80 Seniors 147 Seniors Availability/
Environment Accessibility
Code $223,683 Suitable Living 1,200 Units 4102 Housing Units Sustainability
Enforcement Environment Inspected inspected &cited
CHDO $51,639 Provide Decent 1 project In Construction Affordability
Activities Housing 4 Single Family Units
HOME Housing $258,196 Provide Decent 10 Homes 32 Home Completed Affordability/
Rehabilitation Housing Sustainability
CDBG Housing Prior year's Provide Decent 3 Homes 2 Homes Completed Affordability/
Rehabilitation funding Housing 1 in Construction Sustainability
Combined resources from the Community Development Block Grant, HOME Grant and
City's General fund are used to promote decent, safe and sanitary housing by
implementing home improvement programs, graffiti removal, public improvements and
code enforcement activities focusing on the identification and elimination of slum, blight,
code violations, health and safety and overcrowded conditions.
During FY 2014, 154 illegal structures and 162 illegal garage conversions were identified
by code enforcement and eradicated and/or returned to the original use. In addition,
public service and safety activities were implemented to improve the wellbeing of the
community along with health, educational and recreational programs for seniors; tutoring
and mentoring to at risk children; after school and school dropout diversion programs,
crime awareness, and gang prevention programs.
B. Affirmatively Further Fair Housing -
During FY 2014, the City contracted with the Fair Housing Foundation (FHF) to provide
fair housing services and workshops. 268 Lynwood residents received assistance in the
form of fair housing counseling, education, and information on issues such as eviction,
habitability, lease terms, property sale, homeowner and renter rights, harassment, rent
increases and unlawful detainers.
4
Information and workshops were provided to landlords, tenants, real estate
professionals, and homeowners. FHF set up quarterly informational booths at Lynwood
public schools, Lynwood Senior Citizen Center and the Public Library to discuss
housing issues, answer questions regarding fair housing rights, and offer fair housing
services. FHF also manned a booth at the Century Sheriff's Station Open House to
provide information and answer questions regarding housing issues. Literature is
distributed in both English and Spanish and contains information regarding fair housing
law, discrimination, accessibility policies, reasonable accommodations and
modifications, and disability policies. FHF also provided Fair Housing Management
workshops and certification training; and held public walk-in clinics to allow the
community to meet with Housing Counselors. Presentations were also made at the St.
Lynwood Francis Medical Center and to Lynwood Neighborhood Block Watch groups.
More than 268 Lynwood residents were provided with fair housing counseling and/or
housing discrimination investigations in addition to addressing issues and inquiries
regarding racial, familial, ethnicity/national origin, disability and marital status
discrimination. Two discrimination Actions were filed and resolved during this fiscal
year.
Actions taken to eliminate fair housing impediments
Actions taken to overcome fair housing impediments as identified in the City's Analysis
of Impediments report include the continuation of the City's partnership with the Fair
Housing Foundation to monitor and investigate complaints and inquiries for housing
discrimination. A summary of some of the services devised to address issues specific to
the City include:
• Accepting and investigating housing discrimination complaints;
• Counseling for possible and actual victims of housing discrimination, property
owners and managers, homeowners, insurers, lenders and other housing
industry representatives;
• Counseling and referrals on landlord/tenant housing complaints;
• Providing remedies for individuals and systemic forms of discrimination, including
conciliation, administrative, and judicial enforcement efforts; and
• Conducting investigative audits to detect patterns and practices of illegal
discrimination.
• Annual Realtors Workshop for the Southwest Board of Realtors
• Provide Certificate Management Trainings to Property Management Companies_
• Conduct workshops to housing providers
• Promoting media interest in eliminating housing violations
Lynwood and FHF will continue to conduct workshops, give presentations, provide fair
housing educational materials and monitor local newspapers for Discriminatory
newspaper advertising that may include discriminary language, etc. No occurrences
were found this fiscal year.
5
Summary of Impediments to fair housing choice and actions taken
IMPEDIMENTS FY 2014 ACTIONS TAKEN
Housing discrimination, particularly in the rental Responded to various fair housing inquires,
housing market. however only two housing discrimination cases
were filed. 1st case for familial status/physical
disability and 2nd case for Mental Disability
discrimination. Both cases have been resolved.
Discriminatory advertising, although very rare, may
impede the protected populations from having Continue work with and/or monitor the Long Beach
knowledge on all the housing opportunities that are Press Telegram and local newspapers for inclusion
available in the City's rental and for-sale housing of a fair housing disclaimer where applicable.
markets. The Long Beach Press Telegram is the Request that fair housing organizations be listed to
only newspaper that does not print a fair housing respond to public inquiries.
disclaimer in the classified real estate ads section.
Private sector real estate practices that are Annual monitoring and review of the HMDA and
contrary to the attainment of fair housing for all calculating loan denial rates for the four loan types.
persons. Prior year's HMDA data will be used as a baseline
data for current year's comparison.
IMPEDIMENTS FY 2014 ACTIONS TAKEN
Amend/update Lynwood's Zoning Regulations to Lynwood updated its Zoning Regulations to include
Improve Planning and Zoning Practices a family definition stating "residential care facilities
and group homes for people with disabilities" fall
within the meaning of a"family".
C. Affordable Housing
Lynwood's housing strategy involves designing programs that address housing priorities
identified in the ConPlan. Housing goals are to preserve the existing housing stock by
correcting substandard properties, increasing the supply of affordable housing units,
and/or providing assistance to first-time homebuyers to enable more low and moderate-
income families to become homeowners.
Maintaining the quality and affordability of the existing housing stock is a key priority of
Lynwood's goals and the purpose of the Lynwood's Housing Rehabilitation Programs.
This fiscal year's goals were to provide ten home improvement loans and/or grants to
Lynwood residents with the use of CDBG and HOME program funds. Lynwood met its
goal by providing 32 homeowners with financial assistance for home improvement.
6
The City of Lynwood in partnership with the Habitat for Humanity and utilizing HOME
Program funds, is currently constructing four affordable single family owner-occupied
housing units at 3303 Magnolia Avenue. Another three units adjacent to the property
have been completed for a total of seven new affordable housing units being made
available to qualifying families. These units will be three bedrooms and two bathrooms
each. In addition, Habitat for Humanity built a new affordable single family unit at 3193
Euclid Avenue Lynwood, CA 90262, which was sold to a single working motherwith two
children. -
Summary of Efforts to Address Worst Case Needs Housing
in is defined by HUD as low income renters who pay more than
Worst case needs housing y p y
50% of income for rent, live in severely substandard housing, (including homeless
people) or have been involuntarily displaced. However, Lynwood has an agreement
with the County of Los Angeles Housing Authority (LACHA) to provide housing subsidy
vouchers to address and/or assist with the needs of extremely low and very low income
families and to increase the supply of affordable housing, promote self-sufficiency and
asset development, ensure equal opportunity and affirmatively further fair housing, and
to achieve consistency with the City of Lynwood Consolidated Plan. Lynwood will
continue to monitor the Housing Authority's Plans and provide input as it pertains to
Lynwood residents in an effort to add to the number of affordable housing units
available to Lynwood residents.
D. Continuum of Care
Lynwood's continuum of care strategy is to provide emergency, temporary and/or
permanent housing for the homeless through referrals and supportive services.
Although Lynwood does not operate its own homeless facility, it makes referrals to
neighboring cities to refer homeless individuals and/or families to local emergency
shelters and transitional housing programs. Many of Lynwood's hotel/motels offer
temporary shelter to those in need. Referrals are made according to need. Below are
some of the agencies of which referrals are made:
. Program Service Area of Operation
South Central Health and
Rehabilitation Program Addiction Services Lynwood
Transitional Housing Program for
Homeless Young People Homeless Services Lynwood
Compton Welfare Right Shelter Emergency Shelter City of Compton
Esther's House Domestic Violence Center Lynwood/Los Angeles
Shields for Families, Inc. Transitional Housing Los Angeles County
— Palms Residential-Care Facility - -Mental Health Care/Housing Los Angeles County
7
Referrals are also made to the following organizations:
• The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA). LAHSA operates a
comprehensive variety of programs to strengthen and promote the effective
operation of the continuum of care process. Services offered include Outreach and _
assessment; Crisis Intervention; Hotel vouchers; Move-in assistance; Emergency
shelters; Transitional housing; and Permanent and affordable housing. LAHSA also
has a Emergency Response team that offers services to people who are homeless
or at risk of experiencing homelessness:
• Direct emergency services and transportation
• Emergency services and shelter referrals to homeless families and
unaccompanied adults and youth
• Emergency assistance and referrals to social service agencies
• Outreach services to homeless encampment dwellers
• The Department of Health Services, who provides housing opportunities for
persons with AIDS; the Peoples Guide to Health Welfare and Other Services,
who provide information to the homeless on how to get food, money and other
help from government programs, and Shelter First who has five locations,
providing short term and transitional shelter to homeless men, women and
children.
• The Union Rescue Mission, which is the national's largest and Los Angeles'
oldest rescue mission. Services include emergency food and shelter, residential
recovery programs for men, women and families, health care, job training,
computerized learning centers, clothing and hygiene provisions.
• American Family Housing (AFH), a non-profit organization, provides emergency,
transitional and permanent housing as well as education, counseling and job
training for homeless and low-income adults and families who want to work to
improve their lives and become self-supporting members of society. The City of
Lynwood and AHD will be working together to establish and implement a
program for the acquisition of rental property and/or new construction and
development and management of eligible rental units.
The City of Lynwood has not been approached by agencies or requested to support
application of agencies for homeless housing/supportive service programs. However,
the City is interested and supports the efforts of any local non-profit agencies seeking
funds to locate homeless/transitional facilities within the City.
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E. Other Actions:
1. Actions to address obstacles to meeting underserved needs
Lynwood's special needs groups include disabled persons, single-parent households,
persons with drug and/or alcohol addiction, elderly and frail elderly people, persons with
AIDS and related diseases and include families below poverty, the homeless and those
at risk of becoming homeless. The primary obstacle to meeting the-underserved needs
in the City of Lynwood is a lack of available funding to the City and to the various non-
profit Y 9 Y
profit agencies that assist the City in serving the low and moderate-income residents.
As entitlement grants shrink or remain level-funded, the cost of delivering services and
completing projects increases, resulting in an ever-widening spread of cost and
available funds. Mirroring this trend is the increasing difficulty in leveraging funds
through state and private resources, also decreasing or stagnant in recent times.
Although the availability of funds from federal, state and other private resources
continue to decline, Lynwood was able to meet these challenges by leveraging
Lynwood general fund monies with CDBG and HOME funds, in an effort to continue
current program delivery. Lynwood provides people with special needs with various
services, activities and programs operated by the City and public and private agencies
and institutions, some of which are noted above.
Specific services are provided to Lynwood seniors in the form of health, safety
awareness workshops, exercise classes, legal aid and transportation services. More
5,000 seniors participated in Lynwood's senior programming with 147 seniors receiving
direct benefits. Lynwood in partnership with the Steelworkers Foundation provides free
hot meals Monday through Friday at the Senior Citizen Center, a City Facility. The City's
Rehabilitation program provides preferential slots to expedite applications of seniors
interested in home improvement. Lynwood also provides its low-income residents with
free Health Care Screening and vaccinations through St. Francis Medical Center,
located in the City of Lynwood. Financial needs are referred to the Los Angeles County
Department of Public Social Services. Lynwood also has five State licensed facilities for
the developmentally disabled including Angelica Guest Home, Hope Adult Home, Hope
Family Adult Home, Sea Breeze Manor and Wilson Care Facility. Lynwood operated
many youth programs and activities throughout the year, including sports camps,
afterschool programs, summer, spring and winter camps and thousands of residents
have benefitted from the City's Crossing Guard and Graffiti programs.
2. Economic Opportunities
Although the City did not fund any economic development programs with CDBG or
HOME funds, Lynwood provided job training through- its-Workplace laeveloprnent
----
Program, which designs and implements employment and training programs for the
community.
9
Lynwood's youth employment programs provide positive and meaningful training
opportunities and focus activities to,address youth unemployment, crime and poverty,
and teaches fundamental life and workplace skill to help youth explore, prepare for,
transition, and ultimately succeed in the adult world of work. This fiscal year Lynwood
provided job training opportunities to 62 Lynwood youth in collaboration with the HUB
Cities Consortium Youth Program. Youth received training for office administration,
telephone systems and communication, office equipment and machines, custodial and
recreational and sports leadership. Additional training was provided off-site at Lynwood
Medical Offices, Lynwood Library, Child Care Centers and community based non-profit
organizations. In addition, Lynwood provided municipal training to 3 youth in various
Lynwood City departments on job development, specifically in the senior citizen and
recreation centers. In additional Lynwood's Intern Program provided job development
and inter-governmental relations instruction to 7 Lynwood youth.
Funds for economic development are limited and with so many reductions, the City will
be hard pressed to fund economic development activities in the future. However City
officials and staff will continue to work with private and other public partners to assist in
the retention and expansion of local businesses with the objective of increasing average
incomes with particular emphasis on expansion of a sustainable local economy.
3. Foster and Maintain Affordable Housing
Lynwood in partnership with the Fair Housing Foundation (FHF) provides housing
counseling, housing discrimination investigations, and landlord-tenant mediation and
counseling to Lynwood residents free of charge. FHF also provides comprehensive,
extensive and viable education and outreach services in addition to workshops and
presentations to Lynwood residents. Fair housing activities were provided to educate
tenants, landlords, owners, Realtors and property management companies on fair
housing laws; to promote media and consumer interest; and to secure grass roots
involvement within the communities. In addition, FHF specifically targets outreach to
persons and protected classes that are most likely to encounter housing discrimination.
Also the implementation of new housing policies and procedures have enhanced and
expedited housing development and rehabilitation activities. Home improvement
financial assistance was provided to 32 Lynwood residents to preserve housing
standards through the City's housing programs. Code Enforcement activities remain an
important component for maintaining and improving Lynwood's housing stock, focusing
on illegal structures and problems that threaten safety and security.
4. Eliminate barriers to affordable housing
The principal barriers to affordable housing in Lynwood continues to be the lack of land
for new housing development and the high costs of new development, partly due to high
land costs but also due to the cost of building materials such as concrete, wood, and
steel. Reduced funding at the federal and state level contributes to the difficulty of
building new affordable housing.
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The recession has not alleviated the problems of housing affordability in Lynwood.
While home prices are deflating in some neighborhoods, which would make homes
more affordable, increases in unemployment in the City may undercut effective demand
for such housing, and place greater pressure on the rental market.
Lynwood continues to fund fair housing activities geared to eliminate impediments to fair
housin g choice, low-income renter households are able to access and maintain
�
`affordable housing. In addition, the Lynwood affordable home improvement loan and - -
grant programs will continue to operate and upgrade the City's supply of affordable
housing stock. Lynwood promotes public awareness by providing and/or distributing
fair housing literature at public places such as Lynwood's City Hall Bateman Hall, Senior
Citizen Center, the Public Library and the foundation for Early Childhood Education and
by holding Fair Housing and workshops where a variety of information and literature is
offered in English and Spanish.
5. Overcome gaps in institutional structures and enhance coordination
The City has made a concerted effort to eliminate institutional gaps, and enhance
coordination of programs to all segments of the community. The City and community
based organizations work closely with governmental entities and community
commissions and activist to determine the critical needs of households, in order to
ensure CDBG and HOME funded activities address gaps in services. Public hearings
and forums are held throughout the program year to obtain community input. The City
also works with the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA), to provide
critical information regarding homeless services and identifying and prioritizing gaps and
needs in the regional system of care.
6. Improve public housing and resident initiatives
The City does not have public housing, however the Housing Authority of the County of
Los Angeles administers the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program within the City
of Lynwood. There are currently 426 families receiving rental assistance from the
Housing Authority who live in the City of Lynwood. 21 of these families have disabled
members and 139 of these families are single member residents. Lynwood will
_ continue to support services and programs geared towards the increase of public
housing and resident initiatives.
The County of Los Angeles Housing Authority (LACHA) has developed a five-year
Strategic Plan and an Annual Plan. The Plans guide the actions of the LACHA to
address the needs of extremely low and very low income families and includes goals to
increase the supply of affordable housing, promote self-sufficiency and asset
development, ensure equal opportunity and affirmatively further fair housing, and to
achieve consistency with each jurisdiction's Consolidated Plan. Lynwood will continue
to monitor the Housing Authority's Plans and provide input as it pertains to Lynwood
residents in an effort to increase the supply of affordable housing for Lynwood
residents.
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7. Evaluate and reduce lead base paint hazards
It is the City of Lynwood's goal to provide an environment free of lead based hazards.
Integral to the City's residential rehabilitation programs are Lead Based Paint Hazard
assessments for each project. The City contracts with qualified firms to conduct
property inspections and risk assessments for rehabilitation projects. Environmental
experts perform lead-based paint testing and/or risk assessments. Lynwood discloses
- - to the homeowner lead-based paint hazards testing results. After the lead hazard is
controlled or abated and the environmental expert performs a clearance process, the
homeowner is notified of that clearance. Property owners will be provided the lead
based paint pamphlets and literature regarding the hazards and protection from lead in
the home. Home improvement participants are required to sign a statement verifying
their review and understanding of LBP.
8. Ensure compliance with program and comprehensive planning requirements and monitoring
The City requires all subrecipients under the CDBG program to submit monthly and/or
quarterly performance report, documenting the number, income, race/ethnicity, and
household characteristics of the persons/households assisted. The Community
Development Department conducts annual site visits to subrecipients where applicable
desk top audits to ensure that CDBG requirements as well as the contracted scope of
services are being met. Project and financial data on CDBG and HOME funded
activities are maintained using HUD's IDIS (Integrated Disbursement Information
System) software. Use of this system allows HUD staff easy access to local data for
review and progress evaluation. The City monitors affordability provisions as outlined in
HOME program agreements. Projects that have one to four HOME units will have on-
site inspections every three years; projections with five to twenty-five units will be
inspected every two years. For projects containing twenty-six units or more, a yearly
inspection will be conducted.
9. Reduce the number of persons living below the poverty level
The 2014 Action Plan identified strategies for reducing the number of persons living
below poverty level in Lynwood. The City provided resources to households living in
poverty through networks of social and public service agencies and programs.
Specifically, resources, food and shelter referrals were provided to assist households on
need. Affordable housing is being provided to 4 low income families through the Habitat
for Humanity Development and the Los Angeles Housing Authority in collaboration with
the City of Lynwood has provided rental subsidies to 426 low income residents in the
City of Lynwood. Lynwood also makes referrals to the Housing Authority of the City of
Los Angeles (HACLA) for those in need of low income housing. HACLA is committed to
== housing homeless individuals and families through the Homeless Program, HUD-VASH,
Permanent Supportive Housing Program, Skid Families Demonstration Project, Shelter
Plus Care, and Project 50 programs.
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•
Special services are provided to Lynwood seniors in the form of health, safety and
exercise classes, and legal aid and Dial-A-Ride. The Steelworkers Foundation provides
hot meals Monday through Friday, at a City Facility. In addition, low-income residents
may receive Health Care Screening and vaccinations, free of charge, through St.
Francis Medical Center located in the City of Lynwood. In addition, referrals are made
to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services for financial assistance
to a variety of disabled persons including cooking, cleaning, personal care and
transportation. The City's Rehabilitation program provides preferential slots to expedite
applications of seniors wishing to participate in the City's Rehabilitation program.
Various youth programs and activities are on-going in the City. There are also five
State licensed facilities for the developmentally disabled; Angelica Guest Home, Hope
Adult Home, Hope Family Adult Home, Sea Breeze Manor and Wilson Care Facility, in
operation throughout the City.
F. LEVERAGING RESOURCES:
Lynwood historically matched the investment of CDBG and HOME dollars with the
investment of Redevelopment Agency Property Tax Increment funds, Low/Moderate
Income Housing Set-Aside funds and Low Income Housing Credit funds. However, the
Governor of California signed bills into law, abolishing Redevelopment Agencies in
California and redirected Redevelopment Agency funds. This had been devastating to
the City of Lynwood and has resulted in the elimination of vital funding for community
development, housing and economic development programs and activities. As a result,
leveraging is limited to Lynwood's General funds, Bond money and CDBG and HOME
program income. The City's general fund also augments the cost of several public
service activities. Lynwood is not required by HUD to match federal funds.
G. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION
The City of Lynwood citizen participation process facilitates community input in all
phases of the consolidated planning, reporting and implementation including the
Consolidated Annual Performance Report (CAPER). Throughout the year CDBG and
HOME programs are reviewed and discussed at various public forums including City
Council meetings, neighborhood block watch meetings, City Commission meetings and
during public hearings, all designed to solicit public comments. Lynwood encourages
the inclusion of all City residents, especially low-income residents, non-profit
organizations and other interested parties. Bi-lingual services are available upon
request.
The draft FY 2014 CAPER was made available to the public on August 13, 2015 for a
30-day review period, as required by U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development (HUD) regulations. Copies of the draft Consolidated Annual Performance
and Evaluation Report were made available to the public at the Community
Development Department, Lynwood City Clerk's Office, Lynwood City Hall Annex
Building and Lynwood Public Library.
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A Public Notice of the 30-day public review period was published in Lynwood's local
newspaper, the Lynwood Press Wave on August 13, 2015 and a Notice of Availability
for the FY 2014 draft Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report
(CAPER) was noticed on the City of Lynwood website.
On September 2, 2015, the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Commission
held a Public Hearing for the review and discussion of the draft FY 2014 draft CAPER,
and to allow public comment. The meeting will take place at the City of Lynwood, City
Hall Council Chambers. Outreach efforts were made to encourage the participation of
all citizens including minorities, non-English speaking persons and individuals with
disabilities. CDBG Commission meetings provide a consistent and effective forum for
citizens to participate in the CDBG/HOME grant process, especially in the Annual Action
Plan process, and serve as a place for management and staff to vet policy issues and
obtain public feedback. Each of the five CDBG Commissioner were given a copy of the
draft FY 2014 CAPER, in addition copies are available for the public.
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H. SELF-EVALUATION
for fiscal year 2014 were carried out both in
The City of Lynwood's plans and activities y
spirit and action. The strategy concentrated both CDBG and HOME funding on
affordable housing, eliminating barriers to housing, affirmatively furthering fair housing
and the coordination of ,public improvements and public services that benefit low and
moderate income persons, including the elderly, and those persons with disabilities.
The City of Lynwood has successfully met HUD's timeliness standards and has
complied with all of HUD's reporting requirements for fiscal year 2014. Overall, the City
has made progress in addressing the challenges of stabilizing the homeowner base
within the community, improving the existing housing stock, and improving the overall
quality of life in neighborhoods throughout Lynwood. Although Lynwood has made
progress despite the ongoing recession resulting in the reduction of funds, there is still a
great need in the community, especially for those at the lowest of incomes. Continuous
cuts at both the federal and state levels of government have put a squeeze on public
service programs, while the demand for these services have increased. The ability of
the City to meet these particular needs with its HUD funding has been limited with
federal CDBG and HOME program budgets not keeping pace with inflation and being
aggressively cut, nevertheless, Lynwood will continue to aggressively pursue long-term
objectives in the ConPlan by leveraging resources and a variety of financing
approaches, as becomes available.
Below provides a Strategic Plan Goals and Accomplishments chart of the City of
Lynwood Consolidated Plan 5-year goals as compared to the fiscal year 2014 annual
accomplishments.
5-Year (FY 2010-2014)
GOALS AND ACCOMPLISHMENT CHART
Objective# Performance Five-Year" Annual Actual Number By
Outcome/Objective* Indicators Expected Expected Program Year
Specific Objectives Number Number
#1 SL-3 Code Enforcement
2010-2011: 1,500 2010-2011:3,937
Code Enforcement-Enhance Number of 6,500 Units
sustainability for the purpose of creating code 2011-2013: 1,200 2011-2013:3,342
a suitable living environment by funding compliance City has 2013-2013: 1,200 2013-2013:3,085
code enforcement activities in inspections exceeded its
deteriorated and deteriorating areas. 5 year goals. 2013-2014: 1,200 2013-2014: 1,800
2014-2015: 1,200 2014-2015:4,102
#2 SL-3 Infrastructure
Street/Alley Improvements- Total number of 2 projects 2010-2011: 1 project 2010-2011: 1 project
Enhance sustainability for the purpose persons
of creating a suitable living environment provided City has 2011-2013:2 projects 2011-2013:2 projects
by improving public streets and alleys in improved exceeded its
the low and moderate income access to public 5 year goals. 2013-2013: 0 project 2013-2013:2 projects
residential neighborhoods. street and alleys
2013-2014:0 project 2013-2014:0 project
2014-2015: 1 project 2014-2015: 1 project
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Objective# Performance Five-Year Annual Actual Number By
OutcomelObjective* Indicators Expected Expected Program Year
Specific Objectives Number Number
#3 SL-3 Infrastructure
Total number of 1 project 2010-2011: 1 project 2010-2011: 1 project
Sidewalk Improvements- persons completed
Enhance sustainability for the purposes provided with City has 2011-2012:0 project 2011-2012:0
of creating a suitable living environment improved exceeded its
by improving public sidewalks. sidewalks 5 year goals. 2013-2013:0 project 2013-2013:0
2013-2014:0 project 2013-2014:0
2014-2015:0 project 2014-2015:0
#4 SL-1 Public Services
2010-2011: 100 2010-2011:319
Senior Services-Enhance Total number of 500 people -
availability/accessibility for the purpose elderly persons 2011-2013: 100 2011-2013: 137
of creating a suitable living environment provided 2013-2013: 100 2013-2013: 141
by providing senior services services City has -— - - — -
exceeded its 2013-2014: 100 2013-2014: 126
5 year goals. 2014-2015: 100 2014-2015: 147
#5 SL-1 Infrastructure
2010-2011:50 2010-2011: 185
Fair Housing-Enhance Total number 250 people
availability/accessibility for the purpose of persons City has 2011-2013:50 2011-2013: 205
of creating a suitable living environment provided fair exceeded its 2013-2013:50 2013-2013:210
by providing fair housing services housing 5 year goals.
services 2013-2014:50 2013-2014:226
2014-2015: 80 2014-2015:268
#6 SL-1 Public Services
Other Public Services—Enhance Total number of 500+people 2010-2011: 100 2010-2011: 146
availability/accessibility for the purpose persons to be 2011-2013: 100 2011-2013: 100
of creating a suitable living environment assisted City has 2013-2013: 100 2013-2013: 150
by providing services to low/moderate exceeded its
income persons. 5 year goals. 2013-2014: 100 2013 2014: 126
2014-2015: 100 2014-2015: 147
#7 DH-3 Housing
HOME/CDBG funded Housing 2010-2011: 10 2010-2011: 15
Rehabilitation Program—Enhance Total number of 50 units 2011-2013: 10 2011-2013: 15
sustainability for the purpose of creating units to be City has 2013-2013: 10 2013-2013: 9 _
a suitable living by funding home assisted exceeded its —2013-2014: 10 2013-2014: 15 _
improvement loans and grants to 5 year goals
low/moderate income persons. 2014-2015: 10 2014-2015: 32
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•
Performance Five-Year Annual Actual Number By
Objective# Indicators Expected Expected Program Year
OutcomelObjective* Number Number
Specific Objectives
#8
DH-2 Community Housing Development Organization(CHDO)
HOME Program-Enhance affordability Total number of 10 units __ 2010-2011: 1 2010-2013:_0_ - -.
for the purpose of creating a suitable units to be 2011-2013:4 2011-2013: 10
living by developing housing for low and assisted City has 2013-2013: 0 2013-2013:0
moderate income persons. exceeded its 2013-2014: 87 2013-2014:87
5 year goals. 2014-2015: 4 2014-2015: 4
#9
DH-2 Homeless Prevention
HPRP Program—Enhance Total number of 80 2010-2011: 10 2010-2013:86
availability/accessibility for the purpose persons to be City has 2011-2013:44 2011-2013:418
of creating a suitable living environment assisted exceeded its City has reached its
by providing services to persons at risk 5 year goals. 2012-2013: 0 _ goal.
of becoming homeless or people who 2013-2014: 0 2013-2014:0
are already homeless. 2014-2015: 0 2014-2015:0
*Outcome/Objective Codes
AvailabilitylAccessibility Affordability Sustainability
Decent Housing DH-1 DH-2 DH-3
Suitable Living Environment SL-1 SL-2 SL-3
Economic Opportunity EO-1 EO-2 EO-3
I. MONITORING
All CDBG and HOME program grant disbursements are timely and do not differ from the
letter of credit disbursements. There are no activities or strategies falling behind of
schedule at this time. The City's monitoring procedures are outlined below:
CDBG Subrecipient — The City of Lynwood requires all subrecipients under the CDBG
program to submit quarterly performance report, documenting the number, income,
race/ethnicity, and household characteristics of the persons/households assisted. In
addition, site visits are made to locations of subgrantees receiving more than $30,000
annually, to ensure that the quality, services and that the targeted beneficiaries are
consistent with CDBG program guidelines as well as the contracted scope of services
specified in the agreements with the City.
Home Program—The City will continue to monitor the affordability provisions as outlined
in the HOME program agreements. Projects that have one to four HOME units will have
on-site inspections every three years; projections with five to twenty-five units will be
inspected every two years. For projects containing twenty-six units or more, a yearly
inspection will be conducted.
17
Technical Assistance - The City will provide technical assistance to community based
organization seeking grants, grant preparation and grant administration.
Furthermore, project and financial data on CDBG and HOME funded activities will be
maintained using HUD's:IDIS (Integrated Disbursement Information System) software.
Use of this system allows HUD staff easy access to local data for review and progress
evaluation.
J. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT NARRATIVE STATEMENTS
The following narratives provide an overview of the City's actions during the reporting
period demonstrating the relationship between the expenditure of CDBG funds and
efforts to address priority needs, goals and objectives as identified in the Five-year
Consolidated Plan. Lynwood's 5-year Consolidated Plan identified several high priority
activities. During fiscal year 2014, the City allocated resources to meet high priority
needs for housing and community development. Other activities included public safety
programs, youth and senior services and activities, and code enforcement. Lynwood
funded its housing activities with the use of HOME and CDBG funds. These funds were
dedicated to home improvement for low/moderate income families. CDBG funds were
also used to identify and improve substandard housing, and enforce Lynwood's housing
code standards.
Below is a summary of the use of funds in relation to Consolidated Plan priorities:
Homeless/HIV/AIDS: The City completed did not have allocated funds for direct
p
services to homeless, HIV and AIDS; however referral were made to nearby shelter and
service providers.
Non-Homeless Special Needs: CDBG public services funds were expended for Senior
Citizen activities benefitting low income and very low income residents; public safety
activities and public services. More than 2,7721 residents benefitted from these services
and/or were referred to such agencies as the Department of Social Services and the
Legal Aid Society.
Affirmatively Further Fair Housing — Lynwood in partnership with the Fair Housing
Foundation work together to solve housing issues relating to discrimination,
tenant/landlord disputes and substandard housing complaints, as well as educating the
public as to their rights under the law. This fiscal year, 268 Lynwood residents received
assistance through the FHF program. It is the City's goals to increase fair housing
education throughout the community and assist with the enforcement of fair housing
laws and the use of various tools including testing to document discrimination with a
special focus on homeownership and rental housing. Lynwood continues to monitor
and remove impediments to fair housing choice and updates its Analysis of Impediment
to assure that progress is being made and that any new impediments are being
addressed.
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Owner-Occupied Housing: In an effort to preserve Lynwood's existing housing stock,
Lynwood completed 32 home improvement projects with the use of HOME program
funds. Another three home improvement projects were completed with the use of
CDBG funds, for a total of fifteen families that received home improvement assistance
this fiscal year.
Rental Housing: Lynwood in partnership with the Los Angeles County Housing Authority
has provided 426 rental subsidy vouchers to Lynwood residents.
Affordable Housing: The AMCAL Development project is currently providing low income
housing to 87 families. Lynwood in partnership with the Habitat for Humanity is
developing 7 single family affordable housing units at 3303 Magnolia Avenue for sale to
low income families and another two affordable housing units were completed by
Habitat for Humanity and made affordable to Lynwood low income residents.
Infrastructure Improvements: Lynwood completed a substantial change to its fiscal year
2014 Consolidated Plan to fund the improvement of four residential streets. These
streets have been designed and are currently in bidding stage. We expect the
completion of this street improvement project in 2015. In addition, Lynwood is utilizing
its 4.6 million Measure R Bond Funds to improve deteriorated/dilapidated streets
throughout the City. Nine streets to include Linden, Virginia, Josephine, Bradfield,
Walnut, Redwood, Louise, Elmwood, and Olanda were completed this fiscal year, with
these funds.
Code Enforcement: Code enforcement addresses property maintenance, building
violations, health and safety violations in order to bring violations into compliance and
educate to educate the community on the Lynwood Municipal Codes and California
building codes, thereby enhancing property improvements and protecting public health,
safety and the quality of life in Lynwood. This year accomplishments include the
inspection of 4,104 Housing units which resulted in 8,747 citations for health and safety
hazards, property maintenance violations, and building, electrical, or plumbing code
violations. 84% of these citations have been addressed; the remaining 16% are in
process.
Evaluation of extent to which CDBG funds were used for activities that benefit low and
moderate income persons – The City of Lynwood ensured that 100% of CDBG funds
were spent to benefit low and moderate income persons and households, as evidenced
in Attachment "A" the Financial Summary Report.- - — --
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Changes in Program Objective
a. There was one Substantial Change to the fiscal year 2014 Consolidated Action Plan
to provide CDBG funding for fiscal year 2014 Street Improvement for four residential
streets. The streets are currently out to bid and expected for completion in 2015.
b. Assessment of Efforts to Carryout Planned Actions as part of Certifications:
Resulting--project assessments contained within the CAPER reveal that the City
closely adhered to plan actions and project activities described in the Action Plan,
and that all benefitted extremely low income, low income, and moderate income
persons.
c. Lynwood did not hinder the Consolidated Plan implementation by action or willful
inaction.
d. Use of CDBG Funds for National Objectives — CDBG funds were used exclusively for
activities benefiting low/mod persons, and slum/ blight activities.
e. Lynwood has complied with certification to expend a minimum of 70% of Lynwood
CDBG funds benefitted low/mod people.
f. Anti-displacement and Relocation - In FY 2014, no displacement and relocation
occurred as a result of CDBG and HOME funded activities.
g. Low/Mod Job Activities - No job creation activities were undertaken with CDBG funds
in FY 2014.
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CITY OF LYNWOOD _- -
HOME PROGRAM CAPER NARRATIVES
FISCAL YEAR 2014
HOME funds were committed to fund the housing activities identified in the
Consolidated Plan and the FY 2014 Action Plan. The following table represents the
Strategic Plan Priorities for housing as described in the 2010-2014 Consolidated Plan.
— The table represents the Strategic Plan Priority-levels for-both rental-housing and owner
occupied housing.
2010-2014 Consolidated Plan - Strategic Plan Priorities
Priority Need Category Priority Level
Owner Occupied / Single Family High
Housing
Multi Family/ Rental Housing Low
The priority levels assigned to each of the aforementioned categories during the
development of the 2014 Consolidated Plan were based on the following criteria:
• Community participation
• Public'consultation process
• Public meetings and hearings
• Past HOME funding allocations
• Input from City Departments
• Needs identified in the Housing Element
Based on the Strategic Plan Priorities for the Consolidated Plan period, the City
established the following priorities and specific objectives under the 2014 Action Plan:
1. Maintain the quality and affordability of the existing housing stock through the HOME
And/or CDBG funded Housing Rehabilitation Program.
2014 Specific Obiectives: Completed fifteen home improvement loans/grants.
Lynwood provides loans up to a maximum of $35,000 and grants up to $10.000 for
home improvement. To be eligible for assistance, homeowners cannot exceed the
low- to moderate-income levels as established by HUD. Under the $10,000 grant
element, the City assists homeowners who are in need of repairs to items that
present an immediate threat to the integrity of the structure and/or the elimination of
-- - health and safety issues on the dwelling. During fiscal year 2014 Lynwood provided
assistance to 32 Lynwood families for home improvement assistance.
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2. Increase the number of affordable rental housing stock-through the acquisition or-
construction of rental housing. No specific goal set for FY 2014, nor were any FY
2014 HOME CHDO funds spent during the program year, although several project
are under consideration.
HOME Match Report
Under the Department of Housing and Urban Development HOME fund guidelines, - -
Lynwood qualifies for a 100% HOME Match Reduction for the 2014 Program Year.
Therefore, the City is not required to provide a matching contribution.
Contracts with Minority Business Enterprises (MBE's) and Women Business
Enterprises (WBE's).
Lynwood contracts with MDG, Inc., a minority business, to provide technical assistance
for the City's home improvement program, in the form of home improvement
inspections, lead base and contractor compliance, as well as Avant-Garde, Inc. a
minority, woman owned business, to provide HOME program administrative assistance.
As a participating jurisdiction, the City maintains an affirmative marketing approach that
provides information and attracts eligible persons for available housing without regard to
race, color, national origin, sex,, religion, family status or disability. Addressing the
multi-ethnic nature of the city, the City uses marketing procedures that inform potential
program participants about Federal fair housing laws and equal housing opportunities in
both Spanish and English. Additionally, the City uses special public outreach programs
that include community based organizations, real estate organizations, and public
service groups to solicit applications and inform the public about eligible programs and
available assistance.
Property Acquisition and Rehabilitation
Lynwood and Habitat for Humanity (HFH) are continuing to partner for affordable
housing development to make available to low income households. Qualifying
households will be required to provide sweat equity by assisting in the rehabilitation of
their home when applicable and must qualify for a standard market rate loan. The City
will "help up" the family by reducing the price of the home to an affordable level and
enabling the family resources to be expended on other necessary family enhancing
activities.
Annual Goals and Strategies - - -
The Housing Rehabilitation program continues to have an overwhelming citizen -_
response and has completed its annual and five year goals as set in the Consolidated
Plans. The annual goal for FY 2014 was. set- at 10 home improvement projects.
Lynwood completed 32 home improvement projects this program year.
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Accomplishments
Lynwood met all required commitment and expenditure deadlines for the HOME
program thereby supporting the goal of creating a safe, decent living environment for
Lynwood residents. The City's Housing rehabilitation program provided technical and
financial assistance to 32 qualifying owners of residential properties. within the City of
Lynwood. The program, limited to owner occupied homes, is designed to rehabilitate
and correct code violations for existing properties. Within the program year the City has
marketed the program at various town hall meetings and publications, including
Lynwood n' Perspective to provide the information to the community regarding the
program.
Vacant Property Acquisition and Rehabilitation
No new activities took place this fiscal year.
Vacant Property Acquisition and New Construction
No new activities took please this fiscal year.
Report on match contributions and resources from private and non-federal
resources.
The City of Lynwood does not have a matching contribution requirement with the federal
formula entitlement grants.
Results of on-site inspections of affordable rental housing units.
The City has established program guidelines that require all rental units to meet the
City's minimum property standards, building codes and zoning ordinances at the time of
project completion. Rent requirements are enforced by deed restrictions and
affordability terms are included in written agreements. Both occupancy and rental
requirements are monitored for 5 to 20 years depending on the amount of HOME funds
provided. The City monitored five rental projects that were assisted with HOME funds
in prior years. Currently the City is monitoring one rental development and, per HUD
requirements, has acquired certifications from tenants confirming their low income
status. As a result of the monitoring and certifications, the project is in compliance with
all rent restrictions and occupancy requirements.
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I '
Lead Based Paint (LBP) - -
The City of Lynwood's housing is of old housing stock and has the potential of
containing lead hazards. Lead based paint removal and abatement is a priority for
HOME assisted units and all homes where improvements are sought. The City consults
with the County of Los Angeles regarding the Consolidated Plan Lead Abatement plan
and has implemented federal regulations pertaining to lead. The City will continue to
provide information and education to households by incorporating the procedures to -
eliminate LBP hazards and to provide a process for the proper abatement of LBP in
residential properties and will continue to, as it has in the past, distribute Lead Based
Paint brochures in the Development Services Department to all homeowners and
contractors seeking to improve their homes.
For all residential rehabilitation projects funded by HOME and CDBG, Lead Based Paint
(LBP) inspections were conducted by a licensed contractor to determine the existence
of lead based paint on the property. The City has expended approximately $15,000 on
the abatement of lead in HOME assisted rehab projects. All applicants to the Housing
Rehab program are provided literature regarding the hazards of lead and methods to
protect from lead in the home. Homeowners are also required to sign a statement
certifying their review and understanding of LBP brochure. For new residential units,
including all construction sponsored by the City, contractors are not permitted to use
paint containing more than 0.006 percent lead by weight in the total content of liquid
paint.
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