fifth program year caper - essexcountynj.org€¦ · the cpmp consolidated annual performance and...

Fifth Program Year CAPER 1

Fifth Program Year CAPER The CPMP Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report includes Narrative Responses to CAPER questions that CDBG, HOME, HOPWA, and ESG grantees must respond to each year in

order to be compliant with the Consolidated Planning Regulations. The Executive Summary narratives are optional. The grantee must submit an updated Financial Summary Report (PR26).

GENERAL Executive Summary This module is optional but encouraged. If you choose to complete it, provide a brief overview that includes major initiatives and highlights that were proposed and executed throughout the first year. Program Year 5 CAPER Executive Summary response: The Essex County Division of Housing & Community Development implemented the goals that were outlined in its 5 year consolidated plan. The Division invested heavily in public improvement projects throughout the 18 municipalities that comprise the Essex County Consortium. The Division continued to rehabilitate numerous public facilities that provide much needed services to our population. Our public facilities continue to be utilized by low and moderate individuals and families. Along with our public facility improvements the Division continued to support a wide variety of public services. Many of the service providers continue to provide services to ever increasing numbers with reduced resources. The Division attempted to complement existing programs through the investment of its CDBG dollars to help those agencies expand their programs. The Division continued to utilize its HOME Program to create affordable housing for primarily for people with special needs and the homeless. The County recognized that there is a lack of safe, decent housing for these populations and made creating units for these individuals and families a priority in its 2014 Action Plan. Finally, the Division utilized its ESG program to improve the shelters in the County, fund case management, operational support as well as homeless prevention and rapid re-housing services which have served record number of individuals and families this past year. Although the economy continues its recovery, HUD’s entitlement programs have enabled the County to help its communities and citizens maintain a suitable living environment which otherwise might not be the case without this much needed funding.

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General Questions 1. Assessment of the one-year goals and objectives:

a. Describe the accomplishments in attaining the goals and objectives for the reporting period.

b. Provide a breakdown of the CPD formula grant funds spent on grant activities for each goal and objective.

c. If applicable, explain why progress was not made towards meeting the goals and objectives.

2. Describe the manner in which the recipient would change its program as a result of its experiences.

3. Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing: a. Provide a summary of impediments to fair housing choice. b. Identify actions taken to overcome effects of impediments identified.

4. Describe Other Actions in Strategic Plan or Action Plan taken to address obstacles

to meeting underserved needs.

5. Leveraging Resources a. Identify progress in obtaining “other” public and private resources to address

needs. b. How Federal resources from HUD leveraged other public and private

resources. c. How matching requirements were satisfied.

Program Year 5 CAPER General Questions response: Program Year 5 CAPER General Questions response: Resources Made Available Within the Jurisdiction 1. Community Development Objectives, Actions and Accomplishments a. Essex County’s community development objectives sought to provide a suitable living environment for low- and moderate-income residents by providing CDBG funds to improve public facilities, reconstruct infrastructure, remove barriers to enhance accessibility for those with disabilities and expanding the delivery of public services for tenant/landlord counseling, health services, senior citizens, youth, handicapped persons and low- and moderate-income persons. In 2014, Essex County Consortium utilized the CDBG program to fund total of twelve (12) public facility projects, which included improvements to recreational facilities, community centers, facility improvements for agencies that provide programs serving the disabled. In addition, CDBG was used to fund eight (8) infrastructure (street reconstruction and ADA curb ramp improvements) projects. Finally, thirty (30) Public Service activities were funded. Below is a summary of the funded community development activities. b. Summary of Projects The following is a list of activities funded with the County’s 2014 CDBG allocation. These activities were consistent with the priorities proposed to address the five-year goals and objectives of the County’s community development needs:

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CDBG PROGRAM I - HOUSING REHABILITATION/COUNSELING

Home Improvement Program $772,782 Home Improvement Loan Program Delivery Costs $193,196 (Loan review, Inspections, Environmental Review, Loan Servicing) Tenant Resource Center $ 93,210 TOTAL $1,059,188

II FACILITIES

Cedar Grove Barrier Free Bathroom to North End Firehouse Restroom $62,100 (recaptured at request of the town) Livingston ADA Improvements to Monmouth Court & Haines Pool $42,265 Maplewood ADA Restroom Improvements to Hilton Branch Library $102,589 Montclair ARC Generator for Group Home $8,800 Nutley ADA Improvements to Parks Dept. Walkway $16,000 Orange Central Park Facility Improvements $266,915 Roseland ADA Improvements to Municipal Building $40,250 South Orange South Orange Performing Arts Center $118,216 Countywide ARC of Essex – Emergency Generator $30,000 Family Connections, Inc. – Carpet & Flooring Installation $15,000 FOCUS – Replacement HVAC System $38,500 Northwest Essex Comm. Healthcare Network-Belleville Bldg. Renov. $15,800 TOTAL $756,435

III PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS Belleville Roadway Reconstruction Lawrence St. (Entire Length) $206,000 Roadway Reconstruction Newark Pl. (Entire Length) $126,000 (originally appeared as Quinton St. in the Action Plan)

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Fairfield ADA Curb Cuts to Municipal Complex $53,540 Glen Ridge ADA Street Ramp Improvements $39,500 Montclair Glenridge Avenue Streetscape Improvements PH. III $182,400 Nutley Roadway Reconstruction of Hancox Avenue (Union Ave. to Morris Pl.) $160,908 (Action Plan indicated roadway construction of Chestnut & Willow Place project cancelled and Hancox Ave. increased by $17,000) Verona Reconstruction of Gould & Reid Place $108,738 West Orange Roadway Reconstruction of High Street $276,000 TOTAL $1,153,086

IV PUBLIC SERVICES Montclair MNDC – Project Oasis Youth Program $21,000 HOMECorp – Financial Literacy Program $12,500 Interfaith Hospitality Network – Transitional Housing Services $21,000 Succeed2gether - After School Tutoring Program $21,000 Family Service League – Rape Victim & Family Counseling Services $9,996 United Way of North Essex – Job Resource & Skill Building $12,500 COPE Center, Inc. – Families Empowered $21,000 Start Out Fresh Intervention Advocates (S.O.F.I.A.) – Soar to Success $12,731 Orange Helping Hands & Ears Food Pantry and Social Services $25,000 Main Street Counseling Center - School Based Mental Health Svc. $15,000 Horizons Community Development – Rising Above Initiative $10,000 Orange Public Library – Saturday Literacy Program $50,000 Circle of Excellence – After School Program $43,350 West Orange Main Street Counseling-Accessible Mental Health Program $10,000 Bethany Center – Outreach for At Risk Youth $65,000 Countywide 1st Cerebral Palsy – Nursing Support Services $15,000 ASun Star – Future Leaders of Tomorrow After School Program $ 7,000 Big Brothers & Big Sisters – Mentoring Program $ 7,000 EIES of New Jersey – Radio Reader Service $ 7,900 Hudson Community Enterprises – Operation HOPE $ 7,000

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Jewish Family Services-Frail Adult Program $ 7,900 Mental Health Association – Vehicle Replacement $ 9,875 National Council for Jewish Women-Economic Empowerment Program $ 9,875 North Ward Center – Casa Israel Senior Services $51,000 Northwest Essex Community Healthcare Network Services $38,000 O.A.R. – EMERGE Women’s Empowerment Project $ 7,000 Opportunity Project -Pre-Vocational Training & Work Adjustment $15,800 Planned Parenthood – HIV Counseling & Testing $ 7,900 Saint James Social Service Corp- Emergency Food & Crisis Prevention $ 7,900 The Bridge, Inc. – Admin $17,000 Activity Delivery Costs (Costs specific for activities including, $100,000 But not limited to, environmental reviews, Davis-Bacon wage review & inspections) TOTAL $673,227

V PLANNING & ADMINISTRATION Planning & Administration Budget $921,102

HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM (HOME)

Affordable Housing Development Program $634,042 Rehabilitation (Moderate & Substantial) Rental Housing Production (CHDO Reserve) $126,809 Administration $ 84,538 TOTAL $845,389

EMERGENCY SOLUTIONS GRANT PROGRAM Interfaith Hospitality Network – Rapid Re-Housing Activities $ 43,000 Interfaith Hospitality Network – Shelter Operations $ 41,500 Salvation Army – Shelter Operations $ 20,000 Salvation Army – Homeless Prevention Services $ 15,000 Covenant House – Homeless Youth Street Outreach $ 20,000 Newark Emergency Services for Families – Rapid Re-housing $ 50,000 YMCA – Emergency Shelter Operations $ 61,545 YMCA – Supportive Services $ 36,000 Integrity, Inc. – Homeless Prevention $ 47,000 Integrity, Inc. – Emergency Shelter Operations $ 20,000 Planning & Administration $ 28,706

2014 CDBG REPROGRAMMED ACTIVITIES

Public Facilities Essex County Public Works – ADA Restroom Improvements to the $289,264 Economic Development Center (50 South Clinton Street, East Orange)

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Orange – Central Park Improvements $125,000 Public Improvements Essex County Public Works – Roadway Reconstruction $1,025,000 Various Locations Montclair – Walnut Street Pedestrian Safety Improvements $100,000 Nutley – Chestnut & Willow Place Reconstruction $93,536 Verona – Emergency Generator at Linn Drive Well $116,000 TOTAL $1,748,800 2. The County assesses its program at the end of each program year. The County met its timeliness test in 2014. Additionally, the activities selected for funding were not anticipated to represent significant recapture risk, therefore the County would continue to operate its program in a similar manner. The Division updated its Policy and Procedures Manual for the CDBG Program in 2013 to provide tools and guidance to the Urban County which will enhance the implementation of the program, spur timely activity completion and incentivize those municipalities that have developed efficient processes to implement their CDBG funded activities. 3. The County updated its Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing (AI) for the County Consortium in 2010 and submitted it with the 2010-2014 Consolidated Five Year Plan. The analysis concluded that the Consortium is complying with its certification to HUD and will affirmatively further fair housing opportunities. The County hired a consultant to prepare its AI for the 2015-2019 Consolidated Plan. The plan has been submitted to the County and is currently being reviewed by the Division. This section’s intent is to provide a summary of a complex problem, which can only be properly described in a comprehensive report, which originally appeared in the County’s 2010-2014 Consolidated Five Year Plan. A copy of the analysis is included as an appendix to this report. Housing discrimination continues to take place in the County and although strides have been made in the areas of educating homeowners and renters of their housing rights through the efforts of a myriad of non-profit groups, much work needs to be done to eliminate the problem. The County’s goal is to eliminate existing discrimination and prevent future instances of impediments to fair housing choice for Essex County residents. The 2010 analysis of impediments identified public and private sector conditions that foster housing discrimination, and providing recommendations for dealing with the fair housing issues identified. In 2014 the County, through its sub-recipient agreement with the Division of Community Action, has provided counseling services and mitigated tenant/landlord disputes. Additionally, the County distributed posters as part of its campaign to notify the public of their fair housing rights. The posters were produced by National Fair Housing Alliance and were in both Spanish and English. The posters provided the HUD hotline 1-800-669-9777 and urged those that were experiencing housing discrimination to report any such instances to HUD. The national campaign by the

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National Fair Housing Alliance has triggered a dialogue at the local level and the County would like to develop a similar advertisement at the local level. The goals and strategies have been developed based upon the identified impediments. A detailed description of each impediment can be found in the full report. For reference purposes they are as follows:

Public Sector

1. Zoning Policies 2. Building Codes and Enforcement 3. Public Housing and Hope VI 4. The Effect of Governmental Consolidation on Housing Choice 5. Neighborhood Revitalization 6. The Davis-Bacon Act 7. NJ Housing and Mortgage Finance Authority’s Policies 8. NIMBYism 9. Public Subsidy of Housing

Private Sector

1. Lending Policies and Practices 2. Insurance Redlining 3. How Mortgage Lending Practices Affect Housing Choice 4. Mortgage Foreclosures and the Effect of Blighting on Housing Choice 5. Racial Steering 6. Bias in Lending 7. Housing Discrimination 8. Lack of Decent Affordable Housing 9. Transportation and Employee Access

Public and Private Sectors

1. Fair Housing Enforcement 2. Evaluation of Public and Private Fair Housing Programs and Activities 3. Public Awareness Program 4. Visitability 5. Location of Consumer Businesses 6. Creation of Illegal Apartments

Specific actions have been identified which will assist in overcoming the impediments to fair housing choice identified in this report. Essex County must continue to maintain its commitment to affirmatively further fair housing and implementation of the following actions will strengthen Essex County’s position with regard to fair housing activities and alleviate remaining impediments to fair housing choice: 1. Raise the Visibility of Fair Housing and the Complaint Process A review of the Essex County’s website found very little information about the County’s Consolidated Plan, One-Year Action Plan and fair housing. There are many

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ways to create a website to improve the County’s ability to communicate key housing, community development and fair housing information. It would be helpful if the County establishes a point person to take fair housing inquiries. The County must also create a plan to raise its fair housing visibility through public outreach. The County and its local fair housing agency should continue to conduct presentations and distribute information about fair housing, through elementary schools, public libraries, affordable housing providers and community/recreation centers. One suggestion is to develop a small brochure to be placed near public use computers in libraries, computer rooms in housing developments, and in churches, containing links to the County websites. Another idea is to place advertisements/public service announcements in the real estate section of the newspaper, asking, “Have you faced discrimination in trying to find housing to rent or buy?” along with the number to call to report potential discrimination. 2. Consider Incentives and Alternative Funding Sources to Encourage and Increase Affordable Housing Development Development and support of affordable housing require concerted efforts by multiple parties including government agencies, housing organizations, nonprofits, advocates and real estate professionals. These entities should continually coordinate affordable housing efforts, perhaps guided by the strategies developed in a Master Plan. An examination of what proportion of units are affordable will assist in setting actual and attainable goals for affordable housing. The County should also examine how it can more effectively facilitate affordable housing development through development fees and approvals. It should also consider collaborating with other municipalities to share ideas on encouraging or mandating affordable housing in new developments, as well as utilizing the Housing Trust fund to assist with affordable housing acquisition and development. 3. Increase Landlord and Resident Awareness and Knowledge of Fair Housing The County should continue to provide information about fair housing to landlords. Possibly include a class, discussing fair housing issues that landlords must attend to become registered. Conduct fair housing workshops as part of community events (e.g., public service announcements, utility bill inserts, County newsletters etc.). Conduct public service campaigns to inform citizens about fair housing issues. These campaigns may consist of displaying posters, handing out flyers and conducting workshops in schools to reach future renters. Work with affordable housing providers to reach renters most likely to be affected by Fair Housing issues. Maintain a person at the County who is the central point of contact on fair housing issues for residents and landlords as well as for other County departments. This person would receive training on fair housing issues, communicate with state and local fair housing groups and HUD, and refer residents wishing to file complaints with follow-up as necessary. 4. Work to Assist Residents with Special Needs Have Full Access to Housing and Needed Services Continue to dedicate funding to improve housing accessibility for persons with disabilities. Specifically, funding should go to remove architectural barriers for persons with disabilities and to rehabilitate housing for accessibility. Improve

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marketing of the Housing Choice (Section 8) program to increase turnover of Housing Choice (Section 8) vouchers. Conduct fair housing training sessions with landlords and property managers, particularly those who serve the County’s lowest-income and special-needs populations. A key element of the training would be to present case studies on tricky landlord/tenant situations and to resolve the situations. Participants would be able to offer their own situations for group discussion and to explore solutions. 5. Ensure That Existing Credit Counseling Programs are Available and Targeted Education about loan requirements and budgeting, commonly offered through first-time homebuyer classes, may help potential applicants to understand how to improve their chances of receiving a mortgage loan and how to mitigate the damaging effects of poor credit history. Such classes should include a discussion about fair housing and predatory lending, which may be a concern for the community. Programs that provide credit counseling should target minorities (especially African Americans) and geographic areas in the County where loan denial rates are the highest. These programs should also contain information on predatory lending and counsel potential borrowers about the risks of carrying high levels of consumer debt. Finally, these programs should contain information on accessing government-sponsored and subsidized loans, which have more flexible underwriting standards. 6. Ensure an Orderly Transfer of Property Assets to Facilitate Home Improvement Loans Education about the legal aspects of property transfer between generations will help families to be able to obtain home improvement loans. Property owners who die without a will and who have multiple heirs leave a legal tangle that can make it difficult for heirs to obtain property improvement loans. The County should work with the appropriate organization (e.g., legal services) to initiate education and assistance to ensure an orderly transfer of assets, which will mitigate some difficulties in obtaining credit. 7. Ensure Readily Available Transportation Opportunities and Access to Jobs

Upon completion of the comparison of existing transportation services to the specific mobility needs of the population, the following service gaps were developed:

• Fixed-route bus and rail service is not readily available in suburban areas, where population and trip origins and destinations are widely dispersed.

• Many residential areas and work-related destinations are located close to public transit services; however, days of operation, hours of service, and frequency of trips may not accommodate specific requirements.

• Employment centers, medical facilities, and shopping centers serving targeted populations are often not located in areas served by public transportation.

• Services may not provide necessary connections between municipalities within a County.

• Community-based, door-to-door services typically offer limited hours and are usually operating at full capacity.

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• Existing Para transit and existing human services agency Para transit systems are often operating at capacity, and are unable to meet the demand for their services.

Other concerns are the affordability of public transit and the availability of information about transit services. One key finding from the survey is that gaps in services for Work First New Jersey (WFNJ) clients were cited by a large majority of counties, in most categories, and more so than other target populations.

CDBG Program - The CDBG Program provides funds for activities benefiting people of low-moderate income, activities addressing slums or blight or activities meeting a particular urgent community development need. In 2014 the program received $4,605,513 in Entitlement Funds. Emergency Shelter/Solutions Grant Program (ESG) – the ESG Program provides funds for the renovation expansion or construction of homeless shelter for families. Up to 30% of all funds can be used for theses types of activities along with providing essential services. The Essex County Division of Housing and Community Development administers the ESG program. 2014 represented the fourth year that the regulations governing the ESG program established under the Homeless Emergency Assistance and Rapid Transition to Housing Act of 2009 (HEARTH Act) went into effect. The new rules shifted the program originally established under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act from a shelter rehabilitation and case management program to a program focused on homeless prevention activities, emphasizing rapid re-housing, and helping people quickly regain stability in permanent housing after experiencing a housing crisis and/or homelessness. The grant of $382,751 in federal entitlement funds was utilized for shelter rehabilitation, case management services, homeless prevention, rapid re-housing, street outreach and operational support. During the 2014 Program Year the County recaptured PY 2011 ESG funds in the amount of $54,298, PY 2012 ESG funds in the amount of $85,575 and PY 2014 ESG funds in the amount of $62,215. The County reprogrammed these funds to additional eligible activities as follows:

• PY 2011 Babyland Family Services, Inc. for Emergency Shelter $14,298 • PY 2011 Interfaith Hospitality Network for Emergency Shelter $15,000 • PY 2011 Essex County LGBT Rain Foundation for Emergency Shelter $10,000 • PY 2011 Salvation Army of Montclair for Emergency Shelter $15,000 • PY 2012 Newark Emergency Services for Families Homeless Prevention and

Rapid Re-Housing Assistance $35,000 • PY 2012 YMCA of Newark & Vicinity for Rapid Re-housing $50,575

Home Investment partnership Program (HOME) – The Home program provides a revolving loan fund, which is used to provide rental housing rehabilitation, group homes for the disabled and first time homebuyer assistance for low and moderate-income households. The program is administered by the Division of Housing and Community Development. The County received $845,389 in 2014. The County leveraged other resources made available through private banks, the NJHMFA, and the NJ Division of Developmental Disabilities. Essex County Home Improvement Program (HIP) – The HIP program provides no-interest deferred payment loans to eligible homeowner occupants for the abatement of code and/or safety violations. The program is administered by the

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Essex County Division of Housing and Community Development. In 2014 the program rehabilitated 14 units of housing for low and moderate-income people. In 2014, the actual resources allocated were used to supplement resources previously allocated under previous program years as established under the 2010-2014 Consolidated Plan. Investment of Available Resources The following pages describe the investments made during the 2014 fiscal year toward meeting the priorities as outlines in the 2010-2014 Consolidated Plan and the 2014 One Year Action Plan. Managing the Process 1. Describe actions taken during the last year to ensure compliance with program

and comprehensive planning requirements. During 2014 Program Year the Division of Housing & Community Development held monthly meetings at Mcloone’s Boathouse in West Orange. The Division has designated Mcloone’s as the site of its monthly Community Development Representative’s meetings. The County holds its meetings usually on the third Thursday each month (any changes to this schedule are communicated to the consortium and posted on the County’s website. The purpose of these meetings is to disseminate important information regarding the programs to the constituents. These meetings enhance the services of the public and private agencies by addressing important issues in a public forum. It allows other agencies to interact with one another and with the Division to formulate solutions to problems and overcome deficiencies in funding by integrating other funding sources. The Division requested an extension, received approval from HUD and submitted its One-Year Action Plan to HUD for the 2014 Program Year on June 16, 2014. The US Department of Housing & Urban Development subsequently approved the plan for the County’s CDBG and HOME programs on July 24, 2014. The Essex County Board of Chosen Freeholders approved the 2014 One-Year Action Plan by resolution. This process allows the Division to accept the funds from the U.S. Treasury in the form of a letter of credit. The Division entered into contracts with all sub-recipients for the 2014 Program Year soon thereafter. The Division issued a Finding of No Significant Impact and Request of Release of Funds from HUD for all activities involving construction that could pose a potential impact on the environment. The purpose of this notice was to inform the public that the identified CDBG, HOME, & ESG activities would have no adverse effect on the environment. Citizen Participation 1. Provide a summary of citizen comments. 2. In addition, the performance report provided to citizens must identify the Federal

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funds made available for furthering the objectives of the Consolidated Plan. For each formula grant program, the grantee shall identify the total amount of funds available (including estimated program income), the total amount of funds committed during the reporting period, the total amount expended during the reporting period, and the geographic distribution and location of expenditures. Jurisdictions are encouraged to include maps in describing the geographic distribution and location of investment (including areas of minority concentration). Specifying the census tracts where expenditures were concentrated may also satisfy the geographic distribution and expenditure requirement.

*Please note that Citizen Comments and Responses may be included as additional files within the CPMP Tool. Program Year 5 CAPER Citizen Participation response: The County made the 2014 CAPER available to citizens and residents by publishing a notice in the Newark Star Ledger on July 15, 2015. The notice stated that the document was available for review in the Division of Housing and Community Development and that citizens had until August 13, 2015 to comment on the document. The Division also placed an ad in a Spanish local newspaper, El Nuevo Coqui announcing the availability of the 2014 CAPER as well as the public comment period. Attached are the affidavits for both public notices. No citizen comments were provided during or after the public comment period. Institutional Structure 1. Describe actions taken during the last year to overcome gaps in institutional

structures and enhance coordination. Program Year 5 CAPER Institutional Structure response: The County has been working continuously with the consortium to address the budget cuts they continue to face especially with the State cuts that have severly affected the 18 municipalities in Essex and how CDBG funds can be better used to assist their low-moderate income residents. Coordination and streamlining of programs are essential to overcoming financial shortfalls while maintaining current services all of which have been impacted by the economy and the State of New Jersey’s adverse financial situation.

Finally, the County has been administering the NSP 3 program in the City of Orange which will help stabilize two neighborhoods identified in the County’s substantial amendment. The County funded two developers, RPM Development, Inc. and Orange Housing Development Corp. using its NSP 3 grant. RPM Development,Inc. received $1,106,786 for scattered site redevelopment. RPM Development is fully drawn and complete. A total of 46 affordable housing units were created including 28 units designated for the 25% low income set aside for households at 50% AMI.

The County committed $560,000 in NSP 3 funds to Orange Housing Development Corporation for the redevelopment of 7 burnt out row houses. The burnt out structures were demolished in 2012 and Orange Housing Development Corp. has

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completed construction and has begun lease up of these units. Monitoring 1. Describe how and the frequency with which you monitored your activities. 2. Describe the results of your monitoring including any improvements. 3. Self Evaluation

a. Describe the effect programs have in solving neighborhood and community problems.

b. Describe progress in meeting priority needs and specific objectives and help make community’s vision of the future a reality.

c. Describe how you provided decent housing and a suitable living environment and expanded economic opportunity principally for low and moderate-income persons.

d. Indicate any activities falling behind schedule. e. Describe how activities and strategies made an impact on identified needs. f. Identify indicators that would best describe the results. g. Identify barriers that had a negative impact on fulfilling the strategies and

overall vision. h. Identify whether major goals are on target and discuss reasons for those that

are not on target. i. Identify any adjustments or improvements to strategies and activities that

might meet your needs more effectively. Program Year 5 CAPER Monitoring response: Activities can only be reviewed and implemented with the proper monitoring and compliance standards in place. The County progressively reviews each priority during the project implementation phase. The County’s strategy for monitoring employs continuous quality improvement measures that aggressively and consistently monitor projects to ensure that short term and long term goals are being met. Additionally, the Division consists of staff experienced in the various program and project type areas. Subsequent projects funded with the resources previously noted are monitored in the following areas: · Compliance with the following National Objectives: -Benefit to low and moderate income persons -Elimination of slums and blight -Urgent need (has never been used by the County) · Compliance with federal, state and local procurement standards. · Compliance with the Davis-Bacon Prevailing Wage Act and similar state requirements. · Compliance with all federal OMB financial management guidelines. · Compliance in these areas is verified through the following processes: Jurisdiction · Receipt and review of monthly service provider clientele reports. · A minimum of one (1) on site monitoring visits for each project per program year. Most construction activities require multiple visits depending on their complexity. · The monthly distribution of a financial summary by municipality.

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· Annual review of the Single Audits conducted for funded projects. · Constant interaction with the primary project contact person and municipal representatives. · The use of explanatory and comprehensive grants and loans agreements. · The filing of mortgage liens and/or deed restrictions on capital projects. Using these strategies, the Division of Housing and Community Development has maximized the efficiency of each of its programs and achieved the short term goals outlined in the One Year Action Plan. During the planning process, it was identified by the Program Performance sub-committee that the County needed to incorporate monitoring strategies that would enable better compliance for grantees. The result of the committee’s analysis yielded a more efficient reporting system, more clearly defined program benchmarks and more accountability for grantees. This system would equip the County with the tools necessary to ensure that programs are constantly meeting HUD’s goals and that funds are being spent. Even with these measures in place a number of capital projects had fallen behind schedule due to a myriad of factors. The Division has combated this by recapturing CDBG funds from those activities that were never started and reprogrammed those funds to activities that were shovel ready. The County extended the 2014 CDBG sub-recipient agreements until November 30, 2015. Lead-based Paint 1. Describe actions taken during the last year to evaluate and reduce lead-based

paint hazards. Program Year 5 CAPER Lead-based Paint response: The County implemented an owner occupied housing rehabilitation program as well as an affordable housing development program utilizing HOME Program funds. The County had entered into a contract with Mandell Lead Inspectors to conduct inspections for the existence of lead paint hazards in all assisted housing units. Lead- Safe work practices were used on all assisted housing rehabilitation projects. Upon completion of all work the lead inspector conducted an assessment and a clearance report was issued. In those cases where a home did not pass inspection, the contractor was responsible for addressing all issues and was not paid until the home passed inspection. All risk assessments and clearance were conducted by Mandell Lead Inspectors. HOUSING Housing Needs *Please also refer to the Housing Needs Table in the Needs.xls workbook. 1. Describe Actions taken during the last year to foster and maintain affordable

housing. Program Year 5 CAPER Housing Needs response: During the 2014 Program Year, the Essex County Consortium continued to support affordable housing needs through programs funded with HOME Program funds and CDBG funds.

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The County’s CDBG and HOME funded housing program activities included (1) providing counseling through the Tenant Resource Center to extremely low- and low-income tenants, who are cost burdened; (2) providing funds for the rehabilitation and preservation of existing housing stock to increase the supply of affordable housing for extremely low- and low-income renters; (3) increasing the supply of rental units for extremely low-, low- and moderate-income families through rehabilitation; (4) providing funds for rehabilitation and preservation of the existing housing stock to increase the supply of affordable housing for low-and moderate-income homeowners. The Division’s First Time Homebuyer’s program once again faced severe challenges in assisting low income homebuyers obtaining their first home. Even though interest rates continue to be at historic lows, many homebuyers either cannot obtain a mortgage from a lender or if they do obtain a commitment, an analysis of their principal, interest, insurance and taxes reveals that more than 30% of their income would need to be committed for housing related costs. The high cost burden to a new homeowner reduces their chances in sustaining the housing. These constraints led to a low output of first time homebuyer activities through the HOME Program. Specific Housing Objectives 1. Evaluate progress in meeting specific objective of providing affordable housing,

including the number of extremely low-income, low-income, and moderate-income renter and owner households comparing actual accomplishments with proposed goals during the reporting period.

2. Evaluate progress in providing affordable housing that meets the Section 215 definition of affordable housing for rental and owner households comparing actual accomplishments with proposed goals during the reporting period.

3. Describe efforts to address “worst-case” housing needs and housing needs of

persons with disabilities. Program Year 5 CAPER Specific Housing Objectives response: During the 2014 Program Year, housing programs that fostered and maintained affordable housing objectives included the County’s Home Improvement Program and the Affordable Housing Program. Through the County’s Home Improvement Program, 14 units were rehabilitated. Through the County’s Affordable Housing Program, 11 units are completed and 48 units of acquisition, rehabilitation and new construction are currently underway. The County provided technical assistance to those non-profits that provide permanent supportive housing for people with special needs and the disabled. In addition to supporting applications for financing affordable housing serving the disabled population, the County provided HOME funds for the creation of new units of affordable housing for these populations. Finally, the County supplemented these investments with the infusion of CDBG dollars in many towns to implement ADA improvements to public facilities and infrastructure, which will enhance the quality of life for these citizens. Public Housing Strategy

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1. Describe actions taken during the last year to improve public housing and resident initiatives.

Program Year 5 CAPER Public Housing Strategy response: N/A Barriers to Affordable Housing 1. Describe actions taken during the last year to eliminate barriers to affordable

housing. Program Year 5 CAPER Barriers to Affordable Housing response: As noted in the 2010-2014 Consolidated Plan, there is a tremendous need of affordable housing for people with special needs, senior citizens and homeless individuals and families. The primary impediment to the creation and maintenance of affordable housing in the County is the lack of sufficient funding from federal and state resources. The lack of programs and resources to develop affordable housing units and to provide rental assistance to very low- and low-income tenants are important factors. The County continues to work to address these barriers, but without additional funding from various governmental sources there will continue to be barriers to affordable housing in Essex County. The County has worked with the National Housing Institute (NHI) to explore new initiatives for permanent affordable housing through the creation of a Community Land Trust, however the steep cuts to the HOME Program has limited the County’s ability to assist in the development of this unique version of affordable housing. HOME/ American Dream Down Payment Initiative (ADDI) 1. Assessment of Relationship of HOME Funds to Goals and Objectives

a. Evaluate progress made toward meeting goals for providing affordable housing using HOME funds, including the number and types of households served.

2. HOME Match Report

a. Use HOME Match Report HUD-40107-A to report on match contributions for the period covered by the Consolidated Plan program year.

3. HOME MBE and WBE Report

a. Use Part III of HUD Form 40107 to report contracts and subcontracts with Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) and Women’s Business Enterprises (WBEs). Please see attached form 40107

4. Assessments

a. Detail results of on-site inspections of rental housing. b. Describe the HOME jurisdiction’s affirmative marketing actions. c. Describe outreach to minority and women owned businesses.

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Program Year 5 CAPER HOME/ADDI response:

A. Consolidated Plan and One Year Action Plan 1. Actual Activities vs. Planned Activities

During the 2014 PY, the County initiated and completed projects in accordance with the strategies and priorities outlined in the Consolidated Plan and the 2014 One-Year Action Plan. The projects completed during the 2014 Program Year are as follows:

a. In Program Year 2014, the County did not close on any loans in our HOMEbuyer Assistance Program (HAP). The majority of the prospective homebuyers who applied for assistance through our HAP program did not meet the underwriting criteria for affordability. The major issue for affordability within our consortium is the high tax burden in Essex County. The prospective buyers may be able to afford the mortgage but when taxes are factored into the affordability underwriting, the properties exceed the buyers Debt to Income limits. While the County cannot change the tax rates for the municipalities in our consortium, we have made changes to our program in order to tackle these issues and assist more prospective buyers in Program Year 2015. The County has made the following changes in an attempt to provide more assistance: 1) Increase the amount of down payment and closing cost assistance from $30,000 up to $50,000; 2) Modified the list of eligible property types to include Single Family Homes (2 and 3 units); 3) Increase the Loan to Value limit from a maximum of 90% LTV to 96.5% LTV. These major changes to our program are in effect presently and we expect to be able to provide assistance to prospective homebuyers despite the tax burden in our area.

b. HUD Account Number 2033 – New Heights Ministries Urban & Community Development Corp, 61-81 High Street, Orange,

The County loaned $820,000 in HOME funds to New Heights Ministries Urban Community Development Corporation for the Acquisition and New Construction of 61-81 High Street, Orange. This site will be used for homeownership condominiums for low and moderate-income residents. The developer has sold the units to eligible homebuyers. This activity addresses the Consolidated Plan’s Priority #1–expands the supply of affordable housing units for low and moderate-income persons.

c. HUD Account Number 2226 – The Arc of Essex County, Inc. 177 Marion Avenue, West Orange

The County loaned $254,932.80 in HOME funds to The Arc of Essex County, Inc. for Acquisition and Rehabilitation of 177 Marion Avenue, West Orange. This site will contain Two (2) affordable Single Room Occupancy (SRO) units for housing of which two (2) units will be rehabilitated. This activity addresses the Consolidated Plan’s Priority #1– expands the supply of affordable housing units for low and moderate- income persons.

Essex County


d. HUD Account Number 2227 – The Arc of Essex County, Inc., 7 Beacon Avenue, Livingston

The County loaned $303,838.00 in HOME funds to the ARC of Essex County, Inc. for the rehabilitation of 7 Beacon Avenue, Livingston. This site will contain four (4) affordable Single Room Occupancy (SRO) units for housing of which four (4) units will be rehabilitated. This activity addresses the Consolidated Plan’s Priority #1– expands the supply of affordable housing units for low and moderate- income persons.

The following projects are currently being implemented using HOME Program Funds.

e. HUD Account Number 2097 – Housing and Neighborhood Development Services, Inc. (HANDS, Inc.) 400 South Jefferson Street, Orange

The County loaned $800,000 in HOME funds to HANDS, Inc. for New Construction of 400 South Jefferson Street, Orange. This site was set up for the development of eight rental permanent units for low to moderate-income persons. This project was declared a slow moving activity by the Division in Program Year 2012. The developer experienced numerous set backs involving contractors and experienced personnel left the non-profit. These issues caused the activity to develop a financing gap due to the carrying costs and cost overruns. At the close of the program year the developer had identified HOME funds from the State of NJ as a source to finance the gap and requested the County reduce the number of units from 8 to 5 to be compliant with the 221 (d) (3) limits. The County had agreed and amended its plan. The County also Amended and Restated the loan documents to put in place more stringent guidelines and deadlines. This activity addresses the Consolidated Plan’s Priority #1– expands the supply of affordable housing units for low and moderate- income persons.

f. HUD Account Number 2247 – High Street Heights, LLC 577-579 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Newark

The County loaned $600,000 in HOME funds to High Street Heights, LLC for the Rehabilitation of a structure located at 577-579 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Newark that will provide Six (6) housing rental units of which six (6) units will be fixed affordable HOME-assisted units for very low income households.

g. HUD Account Number 2248 – Station Partners Urban Renewal, LP 32 Lincoln Avenue, Orange

The County loaned $939,580.00 in HOME funds to Station Partners Urban Renewal, LP for the New Construction located at 32 Lincoln Avenue, Orange that

Essex County


will provide Eleven (11) housing rental units of which eleven (11) units will be fixed affordable HOME-assisted units for low to moderate income households.

h. HUD Account Number 2257 – Cerebral Palsy of North Jersey 525 Pleasant Valley Way, West Orange

The County loaned $188,800.00 in HOME funds to Cerebral Palsy of North Jersey for the rehabilitation of a home located at 525 Pleasant Valley Way, West Orange that will provide Six (6) affordable Single Room Occupancy (SRO) housing re ntal units for disabled adults for person who are of very-low income households.

i. HUD Account Number 2249 – Mill Street Development Urban Renewal, LLC 608 Mill Street, 121 Franklin Avenue, 147 Franklin Avenue and Maple & Mill Street, Belleville

The County loaned $1,694,002.00 in HOME funds to Mill Street Development Urban Renewal, LLC for the acquisition and New Construction located at 608 Mill Street, 121 Franklin Avenue, 147 Franklin Avenue and Maple & Mill Street, Belleville that will provide twenty (20) rental units for households with at least one senior person aged 55 years and older for very-low to low income households.

1. Distribution of Funds vs. Consolidated Plan Needs The distribution of funds and associated use is consistent with the affordable housing needs as outlined in the Consolidated Plan and the 2014 – One-Year Action Plan. During Program Year 2014, the County will continue to expand the use of HOME funds to address additional priorities and needs of the very low, low-income and moderate residents.

B. Private Sector Participation

Essex County has been successful in attracting participation by the private sector. It has become evident that the impact of HOME dollars directly impacts the attractiveness of a project. Thus, many private lenders are assisting projects that they would not have originally financed without the HOME funds.

The County has also been successful in attracting for-profit developers by providing low interest short term loans which write-down the carrying costs of a project during construction through rent-up of a building. The County has expanded this area of the program by establishing a revolving loan fund for this purpose using HOME dollars.

C. Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO)

The County has had limited success in attracting CHDO participation in the HOME process. The County would like to see more qualified non-profit

Essex County


developers become CHDOs, however the pending change to the HOME rule may prove to be an obstacle to those non-profits that would normally seek a CHDO designation. In order to empower the County’s existing CHDOs; the County’s future plans include increased technical assistance regarding regulatory compliance and understanding as well as financial planning and program awareness. The Division currently has one approved CHDO, the ARC of Essex, Inc. The County will issue a Request for Qualifications for CHDOS in the 2015-2016 Program Year in an effort to solicit new CHDOs. The Division will continue to work with the HUD field office to develop technical assistance methods for CHDO development.

D. Affirmative Marketing The affirmative marketing actions have been effective to date. Many of the projects being implemented are in the urban communities. These neighborhoods are also those with the highest minority concentrations.

E. Minority Outreach As stated in the previous sections, the County is experiencing a high level of participation in the more urban communities. These same communities have the highest minority concentrations. It should also be noted, the County is providing technical assistance and potential project review meetings with a wide array of individuals and non-profit organizations than ever before.

F. Tenant Based Rental Assistance/Relocation

There have been no Tenant Based Rental Assistance/Relocation activities this reporting period.

G. Matching Funds

For PY 2014, HUD has waived the County’s requirement in accordance with 24 CFR 92.222 that allows for a reduction match obligations for jurisdictions in the event of a natural disaster such as Hurricane Sandy. As a result, the Match Obligation Requirement for the County for PY 2014 was - $0 -.

No Match Contributions are reported for PY 2014 because several projects for which Match Contributions could be recognized have not yet been completed. Once completed in PY 2015, the applicable Match Contributions will be tabulated and recorded.

Appendix IV: Owners of Rental Property

Project Name HOME Funds

7 Beacon Avenue $303,838.00 High Street Heights $600,000.00 Galento Plaza Transit Village $939,580.00 The West Orange Project 188,800.00

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Total $2,032,218.00

Appendix V: Parcels Acquired Project Address HOME Funds Used Total Acquisition Costs 61-81 High Street, Orange 164,700.00 $1,350,000.00 177 Marion Drive, West Orange

$232,232.00 $232,232.00

608 Mill Street, 121 Franklin Avenue, 147 Franklin Avenue and Maple & Mill Street, Belleville

$1,423,000.00 1,423,000.00

Total $1,819,932.00 $3,005,232.00 During the 2014 Program Year the County did not receive funding through the ADDI program. This program has been discontinued. 4.The Division conducts inspections on all HOME rental projects to insure occupancy

and affordability conformity as well as housing code compliance. The Division also conducts Housing Quality Standard/Tenant file inspections to ensure that units that have been rehabilitated or constructed with HOME funds are kept decent, safe, sanitary, and affordable. During 2014, all inspections were completed. The Division provides technical assistance and constructive recommendations to the developers/managers on such items as, how to better provide required information and documentation.

HOMELESS Homeless Needs *Please also refer to the Homeless Needs Table in the Needs.xls workbook. 1. Identify actions taken to address needs of homeless persons. 2. Identify actions to help homeless persons make the transition to permanent

housing and independent living. 3. Identify new Federal resources obtained from Homeless SuperNOFA. Program Year 5 CAPER Homeless Needs response: 1.The Essex County Comprehensive Emergency Assistance System (CEAS)

Committee continues to serve as the lead agency for the Continuum of Care Planning Process for Essex County. Homeless persons needs are usually addressed initially by local service providers who conduct street outreach efforts. These providers travel to locations that the homeless frequent such as train stations,

Essex County


parks, hospitals and other places not meant for human habitation. The homeless population is also identified by referrals and the homeless going to crisis centers, soup kitchens and shelter and/or transitional housing facilities.

A Case Manager or Social Worker will do an intake application along with conducting a needs assessment and a case plan is then developed. In addition to a bed and food, homeless persons may be provided with an array of supportive services depending on his or her needs that include but may not be limited to connection to mainstream resources, life skills training, counseling, mental health treatment, substance abuse counseling, financial literacy and education/job development. Homeless persons have access to these services until it is determined that they are ready to move from temporary housing to permanent housing. 2.Homeless persons are assisted with making the transition to permanent housing.

Service providers make efforts to find safe, decent, affordable housing. Usually, these individuals are in need of some sort of subsidy. Many of them are categorized in some subpopulation (such as substance abusers, mental health issues, etc). At times, these individuals’ disabilities substantially impedes their ability to live independently In addition to this housing, wraparound services are made available to them in order for them to live as independently as possible.

The chart below indicates agencies awarded grants through the Continuum of Care.

NAME OF AGENCY NAME OF PROJECT PROGRAM AMOUNT AWARDED NJ Department of Community Affairs S+C 3AR CoCR $40,6662

NJ Department of Community Affairs S+C 3AE CoCR $289,068 NJ Department of Community Affairs S+C 3AF CoCR $292,124

NJ Department of Community Affairs S+C 3AG CoCR $274,824 NJ Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency Essex Exp HMIS FY 2013 CoCR $85,667

Isaiah House

SHP for Disabled Single Women CoCR $45,295

Covenant House Supportive Apartment Living CoCR $99,000 City of East Orange TRA for Disabled Single Adults CoCR $200,937 Collaborative Support Programs Newark YMCA Shelter Plus CoCR $206,603

Project Live Supportive Housing Program 2012-‐15 CoCR $285,955

Isaiah House TeenMap CoCR $42,845

East Orange General Hospital Next Step CoCR $245,600 Covenant House Nancy's Place CoCR $182,172

City of East Orange My Own Place CoCR $406,616

Collaborative Support Programs Essex Co. St. Clares CoCR $40,660

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Specific Homeless Prevention Elements 1. Identify actions taken to prevent homelessness. Program Year 5 CAPER Specific Housing Prevention Elements response: Actions taken to prevent homelessness include providing persons who are at risk of becoming homeless with prevention services that include service providers assisting with rental assistance (paying arrearages in order to avoid eviction proceedings), mortgage assistance (paying arrearages in order to avoid a foreclosure), utility assistance (paying PSE&G arrearages and/or security deposit in order to avoid a shut off) and relocation assistance (paying the first month of rent and/or security deposit in order for person to move into a new apartment unit). Program Year 5 CAPER Specific Housing Prevention Elements response: Through Title XII of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the County implemented its Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-housing Program, later reconstituted under the Emergency Solutions Grant. This program provided financial assistance and services to either prevent individuals and families from becoming homeless or help those who are experiencing homelessness to be quickly rehoused and stabilized. Services include rental assistance, security and utility deposits, utility payments, moving cost assistance and motel and hotel vouchers. The County entered into sub-recipient agreements with various community based organizations. This program was reconstituted under the Emergency Solutions Grant. With the implementation of the new regulations assistance is limited to those individuals and families at or below 30% area median income. Emergency Shelter/Solutions Grants (ESG) 1. Identify actions to address emergency shelter and transitional housing needs of

homeless individuals and families (including significant subpopulations such as those living on the streets).

2. Assessment of Relationship of ESG Funds to Goals and Objectives

NJ Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency Essex HMIS FY 2011 CoCR $149,999

NCC Harmony House Harmony House Transitional Housing CoCR $135,238

Easter Seals ESNJ Essex HUD 2 2013 CoCR $155,014

Easter Seals ESNJ Essex HUD 1 2013 CoCR $47,508 Isaiah House Community Creche CoCR $249,495

County of Essex Almost Home III CoCR $271,078

Positive Health Care Permanent Housing CoCR $182,627 NJ Department of Community Affairs S+C Renewal 3AU CoC R $203,308

NJ Department of Community Affairs S+C Renewal 3AT CoCR $$271,078 Collaborative Support Programs MHA RA 2013 CoC $223,504

Collaborative Support Programs Mary's House RHA 2013 CoC $328,632

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a. Evaluate progress made in using ESG funds to address homeless and homeless prevention needs, goals, and specific objectives established in the Consolidated Plan.

b. Detail how ESG projects are related to implementation of comprehensive homeless planning strategy, including the number and types of individuals and persons in households served with ESG funds.

3. Matching Resources

a. Provide specific sources and amounts of new funding used to meet match as required by 42 USC 11375(a)(1), including cash resources, grants, and staff salaries, as well as in-kind contributions such as the value of a building or lease, donated materials, or volunteer time.

4. State Method of Distribution

a. States must describe their method of distribution and how it rated and selected its local government agencies and private nonprofit organizations acting as subrecipients.

5. Activity and Beneficiary Data

a. Completion of attached Emergency Shelter/Solutions Grant Program Performance Chart or other reports showing ESGP expenditures by type of activity. Also describe any problems in collecting, reporting, and evaluating the reliability of this information.

b. Homeless Discharge Coordination i. As part of the government developing and implementing a homeless

discharge coordination policy, ESG homeless prevention funds may be used to assist very-low income individuals and families at risk of becoming homeless after being released from publicly funded institutions such as health care facilities, foster care or other youth facilities, or corrections institutions or programs.

c. Explain how your government is instituting a homeless discharge coordination policy, and how ESG homeless prevention funds are being used in this effort.

Program Year 5 CAPER ESG response: 1. During the 2014 Program Year, six projects providing supportive services,

emergency shelter, and case management services to the homeless population were funded, representing $199,045, in ESG funds. The projects included Interfaith Hospitality Network, YMWCA of Newark & Vicinity, Integrity, Inc., Salvation Army of Montclair and Covenant House.

Interfaith Hospitality Network provides safe overnight shelter, food and support services to families with children as well as rapid re-housing services to those individuals and families who have recently become homeless. Integrity, Inc. provides homeless prevention services to those individuals and families in imminent danger of becoming homeless in conjunction with addiction services as well as emergency shelter. Newark Emergency Services for Families provides rapid re-housing services for families who have recently become homeless. Salvation Army of Montclair provides shelter nights for individuals and families as

Essex County


well as homeless prevention services. Newark YWMCA received ESG funds operations of their twelve story shelter located at 600 Broad St, Newark. 2. The Essex County Consortium stated in its One Year Action Plan that agencies

that served both families and individual would be funded. The agencies that received ESG funds have demonstrated effective case management that serve these populations The Consortium utilized CoC funds, as well as the County’s ESG allocation to address the housing and supportive needs of the homeless and chronic homeless population. The Consortium utilized state, local, and county funds, as well as, private resources to assist in achieving the Consortium’s homeless goals.

3. The Division has been provided with documentation from each of the six Sub-recipients who received a total of $354,045 in ESG funding. The following is the federal requirement cited at 576.51 regarding match funds, which have been met.

4.N/A 5.ESG Sub-recipients provide a description of all ESG expenditures through their monthly and annual reports, as well as, the vouchers submitted to the Division. There have been no problems in collecting, reporting, and evaluating the reliability of this information.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Community Development *Please also refer to the Community Development Table in the Needs.xls workbook. 1. Assessment of Relationship of CDBG Funds to Goals and Objectives

a. Assess use of CDBG funds in relation to the priorities, needs, goals, and specific objectives in the Consolidated Plan, particularly the highest priority activities.

b. Evaluate progress made toward meeting goals for providing affordable housing using CDBG funds, including the number and types of households served.

c. Indicate the extent to which CDBG funds were used for activities that benefited extremely low-income, low-income, and moderate-income persons.

2. Changes in Program Objectives

a. Identify the nature of and the reasons for any changes in program objectives and how the jurisdiction would change its program as a result of its experiences.

3. Assessment of Efforts in Carrying Out Planned Actions

a. Indicate how grantee pursued all resources indicated in the Consolidated Plan. b. Indicate how grantee provided certifications of consistency in a fair and

impartial manner.

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c. Indicate how grantee did not hinder Consolidated Plan implementation by action or willful inaction.

4. For Funds Not Used for National Objectives a. Indicate how use of CDBG funds did not meet national objectives. b. Indicate how did not comply with overall benefit certification.

5. Anti-displacement and Relocation – for activities that involve acquisition,

rehabilitation or demolition of occupied real property a. Describe steps actually taken to minimize the amount of displacement

resulting from the CDBG-assisted activities. b. Describe steps taken to identify households, businesses, farms or nonprofit

organizations who occupied properties subject to the Uniform Relocation Act or Section 104(d) of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended, and whether or not they were displaced, and the nature of their needs and preferences.

c. Describe steps taken to ensure the timely issuance of information notices to displaced households, businesses, farms, or nonprofit organizations.

6. Low/Mod Job Activities – for economic development activities undertaken where

jobs were made available but not taken by low- or moderate-income persons a. Describe actions taken by grantee and businesses to ensure first

consideration was or will be given to low/mod persons. b. List by job title of all the permanent jobs created/retained and those that

were made available to low/mod persons. c. If any of jobs claimed as being available to low/mod persons require special

skill, work experience, or education, provide a description of steps being taken or that will be taken to provide such skills, experience, or education.

7. Low/Mod Limited Clientele Activities – for activities not falling within one of the

categories of presumed limited clientele low and moderate income benefit a. Describe how the nature, location, or other information demonstrates the

activities benefit a limited clientele at least 51% of whom are low and moderate-income.

8. Program income received

a. Detail the amount of program income reported that was returned to each individual revolving fund, e.g., housing rehabilitation, economic development, or other type of revolving fund.

b. Detail the amount repaid on each float-funded activity. c. Detail all other loan repayments broken down by the categories of housing

rehabilitation, economic development, or other. d. Detail the amount of income received from the sale of property by parcel.

9. Prior period adjustments – where reimbursement was made this reporting period

for expenditures (made in previous reporting periods) that have been disallowed, provide the following information: a. The activity name and number as shown in IDIS; b. The program year(s) in which the expenditure(s) for the disallowed

activity(ies) was reported; c. The amount returned to line-of-credit or program account; and d. Total amount to be reimbursed and the time period over which the

reimbursement is to be made, if the reimbursement is made with multi-year payments.

Essex County


10. Loans and other receivables

a. List the principal balance for each float-funded activity outstanding as of the end of the reporting period and the date(s) by which the funds are expected to be received.

b. List the total number of other loans outstanding and the principal balance owed as of the end of the reporting period.

c. List separately the total number of outstanding loans that are deferred or forgivable, the principal balance owed as of the end of the reporting period, and the terms of the deferral or forgiveness.

d. Detail the total number and amount of loans made with CDBG funds that have gone into default and for which the balance was forgiven or written off during the reporting period.

e. Provide a List of the parcels of property owned by the grantee or its sub-recipients that have been acquired or improved using CDBG funds and that are available for sale as of the end of the reporting period.

11. Lump sum agreements

a. Provide the name of the financial institution. b. Provide the date the funds were deposited. c. Provide the date the use of funds commenced. d. Provide the percentage of funds disbursed within 180 days of deposit in the

institution. 12. Housing Rehabilitation – for each type of rehabilitation program for which

projects/units were reported as completed during the program year a. Identify the type of program and number of projects/units completed for each

program. b. Provide the total CDBG funds involved in the program. c. Detail other public and private funds involved in the project.

13. Neighborhood Revitalization Strategies – for grantees that have HUD-approved

neighborhood revitalization strategies a. Describe progress against benchmarks for the program year. For grantees

with Federally-designated EZs or ECs that received HUD approval for a neighborhood revitalization strategy, reports that are required as part of the EZ/EC process shall suffice for purposes of reporting progress.

Program Year 5 CAPER Community Development response: 1. The 2014 Program Year started on June 1, 2014 and ended on May 31, 2015.

Funds were allocated for improvements to public facilities, upgrading streets and parks, the removal of architectural barriers, housing rehabilitation activities, commercial rehabilitation and transportation activities, and the provision of public services for the elderly, children, youth, handicapped and low- and moderate-income residents. Listed below is the amount of extremely low-income, low-income, and moderate- income persons that will benefit from the County’s CDBG funded activities: 48,239 individuals will have access public facilities and improved infrastructure for the purpose of creating a suitable living environment.

Essex County


22,057 individuals will have access to public services for the purpose of creating a suitable living environment.

2. There were no changes proposed with regard to program objectives. The objectives identified in the 2010-2014 Essex County Consortium’s Consolidated Plan are still relevant and experience in obtaining these objectives have shown that these objectives meet the needs of low- and moderate-income persons.

3. This year continued to be a difficult year for public agencies that rely on grants from foundations and donations to administer their programs. The result has been an increase in requests for assistance though the entitlement programs offered by the County. The County has assisted developers obtain financing through the NJHMFA and NJ Special Needs Housing Trust Fund. The HOME funds used as the gap financing in these projects leveraged the other public and private resources.

4. All funds were used by Essex County to address one of the three national

objectives of the CDBG Program. All projects in the 2014 Action Plan either benefited low and moderate-income persons or eliminated slums and blight.

5. There was no displacement of existing households, businesses or nonprofit

organizations located at CDBG assisted projects during the 2014 Program Year. No occupied real property involving CDBG-assisted activities subject to the requirements of the Uniform Relocation Act (URA) or Section 104(e) were undertaken by Essex County during the 2014 Program Year.

In addition, the HOME Program requires that participating jurisdictions provide match in an amount equal to no less than 25 percent of the total HOME funds drawn for project costs. The County meets this match obligation from specific sources: funds from a non-federal source for local affordable housing projects; the NJ Balanced Housing Program, the value of waived taxes, fees or charges associated with HOME projects, value of donated land or real property from a municipality, percentage of the proceeds of multi-family housing bonds issued by local government and other eligible forms of match.

6. Public service activities or public facilities activities during the 2014 Program

Year which served a limited clientele of low- and moderate-income population (not presumed limited clientele) utilized household annual income certification forms to document that at least 51% of the persons benefited are low- and moderate-income. The information is verified through the completion and submission of monthly and annual reports to the Division.

7. In 2014, the Division received $207,501.28 in program income which resulted

in repaid loans through the County’s Home Improvement Program. The Division utilized these funds to supplement its existing program by issuing additional loans.

8. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of the

Inspector General conducted an internal audit of the EDC a sub-recipient of the County and concluded in its report that the project delivery costs in the amount of $1,446,332 had been disallowed. The auditors used the following rationale to arrive at their finding: the total cost eligible for project delivery charges is calculated on the actual amount of loans issued or $770,942. Given this figure, to be consistent with the regulations and statutes reasonable project delivery

Essex County


costs should have been limited to no more than $232,000 or 30%. HUD had requested the Count repay the disallowed cost of $1,446,332 and the County responded with a counter-offer to set aside non-federal funds in the amount of $1,446,332 over a period of 5 years ($289,267 per year) to be used for CDBG eligible projects. The counter-offer was accepted by HUD along with the requirement that future projects must be submitted to HUD for review prior to an award which was stated in the repayment agreement. In 2014 the County made its fifth and final repayment in the amount of $289,264. These funds were returned to the County via an increase to the County’s line of credit and were used to fund a ADA public restrooms at the Economic Development Center located at 50 South Clinton Street, East Orange which serves as the County’s One Stop Center for job training and benefits.

9. N/A

10. N/A

11. The CDBG funded Home Improvement Program provided financial assistance in

the form of forgivable loans to low and moderate-income property owners for the correction of code violations, energy efficiency and to address health and safety issues representing the rehabilitation of 15 units during 2014 Program Year. The Division increased its outreach and marketing efforts, including holding program seminars at local senior centers and other community facilities to encourage interest in the program.

12. N/A

Antipoverty Strategy 1. Describe actions taken during the last year to reduce the number of persons

living below the poverty level. Program Year 5 CAPER Antipoverty Strategy response: The County and the Consortium interact and support a number of agencies and programs that provided services and assistance aimed directly at reducing poverty. Examples of these services included job training and job placement activities sponsored by the Welfare to Work Program and long-term employment opportunities for severely disabled adults, and life skills development programs. Additionally, residents who were interested in employment assistance obtained these services through the Essex County One-Stop Center and Workforce Investment Board. These centers provided intake and application for service; eligibility determinations; orientation and assessment; referral to direct job development facilities; job placement into on-the-job training contracts with employers, placement into skill training, educational training (basic educational skills) and English as a Second Language training; referral to social services and support services. The Essex County Comprehensive Emergency Assistance System (CEAS) Committee, which serves as a forum for organizations such as, local government, welfare, shelters, and housing providers, addressing the needs of the homeless throughout Essex County. The CEAS Committee (a division within the Department of Economic Development, Training and Employment) conducted meetings during the 2014 Program Year. The committee’s membership includes the Director of the County Welfare Agency, a County Welfare designee with expertise in homelessness and anti-

Essex County


poverty efforts; representatives for the mentally ill, homeless, consumers of emergency food and shelter services. Representatives of the State Departments of Human Services, Community Affairs, Division of Mental Health and Hospitals, the Division of Youth and Family Services are invited to attend as well. The Committee’s main focus is upon those individuals who are homeless within our County; however, they also conduct anti-poverty efforts.

NON-HOMELESS SPECIAL NEEDS Non-homeless Special Needs *Please also refer to the Non-homeless Special Needs Table in the Needs.xls workbook. 1. Identify actions taken to address special needs of persons that are not homeless

but require supportive housing, (including persons with HIV/AIDS and their families).

Program Year 5 CAPER Non-homeless Special Needs response: The Division funded Planned Parenthood, which conducted HIV testing for low and moderate-income people in Essex County. They provided counseling services for those infected as well as education to help prevent the spread of HIV. It was reported by Planned Parenthood that they tested and counseled 1,845 people in 2014. Specific HOPWA Objectives *Please also refer to the HOPWA Table in the Needs.xls workbook. 1. Overall Assessment of Relationship of HOPWA Funds to Goals and Objectives

Grantees should demonstrate through the CAPER and related IDIS reports the progress they are making at accomplishing identified goals and objectives with HOPWA funding. Grantees should demonstrate: a. That progress is being made toward meeting the HOPWA goal for providing

affordable housing using HOPWA funds and other resources for persons with HIV/AIDS and their families through a comprehensive community plan;

b. That community-wide HIV/AIDS housing strategies are meeting HUD’s national goal of increasing the availability of decent, safe, and affordable housing for low-income persons living with HIV/AIDS;

c. That community partnerships between State and local governments and community-based non-profits are creating models and innovative strategies to serve the housing and related supportive service needs of persons living with HIV/AIDS and their families;

d. That through community-wide strategies Federal, State, local, and other resources are matched with HOPWA funding to create comprehensive housing strategies;

e. That community strategies produce and support actual units of housing for persons living with HIV/AIDS; and finally,

f. That community strategies identify and supply related supportive services in conjunction with housing to ensure the needs of persons living with HIV/AIDS and their families are met.

Essex County


2. This should be accomplished by providing an executive summary (1-5 pages)

that includes: a. Grantee Narrative

i. Grantee and Community Overview (1) A brief description of your organization, the area of service, the name

of each project sponsor and a broad overview of the range/type of housing activities and related services

(2) How grant management oversight of project sponsor activities is conducted and how project sponsors are selected

(3) A description of the local jurisdiction, its need, and the estimated number of persons living with HIV/AIDS

(4) A brief description of the planning and public consultations involved in the use of HOPWA funds including reference to any appropriate planning document or advisory body

(5) What other resources were used in conjunction with HOPWA funded activities, including cash resources and in-kind contributions, such as the value of services or materials provided by volunteers or by other individuals or organizations

(6) Collaborative efforts with related programs including coordination and planning with clients, advocates, Ryan White CARE Act planning bodies, AIDS Drug Assistance Programs, homeless assistance programs, or other efforts that assist persons living with HIV/AIDS and their families.

ii. Project Accomplishment Overview (1) A brief summary of all housing activities broken down by three types:

emergency or short-term rent, mortgage or utility payments to prevent homelessness; rental assistance; facility based housing, including development cost, operating cost for those facilities and community residences

(2) The number of units of housing which have been created through acquisition, rehabilitation, or new construction since 1993 with any HOPWA funds

(3) A brief description of any unique supportive service or other service delivery models or efforts

(4) Any other accomplishments recognized in your community due to the use of HOPWA funds, including any projects in developmental stages that are not operational.

iii. Barriers or Trends Overview (1) Describe any barriers encountered, actions in response to barriers, and

recommendations for program improvement (2) Trends you expect your community to face in meeting the needs of

persons with HIV/AIDS, and (3) Any other information you feel may be important as you look at

providing services to persons with HIV/AIDS in the next 5-10 years b. Accomplishment Data

i. Completion of CAPER Performance Chart 1 of Actual Performance in the provision of housing (Table II-1 to be submitted with CAPER).

ii. Completion of CAPER Performance Chart 2 of Comparison to Planned Housing Actions (Table II-2 to be submitted with CAPER).

Essex County


Program Year 5 CAPER Specific HOPWA Objectives response: N/A

OTHER NARRATIVE Include any CAPER information that was not covered by narratives in any other section. Program Year 5 CAPER Other Narrative response: Appendices Citizen Participation Public Notice (Newark Star Ledger) HOME MATCH LOG SECTION 3 REQUIREMENTS IDIS GENERATED REPORTING 1. CONSOLIDATED PLAN REPORTS 2. CDBG REPORTS 3. HOME REPORTS 4. ESG REPORTS 5. BASIC SYSTEM REPORTS

fifth program year caper - essexcountynj.org€¦ · the cpmp consolidated annual performance and...

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