Community Development for All People

Community Development for All People Housing Action Plan Community Meeting – November 24

The meeting was held at Parsons Senior Village beginning at 7 p.m.

Attendees: Susan Halpern, Margaret Madison, John Edgar, Cindy Flaherty, Debra Diggs, Robert Dickerscheid, Katelin Hansen.

Rev. John Edgar welcomed the attendees and asked each person to introduce him or herself. He explained that the community meeting is part of the ongoing process of developing a housing action plan to ensure that as the South Side improves, that the people who currently live here, with the exception of those who engage in criminal activity, will have an opportunity to stay on the South Side in decent, affordable housing. He referred to the handout summarizing the Housing Action Plan and commitments that were announced October 20.

There was discussion about the goal to develop additional housing for very low- income households. Residents noted that :  The Reeb Hosack and Hungarian Village neighborhoods already have several developments (Southern Gateway, Parsons Senior Village, and other earlier projects),  These neighborhoods need more homeowners, mixed income housing, and safe housing.  These neighborhoods already offer an abundance of affordable housing.  Neighborhoods with more homeowners have lower crime.  The emphasis should be on reducing crime, and increasing job training, education and employment.  Parsons Avenue needs more retail that will serve and attract the middle class, recognizing that housing usually comes first.  This area is still recovering from a period of decline that included several arsons, drug dealing, declining owner occupancy and closing of South Side Settlement House.  The opening of the John Maloney Health Center and the Reeb Avenue Center, and the demolition and redevelopment vacant housing are seen as positive signs of change.

Rev. Edgar explained that South Side Renaissance (SSR) is acquiring and rehabbing homes in the area. They have completed about 15 homes to date for an average cost of $80,000. While the goal is to sell the homes to owner occupants, SSR is currently offering them as rentals. Market conditions have made it difficult for moderate- income households to qualify for a mortgage, although this may be improving. With support from private donors and the City, SSR also completed 75 exterior rehabs for owner occupants in the area. Those private donors also provide $20,000 toward each new home developed by Habitat for Humanity. Rev. Edgar also explained the role of Community Development for All People (CD4AP) in Southern Gateway Homes, which was developed with Low Income Housing Tax Credits by NRP Group. NRP Group is the manager of Southern Gateway Homes, but CD4AP has the right of first refusal to assume ownership at the end of the 15-year compliance period. While homeownership is a preferred result for these properties, many factors, some of which are unknown, may determine the actual outcome.

Neighborhood-based owners and investors are critical to the effort. “We win one house at a time.” Home values are rising in some parts of Hungarian Village, but it depends on the street.

Residents liked the idea of a Housing Hub, and suggested that it be expanded, including:  Market available housing on the South Side at all price levels, both for sale and rental.  Work with local real estate agents who will emphasize the assets and strengths of the community, such as block watches. Help them attract buyers who will be owner-occupants.  Develop a database of housing-related service professionals (i.e. handymen) who are based on the South Side.  Provide education for people who want to become homeowners  Provide education and resources for current homeowners  Connect people, especially seniors, with resources to stay in their homes.  Educate investors and owners on effective rehab methods such as keeping hardwood floors, and awareness of lead paint hazards.

Finally, Rev. Edgar noted the newly formed Responsible Landlord Network and encouraged residents to join and to refer other investors to the Network.

The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.