New York State Consolidated Plan Federal Fiscal Years 2006 - 2010 and the Annual Action Plan for Program Year 2006
As approved by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development December 29, 2005
[ Introduction | Housing and Homeless Needs Assessment ]
Introduction
Executive Summary
Overview
According to federal law and the regulations of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), all states and many larger localities must prepare a Consolidated Plan in order to receive federal funding for affordable housing and community development. This Plan consolidates into a single document the planning and application requirements for:
CDBG - the Community Development Block Grant Small Cities program;
HOME - the HOME Investment Partnerships program;
ESGP -the Emergency Shelter Grants program; and
HOPWA - the Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS program.
Consolidated Plans must be prepared every five years and must be updated annually. The purpose of the Consolidated Plan is to:
assess the State's affordable housing and community development needs;
analyze the State's housing markets;
articulate the State's priorities, goals, and strategies to address identified needs; and
describe the actions the State will take to implement strategies for affordable housing and community development.
New York State's Consolidated Plan: 2006 - 2010 provides new information and trends related to the State's current and future affordable housing and community development needs. This information has been used to establish priorities, strategies and actions the State will take to address these needs during the next five years. These priorities, strategies and actions will be evaluated annually in updates to the Consolidated Plan.
New York State's Housing and Community Development Needs Assessment 2006 - 2010
This section presents the State's assessment of the affordable housing and non-housing community development needs of its residents for the 5-year period covered by the Plan (2006-2010).
This needs assessment is inclusive of all communities in the State, including those jurisdictions which are participating jurisdictions or entitlement communities for the four programs covered by the Consolidated Plan: CDBG, HOME, ESGP, and HOPWA.
The primary source of information for the housing needs analysis in this plan is a series of custom tabulations of 2000 census data prepared by the U.S. Bureau of the Census to HUD's specifications. Supplementary data from the 2000 census and a variety of other sources are also used where appropriate.
The analysis is presented in the following five major sections:
Affordable Housing Needs
New York State analyzed available demographic and economic data. An analysis of the data indicates that:
median family income varies substantially across the State;
many households still struggle to live on low or very low incomes;
housing is often hard to find and difficult to afford; and
housing problems are most frequently experienced by extremely low-income households.
Needs of the Homeless
The homeless face particularly difficult problems in New York State as elsewhere. An analysis of estimates of the size and characteristics of the homeless population and the services currently provided indicates that, while much is being done, unmet needs remain in the following areas:
homelessness prevention;
emergency shelter;
transitional housing;
permanent supportive housing;
supportive services; and
resources targeted to homeless sub-populations.
Non-homeless Persons with Special Needs
New York State's population includes residents with special needs including:
frail or disabled elderly persons (about 941,000 who are 65 years of age or older);
persons with serious mental illness (more than 785,000 adults);
persons with developmental disabilities (almost 342,000 New Yorkers);
persons with physical disabilities (about 1.4 million New Yorkers ages 5 and over);
persons with a chemical dependency who could benefit from treatment (more than 1.8 million); and
persons living with AIDS (about 64,217 New Yorkers).
Non-Housing Community Development Needs
To determine these needs, New York State analyzed recent CDBG requests for funding and surveyed all appropriate State agencies and all Small Cities-eligible jurisdictions of general local government. As a result of this process of analysis and consultation, New York State estimates that, over the next year, the following amounts will be needed to address priority non-housing community development needs:
Infrastructure $52.3 million;
Economic Development $36.0 million; and
Public Facilities $19.3 million.
Lead-based Paint Hazard Abatement Needs
Census data indicates that approximately 323,410 New York households are in the highest risk category because they:
include one or more children under 6 years of age;
have incomes at or below 50% of the area median income; and
live in units constructed before 1980.
New York State's Housing Market Analysis 2006 - 2010
New York State has many housing markets and the dynamics of supply and demand vary substantially among these markets.
New York State's Economy is Healthy
The New York State economy continues to grow.
Strong growth characterizes many regions of the State; and
The pace of economic growth in New York State is expected to remain strong into 2006.
The Supply of Housing in New York
The Census Bureau estimates that, between 2000 and 2004 the State's housing inventory increased by 1.8% to 7,819,237 units.
New York State's construction continues at a strong pace in many areas.
Growth in construction employment is strong, both downstate and upstate.
Multi-family starts are concentrated downstate.
New York State's inventory of existing housing is relatively old.
Approximately 85% of all available housing units were built before most residential lead-based paint use was banned in 1978.
Substantial rehabilitation or replacement will continue to be required.
The Demand for Housing in New York State
The demand for housing is very strong in many areas of New York State as is evidenced by relatively high costs and low vacancy rates.
The cost of home-ownership varies widely across the State.
Rents vary widely across the State.
Affordability is a problem for residents even where housing costs are relatively low.
Availability is a problem in many parts of the State.
New York State's Stock of Assisted Housing
New York State's affordable housing resources include:
public housing developed with a variety of federal, state and local subsidies;
low-, moderate- and middle-income housing with state and/or municipal assistance;
housing assisted through the Section 8 rental assistance program; and
facilities/services for the homeless and for those with special needs.
New York State's Strategic Plan 2006 - 2010
New York State's Strategic Plan delineates the State's general priorities for assisting low income residents.
The Strategic Plan is based upon the analysis of housing needs market and inventory conditions, and non-housing community development needs;
The needs analysis and strategy were developed in consultation with the National Affordable Housing Act (NAHA) Task Force, the Consolidated Plan Partnership Advisory Committee (PAC) and many others who provided information and opinions to the State;
This consultation process resulted in the establishment of 5 equally important strategic objectives focused on the resources and opportunities created by the CDBG, HOME, ESGP, and HOPWA programs; and
State programs are listed in the discussion of each objective to the extent that they are used for match or leveraging of the programs and projects funded by CDBG, HOME, ESGP, and HOPWA.
New York State's Affordable Housing Goals and Objectives
The State's Strategic Plan for affordable housing is built on programs that address both supply and demand issues in affordable housing.
GOALS: Create and preserve decent homes and a suitable living environment for low- and moderate-income New Yorkers.
Objective: Improve availability and accessibility by:
preserving existing affordable housing;
building new workforce housing;
building new homeownership housing;
building affordable senior housing;
Objective: Improve affordability by:
providing homeownership assistance;
providing rental assistance.
New York State's Homeless and Special Needs Goals and Objectives
New York State has a broad array of programs and initiatives to address the needs of the homeless as well as non-homeless persons with special needs.
GOALS:Address the shelter, housing and service needs of the homeless, those threatened with homelessness and others with special needs
Objective: Improve affordability, accessibility and sustainability by:
maintaining and expanding the Continuum of Care;
expanding services to prevent homelessness;
maintaining and expanding resources for those with special needs.
New York State's Non-Housing Community Development Goals and Objectives
The CDBG Small Cities Program provides non-housing assistance to communities and local units of government for economic development and public facilities and also supports the State's affordable housing goals and objectives.
GOALS: Create economic opportunities and suitable living environments for low- and moderate-income New Yorkers.
Objective: Provide communities with assistance to undertake economic development initiatives.
Objective: Provide assistance to undertake community infrastructure, facility and service (public facilities) projects affecting public health, safety and welfare.
New York State's Strategy for Lead Paint Hazard Reduction
Over the next five years New York State will continue to:
implement lead hazard identification and reduction protocols;
provide technical assistance to localities and community-based not-for-profits; and,
support local applications for lead-based paint abatement grants.
New York State's Strategy to Address Barriers to Affordable Housing
New York State has developed an Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing and is implementing strategies to overcome a number of barriers to affordable housing.
New York State's Anti-Poverty Strategy
New York State's general anti-poverty strategy is contained in its Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) program. The four programs covered by the Consolidated Plan (CDBG, HOME, HOPWA, ESGP) directly support this overall State anti-poverty strategy by providing housing for persons at or below the poverty level.
New York State's Institutional Structure for Housing and Community Development
New York State delivers its housing programs through an array of public agencies, not-for-profit organizations and the private sector.
New York State's Coordination of Its Housing and Community Development Efforts
New York State emphasizes coordination with public and assisted housing providers and private and governmental health, mental health, and service agencies.
New York State's Coordination of the Low-Income Housing Credit (LIHC) and Consolidated Plan Programs
The State's strategy will continue to focus on combining the LIHC with available public subsides on the federal, State, and local levels.
New York State Action Plan - 2006
New York State's Action Plan is organized to provide a separate, full discussion of the requirements pertaining to each of the four programs.
CDBG Small Cities Program Action Plan - 2006
The Governor's Office for Small Cities (GOSC) administers the State's Small Cities Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program. During 2006:
approximately $50 million in Small Cities funds will be available;
approximately 60% of funds will be awarded through an Annual Competitive Round for housing, public facilities, and, micro-enterprise grants;
approximately 35% will be made available through an Economic Development Open Round;
up to 2% of the gross funding allocation, in addition to $100,000 may be used for administrative costs;
up to an additional 2% may be used to fund Imminent Threat/Contingency grants; and
up to an additional 1% may be used for technical assistance.
HOME Investment Partnerships Program Action Plan - 2006
The New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR) and Housing Trust Fund Corporation(HTFC) administer the State's HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) Program. During 2006:
approximately $38 million in HOME funds will be available;
the State's match obligation for the period will be about $8.75 million;
the primary source of match funds will be the State's Low-Income Housing Trust Fund;
HOME funds will leverage an additional investment of about $145 million;
HOME funds will be distributed competitively;
15% will be reserved for Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDOs);
80% of the remaining funds are reserved for projects in non-participating jurisdictions; and
all remaining funds are distributed on a statewide basis.
Emergency Shelter Grants Program Action Plan - 2006
The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (NYS OTDA) administers the State's Emergency Shelter Grants Program (ESG). The ESGP will serve about 18,800 individuals during 2006:
$3.24 million in federal ESG funds will be available;
5% will be used for program administrative costs; and
$3.08 million will be allocated to contracts.
Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) Program Action Plan - 2006
The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (NYS OTDA) administers the State's Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA) program. During 2006:
$1.78 million in Federal HOPWA funds will be available;
HOPWA funds will be distributed through a periodic competitive bid process; and
788 units will be assisted with HOPWA funds during 2006.
General Requirements
General Requirements
New York State, in preparing its Consolidated Plan for 2006-2010, has addressed the following general requirements specified in 24 CFR Sections 91.10, 91.110 and 91.300 of HUD's regulations for consolidated planning.
Consolidated Program Year (Section 91.10)
In accordance with 24 CFR Section 91.10(a), New York State designates as its Consolidated Plan program year the 12 month period beginning on January 1st of each year and ending on December 31st of the same year.
Consultations (Section 91.110)
CDBG Small Cities Consultations with Local Governments
Since 2000, the Housing Trust Fund Corporation's (HTFC) Governor's Office for Small Cities (GOSC) has implemented an extensive outreach program to encourage the participation of citizens, statewide and regional community revitalization organizations, State agencies, and local governments as required by 24 CFR 91.110. Prior to the submittal of the State's Action Plan each year and prior to the submittal of the Consolidated Plan every five years, the GOSC holds public meetings with representatives of the State's non-entitlement communities. The public meetings are held every fall as part of the GOSC's annual community development conference. The purpose of these meetings are to provide information on the CDBG Small Cities Program and to receive comments on the State's method of distribution of its CDBG Small Cities funds and general feedback on the State's CDBG Small Cities Program.
In late fall and early winter of each year, the GOSC conducts workshops in various locations throughout the State to provide guidance to communities, consultants, and private agencies in developing CDBG Small Cities applications for the upcoming program year. These meetings are held in as many locations across the State as possible in order to encourage attendance by existing grant recipients as well as potential grant recipients. Although primarily focusing on the application round, these workshops also provide an opportunity for communities to review the State's method of distribution and for GOSC to solicit input on this method.
In addition to the public meetings and annual workshops, the GOSC conducts public outreach throughout the year through various means of communication. For example, the GOSC Website www.nysmallcities.org is one method for disseminating information to the public and State and local government agencies and offices. The website includes statistics on the allocation of funds for each of the annual funding rounds and the open round and serves as the primary method for providing updates to regulations, GOSC policies and procedures, and general guidance on the management of grants. Any public concerns or comments regarding any aspect of the CDBG program are encouraged and can be submitted through an e-mail link available on the Website.
In 2004, GOSC implemented a new local outreach program that provides one-on-one technical assistance to communities seeking assistance from the GOSC CDBG program. The program provides communities with a private forum through which they can express opinions and concerns on the various aspects of the CDBG program including the method of distribution of funds.
Throughout the year GOSC staff attend various conferences and public forums where the Small Cities Program is discussed with interested parties. These provide forums for the discussion of New York State's implementation of the CDBG Small Cities Program, the needs of New York's smaller cities and rural communities and the allocation and distribution of Small Cities funds. On an annual basis, the GOSC staff attends conferences sponsored by organizations such as the New York State Association of Towns, the New York State Association of Counties, the New York State Council of Mayors and the Rural Preservation Conference. In addition, the GOSC staff is also periodically requested to participate in public forums such as local and regional planning and information gathering sessions and regularly participates in various State agency discussions and meetings such as the Co-Funding Initiative and the Appalachian Regional Planning Commission.
The GOSC regards its obligations under the required Citizen Participation and Local Government Consultation processes as opportunities to improve the administration and accomplishments of the Small Cities Program and address the housing and non-housing community development needs of New York State's eligible jurisdictions.
Consultation with Public Housing Authorities
New York State's Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR) administers a sizable statewide Section 8 housing voucher program which annually provides rental and homebuyer assistance to more than 30,000 households. In addition, New York State supervises, but does not directly operate, 74 public housing projects. The State provides annual operating subsidies (more than $24 million/year) to these projects to make their rents more affordable. The affordability of this housing is also enhanced by State tax policies and agreements with localities. Under the leadership of Governor George Pataki, DHCR assists in the creation of public/private partnerships to rehabilitate and preserve public housing. State agency staff with responsibility for public housing-related programs and policies were consulted at every step in the Consolidated Plan development process.
Consultation with Social Services Agencies
As a member of the State's National Affordable Housing Act (NAHA) Task Force, the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) is an integral partner in the development of this Consolidated Plan. OTDA leads a comprehensive effort to coordinate all the appropriate social services agencies in determining the housing and service needs of the homeless and those at risk of homelessness as well as persons with special needs. In addition, social services agency representatives and advocates participate actively on both the NAHA Task Force and the Partnership Advisory Committee (PAC) which provides information throughout the planning process.
Consultation on Lead-based Paint Hazards
In the development of this Consolidated Plan, the NAHA Task Force consulted with the New York State Department of Health (DOH) concerning lead-based paint hazards in New York State. DOH provided information on the number of housing units containing lead-based paint hazards and the number of children with elevated levels of lead in their blood. In addition, DHCR's Office of Housing Management provided information on lead-based paint reduction strategies. DHCR participates on the State's Lead Poisoning Prevention Advisory Council. For additional information on the State's efforts concerning lead-based paint hazards please refer to the Needs Assessment and Strategic Plan sections of this Plan.
Lead Agency Designation
In accordance with 24 CFR Section 91.300(b), Governor George E. Pataki has designated the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR) as the lead agency in developing the State's Consolidated Plan. DHCR Commissioner Judith A. Calogero, who serves as the Chairperson of New York State's National Affordable Housing Act (NAHA) Task Force, led State agencies, public authorities, public benefit corporations, community-based organizations, statewide advocacy groups, trade organizations, housing providers and interested citizens in the development of the State's Consolidated Plan for 2006 - 2010. [A more detailed description of DHCR's organization and responsibilities can be found in the Institutional Structure section of the Plan.]
Consolidated Plan Development Process
In the development of its Consolidated Plan for 2006 - 2010, New York State has followed the Citizen Participation Plan approved by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on December 29, 2000. The Citizen Participation Plan fulfills the general and specific requirements described in Section 91.115 of the federal rules and regulations for the Consolidated Submissions for Community Planning and Development Programs (24 CFR 91), including citizen participation requirements for units of local government receiving Community Development Block Grants, as described at 24 CFR 570.486.
New York's Citizen Participation Plan facilitates and encourages comments from citizens, local governments, statewide housing and community development organizations, not-for-profit organizations, State agencies, and other interested parties with insights into the housing and community development needs of New York State. Implementation of the Citizen Participation Plan ensures that New York State citizens and community groups have ample opportunity to participate in developing New York's Action Plan.
New York's Citizen Participation Plan encourages increased communication among the various State agencies and interested groups and individuals. New York State relies heavily on the advice and comments of its New York State Task Force on the National Affordable Housing Act (NAHA), its Partnership Advisory Committee (PAC), regional planning associations, citizens, not-for-profit organizations and other interested parties to maximize the benefits of collective problem-solving.
The NAHA Task Force is comprised of commissioners and staff liaisons from various State agencies. These agencies and departments provide crucial information concerning their responsibilities and activities in developing and implementing the Action Plan. These agencies are asked to encourage their clients, providers and not-for-profit organizations to take an active role in the citizen participation process. Furthermore, the agencies are asked to disseminate the schedule of meetings and the dates for public comment and hearings.
The Partnership Advisory Committee brings together representatives of a wide range of community-based and statewide organizations working to promote affordable housing. These organizations include: not-for-profits; local governments; private business associations; and advocates for the homeless, for minority groups and for persons with disabilities. As with the NAHA Task Force, PAC members are encouraged to disseminate pertinent information to their extensive membership networks and their clients.
This process allows New York State to interact with housing providers in many arenas beyond the development and implementation of the Consolidated Plan. To the extent possible, these providers are included in the development and implementation of the annual Action Plan by being kept informed of the process, invited to participate at public hearings, and asked to review the draft Action Plan. All NAHA Task Force and Partnership Advisory Committee comments and concerns are considered during the development of the Consolidated Plan submission.
In fulfilling the terms of the State's Citizen Participation Plan, New York State solicited input on the development of the draft Plan by conducting a series of public hearings at four different, geographically dispersed communities across the State. Public hearings were also held at four different locations after the Consolidated Plan was published for comment. Notice of the hearing schedule (and thirty-day public comment period) was provided to a minimum of 20 newspapers across the State, including non-English media, and printed more than two weeks prior to the start of the process. The notice was also posted on the Internet at www.nysdhcr.gov. In addition, the public hearings were held at times and locations convenient to potential and actual beneficiaries and with accommodations for persons with disabilities. Interpreters for non-English speaking individuals were available upon request.
The schedule of public hearings was forwarded to members of the Governor's Task Force on HIV/AIDS, members of the Rural Preservation Coalition Task Force, members of the Neighborhood Preservation Task Force, as well as members of the NAHA Task Force/liaisons and PAC members.
NAHA Task Force representatives were available for consultations with members of the PAC and were present at the Rural Housing Coalition Annual Conference and the Neighborhood Preservation Coalition Annual Conference where copies of the proposed Consolidated Plan were available.
During the thirty-day public comment period, the draft Consolidated Plan, as published for comment, was available at approximately 90 State and local government offices and libraries across the State, on the Internet, and through the Division's toll-free number.
Copies of the draft Consolidated Plan, as published for comment, were sent to NAHA Task Force and PAC members. Groups and individuals were sent copies upon request. Comment was encouraged.
All comments received at the public hearings and otherwise received during the thirty-day public comment period (both written and oral) were considered during the development of the Consolidated Plan submission and are summarized in an appendix to the submission.
All such items documenting the Citizen Participation Plan and consultation elements are available for inspection.
Summary of the Citizen Participation Process
In accordance with 24 CFR Section 91.115, New York State has prepared and submitted, and HUD has approved a Citizen Participation Plan. This extensive plan establishes a process which encourages participation by minorities, low- and moderate-income persons, persons with disabilities and other interested residents of New York State in the development of the State's Consolidated Plan.
In accordance with 24 CFR 91.300(b), New York State provides the following summary of the main elements of the process described in the State's HUD-approved Citizen Participation Plan. To encourage citizen participation in the development of its Consolidated Plan, New York State has, among other things:
held a series of public hearings at the beginning of the development process to solicit public input prior to the preparation of a draft Consolidated Plan;
consulted with a broad range of public agencies (both state and local) and private organizations and individuals to solicit public input prior to the preparation of a draft Consolidated Plan;
published a summary of the draft Consolidated Plan in newspapers across the state;
distributed copies of the summary widely by mail;
made the full text available at approximately 90 State and local government offices and libraries across the State;
provided Internet access of the draft via a Web site at www.nysdhcr.gov;
allowed a 30 day comment period;
held a series of public hearings during the 30 day comment period; and
established an e-Mail address to encourage and accept public comments.
Summary of Public Comments
In accordance with New York State's HUD-approved Citizen Participation Plan, members of the State's National Affordable Housing Act Task Force and its Partnership Advisory Committee provided input before and during the preparation of the draft Consolidated Plan and subsequently reviewed and commented on the draft. In addition, formal public input was solicited and received during two sets of public hearings and a public comment period. The first set of public hearings was held at the beginning of the Consolidated Plan development process on May 17, 19 and 24, 2005 to solicit public input before the preparation of the draft Consolidated Plan. The second set of public hearings were held after the Consolidated Plan was drafted and published for public comment. This second set of public hearings were held on September 20, 22 and 27, 2005. On each of the six hearing days, hearings were held simultaneously at four locations across the state (New York City, Albany, Syracuse and Buffalo) which were linked via videoconference. In addition, written comments were received during the 30 day public comment period.
In accordance with 24 CFR 91.300(b), the State considered all public comments offered at the public hearings and received during the public comment period. Appendix II presents a summary of these comments and New York State's response to them.
Last updated on 03/09/06