ACTION ITEM
SPONSOR: Jewel Cannada-Wynn, Chairperson
SUBJECT:
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CRA RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM GUIDELINE REVISIONS
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RECOMMENDATION:
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That the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) approve revisions to the approved CRA Residential Property Improvement Program (RPIP) to increase the maximum award to $70,000 for owner occupied properties.
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SUMMARY:
The Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) approved the CRA Residential Property Improvement Program (RPIP) for administration within targeted segments of the designated redevelopment areas. Implementation of residential property improvement programs is identified as a key redevelopment strategy within each of the City of Pensacola’s adopted community redevelopment plans. Principle program goals include blight removal and resident retention through preservation of existing affordable housing stock.
The CRA further approved an agreement with the West Florida Regional Planning Council (WFRPC) for administration of the property improvement program. Since approval, CRA staff has been working closely with the WFRPC to implement the program. Due to the age and condition of the existing housing stock, it has been identified that increased funding is warranted to adequately stabilize homes located within the program’s priority boundaries.
To maximize the opportunity for preservation of existing affordable housing stock, staff recommends that the CRA approve revisions to the RPIP guidelines, to increase the maximum award amount for owner occupied properties. Under the existing guidelines, maximum award amounts are $35,000 for owner occupants whose household income is equal to or less than 120 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI), as defined by the most recent HUD Median Income Limits for Escambia County, Florida, and $17,500 for owner occupants above 120 percent AMI and for rental properties. Staff recommends that the maximum award amount be increased to $70,000 for owner occupied properties, subject to funding availability.
PRIOR ACTION:
January 8, 2018 - The CRA approved the Residential Property Improvement Program Guidelines and the Agreement with WFRPC for program administration.
September 10, 2018 - The CRA approved revisions to of the Residential Property Improvement Program guidelines and prioritization criteria.
March 11, 2019 - The CRA approved revisions to of the Residential Property Improvement Program guidelines and documents.
FUNDING:
N/A
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Revision of the program guidelines, as recommended, will increase the maximum award amount for owner occupied properties, subject to funding availability.
CITY ATTORNEY REVIEW: Yes
11/26/2019
STAFF CONTACT:
M. Helen Gibson, AICP, CRA Administrator
Victoria D’Angelo, Assistant CRA Administrator
ATTACHMENTS:
1) Residential Property Improvement Program Guidelines - Ver. 12.09.19
PRESENTATION: No end