Action Plan YR3 July 1, 2012-June 30, 2013

7/27/2019 Action Plan YR3 July 1, 2012-June 30, 2013

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City of Medford

Third Program Year Action Plan 1 Version 2.0

Third Program YearAction Plan

The CPMP Annual Action Plan includes theSF 424and Narrative Responses to

Action Plan questions that CDBG, HOME, HOPWA, and ESG grantees mustrespond to each year in order to be compliant with the Consolidated PlanningRegulations.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ACTION PLAN.............................................................................................................................. 4

Executive Summary 91.220(b) ................................................................................................................. 4Executive Summary Response: Include the objectives and outcomes identified

in the plan .................................................................................................................................... 4Economic Development ......................................................................................................... 15

Executive Summary Response: Evaluation of Past Performance .......................... 16Executive Summary Response: A Summary of the Citizen Participation and

Consultation Process (24 CFR 91.200 (b)).................................................................... 18Executive Summary Response: A Summary of Comments or Views and a

Summary of Comments or Views not Accepted and the Reasons therefore (24CFR 91.105 (b)(5)). ............................................................................................................... 19

GENERAL QUESTIONS ........................................................................................................... 19Medford Square/Central Medford/Lawrence Estates Tract 3391 ....................... 22

Brooks Estates Tract 3392 ............................................................................................... 22West Medford Tract 3393 ................................................................................................. 23Hillside Tract 3394 .............................................................................................................. 23

Central Medford Tract 3395............................................................................................. 23South Medford Tracts 3396 and 3397 ......................................................................... 24Wellington Tract 3398 and 3398 ................................................................................... 24

Glenwood/Haines Square Tract 3399 .......................................................................... 24Glenwood/Fulton Heights Tract 3400 .......................................................................... 25North Medford Tract 3401 ................................................................................................ 25

MANAGING THE PROCESS ................................................................................................... 28Community Participation .................................................................................................................... 29Organizations and Municipal Departments Consulted in Preparation of the Annual Action Plan ..... 30

CITIZEN PARTICIPATION .................................................................................................... 32Public Meetings in Development of Program Year 3 Action Plan ........................................... 33

Organizations and Municipal Departments Contacted and Consulted inPreparation of the Program Year 3 Plan ......................................................................... 34

INSTITUTIONAL STRUCTURE ............................................................................................ 37
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MONITORING ........................................................................................................................... 38Performance Assessment ......................................................................................................... 38Monitoring Schedule ................................................................................................................ 39On-Site Monitoring Process...................................................................................................... 39Monitoring Report .................................................................................................................... 40Performance Measurement System ........................................................................................ 40

Davis Bacon Compliance........................................................................................................... 41

LEAD-BASED PAINT .............................................................................................................. 42

HOUSING ................................................................................................................................... 43

SPECIFIC HOUSING OBJECTIVES ....................................................................................... 43

Summary of Community Development Block GrantHousing Objectives ................................................ 44

NEEDS OF PUBLIC HOUSING ............................................................................................... 46

BARRIERS TO AFFORDABLE HOUSING ........................................................................... 47

HOME/ AMERICAN DREAM DOWN PAYMENT INITIATIVE (ADDI) ....................... 48

HOMELESS ................................................................................................................................ 50

Specific Homeless Prevention Elements ................................................................................................. 50

EMERGENCY SHELTER GRANTS (ESG) ............................................................................ 54

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ............................................................................................ 56

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ............................................................................................ 56

Physical Improvements to City Systems and Public Facilities ................................................................. 59

Economic Development: ........................................................................................................................ 61

Public Services Programs: ...................................................................................................................... 62

Economic Development, Public Facilities, and Improvements ...................................................... 65Economic Development and Job Creation ..................................................................................... 66Medford Square ............................................................................................................................. 66South Medford/Hillside/West Medford/Haines Square/ Middlesex Avenue ................................ 66Mystic Avenue ................................................................................................................................ 67Riverside Industrial Area ................................................................................................................ 68Wellington Circle ............................................................................................................................ 68Historic Preservation ...................................................................................................................... 68Youth Services ................................................................................................................................ 69


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Senior Services ............................................................................................................................... 69Other Human Services.................................................................................................................... 70

ANTIPOVERTY STRATEGY .................................................................................................. 70

NON-HOMELESS SPECIAL NEEDS HOUSING .................................................................. 71

Non-homeless Special Needs (91.220 (c) and (e)) ................................................................................... 71

HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES FOR PEOPLE WITH AIDS ................................................ 73

Specific HOPWA Objectives.................................................................................................................... 74

OTHER NARRATIVE ............................................................................................................... 74Fair Housing Compliance .......................................................................................................... 74

INDEX OF TABLES

TABLE 1: FEDERAL RESOURCES ....................................................................................................................... 7TABLE 2: FEDERAL ARRA RESOURCES ............................................................................................................. 7TABLE 3: FEDERAL RESOURCES MEDFORD HOUSING AUTHORITY .............................................................. 8TABLE 4: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT BUDGET ................................................................. 13TABLE 5: PUBLIC SERVICE FUNDING ............................................................................................................. 14TABLE 6: SUMMARY OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT OBJECTIVES ................................... 15TABLE 7: HUD DEFINED LOW/MOD PERCENTAGES BY CENSUS TRACT AND BLOCK GROUP ....................... 21TABLE 8: MEDFORD MINORITY CONCENTRATION BY CENSUS TRACT ......................................................... 25TABLE 9: HOUSING OBJECTIVES ................................................................................................................... 45TABLE 10: CHAPTER 40B SUBSIDIZED HOUSING INVENTORY (SHI) AS OF SEPT. 29, 2009 ........................... 48

TABLE 11: 2012-2013 AWARDS TO ORGANIZATIONS SERVING MEDFORD .................................................. 51TABLE 12: PHYSICAL AND PUBLIC FACILITIES IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMS OBJECTIVES ANDPERFORMANCE MEASURES ................................................................................................................ 59

TABLE 13: ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY PROGRAMS OBJECTIVES & PERFORMANCE MEASURES ............... 61TABLE 14: PUBLIC SERVICE PROGRAMS AND OUTCOMES ........................................................................... 62

CPMP ATTACHMENTS

SIGNED SF424 NEEDS.XLS

SIGNED GRANTEE INFORMATION GOALS.XLS

SIGNED CERTIFICATIONS PROJECTS.XLS

HUD CHECKLIST FOR AP3.DOC SUMMARIES.XLS

1CPMP.XLS


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ACTION PLANAnnual Action Plan includes theSF 424and is due every year no less than 45 daysprior to the start of the grantees program year start date. HUD does not acceptplans between August 15 and November 15.

Executive Summary 91.220(b)

The Executive Summary is required. Include the objectives and outcomesidentified in the plan as well as an evaluation of past performance, asummary of the citizen participation and consultation process (includingefforts to broaden public participation) (24 CFR 91.200 (b)), a summary ofcomments or views, and a summary of comments or views not accepted andthe reasons therefore (24 CFR 91.105 (b)(5)).

Program Year 3 Action Plan Executive Summary:

Executive Summary Response: Include the objectives and outcomesidentified in the plan

This Action Plan provides the basis and strategy for the use of federalfunds granted to the City of Medford by the U.S. Department of Housing andUrban Development (HUD) under the Community Development Block Grant(CDBG) program. This Plan presents proposed objectives and outcomes forthe third program year of the Five Year Consolidated Plan beginning July 1,2012 and ending June 30, 2013.

The primary objective of the CDBG program is to develop viablecommunities and to meet the needs of its low- and moderate-incomeresidents through a broad range of activities that provide:

a suitable living environment, decent, safe, and sanitary housing or

economic opportunities.

The City of Medford, under the leadership of the Mayor, administersCommunity Development Block Grant funds through the Office of CommunityDevelopment. The City has identified a number of pressing needs through

input from agencies and residents, data collection and analysis. As part ofthe process to establish priorities and strategies, public and private agenciesand organizations serving populations within the City are invited to proposeprojects. These proposals are then reviewed by staff who make projectfunding recommendations to the Mayor.
http://www.hud.gov/utilities/intercept.cfm?offices/cpd/communitydevelopment/programs/neighborhoodspg/afa.pdfhttp://www.hud.gov/utilities/intercept.cfm?offices/cpd/communitydevelopment/programs/neighborhoodspg/afa.pdfhttp://www.hud.gov/utilities/intercept.cfm?offices/cpd/communitydevelopment/programs/neighborhoodspg/afa.pdfhttp://www.hud.gov/utilities/intercept.cfm?offices/cpd/communitydevelopment/programs/neighborhoodspg/afa.pdf


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The City plans to focus efforts this year on the following areas:

Economic Development/Jobs, Livability, Housing, Historic Preservation, Public Facilities and Improvements, Handicap Accessibility, Public Services.

Principal among the issues confronting low and moderate-incomeMedford residents are housing affordability and jobs. Funding for smallbusinesses and businesspersons is essential to allow for businessdevelopment and to foster the creation of jobs for residents.

The City will work with existing and potential developers in an effort toencourage and support economic development, resulting in job creation and

retention. It will continue its relationship with ACCION, a non- profitorganization which promotes and supports microenterprise development,creating employment to serve the needs of low-income residents.Additionally, infrastructure and physical improvements will continue in theCitys commercial areas. The City will continue its efforts to encourage andsupport business development and expansion in the through implementationof a parking management plan and pursuit of funding for construction of afully designed parking garage at Governors Avenue.

Medford will continue its efforts to enhance community livabilitythrough completion of its seven year Open Space and Recreation Plan. This

focuses on the preservation, improvement and expansion of all the Citysactive and passive recreation resources and conservation areas and includesan implementation schedule for goals and objectives identified in the plan.

The City works to encourage economic activity and eliminatedeteriorated conditions in areas designated as slums and blight and targetedareas that meet HUDs low- and moderate-income threshold. Medford is acity with an aging infrastructure and traditional centers of city commerce andcivic life that are in need of significant repair. Targeting of improvementsand evaluation of structures and areas for assistance will continue. The Citywill continue its decade-long commitment to green initiatives and cleanenergy.

Housing activities will continue with the majority of funding expectedto continue with public and private resources. The City will continue to seekfinancial support from the North Suburban HOME Consortium (NSC) to assistin the development of affordable housing; the NSC includes the communitiesof Arlington, Chelsea, Everett, Malden, Medford, Melrose, Revere and

Winthrop. The NSC provides resources for the development of newaffordable housing units, the rehabilitation of existing affordable housing


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units, and assistance to low- and moderate-income first-time homebuyers.The HOME program will assist the City of Medford in its plan to increasehousing choices for low- and moderate-income Medford households. This hasbeen successful in the past in a number of private developments that havesought administrative relief from zoning. CDBG funds will be used toleverage HOME and private resources.

The City of Medford is planning to continue to closely monitor andassess foreclosures. Foreclosures have increased in the City but not to thealarming rate of our sister cities.

The City will continue to support efforts to preserve structures andlandscapes of historic value. Medford-Brooks Estate Land Trust (M-BELT) willcomplete handicap access improvements funded in Program Year 37.

Public Facilities and Improvements will continue to be a high priorityfor the City, with street, sidewalk and infrastructure improvement projects.

The City will implement handicap access improvements focusing onsidewalks, access to public parks and public buildings.

The City is engaged in several initiatives that will focus resources onimproving the quality of life, housing choices and economic opportunitiesthroughout the city. The implementation of the Medford Square Master Planwill improve business opportunities and services in Medford Square andaddress community development and housing objectives. The MedfordSquare Master Plan is focused on improving a central business district thatserves economically diverse residents throughout the city.

Phase two of Rivers Edge, an office building with 400,000 square feetof office building, houses a number of tenants including Marriott ENERegional Sales Office and the Spanish biotechnology company Progenika. Anumber of smaller operations including PL Management (Owner and managerof Rivers Edge Drive) and Bozutto Management Company and Undine arealso located in the building. In all, 184 jobs have been created and of these,43 are held by low and moderate-income individuals. Linear Park andlandscape improvements have also been completed with pathways andlandscaping installed along the Malden River. Construction of Phase I of theWellington Greenway Project has been completed. This multipurposepathway along the Malden and Mystic Rivers, will link the Rivers Edge Projectto the MBTAs Wellington Station and other development projects along the

river. Design has been completed on phases II and III of the project, withconstruction scheduled for spring 2012. The city will continue to supporteconomic development and environmental improvement initiatives in thisarea.

The City is committed to continuing to work with and support public

nonprofit agencies such as the Council on Aging and other elder service


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organizations, homeless providers and other special needs providers in theirmission to meet the needs of the underserved population of the area.

Table 1: Federal Resources

The City and related housing agencies expect to receive the following sourcesof federal funds for the program year July 1, 2012 - June 30, 2013:

So u r c e Am o u n t City of MedfordHUD Community Dev. Block Grant (CDBG) $ 1,412,255.00CDBG Program Income from Revolving Loan $ 5,000.00COC Medford Portion of McKinney Request $ 595,290.00HOME $ 100,000.00Total: $ 2,112,545.00

It is estimated that approximately 90% of specific CDBG expenditures will

benefit low- and moderate-income persons. According to federal regulationsgoverning the Block Grant program, a minimum of 70% of these funds mustbe allocated to benefit the Citys low- and moderate-income residents. Inaddition, a maximum of 15% of the Block Grant funds may be used for publicservice programs.

Table 2: Federal ARRA Resources

The City will complete its expenditure of funds awarded through theAmerican Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA):

So u r c e Am o u n t

City of MedfordHUD Community Dev. Block Grant-Recovery (CDBG-R) $ 53,579.00HUD Homelessness Prevention Fund (HPRP) $ 66,255.00Total: $ 119,834.00

The City will complete its expenditure of HPRP funds through sub-recipientscontracted to provide case management, housing search and rentalassistance. The CDBG-R funding will be expended on eligible infrastructureimprovement projects.


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Table 3: Federal Resources Medford Housing Authority

The Action Plan requires the City to identify resources available to theMedford Housing Authority. The Medford Housing Authority is anindependent, municipal corporation located in Medford, MA and wasestablished under Chapter 121B of the State Statutes. The Medford HousingAuthority submits its own planning documents to HUD and DHCD. CDBGfunds will not be allocated to the Medford Housing Authority in this ActionPlan.

So u r c e Am o u n t

Medford Housing AuthorityPublic Housing Operating Funds $ 281,496.00Public Housing Capital Funds $ 1,623,986.00ACC Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) $10,260,844.00

$12,166,326.00


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Program Year 3 Action Plan

Summary of Statement of Objectives and BudgetFor The Thirty-Eighth Program Year

July 1, 2012 June 30, 2013

The Citys objectives for the use of $1,412,255.00in CDBG funds in2012-2013 are summarized below.

HOUSING24 CFR 570.202(a)(2) & (b)/570.208(a)(3)

$ 5,000.00

The City seeks to improve the quality of housing and increase housingopportunities available to low- and moderate-income households. Activities

will be overseen by the Citys Affordable Housing Production Specialist.Specific objectives include the following:

Oversee affordable housing lotteries and ensure timely delivery ofaffordable units at market rate developments where affordableunits have been required;

Assist and possibly fund area nonprofit housing developers inidentifying appropriate development sites and in accessing fundingfor the development of those sites;

Develop and implement procedures, and strategies to preventforeclosures and homelessness;

Administrate the various housing activities;

Develop affordable rental housing opportunities for low- tomoderate-income households;

Monitor foreclosed properties within the City.


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PHYSICAL IMPROVEMENTS TO CITY SYSTEMS ANDPUBLIC FACILITIES

24 CFR 570.201(c)/570.202(b),(d)/570.208(a)(1),(3)&(b)

$ 912,966.00

The City seeks to reconstruct its infrastructure, park, public service,water, sewer, drainage, sidewalk, and roadway facilities. Commitmentsinclude the following:

The upgrading and replacement, where necessary, of the water,sewer, sidewalk, drainage, and street systems including: sewer, waterand drainage rehabilitation; fire hydrant and water gate replacement;removal and replacement of lead service connections; sidewalkreconstruction and tree planting.

The City will implement handicap access improvements focusing onsidewalks, crosswalks, access to public parks and public buildings.

PUBLIC SERVICES24 CFR 570.201(e)/570.208(a)(2)(i)

$ 211,838.00

The City seeks to provide a variety of public service programs and tocontinue to support nonprofit community development agencies to encourage

the development of affordable housing. The City objectives include:

Combating social illnesses, public safety and substance abuse,which weaken the stability of the Citys households andneighborhoods;

Improving quality of life for Medfords school children, through theprovision of after school child care programs;

Improving the resources available to the Citys population at risk ofhomelessness, residents in crisis, local consumers, and thephysically and emotionally disabled population;

Encouraging the creation of affordable housing and assisting thosewith emergency and transitional housing needs. Programs includelegal aid, food pantry and meals, and referral and counselingservices;


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Providing vocational, social, recreational and educationalopportunities for developmentally disabled Medford residents andtheir families;

PLANNING AND ADMINISTRATION24 CFR 570.206$ 282,451.00

The City seeks to conduct the above activities in an efficient manneraccording to an overall strategy. In administering the CDBG program theOffice of Community Development shall strive to maximize the impact of thefunds expended.

The City will work through the Office of Human Diversity regardingregulations concerning Fair Housing, Section 3 Requirements, and the

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Whenever possible, the City will make every effort to attract discretionaryand formula grant funds from federal and state sources to meet communitydevelopment objectives.

PROGRAM INCOME24 CFR 570.504

$ 5,000.00

Payments received from a previous housing rehabilitation loan program willbe utilized for housing programs.

HOME BUDGET24 CFR 570.208(a)(1)/570.201(m)&(n)

Low/Moderate Housing Benefit

The City may apply for HOME money to fund owner-occupied orinvestor-owned housing rehabilitation and construction. The proposed HOME

accomplishments are:

Support the development of new rental housing units. This will bea combination of federally assisted units and privately funded unitswith affordability restrictions;

Provide a series of certified First-Time Homebuyer Workshops inMedford;

Assist with the lotteries for affordable units;


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Provide income eligible homebuyers with downpayment and closingcost assistance.

Medford is a member of the North Suburban Consortium (NSC) that iscomprised of eight communities located north of Boston (Arlington, Chelsea,Everett, Malden, Medford, Melrose, Revere and Winthrop). The membercommunities focus cooperative efforts to maintain and create affordablehousing for all low-income residents in the region. Medford will participatein the HOME First-Time Homebuyers Workshop Program providingcounseling, training and downpayment assistance to low- and moderate-income prospective homebuyers in purchasing affordable housing.

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009

The City will continue programs funded through the AmericanRecovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA).

Community Development Block Grant Recovery Program (CDBG-R)

The City plans to expend the remaining $53,579.00 in CDBG Recovery Actfunds. The City proposes to use these funds in an expeditious and efficientmanner while maximizing the number of low- and moderate-incomeresidents served. Toward that end, the funds will be utilized to reconstructstreets in identified low- and moderate-income neighborhoods and for jobretention activities.

Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-housing Program (HPRP)

The City will expend the remaining $66,255.00 in HomelessnessPrevention and Rapid Re-housing funds through contracts awarded in 2009to four sub-grantees. All funds will be utilized for case management, housingsearch and rental assistance to aid in the prevention of homelessness.

Through March of 2012, one hundred and seventy-three households wereserved with case management; one hundred six households received rentalassistance to prevent them from becoming homeless; and nineteen homelessfamilies received case management, with all of those households alsoreceiving rental assistance, using HPRP funds.


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Community Development Block Grant Budget

YR 38 Allocation: $ 1,412,255.00

July 1, 2012 - June 30, 2013

Table 4: Communi ty Development Block Grant Budget

HOUSING $ 5,000.00

Housing Programs $ 5,000.00

PHYSICAL IMPROVEMENTS $ 912,966.00

Water, Sewer, Drainage, Streets, Sidewalks, $ 912,966.00

Handicap access improvements of sidewalks,Crosswalks, access to public parks and buildings.

PUBLIC SERVICES $ 211,838.00

PLANNING & ADMINISTRATION $ 282,451.00

TOTAL: $ 1,412,255.00 YR 38 Allocation

5,000.00 est. Prog. Inc.

$ 1,417,255.00


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YR 38 Public Service Funding

July 1, 2012 through June 30, 2013

Table 5: Public Service Funding

Agency YR 38 Funding

1. A Better Tomorrow Services, Inc. $ 3,718.00

2. Boys & Girls Clubs $ 1,859.00

3. Bread of Life $ 1,005.00

4. Community Family, Inc. $ 1,674.00

5. Consumer Advisory $ 6,693.00

6. Council on Aging $ 57,923.007. Eglise Evangelique/Holiness Food Pantry $ 1,488.00

8. EMARC, Inc. $ 4,461.00

9. Heading Home/Medford Family Life $ 3,718.00

10. Immigrant Learning Center $ 3,718.00

11. Medford Public Schools - After School $ 8,368.00

12. Mystic Valley Elder Services $ 8,031.00

13. Salvation Army $ 1,115.00

14. SCM Transportation $ 82,552.00

15. Tri-Cap $ 5,355.00

16. West Medford Community Center $ 20,160.00

TOTAL $ 211,838.00


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For Year 3 of the 5-year period (2012-2013), the objectives and outcomesare listed below:

Table 6: Summary of Housing and Community Development Objectives

Housing Objectives Outcomes

Decent Housing: Rental Monitorthe impact of expiring use properties. Maintain availability of current affordablerestrictive housing stock.

Decent Housing: Rental - AffordableHousing Production

Increase the supply ofaffordablerental units.

Decent Housing: Monitor foreclosureactivity

Monitor and advise homeowners who are gointhrough process of foreclosure.

Decent Housing: Affordablehomeownership

Increase access to affordablehomeownership opportunities in the City.

Decent Housing: Homeless Assisthomeless persons and those at risk ofhomelessness

Availability: Utilize HPRP funds to preventhomelessness and rapidly re-house homelessFamilies

Physical Improvements to PublicFacilities and City SystemsSuitable Living Environment:Water, sewer, drainage, street andsidewalk improvements

Sustainability for the purpose of creatingsuitable living environments.

Suitable Living Environment:Handicapped accessibility.

Sustainability: Increase access to publicbuildings, parks and walks.

Suitable Living Environment:Handicapped Accessibility

Accessibility for removing physical barriersfor persons with disabilities.

Economic Development

Suitable Living Environment:Implement parking management.plan and pursue construction of adowntown parking garage

Sustainability: Promote viable economicdevelopment environment, create and retain

jobs.

Suitable Living Environment:Support the Citys Green CommunityInitiatives

Sustainability: Conserve energy resourcesand use renewable energy sources.

Suitable Living Environment:Complete 7-year Open Space Plan

Sustainability: Improvement and expansionof Citys Open Space and recreation system.

Create Economic Opportunities:Partner with ACCION, USA to enable

the support of business expansion forlow- and moderate- income persons;

Sustainability: Promote viablecommunities, create and retain jobs.

Help create and sustain microenterprisebusinesses.


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Executive Summary Response: Evaluation of Past Performance

The City of Medford received $1,589,073.00 in federal CommunityDevelopment Block Grant funds for the thirty-seventh program year. TheCitys Office of Community Development administered these funds. Over

$1million in CDBG funds has been expended since July 1, 2011. The Citysaccomplishments in meeting objectives set forth in the Consolidated Plan areas follows:

Objective: Decent Housing

Under this objective, the City aims to assist low-income owners inmaintaining dwelling units that meet all safety codes and to increase theamount of permanently affordable housing in Medford.

First-time Homebuyers Program: The City will continue to participate in theNorth Suburban HOME Consortiums First-Time Homebuyers program.Financial assistance will be given to income qualified first-time homebuyersfor downpayment and/or closing costs. In Program Year 37 three householdsreceived downpayment and closing cost assistance through the NorthSuburban Consortium (NSC).

Affordable Housing: The City focused resources on working with MedfordCommunity Housing to develop rental housing opportunities. These units willbe restricted for thirty years and may only be occupied by a household of60% median income.

Homeless: ARRA funds for the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-

housing program (HPRP) were used to provide case management andfinancial assistance to homeless persons and those at risk of homelessness.Tri-CAP, Heading Home, Inc., and Housing Families, Inc. provided casemanagement, housing search and placement as well as financial assistanceto families and individuals having a housing crisis. Financial assistance caninclude: funds for security deposit, first month and last month rent, rentalassistance up to eighteen months and moving cost assistance.

Through March of 2012, one hundred and seventy-three householdswere served with case management; one hundred six households receivedrental assistance to prevent them from becoming homeless; and nineteenhomeless families received case management, with all of those householdsalso receiving rental assistance, using HPRP funds.

Objective: Suitable Living Environment

Improvements to public facilities and city systems: The City has expended$771,597.00 since July 1, 2011 on the installation of street and sidewalkimprovements. Roadway reconstruction on Bow Street has been completed.


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Improvements on Alexander Avenue and Bradshaw, Cushing and PembrokeStreets will be completed this summer. Additionally, handicap accessimprovements to recreational facilities on the grounds of Medford HighSchool are near completion with $406,841.00 expended. Theseimprovements will increase safety and accessibility in these target areas.

Public Services: CDBG funds were used to provide a broad range of publicservice activities effective in promoting self-sufficiency and addressing thesupportive service needs among low- and moderate-income families,disabled individuals and the elderly. These services include transportationfor the elderly and disabled, hot meals and food pantry programs, adult dayhealth care and senior programs, emergency supportive services,occupational training and employment opportunities for persons withdevelopmental and physical disabilities, afterschool care services, and youthactivities. To date, the City has expended over $188,366.00 for publicservice agencies.

Energy conservation/Renewable Energy: the City will continue its decade-long commitment to green initiatives and clean and renewable energy. Sincecreating a City Department of Energy and Environment in 1999 and formingthe Medford Energy Task Force, the City has implemented numerous energyinitiatives. More recently, the City has constructed a 100-kilowatt windturbine at the Andrews and McGlynn Schools, which provides 10% of theenergy needs at the complex. Additionally, the City had studied the use ofsolar energy to supplement the energy used for heating needs at its schools.The City has been designated as a Green community and passed theMassachusetts Building Stretch Code. The code, which requires higher thannormal energy efficiency standards in new buildings and large renovations,

became effective in January 2011 and is enforced by the Citys buildingdepartment.

Historic Preservation: Restoration, repair and conservation of headstones atthe Salem Street Burying Grounds has been completed using state and CDBGfunds. A survey of historic properties in West Medford, using similar fundingsources, is currently underway. Plans to construct a handicapped accessiblelift at the Shepherd Brooks Estate, using prior year CDBG funds, arecurrently underway.

Objective: Creating Economic Opportunities.

Implementation of the Medford Square master Plan progressed withcompletion of the Clippership Drive Realignment, Phase I of Clippership Park,and parking, landscaping and environmental improvements at the CondonShell. Additionally the City hascompleted the design of a parking garage tobe located at Governors Avenue in Medford Square..000000000000000

The City made its final disbursement of its $1million Section 108 Loanto support the Rivers Edge Project and has achieved the job creation goal


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associated with the loan. The Rivers Edge office building, houses a numberof tenants including Marriott ENE Regional Sales Office and the Spanishbiotechnology company Progenika. A number of smaller operations includingPL Management Company and Undine are also located in the building. In all,184 jobs have been created and of these 43 are held by low and moderate-income individuals. Linear park and landscape improvements have beencompleted with pathways and landscaping installed along the Malden River.

Construction of Phase I of the Wellington Greenway project has beencompleted. This multipurpose pathway along the Malden and Mystic Rivers,will link the Rivers Edge project to the MBTAs Wellington Station and otherdevelopment projects along the river. Design has been completed on phasesII and III of the project, with construction scheduled for Spring 2012.

Executive Summary Response: A Summary of the CitizenParticipation and Consultation Process (24 CFR 91.200 (b)).

The City sponsored a series of information gathering sessions, publicmeetings and hearings on relevant issues with nonprofit providers, privateentities, the public and elected officials to refine housing and communitydevelopment needs, define the Third Year Action Plan and receive approvalfor the CDBG plan and application.

Agencies and organizations with programs that use or could useresources outlined in the Annual Action Plan were notified of the developmentof the plan and were invited to submit suggestions, ideas and requests forsupport.

The City received oral testimony during the preparation of the ActionPlan. Input was received from seniors, public housing developmentresidents, City Departments and public service agencies and beneficiaries.People expressed their continued support of the ongoing public serviceprograms.

Agencies and groups that provide housing and public service needsserving minorities and low-income persons were invited to participate in theprocess to identify goals and suggest strategies. To ensure inclusion ofunderserved populations, agencies specifically representing the underserved

were contacted to verify needs as identified in the plan.

Representatives from each public service agency attended, informingcitizens of the services provided and responding to questions. Medford CityCouncilors also attended to hear from the public service agencies and toinquire about the agencies.


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In addition, attendees were invited to submit data and writtencomments after the meetings. Any input received from organizations andcitizens was considered and incorporated into this plan, if appropriate.

The draft Plans were made available on April 13, 2012 at City Hall,online atwww.medford.organd by request, during the 30-day public comment

period.

Executive Summary Response: A Summary of Comments or Viewsand a Summary of Comments or Views not Accepted and the Reasonstherefore (24 CFR 91.105 (b)(5)).

There were no written comments on the Plan received during thepublic comment period.

General Questions

1. Describe the geographic areas of the jurisdiction (including areas of lowincome families and/or racial/minority concentration) in which assistancewill be directed during the next year. Where appropriate, the jurisdictionshould estimate the percentage of funds the jurisdiction plans to dedicateto target areas.

2. Describe the basis for allocating investments geographically within the*jurisdiction (or within the EMSA for HOPWA) (91.215(a)(1)) during the

next year and the rationale for assigning the priorities.

3. Describe actions that will take place during the next year to addressobstacles to meeting underserved needs.

4. Identify the federal, state, and local resources expected to be madeavailable to address the needs identified in the plan. Federal resourcesshould include Section 8 funds made available to the jurisdiction, Lowincome Housing Tax Credits, and competitive McKinney-Vento Homeless

Assistance Act funds expected to be available to address priority needsand specific objectives identified in the strategic plan.

Program Year 3 Action Plan General Questions response:

1. Describe the geographic areas of the jurisdiction (including areas oflow income families and/or racial/minority concentration) in which assistancewill be directed during the next year. Where appropriate, the jurisdictionshould estimate the percentage of funds the jurisdiction plans to dedicate totarget areas.
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The City of Medford, a historic suburban city located on the MysticRiver, was incorporated as a city in 1892. Medford is bordered by Everettand Malden to the east, Stoneham to the north, Somerville to the south,Arlington to the west and Winchester to the northwest. The 2010 censusfigures for Medford indicate that the city as a population of 56,173 persons,which is a very slight 0.7% (or 408 persons) increase from the 2000 number.The average population density is 6449 persons per square miles in 8.71square miles. The housing stock in Medford is dominated by two and threeunit buildings, with a significant number of single-family colonial style homes,particularly in the northern and western regions of the city. Of the citys22,810 occupied housing units 57.1% are owner occupied, while theremaining 42.9% are rented occupied. American Community Surveyestimates the median annual household from Medford at $68,022. Medfordhas a predominantly Caucasian population, with a historic middle-classAfrican American community in West Medford. Data from the 2010 censusindicates that 86.5% of the population is white, 8.8% is black, 6.9% is Asian

and 4.4% Hispanic. These figures indicate a 7.9% decrease in the whitepopulation since the 2000 census, with corresponding increases of 2.7% inthe black population, 3.0% in the Asian population and 1.85% in the Hispanicpopulation, indicating a slight increase in racial diversity within the city.

The City of Medford dedicates resources to low- and moderate-incomehouseholds as set forth by census & HUD. To gain a better understanding ofthe municipal needs, the following are profiles of Medford neighborhoods bycensus tract. These profiles refer to 2000 Census information, which will beupdated when the 2010 Census data becomes available.


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The low/moderate income areas, which have been defined by HUD, are thegray shaded areas as follows:

Table 7: HUD Defined Low/Mod Percentages by Census Tract and Block Group 1

Tract

Block

Group

LowMod

# Universe

LowMod

% Tract

Block

Group

Low

Mod # Universe

LowMod

%

340000 1 659 1009 65.3 339900 1 593 1616 36.7

339800 6 1554 2457 63.2 339400 5 221 610 36.2

339300 1 450 763 59 339200 3 345 980 35.2

339500 6 158 274 57.7 339800 1 311 906 34.3

339400 1 549 994 55.2 339800 5 394 1187 33.2

339800 4 305 567 53.8 339500 4 280 847 33.1

339700 2 860 1628 52.8 339600 3 223 681 32.7

339600 1 477 908 52.5 339100 2 466 1434 32.5

339400 3 516 993 52 339600 5 293 908 32.3

339700 1 308 626 49.2 340100 5 173 536 32.3

339700 3 479 977 49 339200 2 328 1029 31.9339600 7 410 846 48.5 339200 1 217 684 31.7

339900 7 345 718 48.1 340100 7 296 938 31.6

340000 3 395 833 47.4 339800 7 236 767 30.8

339800 2 284 621 45.7 340100 1 228 758 30.1

339100 1 342 771 44.4 339500 3 196 670 29.3

340000 5 300 681 44.1 339400 4 259 887 29.2

340100 4 609 1403 43.4 339300 5 218 748 29.1

339900 3 437 1026 42.6 339800 3 225 805 28

339500 5 472 1116 42.3 339300 4 238 868 27.4

340100 6 275 652 42.2 339600 2 242 892 27.1

339700 5 334 808 41.3 339900 5 254 951 26.7339500 1 518 1261 41.1 340100 3 351 1574 22.3

339100 3 516 1274 40.5 339100 5 255 1187 21.5

339600 4 316 807 39.2 339200 6 146 822 17.8

339300 6 236 622 37.9 340100 2 90 585 15.4

339100 4 697 1847 37.7 339200 5 109 868 12.6

339900 6 368 985 37.4 339200 4 154 1361 11.3

Note: The highlighted Blocks are eligible for area benefit designation ofCDBG funds. Income information is population data from the AmericanCommunity Survey.

1HUD Low-Mod Census Tracts


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Medford Square/Central Medford/Lawrence Estates Tract 3391

Tract 3391 comprises three distinctive areas: Medford Square, which is thecentral business district; Lawrence Estates, a generally upper incomeresidential area; and the Middlesex Fells, a large undeveloped wooded areaowned and managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation.

The population of this tract is predominantly White, 89.3%, with an Asianpopulation of 3.8%, a Black or African American population of 3.8%, aHispanic Population of 2.5%, and all other population groups togetheraccounting for 0.8%.

Medford Square is an older business district, which in the past has had a poorimage and suffered from lack of economic investment, traffic congestion,limited vehicular and transit accessibility, as well as an inadequate supplyand sub-optimal location parking facilities. The City has investedconsiderable funding in traffic, parking, urban design, faade improvements,and historic preservation to revitalize this area. The City of Medfordcompleted a master plan for Medford Square that has involved extensive

public involvement, analysis, planning and design. The City of Medford isworking on the development of improved circulation, parking, open andrecreational space, housing and business opportunities in Medford Square.The City has completed the realignment of Clippership Drive, the first phaseof Clippership Park and the design of a new parking garage in MedfordSquare.

The Central Medford section of this tract is a densely developed residentialarea. There are three elderly housing developments located within thesquare, which explains why almost 25% of the tracts residents are aged 65or over. This population is serviced by the Senior Center, located on

Riverside Avenue. The Senior Center offers a lunch program and a variety ofstructured activities to the citys elderly population.

Brooks Estates Tract 3392

The Brooks Estates section of Medford is a relatively stable residentialneighborhood of single and two-family homes. It abuts the West Medfordbusiness district and extends northward to meet the Winchester town line.To the west it abuts the Department of Conservation and Recreation-owned

Mystic Lakes and park. The population here is 92.7% White, 2.1% Black orAfrican American, 2.9% Asian and 2.0% Hispanic with all other groupstogether accounting for 0.3%. Since 2000, the non-white population has

increased slightly.

Also located in this tract is the Shepherd Brooks Estate. This property,located adjacent to the Oak Grove Cemetery, contains a historic manorhouse set in 60 acres of overgrown woodlands and is listed on the NationalRegister of Historic Places. The City owned estate, which was placed under aconservation restriction in 1997, is in a severely deteriorated condition and


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was designated as a Slums and Blight Spot in July of 1991. A handicapaccessible lift funded last year will be completed in year 38.

West Medford Tract 3393

West Medford is one of the most densely populated neighborhoods in the

city. Over 45% of occupied housing units are renter occupied and a largeproportion of the housing units were built in 1939 or earlier. The area ishome to 18.2% of the Citys African American residents and theneighborhood itself is 31.1% Black or African American. The area is 4.2%hispanic. The tract contains a 59% low/moderate income area, Block Group#1. This area is bounded by High Street to the north, Mystic Valley Parkwayto the south, Mystic Street to the east, and Playstead Road to the west. TheWest Medford Community Center, serving predominantly minority and lowincome clients, is also located in this area. The City supports programsoperated by the West Medford Community Center on an annual basis,through its public service funding.

Hillside Tract 3394

Hillside is an older, concentrated residential area. The tract contains twoareas of low- and moderate-income population concentrations. The firstarea, Block Group #1, is defined by Mystic Valley Parkway to the north andwest, Winthrop Street to the east, and Marshall Street to the south. Thisarea has a 55.2% low- and moderate- income population. The second area,at 52% low- and moderate-income, is bounded by Marshall Street to thenorth, Winthrop Street to the east, and Boston Ave. to the south and west.The population is predominantly White 84%, with 6.2% being Black orAfrican American, 4.6% Hispanic and 4.7% Asian. The area is home to alarge transient population because of its proximity of Tufts University, whichhas a major impact on this modest densely populated neighborhood. Over59.6% of then occupied housing units are renter occupied. Plans to extendthe Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) Green Line light railpublic transit service to this area are currently in the design phase and willhave a major impact on the physical and economic environment whenimplemented.

Central Medford Tract 3395

Central Medford is also a concentrated neighborhood, which contains twoquite dissimilar populations. The southwestern section of the tract is hometo Tufts University, a privately owned educational institution with manystudent-occupied apartments. The remainder of the tract, in contrast, is anolder multi-family residential. The low- and moderate-income area, (58%),block group 6, includes Tufts University. This area is defined by BostonAvenue to the north, Medford/Somerville line to the south, Harvard Street tothe east and Winthrop Street to the west. The population of this tract is80.7% White, with a Black or African American population of 6%, a Hispanicpopulation of 4.4%, and an Asian population of 7.6%. The City will


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concentrate to remove architectural barriers at Winthrop Street to CondonPark and Veterans Memorial Park.

South Medford Tracts 3396 and 3397

The South Medford neighborhood is comprised of two census tracts, 3396

and 3397. This is a densely populated residential area with a strongcommercial/retail district. Housing in the area is predominantly two- andmulti-family, with much of the stock of the stock built before 1939 and59.15% of the housing units occupied by renters. Approximately 50% of theneighborhood is classified as a low- and moderate-income area. According tothe 2010 Census, the neighborhood is 73% White, with 12.15% Black orAfrican American, 6.6% Asian and 6.3% Hispanic. This is a substantialdecline in White and increase in Black population.

Much of the commercial area along Main and Medford Streets is in adeteriorated condition. Braemore Road roadway improvements werecompleted this program year. Alexander Avenue reconstruction and roadwayimprovements will be completed this program year with prior year funds.

Wellington Tract 3398 and 3398

The Wellington area has a mix of residential, commercial and industrial landuses. Two block groups in this tract have a high low- and moderate-incomepercentage. Block Group #4 is 53.8% low- and moderate-income; BlockGroup #6 is at 63.2% and contains one of the Citys major public housingprojects. The population is 66.1% White, 11.25% Black or African American,16.03 % Asian, 3% Hispanic and all other groups accounting for less than1%. Census information indicates that 52.4% of the occupied housing unitsin this tract are occupied by renters. This is a 5% increase in owner occupiedunits since 2000. There are essentially two residential neighborhoods inWellington. They are separated by areas of commercial and industrial land,and by an intricate road system. Both industrial areas and their environscontain underutilized, deteriorated and sometimes vacant buildings. Thecommercial area along Middlesex Avenue and similarly, the Wellington Circlearea, which includes land along Corporation Way contained blightedproperties. Pembroke, Cushing, and Bradshaw Streets reconstruction androadway improvements are planned for completion during this programyear.

Glenwood/Haines Square Tract 3399

The Glenwood/Haines Square neighborhood is one of the more denselypopulated areas of the city. The housing stock here is older, the majoritybeing built prior to 1939 and with 47.9% of the housing units renteroccupied. This neighborhood is 78.2% White, 8.5% Black or AfricanAmerican, 5.1% Hispanic and 4.6% Asian. This is a substantial 10%decrease in White population and represents an increase in non-Whitepopulation. The western corner of the neighborhood is a low- and moderate-


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income pocket defined by Salem Street to the north, Park Street on the east,Lauriat Place to the south and Cross Street to the west.

The commercial and residential areas along Spring Street, from WashingtonStreet to Central Avenue, and along Salem Street have several structures ina deteriorated state.

Glenwood/Fulton Heights Tract 3400

Glenwood/Fulton Heights is also heavily populated with an older housingstock. Approximately 52.9% of dwellings are renter occupied and 70% ofhousing takes the form of two- or multi-family dwellings. This neighborhoodis 72.4% White, 13.2% Black African American, 6.3% Hispanic and 4.9%Asian. This area also had a substantial decline in White and increase in non-White residents. The eastern corner of the neighborhood is a low- andmoderate-income pocket defined by the Fellsway to the north, Salem Streetto the south and Almont Street to the west.

North Medford Tract 3401

North Medford is the newest section of the City, with less than half thehousing stock built before 1939. This is a residential area with 88.5% owneroccupied housing units. The population is 86.3% White, 4.5% Black orAfrican American, 6.0% Asian, 2.4 % Hispanic and all other populationgroups each accounting for less than 1% of the whole. There are no HUDqualified low/moderate-income block groups in this tract.

The following table lists the census tracts in terms of racial concentration.

Table 8: Medford Minori ty Concentration by Census Tract

Medford CensusTract

% Minority 2000Census

% Minority2010

Census

%Change

3391 6.76% 10.7% + 3.94%

3392 5.42% 7.6% + 2.18%

3393 48.53% 43.4% - 5.13%

3394 14.24% 16.00% + 1.76%

3395 18.00% 19.3% + 1.30%

3396 17.60% 23.1% + 5.50%

3397 18.12% 30.0% +11.88%3398.01 21.37% 34.6% +13.23%

3398.02 21.37% 33.2% +11.83%

3399 11.47% 12.81% + 1.34%

3400 14.07% 27.6% +13.53%

3401 6.93% 13.7% + 6.77%


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Data from the 2000 Census indicated that eight census tracts in Medford hadminority concentrations of more than 10% with two of these havingconcentrations of over 20%. Data from the 2010 census indicates thatminority concentrations have increased in all but one census tract, with ninetracts now having minority concentrations of more than 15% and two ofthese having more than 30%.

2. Describe the basis for allocating investments geographically within thejurisdiction (or within the EMSA for HOPWA) (91.215(a)(1)) during the nextyear and the rationale for assigning the priorities.

Because the primary objective of the Consolidated Plan and AnnualAction Plan programs is to benefit low- and moderate-income residents, theCity of Medford is focusing community development investments inneighborhoods with a high concentration of low- and moderate-incomehouseholds. In 2004, the City of Medford completed an extensive, publicplanning process that identified community needs and visions for future

developments and improvements in Medford. Developed under theprovisions of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Order 418, theCity of Medford identified priority needs throughout the City of Medford.Subsequently the Medford Square Master Plan developed in 2005 identifiedtargeted program of improvements in the Citys historic downtown, MedfordSquare. In addition to municipal planning and outreach, Medford also usesdata from the 2000 U.S. Census and HUD's Low/Mod Income Summary Data(LMISD) to identify neighborhoods that are eligible to receive block grantfunds for eligible activities such as physical improvements to city systems,reconstruction of parks and playgrounds. The LMISD deems as eligibleneighborhood target service areas, those that have a percentage of low- and

moderate-income families equal to or greater than 47.4%. Areas of the cityeligible to receive CDBG funds are delineated on the City low/mod map in theAppendix Maps. This information will be updated and areas redefined wherenecessary when the 2010 census data becomes available. Areas of minorityconcentrations will also be targeted.

In addition to specific neighborhoods, Medford has categorical needsfor services and investments that meet the needs of low- and moderate-income Medford residents on a citywide basis. Priority needs were identifiedthrough input from residents and service providers, as well as statisticalanalysis of U.S. Census, state and locally provided data.

3. Describe actions that will take place during the next year to addressobstacles to meeting underserved needs.

The primary obstacle to meeting the underserved housing needs oflow- and moderate-income populations continues to be the availability offunds. Except for special populations unable to work (some elderly, most

extra elderly, some disabled and those institutionalized), the critical need isjobs. When working with agencies to develop this plan, many agencies noted


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that a shift in clients had occurred. Previously, many of the clients had noemployment or sporadic employment histories. Now, formerly regularlyemployed persons are seeking help.

Organizations serving these populations continue to experiencesignificant reductions in funding from both governmental and privatesources. Reductions in state aid to local budgets have increased the fundingshortfall, leaving many worthy and valuable programs unfunded orunderfunded.

Another obstacle to meeting the needs of the underserved iscoordinating efforts to assist those individuals with mental healthissues. Too often, there are individuals that need direct assistancewith mental health, and the lack of assistance can ultimately affecttheir ability to maintain housing. There is a reduction in services forthis population as state cutbacks occur. The City must better

coordinate efforts with area mental health providers to provideservices for day to day health and for homelessness prevention.

While many of these obstacles may be beyond the capacity of the localjurisdiction to address satisfactorily. However, he City is committed tocontinuing to work with and support public nonprofit agencies such as theMedford Community Housing, Human Services department, the Council onAging and other elder service organizations, homeless providers and otherspecial needs providers in their mission to meet the needs of theunderserved population of the area. Moreover, the City continues to activelyeducate Medford organizations and citizens about removing barriers to thedevelopment of affordable housing.

Through the Continuum of Care, housing producers, homeless serviceproviders and nonprofit agencies meet on a monthly basis to better co-ordinate services. There has been increased emphasis in linking employmentopportunities with housing opportunities. The CoC, as a group, continues tolook to other non-federal resources to help supplement the federal dollarsthat to help ELI households from experiencing homelessness.

Refer to Attachment A for more detail on Fair Housing programs.

4. Identify the federal, state, and local resources expected to be madeavailable to address the needs identified in the plan. Federal resourcesshould include Section 8 funds made available to the jurisdiction, Low incomeHousing Tax Credits, and competitive McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance

Act funds expected to be available to address priority needs and specificobjectives identified in the strategic plan.

Refer to Table 1 and Table 2 on Pages 7.


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Managing the Process

1. Identify the lead agency, entity, and agencies responsible foradministering programs covered by the consolidated plan.

2. Identify the significant aspects of the process by which the plan wasdeveloped, and the agencies, groups, organizations, and others who

participated in the process.

3. Describe actions that will take place during the next year to enhancecoordination between public and private housing, health, and socialservice agencies.

Program Year 3 Action Plan Managing the Process response:

1. Identify the lead agency or entity for overseeing the development of the

plan and the major public and private agencies responsible for administeringprograms covered by the consolidated plan.

The City of Medford Office of Community Development is the leadagency for the development of this Annual Action Plan that outlines proposedactivities and expenditures under CDBG. The Office of CommunityDevelopment coordinates and consults with necessary city departments inorder to more effectively and efficiently administer block grant programs. TheCity of Medford receives HOME funds through its participation in the NorthSuburban HOME Consortium, where the Malden Redevelopment Authority isthe lead agency for HOME funds. The major homeless needs in the area aredelivered through the Tri-City CoC using McKinney-Vento funding. Medford

also administers funds received through the American Recovery andReinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA).

Other major agencies and organizations that execute programs include:

Other Public OrganizationsMedford Consumer Advisory CommissionMedford Council on AgingMedford Public School Afterschool CareMystic Valley Development CommissionNorth Suburban HOME Consortium

Private Nonprofit Organizations and AgenciesA Better Tomorrow Just-A-Start CorporationEMARC Medford Community HousingBoys and Girls Clubs Mystic Valley Elder ServicesBread of Life Salvation ArmyCommunity Family, Inc. SCM Transportation, Inc.Heading Home/Medford Family Life Tri-City Community Action Program


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Housing for Families West Medford Community CenterHoliness Food Pantry Metro Boston Housing PartnershipImmigrant Learning Center

The major homeless needs in the area are primarily delivered through theTri-City CoC using McKinney-Vento funding. The lead agency for the CoC isTri-CAP. The key agencies responsible for the McKinney-Vento program are:

Disabled Family Leasing Homeless to HousingHomeless to Housing Expansion Kaszanek Transitional HouseMedford Family Life Mobile Homeless Outreach TeamTri-City Shelter+Care Tri-City Stepping Stones 3

2. Identify the significant aspects of the process by which the plan wasdeveloped, and the agencies, groups, organizations and others who

participated in the process.

Community Participation

A series of public meetings and consultations were held to receiveinput from low- and moderate-income residents, social service agencies andthe general public on the development of the Action Plan for the 2012-2013program year. The City of Medford and its Consolidated Plan consultants metwith a wide range of human services, housing, elder services and municipal

officials to receive data and feedback regarding Medfords housing andcommunity development needs. The schedule of meetings, consultations andpublic hearings was drafted to ensure that service providers and low- andmoderate-income residents from neighborhoods throughout the City of

Medford were able to provide timely input into the preparation of analyses,strategies and objectives. The public hearings were advertised in the localnewspaper. The first two meetings, held on March 1, 2012 and April 10,2012, were intended to obtain views on the development of the CitysProgram Year 3 Action Plan and to review accomplishments and activities forthe current program year. The third public hearing was held on May 8, 2012.The following page includes the list of organizations consulted.

City of Medford Community Participation Meetings:

Date Meeting Type Location

February 13, 2012 MBN HPRP Meeting Medford City HallFebruary 17, 2012 Metro Boston Regional Network Boston, MAMarch 1, 2012 Public Service Input Medford City Hall

Public MeetingApril 6, 2012 Committee of the Whole Medford City Hall

Public MeetingMay 8, 2012 Public Hearing Medford City Hall


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3. Describe actions that will take place during the next year to enhancecoordination between public and private housing, health, and social serviceagencies.

The consultations are described in the Citizen Participation section below.

Organizations and Municipal Departments Consulted in Preparationof the Annual Action Plan

Municipal Offices and DepartmentsOffice of the MayorCity CouncilOffice of Community DevelopmentOffice of DiversityOffice of Energy and EnvironmentOffice of EngineeringDepartment of Public Works

Other Public OrganizationsFair Housing CommissionMalden Redevelopment AgencyMedford Brooks Estate Land TrustMedford Consumer Advisory CommissionMedford Council on Aging

Medford Housing AuthorityMedford Human Rights Commission (HRC)Medford Public School (Afterschool Care)Mystic Valley Development Commission

North Suburban HOME Consortium

Private Nonprofit Organizations and AgenciesA Better Tomorrow Just-A-Start CorporationEMARC Medford Community HousingBoys and Girls Clubs Mystic Valley Elder ServicesBread of Life Salvation ArmyCommunity Family, Inc. SCM Transportation, Inc.Heading Home/Medford Family Life Triangle, Inc.Housing for Families Tri-City Community Action ProgramImmigrant Learning Center West Medford Community CenterHoliness Food Pantry

Elliot Human Services. Inc.Tri-City Continuum of CareCommunity Economic Development Assistance Corporation (CEDAC)Citizens Housing and Planning Association (CHAPA)Metro Boston Housing Partnership


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The planning and citizen participation activities for these plans alsoutilized community outreach meetings. These meetings were conducted forthe purpose of soliciting public comment and included information for projectproposals relative to community needs and program priorities for the thirdannual plan. Groups active in areas which use or could use resources weremade aware of the process by advertisements and public notices.The meetings, widely advertised throughout the City, include three significantcomponents:

1. a brief explanation of the Annual Action Plan process, including therole of the Plan in making allocations and guiding the selection ofprojects to be funded;

2. a report on prior year activities and progress on goals in the currentprogram year;

3. a forum for the general public to brainstorm and discuss priority needsfor the City for the upcoming year.

Refer to Page 31 for a list of Community Participation Meetings.

Participants in this planning process drew attention to the following specificsub-populations and issues:

moderate-income working families who have lost their jobs or havehad wage and salary and/or benefits cuts,

people with short-term housing needs, persons recovering from substance abuse,

persons in need of supportive housing due to their inability to liveindependently,

the need for economic and business development which can providejobs,

the frail elderly, especially nutrition and transportation,

the home-life of poor children struggling to close the achievement gapin environments not conducive to school preparedness,

young people (18-24) unable to live at home any longer,

veterans, developmentally disabled people being moved out of group homes,

immigrants trying to enter into full participation in communities,

elderly homeowners who may have minimal mortgages struggling tomanage on a daily basis because of their fixed incomes, and

those with mental illness and cognitive disabilities.

These were incorporated into the draft Plans which were then madeavailable on April 13, 2012 at the Community Development Office of the Cityof Medford located at Room 308-City Hall, 85 George P. Hassett Drive,Medford, MA 02155. The draft plans were also available online atwww.medford.org and by request during the 30-day public comment period.The City of Medford considered comments or views of citizens received inwriting, or orally at the public hearing, in preparing action plans, the final
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consolidated plan, amendment of the plan, and in the future, performancereport. A summary of these comments or views, and a summary of anycomments or views not accepted and the reason(s) therefore are attached tothe final consolidated plan, amendment of the plan, or performance report.The City of Medford will provide a timely and substantive written response toevery written citizen complaint, within 15 working days, where practicable.The City shall amend the Consolidated Plan, and/or one-year action plan inorder to carry out a new activity, not previously described, or when anactivity undertaken constitutes a substantial change in the Consolidated Planand/or one-year action plan.

Citizen Participation1. Provide a summary of the citizen participation process.2. Provide a summary of citizen comments or views on the plan.3. Provide a summary of efforts made to broaden public participation in the

development of the consolidated plan, including outreach to minoritiesand non-English speaking persons, as well as persons with disabilities.

4. Provide a written explanation of comments not accepted and the reasonswhy these comments were not accepted.

Program Year 3 Action Plan Citizen Participation response:

1. Provide a summary of the citizen participation process.The City of Medford adopted the following Citizen Participation Plan in

respect to the planning and development of its Consolidated Plan.

PurposeThe City of Medford, Massachusetts, an eligible Grantee under Section

106(a) of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, asamended, is required by said provision to follow a detailed CitizenParticipation Plan. With respect to the development and implementation onthe Consolidated Plan and/or any one-year action plan. It is the Citys intentthat citizens, in particular those of low/moderate-income, and who areresidents of slum and blighted areas, have maximum opportunity to

participate in the development, review and evaluation of federally fundedprojects. However, all citizens, including minorities and non-English speakingpersons, as well as persons with mobility, visual or hearing impairments willhave equal opportunity and be encouraged to participate. The City ofMedford, in conjunction with the Medford Housing Authority, will encouragethe participation of residents of public and assisted housing developments, inthe process of developing and implementing the consolidated plan.


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Statement of PolicyIt is the policy of the City of Medford to adhere to this Citizen

Participation Plan delineated below. This Plan shall be administered by theCitys Office of Community Development and will include positive andaggressive steps to insure that the City provides for and encourages citizenparticipation in all areas including the creation of, amendments to, and theperformance of the Consolidated Plan.

Citizen Participation Plan

The City will provide for and encourage citizen participation, withparticular emphasis on participation by low- and moderate-income Medfordresidents. Agencies or groups representing citizens, who collectively areotherwise disadvantaged, at high risk, or in crisis circumstances such as theelderly, disabled, homeless, children, etc., shall be contacted so that theymay effectively participate.

Technical assistance is provided to assist individuals and communitygroups in contributing to the planning and development of proposals forprogram activities. The Office, through public advertisement and directcontact of community groups and agencies, shall offer this assistanceannually for a week through appointments with a designated Office ofCommunity Development staff person.

Public Meetings in Development of Program Year 3 Action Plan

The planning and citizen participation activities for these plansgenerally begin in December or January of the preceding fiscal year, utilizing

community outreach meetings. These meetings are conducted for thepurpose of soliciting public comment and include information for projectproposals relative to community needs and program priorities for the firstannual plan. Groups active in areas which use or could use resources weremade aware of the process, by advertisements and public notices. Manydifferent organizations and agencies were sent a survey also, seeking inputon their perception or knowledge of needs and their priority ranking of thoseneeds, for the purposes of planning.

The meetings, widely advertised throughout the City, include threesignificant components:

1. a brief explanation of the Consolidated Plan process, including the role ofthe Plan in making allocations and guiding the selection of projects to befunded;

2. a report on prior year activities and progress on 5-year goals;3. a forum for the general public to brainstorm and discuss priority needs for

the City for the coming years.

Public hearing minutes are available upon request and comments received


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(if any) are summarized in the section below. In addition to these broaderpublic forums, additional technical assistance is provided to assist peoplewith the preparation of proposals for funding and if requested.

Refer to Page 31 for a list of meetings held.

Organizations and Municipal Departments Contacted and Consultedin Preparation of the Program Year 3 Plan

In addition to meetings, organizations were contacted through surveysand interviews as described in the prior section Managing the Process.

Once proposals have been submitted, reviewed and tentativelyselected, this information is blended with the public-driven needsassessments for the City and a draft Annual Action Plan is developed. Thesedraft plans are made available (usually on or around April 1st), in the Officeof Community Development and on the City website for public review andcomment for a period of thirty days. Any comments received are addressedand where appropriate, included in the final plans which are then submittedto HUD for approval in May of each year.

The draft Plans were made available on April 13, 2012 at theCommunity Development Office of the City of Medford located at Room 308--City Hall, 85 George P. Hassett Drive, Medford, MA 02155. The draft planswere also available online atwww.medford.organd by request during the 30-day public comment period.

2. Provide a summary of citizen comments or views on the plan.The City of Medford received a wide range of public comments during

preparation of the Consolidated Plan and Third Program Year Action Plan.Residents, service providers and municipal employees and officials activelyparticipated in meetings and hearings throughout the planning process.Senior services were identified as a clear need in the community. Manyelderly residents expressed support for transportation services (principally formedical transportation, shopping and social activities), home nursing visits,and the range of services and activities provided through the Senior Center.The need for assisted living facilities and eviction protection services (legalaid) for seniors was also highlighted. Housing affordability issues, especially

for seniors, was also highlighted as a major concern by many residents.Significant increases in housing sales prices and steady increases in rentalcosts make it increasingly difficult for households across income ranges from30 percent of median income up to middle-class residents seeking topurchase their first homes.

Residents and service providers expressed support for a range ofservices offered in Medford. Residents with developmental disabilities
http://www.medford.org/http://www.medford.org/http://www.medford.org/http://www.medford.org/


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benefit from recreational activities and services that reduce isolation andprovide other benefits. The City of Medford was also urged to continueparticipation in the Tri-City Continuum of Care and investments that canreduce incidence of homelessness and assist the transition to permanentaffordable housing. Those speaking on homeless issues also stronglysupported increased production of affordable housing, particularly unitstargeted at extremely low and very low incomes.

The City of Medford believes that it has incorporated all of thecomments received during the preparation and approval of the Program Year3 Action Plan in a good faith manner. Given scarce public and nonprofitresources, it is difficult to allocate sufficient resources to meet the maximumneed that exists, particularly in the public services and infrastructure areas.However, the needs assessments, strategies and objectives contained in theProgram Year 3 Action Plan reflect the concerns noted above.

3. Provide a summary of efforts made to broaden public participation in the

development of the consolidated plan, including outreach to minorities andnon-English speaking persons, as well as persons with disabilities.

In order to fully inform citizens of the proposed Program Year 3 ActionPlan, the following information will be made available upon request, at theOffice of Community Development, Room 308; the amount of assistance the

jurisdiction expects to receive and the range of activities that may beundertaken, including the amount that will benefit persons of very low andlow income and the plans to minimize displacement of persons and to assistany persons displaced.

A summary of the proposed consolidated plan and/or one-year actionplan will be published in a newspaper with local circulation and will include adescription of the contents and purpose of these plans and a list of locationswhere copies of the entire plan may be examined. By this process, the Officeof Community Development will notify citizens, or units of general localgovernment, as appropriate, of the availability of these plans as adopted, anyamendments, and its performance report, as these documents aredeveloped, to afford citizens a reasonable opportunity to examine thecontents. A period of not less than 30 days will be provided to receivecomments from citizens, or units of general local government, on the plan,amendments, or report that is to be submitted to HUD before its submission.Citizens, public agencies, and other interested parties will have reasonable

and timely access to these plans and the City of Medfords use of assistanceunder the programs covered during the preceding five years.

After dissemination of the Consolidated Plan and/or annual planinformation, as well as technical assistance, the City will hold at least twopublic hearings per year to obtain citizens views that will be conducted at a

minimum of two different stages of the program year. Together, thehearings will address housing and community development needs,


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development of proposed activities, and a review of program performance.At least one of these hearings will be held before the proposed consolidatedplan and/or action plan is published for comment to obtain the views ofcitizens on housing and community development needs, including prioritynon-housing community development needs. Hearing(s) may be held withone or more members of the other communities that comprise the NorthSuburban Consortium.

In cases where notice of a public hearing is required, this notice shallbe given by publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the City notless than fourteen (14) days before the day of the hearing, and by postingthis notice in the Office of City Clerk for a period of not less than forty-eighthours before the time of such meeting.

If, at any time, it is anticipated that a significant number of non-English speaking residents can be reasonably expected to participate inpublic meetings or participate in the planning and evaluation process of the

Consolidated Plan, an interpreter will be secured. Also, the hearings will beheld at times and locations convenient to potential and actual beneficiaries,and with the accommodations for persons with disabilities.

The City of Medford will consider any comments or views of citizensreceived in writing, or orally at the public hearing, in preparing action plans,the final consolidated plan, amendment of the plan, or performance report.A summary of these comments or views, and a summary of any commentsor views not accepted and the reason(s) therefore, shall be attached to thefinal consolidated plan, amendment of the plan, or performance report. TheCity of Medford will provide a timely and substantive written response to

every written citizen complaint, within 15 working days, where practicable.The City shall amend the Consolidated Plan, and/or one-year action plan inorder to carry out a new activity, not previously described, or when anactivity undertaken constitutes a substantial change in the Consolidated Planand/or one-year action plan.

4. Provide a written explanation of comments not accepted and the reasonswhy these comments were not accepted.

Citizen comment:At the Public Meeting held on March 1, 2012 a resident indicated that thesidewalks are hazardous and not handicap accessible in front of the property

at 42 Water Street. She indicated that there are 30 apartments at thisaddress with elderly and handicapped residents and that the sidewalks are inneed of repair.

Response:This project is planned for reconstruction by the Citys Department of PublicWorks and will be funded with non-CDBGT funds.


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Institutional Structure

1. Describe actions that will take place during the next year to developinstitutional structure.

Program Year 3 Action Plan Institutional Structure response:

The Office of Community Development (OCD) is the designateddepartment of the City responsible for planning and managing the blockgrant program. It reports to the Mayor and the City Council. Program fundsare expended based

Action Plan YR3 July 1, 2012-June 30, 2013

Documents

Transcript of Action Plan YR3 July 1, 2012-June 30, 2013