Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Housing... · national origin, religion, sex, familial...

Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing FY 2016 - 2020

Tuscarawas County Office of Community & Economic Development

p. 330-365-3219 f. 330-364-1368

[email protected] www.co.tuscarawas.oh.us

Tuscarawas County Office of Community & Economic Development

p. 330-365-3219 f. 330-364-1368

[email protected] www.co.tuscarawas.oh.us

Tuscarawas County, Ohio

Prepared by:

Table of Contents I. Introduction

II. Community Participation Process

III. Findings

IV. Conclusions

V. Background Data

VI. Evaluation of Current Fair Housing Procedure

VII. Identification of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice

VIII. Conclusions and Recommendations

IX. Signature Page

ANALYSIS OF IMPEDIMENTS TO FAIR HOUSING - FY 2016 - 2020 2

Introduction This Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing was prepared by the Tuscarawas County Office of Community and Economic Development (OCED). OCED is centrally located in the Tuscarawas County Courthouse Annex Building in the city of New Philadelphia, Ohio. OCED is the local Fair Housing office for the County (excluding the cities of New Philadelphia and Uhrichsville – these two cities have their own Fair Housing programs and are administered through their respective Mayor’s offices). The OCED administers federal, as well as State funded grants on behalf of the Tuscarawas County Commissioners.

Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (Fair Housing Act), prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental, and financing of dwellings, and in other housing-related transactions, based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status (including children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women, and people securing custody of children under the age of 18), and disability.

Pursuant to the Fair Housing Act, Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) regulations require grantees that receive federal funds through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) to further fair housing opportunities. Like all entities that receive CDBG funds from the HUD, Tuscarawas County is obligated to identify, analyze, and devise solutions to impediments to fair housing choice that may exist in the County.

From its inception, the Fair Housing Act not only prohibited discrimination in housing related activities and transactions but also imposed a duty to “affirmatively further fair housing.” In particular, communities are required to prepare planning documents known as the Analysis of Impediments (AI), which is set forth to identify impediments to fair housing and actions to overcome them.

In addition to the non-discrimination requirements, each local government recipient of CDBG and/or HOME funded activities that provide housing, housing services, or housing related facilities, must certify to the state that they will affirmatively further fair housing under Section 106(d) of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended.

Impediments to fair housing are not just limited to the act of obtaining or retaining housing. All people have the right to all amenities available to everyone else in their neighborhood/area. Attitudes of public officials and those in decision making positions need to reflect a broader view of their public responsibilities. Residents hoping to improve their quality of life need to make their desires known in an acceptable manner and become informed of the procedures that need to be followed. Many issues play into fair housing. Elected officials, planning personnel, public and private agencies, educators and ordinary citizens, just to name a few, should all become aware of at the very least the basic aspects involved in fair housing.

The recommendations proposed in this analysis of impediments to fair housing choice attempt to identify and explain discriminatory practices that can lead to segregated neighborhoods. Implementing these recommendations can help the sort of residential discrimination, and reduced housing choices, that plague so many areas.


Community Participation Process The Tuscarawas County OCED has an on-going process by taking in phone calls by the general public regarding fair housing concerns and questions then logging those calls in a spreadsheet. The purpose is to detect the barriers to fair housing choice and how current patterns of segregation limit housing choices for groups protected by the Fair Housing Act. The purpose of this analysis is to identify any local housing concerns and impediments to fair housing choice in Tuscarawas County. The process included phone calls, emails, surveys, Census and ACS data and other information from community resources. Below are the agencies that contributed feedback for this analysis:

A.D.A.M.H.’s Board Area Agency on Aging – Region 9 Community Mental Health Friends of the Homeless of Tuscarawas County Goodwill Industries Habitat for Humanity Harbor House Harcatus – Community Action Agency Personal & Family Counseling Services (PFCS) Southeastern Ohio Legal Services Tuscarawas County Fair Housing Office Tuscarawas County Job & Family Services Tuscarawas County Office of Community & Economic Development Tuscarawas County Real Estate Investment Association Tuscarawas Metropolitan Housing Authority

Findings From questionnaires and interviews with local agencies and providers, we gathered the following information:

• Housing units are in very poor condition, especially rental units. Considering the substandard state of units, to some it appears that the landlords are not willing, but they may just be unable, to make repairs. The condition of the units can pose health and safety concerns, and many cannot afford to live in the higher standard units as they would be more expensive. There are some homeowners that are unaware of or unable to make repairs or keep up with the maintenance of their homes, causing them to go into disrepair.

• There is a need for rental subsidy and supportive housing. There is also a need for assistance with rental deposits.

• Units are not affordable. It even appears that some landlords are getting maximum rent from extremely dilapidated units. Rental rates have risen due to the oil and gas exploration in the County over the last couple of years. This has caused major hardships for the local working, low income population.


• There is a lack of rental units to accommodate larger families. • There is little to no assistance to help those with felonies and mental health issues looking

for housing in the area. • There is a need for transitional or recovery housing. • There is a lack of accessible housing for persons with disabilities. Partially because of a need

for assistance with repairs and accessibility modifications. • Lack of public knowledge on the Fair Housing Act.

Conclusions

• To provide more outreach efforts to residents, agencies, lenders, landlords, realtors, etc. of housing and assistance programs available

• Explore different funding sources for the shelters, training programs, etc. • Explore ways to provide transitional housing or red door program • Provide outreach material and assistance in Spanish

Background Data The County of Tuscarawas is a political subdivision of the State of Ohio, organized in 1808. It encompasses twenty-two townships, sixteen villages and three cities. Cities

• Dover • New Philadelphia • Uhrichsville

Villages

• Baltic • Barnhill • Bolivar • Dennison • Gnadenhutten • Midvale

• Mineral City • Newcomerstown • Parral • Port Washington • Roswell • Stone Creek

• Strasburg • Sugarcreek • Tuscarawas • Zoar

Townships

• Auburn Township • Bucks Township • Clay Township • Dover Township • Fairfield Township • Goshen Township • Jefferson Township • Lawrence Township

• Mill Township • Oxford Township • Perry Township • Rush Township • Salem Township • Sandy Township • Sugarcreek

Township

• Union Township • Warren Township • Warwick Township • Washington

Township • Wayne Township • York Township


The largest city in Tuscarawas County is New Philadelphia with a total of 17,438 residents. New Philadelphia has 7,909 housing units which are 64.3 percent owner-occupied. The County’s second largest city, with 12,857 residents, is Dover, which has 5,578 households with 73.2 percent owner-occupied. Uhrichsville is the third largest city with a population of 5,403. Uhrichsville has 2,426 housing units with 61.0 percent owner-occupied. In 2014, the average selling price of a home in Tuscarawas County was $114,073. The County includes 568 square miles and has a 2014 population estimate of 92,788, of which 71,447 are ages 18 or over.

The County provides its citizens with general governmental services which include welfare and social services, health and community assistance related services, civil and criminal justice system services, road and bridge maintenance, and other general administrative support services. The County also operates enterprise activities including sewer and water systems.

LOCAL ECONOMY

Tuscarawas County continues to be a mecca for tourists. Lodging receipts, which are used as a gauge for the number of visitors to the County, have decreased 2 percent in 2014 in comparison to 2013


receipts. Over the previous 10 years, lodging receipts have increased an average of 7.4 percent per year. The County imposed a 3 percent hotel/motel tax in 1980.

Agriculture contributes nearly $92 million annually to the Tuscarawas County economy, making it one of County’s largest industries. Farms located in the County have annual average receipts of $91,066. The average farm size for the 1,014 farms located in the County is 136 acres, according to statistics from The Ohio State University Extension Service. Tuscarawas County ranks 5th in the State in cattle production, 4th in hay production, and 4th in milk production.

The state of the economy in Tuscarawas County continued to trend in an upward manner during 2014 as the expansion of the Utica Shale oil and gas development in Eastern Ohio continued to bolster local communities.

While most of the drilling activity related to the Utica Shale boom has occurred outside of Tuscarawas County, the County has seen economic benefits through new businesses that have located in the county, expansions of current businesses to service the industry, and related benefits such as increased activity at County hotels, restaurants and retail outlets.

Tuscarawas County features plenty of economic diversity, ranging from the health care industry, to agriculture, to tourism. This can be a benefit to the County's residents as changes in the region's and nation's economy occur.

New residential construction totaled $19,143,710 for 2014. Areas that accounted for this growth included the City of New Philadelphia ($4,343,830), the Township of Dover ($1,911,430), the Township of Wayne ($1,685,830), the City of Dover ($1,685,540), and the Township of Franklin ($1,068,400).

Sales of existing homes in 2014 improved as the economy continues to rebound. The City of Dover had 234 property transfers with the average sale price of $111,360, the City of New Philadelphia had 317 property transfers with the average sale price of $111,060, and the Uhrichsville/Dennison area had 157 property transfers with an average sale price of $47,200. The average sale price in southern Tuscarawas County was $68,350 and in the northern end of the County it was $138,610. This region appears to have a greater demand than supply. That, coupled with favorable interest rates, should promote a continued strong market. The state of the economy in the County has undergone some changes over the past decade, but continues to remain strong overall.

The U.S. Census is only conducted once every ten years and last completed in 2010. Therefore, data from the U.S. Census – American Community Survey (ACS) is our best current resource with 2014 estimates data being the latest data released.

Census & ACS data through the years show a steady increase in Tuscarawas County:

CENSUS YEAR TUSCARAWAS COUNTY POPULATION FIGURES

1990 84,090

2000 90,914

2010 92,582

2014 92,616

Tuscarawas County’s population has not only increased it has become a bit more racially and ethnically diverse since the 2000 Census was completed. At that time Tuscarawas County had a total population of 90,914. 97.9% Caucasian, 0.7% Black or African American, 0.2% Asian, and 0.7% Hispanic or Latino (of any race). According to the 2010 Census update, Tuscarawas County has a total population of 92,582. The Caucasian population has went down slightly to 96.6%, while the


other races have gone up. Black or African American has increased to 0.8%, Asian increased to 0.3%, and the Hispanic or Latino (of any race) has more than doubled to 1.9%.

There are signs that significant minority concentrations have developed within Tuscarawas County. Information reviewed for this analysis indicates that this situation is more for economic reasons than because of discrimination. However, this situation could lead to a re-segregation of certain neighborhoods if it is not monitored.

Census Bureau data indicated that from 2000 to 2010 racial and ethnic compositions of Tuscarawas County changed, with African American, Asian and Hispanic populations increasing their population share concentrations the white population has as well.

Jurisdiction Population

Non-Hispanic Hispanic

% Caucasian

% African American

% Asian

% Other

% Two or

More Races

% Hispanic

Auburn Township 1,046 99.4% 0% 0% 0% 0.6% 0% Bucks Township 1,741 94.7% 0% 3.6% 0.1% 1.6% 2.1% Clay Township 2,190 99.7% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%

Dover City 12,839 96.5% 1.3% 0.1% 0.9% 1.3% 5.2% Dover Township 4,619 98.8% 0.0% 0.0% 0.7% 0.5% 3.5%

Fairfield Township 1,013 100% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Franklin Township 4,710 99.2% 0.0% 0.0% 0.1% 0.7% 0.4% Goshen Township 5,203 97.9% 0.8% 0.0% 0.4% 0.5% 0.6%

Jefferson Township 817 100% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Lawrence Township 5,759 98.2% 0.7% 0.2% 0.0% 0.5% 1.8%

Mill Township 9,882 97.9% 1.1% 0.0% 0.2% 0.6% 0.5% New Philadelphia City 17,334 93.3% 1.8% 0.8% 1.3% 2.1% 4.4%

Oxford Township 4,945 92.3% 5.3% 0.7% 0.0% 1.7% 1.7%

Races in Tuscarawas County

White Black or African American

Hispanic or Latino Asian

Races in Tuscarawas County (2014 update)

Total Population: 92,616

• White alone – 89,816 (97%)

• Black or African American – 925 (1.0%)

• American Indian & Alaskan Native – 275

(0.3%)

• Two or more races – 876 (0.9%)

• Hispanic or Latino (of any race) - 1,992 (2.2%)

• Asian alone – 308 (0.3%)


Perry Township 243 100% 0.0% 0.0%

0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Rush Township 972 100% 0.0% 0.0%

0.0% 0.0% 0.0%

Salem Township 1,882 100% 0.0% 0.0%

0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Sandy Township 2,964 99.3% 0.0% 0.7% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%

Sugarcreek Township 4,198 98.5% 0.0% 0.4% 0.0% 1.1% 0.0% Union Township 1,911 99.4% 0.0% 0.6% 0.0% 0.0% 2.3% Warren Township 1,669 100% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%

Warwick Township 2,806 99.1% 0.0% 0.4% 0.0% 0.3% 0.0% Washington Township 659 95.1% 0.0% 0.0% 4.9% 0.0% 0.0%

Wayne Township 2,230 100% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% York Township 984 97.6% 0.0% 0.0% 2.4% 0.0% 0.0% Village of Baltic 709 94.6% 2.7% 0.3% 0.3% 2.1% 5.1%

Village of Barnhill 384 100% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Village of Bolivar 1,006 98.8% 0.6% 0.0% 0.0% 0.6% 0.0%

Village of Dennison 2,749 94.7% 3.5% 0.4% 0.8% 0.6% 1.2% Village of Gnadenhutten 1,473 99.6% 0.1% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%

Village of Midvale 944 96.3% 0.4% 0.0% 2.1% 1.2% 3.3% Village of Mineral City 719 97.2% 0.0% 2.8% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%

Village of Newcomerstown 3,871 90.6% 6.8% 0.9% 0.0% 1.7% 2.2% Village of Parral 223 98.7% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 1.3% 0.0%

Village of Port Washington 556 100% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Village of Stone Creek 171 100% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%

Village of Strasburg 2,726 98.6% 0.0% 0.0% 0.2% 1.2% 0.7% Village of Sugarcreek 2,372 99.3% 0.0% 0.7% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Village of Tuscarawas 1,365 98.1% 0.0% 0.9% 0.0% 0.7% 0.0%

Uhrichsville City 5,408 98.6% 0.2% 0.0% 0.0% 0.8% 0.4% Village of Zoar 195 95.4% 0.5% 0.0% 0.5% 3.6% 0.0%

Source: 2010-2014 American Community Survey 5-year Estimates

According to the 2010-2014 ACS data, Tuscarawas County shows that approximately 99.1% of the County’s population is one race. The County has approximately 89,816 persons, or 97.0%, that are identified as White. In comparison, 925 or 1.0% of its population identified themselves as Black or African American, while 876 or 0.9% of its population identified themselves as having two or more races. Additionally, 308 persons or, 0.3% of the County’s population identified themselves as being Asian, while 575 persons or, 0.6% are identified as some other race.

Since 2000, the Hispanic or Latino population has more than doubled in Tuscarawas County. While the majority of the population in Tuscarawas County is White, you can see by the maps below, those figures are changing and will more than likely continue to do so.

Continued


Population by Race for Tuscarawas County:

Population change by Race 2000

Percent of Total

Population, 2000 2010

Percent of Total

Population, 2010

2014 ACS

Percent of Total

Population, 2014

2000-2014 %

Change # % # % # % Total Population 90,914 100% 92,582 100% 92,788 100% White 88,976 97.9% 89,393 96.6% 89,816 97.0% 0.9% Black or African American 663 0.7% 719 0.8% 925 1.0% 0.3%

Asian 220 0.2% 289 0.3% 308 0.3% 0.1% Hispanic or Latino (of any race) 650 0.7% 1,767 1.9% 1,992 2.2% 1.5%

Two or more Races 663 0.7% 1,134 1.2% 876 0.9% 0.2% Some other Race 195 0.2% 640 0.7% 575 0.6% 0.4%


Caucasian Population: According to the 2000 and 2010 Census, the white population in Tuscarawas County represented the largest total number of persons with 88,976 (97.9%) in 2000 and 89,393 (96.6%) in 2010. The ACS 2010 – 2014 5-year estimates show the white (non-Hispanic) population at 89,816 (97%), still the largest race in the County.



Black/African American Population: According to the 2000 and 2010 Census, the black/African American population in Tuscarawas County has increased, yet still remains minimal. There were 663 (0.7%) in 2000 and 719 (0.8%) in 2010. With these numbers rising slightly the ACS 2010 -2014 5-year estimates data shows the Black/African American population at 925 (1.0%). The largest numbers (262) of African American residents reside in the Village of Newcomerstown and represent 6.8% of their population.


Hispanic Population: Of all the racial and ethnic groups, the Hispanic/Latino population grew by 1.2% between 2000 and 2010 Census and another 0.3% in 2014. The total number of Hispanic residents living in Tuscarawas County according to the ACS 2010-2014 data is 1,992 (2.2%), with the largest concentrations in the City of Dover and City of New Philadelphia.



Population by Age for Tuscarawas County:

Age 2000 2010 2014

(ACS 5-year Estimates)

Male Female Total Male Female Total Male Female Total

Total Population 44,305 46,609 90,914 45,491 47,091 92,582 45,630 46,986 92,616 Under 5 years 3,132 2,870 6,002 2,930 2,752 5,682 2,813 2,635 5,448 5 to 9 years 3,233 3,007 6,240 3,090 2,932 6,022 3,079 2,950 6,029

10 to 14 years 3,482 3,225 6,707 3,302 3,042 6,344 3,220 2,962 6,182 15 to 19 years 3,302 3,187 6,489 3,156 2,918 6,074 3,171 2,818 5,989 20 to 24 years 2,457 2,468 4,925 2,477 2,439 4,916 2,506 2,592 5,098 25 to 34 years 5,678 5,610 11,288 5,404 5,268 10,672 5,426 5,332 10,758 35 to 44 years 7,079 7,154 14,233 5,709 5,615 11,324 5,487 5,448 10,935 45 to 54 years 6,266 6,510 12,776 6,930 7,019 13,949 6,754 6,571 13,325 55 to 59 years 2,232 2,447 4,679 3,259 3,415 6,674 3,186 3,690 6,876 60 to 64 years 1,918 2,058 3,976 2,794 2,959 5,753 3,205 2,959 6,164 65 to 74 years 3,211 3,834 7,045 3,564 4,198 7,762 3,850 4,450 8,300 75 to 84 years 1,871 2,997 4,868 2,168 2,982 5,150 2,188 3,036 5,224

85 years and over 444 1,242 1,686 708 1,552 2,260 745 1,543 2,288 Median age

36.3 39.3 37.9 39.3 42.6 40.9 39.5 42.4 40.9

Source: U.S. Census Bureau; 2000, 2010 Census Summary File; 2010-2014 ACS 5-year estimates

EDUCATION

The correlation between education, employment and income, while not necessarily a fair housing matter, does affect housing choice. The table below illustrates the educational attainment for Tuscarawas County, City of New Philadelphia and the state of Ohio. According to the 2010-2014 ACS, 8.7% of persons in Tuscarawas County have between a 9th and 12th grade education, with no diploma. This figure is slightly higher than the rates for state.

Additionally, Tuscarawas County shows a lower percentage of persons who have some college, no degree, bachelor’s degree, graduate degree, or professional degree compared to the rest of the State of Ohio. Tuscarawas County does have a higher percentage of those who are a high school graduate, 9th to 12th grade, no diploma and those less than 9th grade. This table shows the Educational Attainment 2014 Population 25 years and older.

Jurisdiction

Less

than

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9th t

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dip

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Ass

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Deg

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Perc

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Bach

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Scho

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radu

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Perc

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ache

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Deg

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City of New Philadelphia 3.7% 9.4% 43.8% 20.0% 7.1% 9.9% 86.9% 15.9%

Tuscarawas County 4.7% 8.7% 47.9% 17.2% 6.7% 9.8% 86.6% 14.7%

Ohio 3.2% 8.0% 34.5% 20.7% 8.1% 16.1% 88.8% 25.6%


There are currently 41 public schools in Tuscarawas County, serving 14,669 students. Tuscarawas County public schools have a diversity score of 0.12, which is lower than the Ohio average of 0.44. Minority enrollment is 7% (majority Hispanic) and the student-teacher ratio is 18:1.

Public Schools in Tuscarawas County:

Claymont City Schools • Claymont High School • Claymont Junior High • Claymont Intermediate School

• Eastport Elementary • Park Elementary • Trenton Avenue Elementary

Source: www.homefacts.com/schools/Ohio/Tuscarawas-County.html

Dover City Schools • Dover High School • Dover Middle School • South Elementary

• East Elementary • Dover Avenue Elementary



Garaway Local Schools • Garaway High School • Garaway Middle School • Baltic Elementary

• Dundee Elementary • Miller Elementary • Ragersville Elementary


Indian Valley Local Schools • Indian Valley High School • Indian Valley Middle School

• Midvale Elementary • Port Washington Elementary



Newcomerstown Exempted Village Schools • Newcomerstown High School • Newcomerstown Middle

School

• West Elementary • East Elementary


New Philadelphia City Schools • New Philadelphia High School • Welty Middle School • Central Elementary • East Elementary

• West Elementary • York Elementary • South Elementary



Sandy Valley Local Schools • Sandy Valley High School • Sandy Valley Middle School

• Sandy Valley Elementary School


Strasburg-Franklin Local Schools • Strasburg Middle School/High School • Strasburg Elementary



Tuscarawas Valley Local School District • Tuscarawas Valley High School • Tuscarawas Valley Middle School

• Tuscarawas Valley Intermediate School

• Tuscarawas Valley Primary School


Private Schools in Tuscarawas County • Immaculate Conception Elementary

School • Rush Christian School

• Tuscarawas Central Catholic Elementary

• Tuscarawas Central Catholic Jr./Sr. High School

Community College & Specialty Schools • Kent State University, Tuscarawas Campus • Buckeye Career Center • Harcatus Head Start

• Starlight School • East Central Ohio Education Service Center • Quaker Digital Academy

EDUCATION DATA NUMBER

Number of Public Schools 41

Students (Daily Avg. Membership) 15,512

Expenditures per Student $7,850.00

Graduation Rate 83.4

Teachers (Full Time Equivalent) 919.5

Non-Public Schools 3

Students 337 Source: development.ohio.gov


Source: U.S. Census Bureau’s OnTheMap: http://onthemap.ces.census.gov (6/10/2016)

LINGUISTIC ISOLATION

Tuscarawas County’s population 5 years and over is 87,168 with 94.6% speaking only English. While 5.4% of the total population are linguistically isolated. The U.S. Census defines “Linguistically Isolated” as all members of the household 14 years and older having at least some difficulty speaking English in the household. The City of New Philadelphia is similar to Tuscarawas County, and has a lesser percentage of linguistically isolated households than the State of Ohio. Given that the Hispanic population of Tuscarawas County has been the fastest growing segment of the population, linguistic isolation could be an issue that arises more commonly in the future if trends continue.

Jurisdiction

Tota

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Spea

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H

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hold

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Span

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Spea

king

H

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hold

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Lim

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Engl

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Spea

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H

ouse

hold

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O

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Indo

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ngua

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Hou

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lang

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H

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Tota

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cent

of

Ling

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ly Is

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Hou

seho

lds

Tuscarawas County

36,366 34,188 619 118 1,505 217 29 0 25 0 0.9%

City of New Philadelphia

6,987 6,647 170 55 160 11 0 0 10 0 0.9%

Ohio 4,570,015 4,212,815 122,502 20,104 140,459 21,123 55,959 13,272 38,280 7,504 1.4% Source: 2010-2014 American Community Survey 5-year Estimates

http://onthemap.ces.census.gov/


EMPLOYMENT DATA

According to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services’ latest news release on April 15, 2016, Ohio's unemployment rate was 5.1 percent in March 2016, up from a revised 5.0 percent in February. The labor force within Tuscarawas County is based primarily in three sectors. Manufacturing which comprises 21.0%, Health Care & Social Assistance at 15.3% and Retail Trade at 12.1% of the labor force. Employment in Tuscarawas County, as of 2014, was distributed as follows:


The following tables were generated from the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics and reflect employment trends of the county.

Total employment reflects the number of employed persons who live within the county.



The following table illustrates the total employment base for Tuscarawas County and Ohio from 2010 to 2014:

TOTAL EMPLOYMENT TUSCARAWAS COUNTY OHIO

YEAR TOTAL NUMBER

PERCENT CHANGE

TOTAL NUMBER

PERCENT CHANGE

2010 33,822 4.1% 4,962,516 1.1% 2011 34,273 1.3% 5,030,219 1.4% 2012 34,954 2.0% 5,103,892 1.5% 2013 35,699 2.1% 5,179,382 1.5% 2014 36,685 2.8% 5,266,591 1.7%

The following chart illustrates the percent change in employment for Tuscarawas County and Ohio from 2010 to 2014:

Unemployment rates for Tuscarawas County and Ohio are illustrated as follows:

YEAR UNEMPLOYMENT RATE

YEAR TUSCARAWAS

COUNTY

OHIO 2010 11.2% 10.1% 2011 9.3% 8.7% 2012 7.4% 7.2% 2013 7.3% 7.6% 2014 5.5% 5.6%

Source: Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics

0

0.5

1

1.5

2

2.5

3

3.5

4

4.5

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

Employment Change

Tuscarawas County Ohio



The 10 largest employers in Tuscarawas County comprise a total of more than 3,400 employees. These employers are summarized as follows:

EMPLOYER BUSINESS TYPE TOTAL EMPLOYED UNION HOSPITAL HEALTH CARE 840 THE BELDEN BRICK COMPANY MANUFACTURING 419 ALLIED MACHINE & ENGINEERING MANUFACTURING 408 ALERIS INTERNATIONAL, INC MANUFACTURING 345 LAUREN INTERNATIONAL, INC. MANUFACTURING 288 MARLITE MANUFACTURING 250 TWIN CITY HOSPITAL HEALTH CARE 250 COPLEY OH NEWSPAPERS MEDIA 245 CABLE MANUFACTURING & ASSEMBLY MANUFACTURING 200 DOVER CHEMICAL CORPORATION CHEMICAL PRODUCTION 170

TOTAL 3,415 Source: Tuscarawas County CAFR, 2014




TRANSPORTATION

The county currently does not have a regular public transportation system. However, there is a small independent taxi service in the area. Residents that qualify also have the availability of transportation through agencies such as Horizons, Senior Center, Society for Equal Access, Tusc Transport, and Tuscarawas County Veteran’s office. The local Homeless shelter in New Philadelphia also has a van that transports its clients. Clients that access these services are primarily for employment, medical appointments, or to grocery stores.




INCOME CHARACTERISTICS DATA

Tuscarawas County’s Median Family Income Thresholds change every year. Updated information is available at US Department of Housing & Urban Development website at http://www.huduser.org/portal/datasets/il/il2016/2016summary.odn. HUD recently released the latest 2016 figures. The newest figures decreased the Median Income to $52,300 which is $2,000 less than the 2015 figure.


http://www.huduser.org/portal/datasets/il/il2016/2016summary.odn


*HUD Median Income Limits Summary for Tuscarawas County:

Median Income

FY2016 Income Limit

Category

Persons in Family

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

$52,300

Extremely Low

(30%) 11,880 16,020 20,160 24,300 28,440 32,150 34,350 36,600

Very Low (50%) 19,400 22,200 24,950 27,700 29,950 32,150 34,350 36,600

Low (80%) 31,050 35,450 39,900 44,300 47,850 51,400 54,950 58,500

Source: huduser.org

*Income Limit areas are based on FY2016 Fair Market Rent (FMR) areas.

These figures have changed over the last six years due to the oil and gas exploration in the area. Additionally, locally employed workers have also been employed in this industry both directly and through ancillary employment, reducing the overall unemployment rates.

While occupancy rates and market-rate rent levels have increased in the County among conventional rental housing units, many other areas of Ohio have experienced similar increases. According to local housing authority representatives and real estate professionals, some rental property owners have increased rents and signed leases with energy companies, displacing previous residents (Vogt Santer Insights, 2013).

Household Income for Tuscarawas County:

HOUSEHOLD INCOME FIGURE PERCENTAGE

Total Households 36,366 100% Less than $10,000 2,354 6.5% $10,000 - $24,999 7,179 19.8% $25,000 – $34,999 4,406 12.1% $35,000 - $49,999 6,147 16.9% $50,000 - $74,999 7,137 19.2% $75,000 - $99,999 4,155 11.4%

$100,000 - $149,999 2,641 7.1% $150,000 - $199,999 680 1.9%

$200,000 or more 525 1.4% Source: 2010-2014 American Community Survey 5-year Estimates

Final FY 2010 FMRs By Unit Bedrooms

Efficiency

One-Bedroom

Two-Bedroom

Three-Bedroom

Four-Bedroom

$393 $459 $605 $766 $789

Final FY 2016 FMRs By Unit Bedrooms

Efficiency

One-Bedroom

Two-Bedroom

Three-Bedroom

Four-Bedroom

$461 $548 $734 $933 $1,006

https://www.huduser.gov/portal/datasets/fmr/fmrs/FY2016_code/2016bdrm_rent.odn?year=2016&cbsasub=NCNTY39157N39157&br_size=0















Ratio of Income to Poverty Level for Tuscarawas County:

RATIO OF INCOME TO POVERTY LEVEL FIGURE PERCENTAGE

Population for whom poverty status is determined 91,361 100% Below 50% of poverty level 4,988 5.5% 50% - 99% of poverty level 8,045 8.8%

100% - 149% of poverty level 4,578 5.0% 150% - 184% of poverty level 6,570 7.2% 185% - 199% of poverty level 3,857 4.2% 200% or more of poverty level 58,259 63.7%


The table below illustrates the breakdown between race and poverty level in Tuscarawas County, according to the 2010 – 2014 ACS, provided by the United States Census Bureau. Those who identify themselves as “Some other Race” have the highest percentage rate of persons living below the federal poverty level at 66.3%; this is closely followed by the Black or African American race at 52.9%. Hispanic or Latino population living below federal poverty level in Tuscarawas County is 37.0%, while those who identify themselves as two or more races is at 31.1%.

Poverty level by Race Total Below Poverty Level

Percent Below Poverty Level

Population for whom poverty status is determined 91,447 12,176 13.3%

Once Race 90,491 12,762 14.1%

White 88,741 11,981 13.5%

Black/African American 811 429 52.9%

American Indian & Alaska Native 239 40 16.7%

Asian 308 52 16.9%


Some other race 392 260 66.3%

Two or more races 870 271 31.1%

Hispanic or Latino (of any race) 1,968 728 37.0%


PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

The Census Bureau defines “disability” as a long lasting physical, mental or emotional condition that can make it difficult for a person to do activities such as walking, climbing stairs, dressing, bathing, learning, or remembering. This condition can also impede a person from being able to go outside the home alone or to work at a job or business. (United States Census Bureau, http://www.census.gov/glossary/#term_Disability).

Among all persons age 5 years or older, Tuscarawas County had a total disability rate of 18.1 percent in 2000, just below the 19 percent national rate at that time. This disability rate represented 15,208 persons living with a disability in the County. The 2010 Census showed the total disability rate decreased to 11.3 percent. However, in 2014 the total disability rate increased to 13.1 percent as well as included children under the age of 5. The data is displayed in the “Disability by Age” table.

Disability by Age Tuscarawas County: 2000, 2010 and 2010-2014 ACS Data

Age Disabled Persons Disability Rate

2000 Census

5 to 20 1,263 6.2%

21 – 64 8,581 16.9%

65+ 5,364 42.0%

Total 15,208 18.1%

2010 Census

5 to 17 248 1.5%

18 to 64 5,723 10.4%

65+ 4,266 30.2%

Total 10,237 11.3%

2014 ACS (5-year Estimates)

Under 5 37 0.7%

5 – 17 863 5.4%

18 – 64 6,188 11.2%

65+ 4,949 33.0%

Total 12,037 13.1% Source: 2000, 2010, 2010--2014 American Community Survey 5-year Estimates

Tuscarawas County has 11,137 (18 and older) adults and 900 children (under 18) with one or more disabilities, with the largest percent in the southern part of the county.

Continued


Although only 5.4% of children in the County have disabilities, the percentage of adults living with disabilities is greater and continues to grow. People aged 65 and over is the group with the largest proportions of people living with disabilities: at 33.0%. The number of persons with disabilities underscores the importance of fair housing education within the public and private sector at both the policy and the service delivery levels.


Persons with Disabilities (5 – 17 years)



Persons with Disabilities (18 - 64 years)


Persons with Disabilities (65 and over)


HOUSING INVENTORY

According to the 2010 U.S. Census, there were a total of 40,206 housing units in Tuscarawas County, 36,965 or 91.9 % of the units were occupied while 3,241 or 8.1% of the units were vacant. However, according to the 2010-2014 ACS, there were a total of 40,062 housing units in Tuscarawas County, 36,366 or 90.8% of these units were occupied. Essentially, vacancy rates are a matter of supply and demand for major U.S. cities.

As shown in the tables below, Tuscarawas County reported a total of 36,366 occupied housing units within the County. Of 36,366 occupied housing units, 26,231 housing units were owner occupied. While, only 10,135 units were renter occupied.


The vast majority of owner-occupied housing units within the County are single-family detached units (75.5%). Similarly, the vast majority of renter-occupied housing units within the County are single-family detached units.

Housing Tenure Census 2000 Census 2010 ACS 2014 Change 2000 - 2014

Owner Occupied 26,720 26,688 26,231 -489 Renter Occupied 8,933 10,277 10,135 1,202 Vacant 2,460 3,241 3,696 1,236 Homeowner Vacancy Rate 1.4% 1.8% 1.2% -0.2% Rental Vacancy Rate 7.2% 8.7% 5.9% -1.3% Total Housing Units 38,113 40,206 40,062 1,949

Source: 2000, 2010 U.S. Census; 2010-2014 ACS 5-year Estimates

Occupied Housing Units Percent of Occupied

Housing Units

Owner Occupied

Housing Units

Renter Occupied Housing Units

Units in Structure 90.8% 26,231 10,135 1, detached 75.5% 23,631 4,271 1, attached 2.0% 331 372 2 apartments 5.8% 154 1,813 3 or 4 apartments 4.1% 71 1,315 5 to 9 apartments 1.6% 0 647 10 or more apartments 1.6% 0 950 Mobile Home or other type of housing 8.5% 2,044 767

Source: 2010-2014 ACS 5-year Estimates Monthly costs for owner-occupied units with a mortgage:

Selected Monthly Costs for Owners of Occupied Units with a

Mortgage Number Percent

Housing Units with Mortgage 15,394 100% Less than $300 62 0.4% $300 to $499 531 3.4% $500 to $699 1,778 11.5% $700 to $999 4,728 30.7%

$1,000 to $1,499 5,589 36.3% $1,500 to $1,999 1,909 12.4% $2,000 or more 797 5.2%

Source: 2010-2014 ACS 5-year Estimates Foreclosures have also become an issue in Tuscarawas County. Several local agencies have collaborated to create the Tuscarawas County Save our Homes Task Force. The Task Force was created on September 25, 2007 and meets on a regular basis to discuss prevention efforts. They have made information available in the County Courthouse and on the County website for homeowners that include:


• Save Our Dream Hotline contact information • HUD Counseling provided by the local Harcatus office • Legal Services contact information • Information on Federal Programs • Mediation, Foreclosure & Resource Forms • List of Mortgage terms • State and Federal resource links

From January through June of 2011 there have been 147 foreclosure cases filed. This is down from the 204 that were filed in the same time frame in 2010. Age of Structure

The age of a dwelling unit is a factor used to evaluate the structural quality of the unit. The average industry standard for the life span of a single-family dwelling is generally 50 years. However, this typical life span often depends on the quality of the original construction and continued maintenance of the unit.

The table below identifies the age of year-round residential structures. As can be seen, the majority of the units in Tuscarawas County were built from 1939 or earlier to 1979.

When considering the average life span of a dwelling unit, the homes built before 1960 will have reached their 50-year old life span. Thus, over 67% of the County’s housing units have reached their life span. These homes will require regular maintenance to remain structurally sound.

Tuscarawas County, Ohio

Number of Total Housing Units

Percent of Total Housing Units

Year Built Total Housing Units 40,062 100% Built 2010 or later 158 0.4% Built 2000 to 2009 4,264 10.6% Built 1990 to 1999 4,887 12.2% Built 1980 to 1989 3,702 9.2% Built 1970 to 1979 5,279 13.2% Built 1960 to 1969 3,578 8.9% Built 1950 to 1959 4,432 11.1% Built 1940 to 1949 1,912 4.8% Built 1939 or earlier 11,850 29.6%


Distribution of Assisted Housing

Public or assisted housing can exist in several forms such as low-income housing projects, housing choice voucher programs, and supportive housing. The objective of public and other forms of assisted housing is to provide housing that is suitable for persons with special needs or families of low- to moderate-income levels and to promote access to jobs, transportation and services.

The average number of units per property for affordable rentals in Tuscarawas County is 37.50. The largest federally assisted affordable rental community in the county is Jaycee Villa at 102 units and the smallest is Gerber 1 Apartments at 1 unit(s). Seven apartment properties provide housing for seniors containing 201 units. Of the 788 units, 535 units include some form of rental assistance (like Section 8) to make rent more affordable for very low income families.


Cities/Villages with Federally Assisted Projects in Tuscarawas County:

City Properties Units

Uhrichsville 6 231 Dover 2 180

Newcomerstown 2 98 Strasburg 1 76 Bolivar 2 72

New Philadelphia 3 47 Tuscarawas 2 29 Gnadenhutten 1 13

New Phila 1 2 Source: http://affordablehousingonline.com/housing-search/Ohio/Tuscarawas-County/

Subsidized Housing Locations - Tuscarawas County, OH

http://affordablehousingonline.com/housing-search/Ohio/Uhrichsville/

http://affordablehousingonline.com/housing-search/Ohio/Dover/

http://affordablehousingonline.com/housing-search/Ohio/Newcomerstown/

http://affordablehousingonline.com/housing-search/Ohio/Strasburg/

http://affordablehousingonline.com/housing-search/Ohio/Bolivar/

http://affordablehousingonline.com/housing-search/Ohio/New-Philadelphia/

http://affordablehousingonline.com/housing-search/Ohio/Tuscarawas/

http://affordablehousingonline.com/housing-search/Ohio/Gnadenhutten/

http://affordablehousingonline.com/housing-search/Ohio/New-Phila/

http://affordablehousingonline.com/housing-search/Ohio/Tuscarawas-County/


HUD Section 8 and USDA Rural Development Properties

For Persons with Disabilities:

• Franklin Terrace – 316 Bodmer Avenue South, Strasburg, OH • Jaycee Valley Housing – 600 Holiday Avenue, Uhrichsville, OH • Lions Manor – 350 East Cherry Street, Tuscarawas, OH • Colonial Manor – 441 University Drive, New Philadelphia, OH (CLOSED June 2009)

For Individuals or Families:

• Jaycee Village – 1000 Claymont Drive, Uhrichsville, OH • Baltic Haus Apartments – 101 Baltic Haus Drive, Baltic, OH • Bolivar Terrace Apartments – 738 Garberdale Square North, Bolivar, OH • Oxford Square Apartments – 100 Oxford Lane, Newcomerstown, OH • Moomaw Manor Apartments – 404 Zurich Street, Sugarcreek, OH • Clay Village Apartments – 432 South McConnell Street, Uhrichsville, OH

For Seniors:

• Seton Holmes County – 139 Filmore Avenue, Dover, OH • Seton Square-Dover – 501 James Street, Dover, OH • Jaycee Horizons – 940 Jaycee Street NW, New Philadelphia, OH • Buckhorn Village – 814 Mill Alley, Newcomerstown, OH • Warwick Manor – 416 Cherry Street, Tuscarawas, OH • Jaycee View II – 300 Jaycee Street, Uhrichsville, OH • Jaycee Villa – 1000 Claymont Drive, Uhrichsville, OH • Buckeye House Apartments – 201 East Third Street, Uhrichsville, OH • Tents of Grace Manor – Logan Street, Gnadenhutten, OH • Lanning House – 224 Grant Street, Dennison, OH


Rental Assistance for Tenants in Tuscarawas County

Rental assistance is a type of housing subsidy that pays for a portion of a renter’s monthly housing costs, including rent and tenant paid utilities. This housing assistance can come in the form of Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers, project-based Section 8 contracts, public housing, USDA Rental Assistance (in Section 515 properties) as well as HUD Section 202 and 811 properties.

In Tuscarawas County, there are 14 affordable housing properties providing rental assistance to 535 very low income households. In addition, Tuscarawas Metropolitan Housing Authority provides more than 500 Section 8 rental vouchers in Tuscarawas County.

To qualify for most rental assistance programs a renter must earn no more than 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI). In some cases, rental assistance is reserved for renters earning 30% or less of the AMI. In Tuscarawas County, to qualify for Section 8 assistance, a renter household containing four persons must earn $27,700 or less. For some targeted rental assistance programs, a renter household of four can’t earn more than $24,300.

It’s important to remember that in many rental assistance programs there are minimum rent regulations requiring assistance recipients to make a minimum payment of between $25 and $50 per month no matter how low their income. (http://affordablehousingonline.com/housing-search/Ohio/Tuscarawas-County/)




Evaluation of Current Fair Housing Profile COMPLAINTS, COMPLIANCE REVIEWS, CHARGES OF DISCRIMINATION

Since 2008, there have been five charges filed with the Ohio Civil Rights Commission for Tuscarawas County (excluding the cities of New Philadelphia & Uhrichsville). These charges were filed in Newcomerstown, Port Washington, Gnadenhutten, and Sugarcreek. All of these claims were related to Fair Housing Employment discrimination and not Housing discrimination. None of these cases were filed through the local County Fair Housing Office. There are currently no open cases.

IDENTIFICATION OF OTHER FAIR HOUSING CONCERNS OR PROBLEMS

The recent increase in the Hispanic population has made our County more aware of the protected class of Race and Color. The majority of the Hispanic population is located inside the cities limits of Dover and New Philadelphia primarily for the resources available within walking distance. Outreach efforts need to continue in the Hispanic specialty stores and places of employment.

With the current military efforts overseas, there needs to be a stronger effort to enforce Military Status as a protected class in the state of Ohio. Since it was just adopted in the past couple of years, it is still somewhat unknown.

Identification of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice THE SALE OR RENTAL OF HOUSING

The Ohio Revised Code states in section 4112.02 (H,4) – It is unlawful to Discriminate against any person in the terms or conditions of selling, transferring, assigning, renting, leasing, or subleasing any housing accommodations or in furnishing facilities, services, or privileges in connection with the ownership, occupancy, or use of any housing accommodations, including the sale of fire, extended coverage, or homeowners insurance, because of race, color, religion, sex, military status, familial status, ancestry, disability, or national origin or because of the racial composition of the neighborhood in which the housing accommodations are located.

Tuscarawas County has a current Board of Realtors Association. This board maintains a website of local realtors, title companies and mortgage companies in the county. They have a local office in downtown New Philadelphia that displays the Real Estate Weekly guide. This guide displays local homes that are for sale. Within each guide is a Fair Housing Equal Housing Opportunity Ad that promotes citizens’ rights. The Fair Housing logo is also printed with each Realtor’s advertised section.

Fair Housing literature is distributed quarterly to multiple locations throughout Tuscarawas County. Presentations are also conducted on a regular basis in order to be in compliance with Formula CDBG and Community Housing Improvement Grants and with the local Metropolitan Housing Authority’s Section 8 Voucher program. All of the protected classes are explained to residents along with how to report discrimination.

There is a large misunderstanding in the county of the difference between Fair Housing issues and Tenant Landlord issues. Most individuals contact our office thinking that they have a Fair Housing complaint when it is actually a complaint with a landlord not making repairs, illegal entry, evection, etc. Our office does provide literature on Tenant Landlord issues and how they can seek


information and assistance though the Ohio Revised Code, Legal Services or through the local courts.

PROVISION OF HOUSING BROKERAGE SERVICES

The Ohio Revised Code states in section 4112.02 (H,11) – It is unlawful to deny any person access to, membership or participation in any multiple-listing service, real estate broker’s organization, or other service, organization, or facility relating to the business of selling or renting housing accommodations, or discriminate against any person in the terms or conditions of that access, membership, or participation, on account of race, color, religion, sex, military status, familial status, national origin, disability, or ancestry.

The State of Ohio requires the following continuing education for Real Estate Salespersons and Brokers:

• 40 hours of Real Estate Principals and Practices • 40 hours of Ohio Real Estate Law, including instruction in civil rights, housing

discrimination and desegregation problems • 20 hours of Real Estate Appraisal • 20 hours of Real Estate Finance

Applicants must also pass State and National portions of the Ohio Real Estate exams in order for a license to be issued.

The new Nationwide Secure and Fair Enforcement for Mortgage Licensing Act of 2008 (Safe Act) will also insure compliance in licensing mortgage loan originators. The Safe Act was enacted into law on July 30, 2008. It was created for consumer protection and to reduce fraud. Originators are now required to education courses, pass a test, and undergo civil, criminal & financial background tests.

PROVISION OF FINANCING ASSISTANCE FOR DWELLINGS

The Ohio Revised Code states in section 4112.02 (H,3) – It is unlawful to discriminate against any person in the making or purchasing of loans or the provision of other financial assistance for the acquisition, construction, rehabilitation, repair, or maintenance of housing accommodations, or any person in the making or purchasing of loans or the provision of other financial assistance that is secured by residential real estate, because of race, color, religion, sex, military status, familial status, ancestry, disability, or national origin or because of the racial composition of the neighborhood in which the housing accommodations are located, provided that the person, whether an individual, corporation, or association of any type, lends money as one of the principal aspects or incident to the person’s principal business and not only as a part of the purchase price of an owner-occupied residence the person is selling nor merely casually or occasionally to a relative or friend.

There are 48 financial institutions with various branches located in Tuscarawas County with seven of them being Credit Unions. A majority of these banks are located inside the city limits of New Philadelphia, Dover and Uhrichsville. The local banks currently have a “satisfactory” rating with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).

With the economy’s (past) poor conditions and the record increase in foreclosures, the banks seem to be more selective on the loans that they are approving. Local banks are looking much closer at an individual’s credit history and debit-to-income ratio. Applicants can also face the confusion of completing loan applications. Lending intuitions should provide outreach or educational classes to assist applicants.


PUBLIC POLICIES & ACTIONS AFFECTING THE APPROVAL OF SITES & OTHER BUILDING REQUIREMENTS

There are multiple subsidized housing locations in Tuscarawas County for persons with disabilities, seniors & individuals or families. Some of these units are located inside the city limits of Dover, New Philadelphia & Uhrichsville.

Because the local cities are covered under their own respective Fair Housing programs there is no Municipal Services covered under the County’s Fair Housing programs. However, all residents do receive equalization of services.

There currently is no countywide zoning or building code restrictions for residential properties. The cities and townships implement their own zoning & building codes. East Central Ohio Building Authority (ECOBA) handles permits for all commercial properties in the county. The ECOBA office stands behind its Official Code of Ethics. ECOBA staff makes significant efforts to insure there is no discrimination against individuals applying for permits.

Subsidized housing is located in different areas throughout Tuscarawas County. Many landlords have opted to sign up with TMHA to qualify small houses or duplexes on the Section 8 program also. Any individual that receives assistance through the Tuscarawas Metropolitan Housing Authority is required to attend a Fair Housing presentation. The County OCED provides Fair Housing literature and staff support for this area. The meetings are held with clients as often as needed.

The City of New Philadelphia also houses the local homeless shelter, Friends of the Homeless. The shelter is almost always filled to capacity. If it does get to the point that it is unable to accept any other clients, individuals are placed on their waiting list. The staff is required to administer a police background check on the clients to make sure that they are providing a safe environment for all clients.

In addition to operating the area’s only emergency homeless shelter, Friends of the Homeless also manages the Pathway to Wellness Recovery House. Based in a separate facility, this program serves men who are struggling with substance abuse and addiction as they work to build a life of sobriety. With many of the same communal requirements as the shelter, Pathway operates under a structured program that lasts from six months to one year, with various levels of community reintegration. Pathway to Wellness was opened in March of 2013.

The Harbor House/Division of Personal and Family Counseling is also located in New Philadelphia. The Harbor House provides a safe environment for battered women and children.

ADMINISTRATIVE POLOCIES CONCERNING COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT & HOUSING ACTIVITIES

The Tuscarawas County OCED office administers both the CDBG and CHIP (along with the corresponding Fair Housing components) grants for the County. With each of these grants, the county is required to affirmatively further fair housing and document such actions and compliance.

The County has been administering the Allocation CDBG grants since the mid 1980’s. Counties are limited to four projects, plus three competitive projects: Neighborhood Revitalization, Downtown Revitalization and Critical Infrastructure projects with each grant application. Each of the projects must meet one of the two CDBG national objectives to benefit LMI households or aid in the elimination of slums or blight. Each year notices are published in the local paper and sent to all of the villages and townships to notify them of the first public hearing and of available funding for the upcoming CDBG. The County selects the projects based on LMI beneficiaries served, the last year


that the area was served, project cost, and local participation. Below are some of the past CDBG funded projects that have been completed the county:

• Building Rehabilitation (Generator for Community Center) • Fire Protection Facilities & Equipment • Flood & Drainage • Parks & Recreation • Public Service/Home Repair (in coordination with the local Senior Center) • Public Service/Transportation • Sidewalk Improvements • Street Improvements • Water & Sewer Facilities

Within Tuscarawas County there are two Community Housing Impact & Preservation Program (CHIP) grants available to residents. One for Tuscarawas County in collaboration with the City of Dover and the other in New Philadelphia with Collaboration of the City of Uhrichsville. The CHIP grant runs for two years and provides assistance to eligible LMI residents. The County first applied for CHIP funds in 1994. Many residents are currently having a difficult time with the economy, reduced work hours or even losing their jobs and not being able to afford utilities, rent or mortgages.

After completion of the survey conducted in place of the HAC meetings and receiving input, Tuscarawas County has chosen the following activities with the 2016 CHIP Grant to best assist residents with “associated gaps”:

• Rehabilitation Assistance – Owner Rehabilitation • Repair Assistance – Owner Home Repair • Homeownership Assistance – New Construction with Habitat for Humanity

The county currently does not have a Housing Revolving Loan Fund. However, there is a Program Income fund in place from CHIP repayment funds. The county has used these funds for emergency housing repairs.

The first local CHIP Policy & Procedure Manual was approved in October 2004. Throughout the years it has had minor updates as it is a “working document”. One of the documents contained within Section VII the PPM is the Anti-Displacement and Relocation Assistance Plan for Local Governments. This form was originally adopted in the early 1980’s and was updated in July 2011. The plan states that Tuscarawas County will replace all occupied and vacant LMI units demolished or converted as a direct result of activities assisted with funds provided under the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended, and as described in 24 CFR 570.488.

DETERMINATION OF UNLAWFUL SEGREGATION OR OTHER HOUSING DISCRIMINATION

There has not been a determination of unlawful segregation or other housing discrimination by a court or a finding of noncompliance by HUD regarding assisted housing within Tuscarawas County.

ASSESSMENT OF CURRENT PUBLIC & PRIVATE FAIR HOUSING PROGRAMS/ACTIVITIES

Tuscarawas County is a quiet rural community where neighbors help neighbors. The County Fair Housing office makes significant efforts to educate the whole community on Fair Housing rights.


Our office has a strong collaboration with other agencies in the community. Promotional item outreach has also been successful in creating awareness of who residents should contact if they have a concern. Some of the local efforts include:

• Creation of the first Tuscarawas County Fair Housing Website • Creation of new Fair Housing Brochures and Tenant-Landlord brochures • Display area has been established in the Tuscarawas County Courthouse with multiple

brochures from the County, OCRC, HUD, OLRS, & Dept of Commerce • Creation of Spreadsheets to log Fair Housing complaints, referrals & actions • Published a phone number in the local telephone directory • Had County Commissioner Pass a local Proclamation declaring April as Fair Housing Month • Placed a local Fair Housing advertisement during Fair Housing Month (April) • Spoke on local radio stations informing residents of the Fair Housing program • Registered with the new local “211” program for agency referrals to the public • Conducted meetings with residents applying for Section 8 voucher program with the

Tuscarawas Metropolitan Housing Authority • Booth setups at the local Tuscarawas County Fair • Provide educational meetings & literature for CDBG village & township grant recipients • Providing educational literature for CHIP grant recipients • Provide quarterly educational literature to local partner agencies to display

Continuing Education is very important to the local Fair Housing staff. They have attended Fair Housing presentations presented by ODSA/OCD as well as Webinars from Accessibility Online and other agencies. We also still rely on the internet, newsletters, emails, television, newspapers and magazines for educational information on discrimination.

Tuscarawas County has a local organization called Housing Opportunity Monitoring Education Network (HOME Network) which also serves as the County’s Continuum of Care. This 501c3 organization is a collaboration of county and state agencies who share a desire to provide clean, safe and appropriate housing to those county residents of families in need of immediate shelter. This organization works together to identify all sources available for housing and works to obtain additional funding to secure additional housing options in the county. In the fall of 2009 HOME Network received a two year Tri-County American Community Recovery & Reinvestment Act - H.P.R.P. grant. The much needed funds have been used to help low income residents maintain housing and provide supportive services. The funds were available on a first come, first service basis to all residents that are at or below 50% of the Area Median Income levels in Tuscarawas, Harrison & Carroll Counties.

In February, 2011 the United Way of Tuscarawas County launched “211”. 211 is a public informational referral phone number. Local agencies contact the United Way and provide their program assistance information and contact information. When a caller contacts 211, they give the operator their zip code and state their specific needs. The operator then provides the caller with a list of agencies and contact information that fall under their specific need. The County’s Fair Housing office information is registered with the local 211 program.


Conclusions and Recommendations The Tuscarawas County Office of Community & Economic Development began administering Fair Housing services for the County in September 2009 with the 2009 Formula CDBG. During the first year OCED only received one Fair Housing complaint. It was from an apartment manager in Uhrichsville that had a tenant that was being harassed based on his color. The manager asked for the number for the Ohio Civil Rights Commission and Legal Aid. We provided the requested information and also offered our services with filing a charge with OCRC. We followed up with the apartment manager at a later date, and she said that the matter had been resolved and no other assistance was need at the time.

Most of the inquiries that come into the County are for Tenant-Landlord issues and not Fair Housing issues. Each inquiry receives the same amount of assistance, regardless of the topic. Below is a list of inquiries (telephone or walk-ins) that the County has received during the Fair Housing Allocation Grant periods of September 1 – August 31:

YEAR HOUSING DISCRIMINATION

EMPLOYMENT DISCRIMINATION

PUBLIC ACCOMODATION DISCRIMINATION

TENANT-LANDLORD

COMPLAINTS 2012-13 0 0 0 26

2013-14 2 0 0 17

There has been a steady increase in the Hispanic population in Tuscarawas County over the past several years. It is important to make sure these individuals are not being discriminated against with their housing and employment.

Military status is one of the newer protected classes. With all of the combined military efforts, it is important to make sure that this class is not being discriminated against while they are deployed.

CHANGES OR REMEDIES NEEDED TO OVERCOME IDENTIFIED IMPEDIMENTS AND PLAN OF ACTION

As mentioned before, the majority of the Hispanic population in Tuscarawas County is located inside the cities limits of Dover and New Philadelphia. These areas do not fall under the County Fair Housing because Dover, New Philadelphia and Uhrichsville each have their own Fair Housing programs. Although the communities work together, inquiries are referred to the appropriate Fair Housing office location. During the last 2010 US Census the OCED office (along with Harcatus) made significant countywide efforts to reach out to the Hispanic Population. Visits were made to several Hispanic specialty stores, grocery stores and support offices throughout the county. Efforts were also made with one of the Hispanic service organizations so that Hispanic individuals would be able to talk to someone they felt safe and comfortable with. Although many efforts were made, it appeared that the Hispanic individuals did not want to be approached. It was almost a difficult task to even find individuals. Tuscarawas County does have a local non-profit charitable organization for Hispanic individuals called Hispanic Ministries of Tuscarawas County Inc. Their office is located in the city of Dover. While outreach efforts have been difficult, they will continue throughout the county.

OCED will continue to distribute a variety of literature to local agencies, Hispanic grocery and specialty stores, and the Hispanic Ministries office along with other outreach efforts. We currently have a list of translators on hand if/when the need arises. One of the translators is also a local police officer and is knowledgeable in different Spanish dialects which will be very beneficial.


The Ohio Civil Rights added Military Status as a protected class in March 2008 under the Ohio Revised Cod 4112.02, pursuant to the 127th General Assembly Substitute House Bill Number 372. There has not been an adequate amount of education centered on this protected class. When military residents are deployed or are serving active duty services they need to be assured there will be no issues with housing or employment, etc. More efforts need to be in place to work with the local Military Recruiting office, Veteran’s office, and V.A. Outpatient Clinic. All of these offices and/or agencies are located in the City of New Philadelphia. Fair housing literature needs to be distributed to these offices for display and handouts. Meetings should also be set up with each office/agency to discuss any concerns and inform them of the presence of Fair Housing opportunities in the county.

During the FY-2011 Fair Housing Program, we developed and distributed a brochure covering the State of Ohio’s Military Status as a protected class. We also added military status as a protected class to our regular Fair Housing Training Presentations and included the brochure with our FH Training handouts to the CDBG Target Areas and Target Audiences that were proposed in the FY-2011 Fair Housing Training Plan. In addition, we also held presentations for the Society for Equal Access and the County Veteran’s Office where the military as a protected class was part of the presentation.

Efforts to address identified impediments will be an ongoing process. In addition, we will be observing and analyzing the effects of the oil & gas boom on our local housing situation in order to determine whether or not, this is a potential impediment to “Fair Housing” in the county or simply an unwelcome “side-effect” of the free enterprise system. If this does turn out to be an impediment to “Fair Housing” then we will consider development of educational materials to add to our training program. Meanwhile, during our standard FH trainings we have tried to reinforce the benefits of a good lease for both tenants and landlords.

Over the past four years the gas & oil “boom” has had a large impact on affordable housing throughout Tuscarawas and surrounding Counties. While it has boosted our local economy it has had a devastating effect on persons in low to moderate income areas. Several area Landlords have taken their current rent rates and nearly doubled them in some instances.

According to the National Council of Housing Market Analysts the median gross market rate rent had increased over 9% from 2011 to 2013.


Signature Page This Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice for Tuscarawas County (Excluding the cities of New Philadelphia, & Uhrichsville) is hereby approved as prepared by The Tuscarawas County Office of Community & Economic Development (OCED).

Approved this _______ day of June, 2016.

____________________________________ Kerry Metzger, President Tuscarawas County Commissioner

____________________________________ Chris Abbuhl, Vice-President Tuscarawas County Commissioner

____________________________________ Belle Everett, Member Tuscarawas County Commissioner

____________________________________ Kimberly Beans, Fair Housing Coordinator Tuscarawas County OCED Attest:

____________________________________ Jane Clay Tuscarawas County Board of Commissioners

Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Housing... · national origin, religion, sex, familial...

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