04/14/1998 - Public Housing MeetingPUBLIC HOUSING PUBLIC MEETING
CITY OF CLEARWATER
April 14, 1998
Present: Jacqueline Riveria Clearwater Housing Authority
Nancy Beavers Family Support Services
Greg Schwartz Tampa Bay Community Development Council
Jerry Spilatro Community Service Foundation
Eunice Chen
Jacqueline Riveria Clearwater Housing Authority
Alan Ferri Housing and Urban Development Director
Michael Holmes Housing and Urban Development Asst. Director
Brenda Moses Board Reporter
The meeting was called to order at 3:05 p.m. at Condon Gardens.
Housing and Urban Development Director Alan Ferri stated the Consolidated Plan explains the City’s planned delivery of services with funds provided by local, State, Federal, and private
sector resources to the income-eligible population. He discussed available funding from the CDBG (Community Development Block Grant), SHIP (State Housing Initiatives Partnership), and
HOME (Housing Opportunity Made Equal) programs. This year $800,000 has been allocated for home ownership. SHIP and HOME programs can be used only for the housing needs of low to moderate
income persons. Rental property development funding will not be available for 2 years. Federal funding is diminishing. This year, the City is establishing a HUD 203K homeowners insurance
program without income eligibility requirements.
Jacqueline Riveria, Clearwater Housing Authority, questioned if contingency plans have been made to expand existing services. She expressed concern social services programs will face
additional demands when the Wilson Company development is completed. Mr. Ferri offered to arrange a meeting with the Clearwater Housing Authority and the Wilson Company to discuss the
matter.
Nancy Beavers, Family Support Services and Partners in Self-Sufficiency, said day care facilities and transportation assistance is needed. In response to a question, Mr. Ferri said
the Wellington Apartments near Condon Gardens will offer an after school program but no day care. The lowest income neighborhoods in Clearwater require 500 slots for day care services.
The City is working with the Salvation Army, UPARC, Head Start, and other nonprofit organizations to use their existing transportation for child care.
Alice Broderick, Head Start, expressed concern various child care facilities lack playground equipment. It was remarked some social services grants are available.
Greg Schwartz, Tampa Bay Community Development Council, questioned if the City could assist with obtaining funds for existing real estate or vacant land for home ownership programs.
Mr. Ferri said the pending funding cycle, has $700,000 in the CIP (Capital Improvement Project) for infrastructure. The City can apply for a Section 108 loan guarantee program for
housing.
Jerry Spilatro, CSF (Community Service Foundation), questioned if agencies can provide services to the Wilson Company housing development under construction. Mr. Ferri said restrictions
for public services provisions apply. The City is capped at 15% of entitlements. The City and USHUD (U. S. Department of Urban Housing Development) disagree regarding the definition
of “public service activity”. Mr. Spilatro said CSF allocates 50% of Florida Power Energy Funds and FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Authority) funds to assist people in Clearwater.
The Clearwater utility reimbursement to his agency of $5 per family does not cover program costs, and does not justify continuance of the program in the City. Mr. Ferri suggested CGS
(Clearwater Gas System) may be able to offer additional assistance. Mr. Spilatro felt CSF services should be funded by social action grants.
Mr. Ferri recommended agencies review their program records, document potential problem housing issues, and submit them to his office. The first wave of entitlement cuts will begin
next fiscal year. A State bill pending provides Brownfields Redevelopment area tax credits for private businesses that contribute to nonprofit agencies. The tax credit contribution
cap of $200,000 would be an excellent fund-raising tool. In response to a question, Mr. Ferri said the City is not involved in the establishment of new flood zone designations.
Mr. Ferri reported 3 more public meetings are scheduled. Any written concerns and comments must be submitted by June 6, 1998. The final Consolidated Plan will be presented to the
City Commission on July 16, 1998.
The meeting adjourned at 3:53 p.m.