Submitted By
Tammie Grossman, Director of Development Customer Services
Reviewed By
LKS
Agenda Item Title
Title
A Resolution Awarding a Small Rental Property Rehabilitation Loan and Authorizing the Execution of a Loan Commitment and Agreement for the Property Located at 1110 South Austin Boulevard (SRP-031)
End
Overview
Overview
The purpose of the Small Rental Properties Rehabilitation Loan Program is to address deteriorated and blighted homes throughout the Village, to provide affordable rental housing, and to improve the energy efficiency of small rental properties. The eligible owner of this four unit property is requesting a forgivable rehabilitation loan of $20,000 from the Village.
Body
Staff Recommendation
Staff agrees with the Housing Programs Advisory Committee recommendation to approve this $20,000 forgivable loan.
Fiscal Impact
This rehab loan of $20,000 was allocated under the 2015 program year Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) budget. $105,000 in funds were allocated to Small Rental Rehabilitation loans in the FY2016 budget. As of now, $95,000 of these funds remain available.
Background
The Neighborhood Services Division administers the Small Rental Rehabilitation Loan Program, which was established on November 1, 2010 and funded with Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. The Program is open to rental buildings with seven or fewer units. The Program has two major purposes: (1) upgrade the physical conditions of small rental buildings; and (2) expand the housing choices of renters to encourage economic and racial diversity. The Program has two types of assistance: (1) forgivable loans which are limited to $5,000 per unit; and (2) a Marketing Services Agreement for the Oak Park Regional Housing Center to affirmatively market the units in the building. In exchange for the forgivable loan funds, owners agree to match the loan funds by 25% and to rent at least 51% of their units to households earning at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI).
SRP-031 is a four unit apartment building located at 1110 South Austin Boulevard. As required by CDBG regulations, three rental households qualify as low income. A lead inspection and risk assessment were not required since the total federal funding is limited to $5,000 per unit. Lead safe work practices will be used for all work that disturbs painted surfaces. The Small Rental Properties Rehab Loan Program has no equity requirement. The Loans are forgiven after a short time, in this case two years. The owners have committed to paying all costs beyond the $20,000 Village loan amount. This contribution will be at least $6,666.
The rehabilitation loan will be used to replace outlets, replace windows, replace a door, repair a ceiling, and tuck point an exterior wall.
Alternatives
This program utilizes federal funds. The only expense to the Village is staff time for project administration. The program provides benefits to the Village in maintaining and improving our housing stock, promoting diversity, providing affordable rental units and improving the energy efficiency of the buildings. If the funds are not awarded to individual recipients the Village will not meet its goals under these programs.
Previous Board Action
The program guidelines were adopted by the Village of Oak Park Board of Trustees on November 1, 2010 and amended on July 2, 2012 to further define the provisions of the Small Rental Properties Rehabilitation Program and to provide guidance to staff in administering the program.
Citizen Advisory Commission Action
All loan and grant requests are reviewed by the Housing Programs Advisory Committee (HPAC) before they are presented for Board approval. This request was reviewed by HPAC on August 17, 2016 and recommended for approval.
Anticipated Future Actions/Commitments
NA.
Intergovernmental Cooperation Opportunities
NA.
Performance Management (MAP) Alignment
A Governance Priority established for the Development Customer Services Department is Multi-family and Single Family Grant and Loan Programs.