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The Community Development division is responsible for community development and revitalization activities, primarily in older or declining neighborhoods. Staff members include:
June Tyler, Senior Programs Manager
Ed Branch, Demolition/Rental/Housing Inspector (Code Enforcement Officer II)
Ferni Greene-Small, Housing Specialist
VJ Miller, Community Development Administrative Assistant
Primary funding comes from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. Other funding comes from the City of Baytown’s General Fund for demolition and Harris County for transportation. A summary of the division’s programs and activities is listed below with the current levels of funding and responsible staff.
Owner-Occupied Housing Rehabilitation/Reconstruction (Rehab)
This program stabilizes neighborhoods by providing safe, decent, and sanitary housing for low-income households. Eligible households may receive up to $53,600 for a 3-bedroom or $47,000 for a 2-bedroom reconstruction, or $25,000 for code complying rehabilitation of the existing home. The assistance is in the form of a five (5) year deferred, forgivable lien. The program also includes lead-based paint abatement and a homeowners’ workshop. Funding is $359,651 for personnel costs, operating expenses, and at least seven (7) projects. Administered by Housing Specialist and Housing Inspector.
Homebuyers’ Assistance
The purpose of this program is to stabilize neighborhoods by assisting income eligible households in purchasing affordable housing. Homebuyers may receive an Assistance Loan up to $4,500 for normal closing costs incurred with the purchase of property priced at $105,000 or below. The Assistance Loan is a five (5) year deferred, forgivable lien. Funding is $149,318 for personnel, operating costs, and at least 15 homebuyers. Administered by Housing Specialist and Senior Program Manager.
Homebuyers’ Counseling Workshop
The program offers a free Counseling Workshop every 6-8 weeks taught by Consumer Credit Counseling Services. The four-hour curriculum includes information on how to buy a home, household budgeting, mortgage lending, loan closing, home maintenance, and ownership responsibilities and benefits. Funding is $3,600 and includes six (6) English-language and three (3) Spanish-language counseling workshops.
Substandard Structures Abatement
The program aids in the prevention of slum and blight by removing abandoned structures. Vacant and dilapidated structures that pose a hazard to citizens are presented to the Urban Rehabilitation Standards Review Board by the Building Division. The Board orders those structures to be repaired, secured, removed, or demolished. Staff facilitates the demolition of those buildings following the Board’s orders. Funding is $144,904 for personnel costs and the securing or demolition of at least twenty (20) structures. Administered by Housing Specialist and Demolition Inspector.
Single-Family Rental Housing Inspection
The goal of this program is to ensure all citizens the opportunity to enjoy safe, sanitary and decent rental housing by addressing properties that have obvious health and safety violations. Inspections of single-family homes and/or manufactured homes are spurred by citizen complaints of the property condition. After an investigation, staff may require the owner to bring the property into code compliance via a municipal court order. Administered by Housing Specialist and Demolition Inspector.
Residential Sewer Line Repair/Replacement
The City Council initiated a city-wide program to decrease the inflow and infiltration of wastewater into the city’s main water system. Property owners would be required to repair or replace their yard lines if they were found to be defective. This program would provide financial assistance to low-moderate income homeowners needing repairs. Funding is $76,050 to assist at least thirty (30) homeowners with repairs to their private sewer service line. Administered by Housing Specialist and Demolition Inspector. Senior/Disabled Citizens’ Transportation Program (Taxi)
The program provides eligible senior and disabled citizens with 24-hour non-emergency transportation within the city limits of Baytown and to and from Houston for medical appointments. The City of Baytown coordinates with the Harris County Rides Program to provide participants transit service. Funding is $63,317 for personnel costs and transit service. Administered by Community Development Administrative Assistant.
Adult Literacy Program
The Adult Literacy Program provides for individual and small group tutoring for approximately 35 functionally illiterate, low-income adults and families, including those for whom English is a second language. The goal is to increase English reading and speaking abilities for adults, who read below a fifth grade level, increase academic parenting skills, and to increase citizen access to community services. Funding is $35,000 for personnel and related expenses. Administered by the Sterling Municipal Library.
Baytown Family YMCA
Funds will assist the Baytown Family YMCA to provide swimming lessons and lifeguard training for approximately 50 low-income youth, primarily in West Baytown, under the Swim Safe Program. Funding is $2,916.
New Horizon Family Center
Project First Step is designed to assist approximately 15 victims of domestic violence who are seeking self-sufficiency. Funding in the amount of $12,000 will provide rental deposits and the 1st month rent to persons who are ready to leave the shelter facility.
Baytown Resource and Assistance Center
Funds will assist the agency to provide school uniforms and shoes to low-income residents. The program will serve approximately 250 school children with assistance. Funding is $9,000.
CDBG Administration
Provides general management and oversight of CDBG-funded programs to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. Administration prepares and maintains HUD-required reports, provides technical assistance to local non-profits, and manages financial information through HUD’s disbursement system. Administration also provides staff support to the Community Development Advisory Committee. Funding is $177,366 for personnel costs and related expenses. Administered by Assistant Director, Senior Program Manager, and Community Development Administrative Assistant.Last updated: Tuesday, January 19, 2010 at 8:29:59 AM |
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