The Community Development division is responsible for community development and revitalization activities, primarily in older or declining neighborhoods. Staff members include:

• Tiffany Foster, Planning Manager
• Vacant, Housing Planner
• Ed Branch, Demolition/Rental/Housing Inspector (Code Enforcement Officer II)
• Ferni Greene-Small, Housing Specialist
• Vacant, 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 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 $332,808 for personnel costs, operating expenses, and at least six (6) 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 $152,446 for personnel, operating costs, and at least 23 homebuyers. Administered by Housing Planner.

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 addressing abandoned structures. Staff provides support and recommendations to the Urban Rehabilitation Standards Review Board in regards to ordering owners to repair, secure, remove or demolish a structure. Ultimately, the program removes structures that pose a hazard to citizens and/or are utilized for illegal activities. Funding is $115,535 for personnel costs and the securing or demolition of at least fifteen (15) 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.

Sidewalks and Curb Replacement Program

The program provides replacement of sidewalks and curbs and construction of handicap ramps on existing pedestrian routes in the target area. Repaired sidewalks enhance a neighborhood by creating a safe area for foot traffic. Funding is $62,049 for material costs. Administered by the Public Works Department.

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 $51,922 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 80 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 50 low-income youth, primarily in West Baytown, under the Swim Safe Program. Funding is $2,500.

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.

Our Promise for West Baytown (Our Promise)

The organization will use funds for teaching aides and necessary operating costs to assist the Children, Youth, and Family Outreach Services at the neighborhood center in West Baytown. Funding is $9,092.

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 350 school children with assistance. Funding is $12,000.

Habitat for Humanity

Funding will be used for basic site clearance of old sidewalks, parking lot and playground equipment on property lines that is hindering development of low-income housing units in Alamo Habitat Village. Funding is $8,000.

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 $169,592 for personnel costs and related expenses. Administered by Planning Manager and Community Development Administrative Assistant.