nsp1 plan proposed amendmentopportunity.nebraska.gov/files/crd/2009/nsp/nsp1_plan... · web viewmy...

STATE OF NEBRASKA

DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

2008 HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ANNUAL ACTION PLAN

SUBSTANTIAL PLAN AMENDMENT

GRANT SUBMISSION FOR $19,600,000 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT NEIGHBORHOOD

STABILIZATION PROGRAM FUNDS

SUBMITTED: DECEMBER 1, 2008REVISED PER HUD REQUIREMENTS: FEBRUARY 10, 2009

THE NSP SUBSTANTIAL AMENDMENT Jurisdiction(s): __State of Nebraska Department of Economic Development____

Jurisdiction Web Address: http://www.neded.org

NSP Contact Person: Lara Huskey Address: PO Box 94666 Lincoln, NE 68509Telephone: 402-471-3759 Fax: 402-471-8405 Email: [email protected]

A. AREAS OF GREATEST NEED

Provide summary needs data identifying the geographic areas of greatest need in the grantee’s jurisdiction.

Note: An NSP substantial amendment must include the needs of the entire jurisdiction(s) covered by the program; states must include the needs of communities receiving their own NSP allocation. To include the needs of an entitlement community, the State may either incorporate an entitlement jurisdiction’s consolidated plan and NSP needs by reference and hyperlink on the Internet, or state the needs for that jurisdiction in the State’s own plan. The lead entity for a joint program may likewise incorporate the consolidated plan and needs of other participating entitlement jurisdictions’ consolidated plans by reference and hyperlink, or state the needs for each jurisdiction in the lead entity’s own plan.

HUD has developed a foreclosure and abandonment risk score to assist grantees in targeting the areas of greatest need within their jurisdictions. Grantees may wish to consult this data in developing this section of the Substantial Amendment.

Response

The information from Realty Trac and HUD estimates were compared for all Nebraska counties. Overall the areas of greatest need are determined to be counties that demonstrate (a) there is at least one recorded foreclosure per Realty Trac and the HUD foreclosure rate is 2.0% or greater or (b) the HUD estimated foreclosures are 30 or greater and the HUD foreclosure rate is 5.0% or greater. Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) funds are not available statewide. Funds must be used in incorporated areas that are located in the Areas of Greatest Need counties referenced below. This geographic distribution that is targeted is further substantiated in Section G. NSP Information by Activity which clearly demonstrates that funds are not proposed to be used statewide.

(1) The area of greatest need for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) NSP assistance is determined to be Douglas County and Sarpy County.

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http://www.huduser.org/publications/commdevl/nsp_target.html

County Realty Trac foreclosure rate

HUD foreclosure rate

Realty Trac estimated foreclosures

HUD estimated foreclosures

Douglas 1.85% 3.5% 3,924 4,439Sarpy 1.83% 2.7% 1,059 1,137

(2) The next area of greatest need for CDBG NSP assistance is determined to be Lancaster County.





Lancaster 0.73% 2.0% 848 1,391

(3) The next area of greatest need for CDBG NSP assistance is determined to be the counties of Cass, Hall, and Washington.





Cass 1.46% 4.4% 163 309Hall 0.23% 7.0% 53 450

Washington 1.75% 3.0% 141 141

(4) The next area of greatest need for CDBG NSP assistance is determined to be the counties of Dakota, Red Willow, Saunders, and Scotts Bluff.





Dakota 0.19% 4.7% 15 144Red Willow 0.34% 3.8% 18 35

Saunders 0.76% 3.5% 69 162Scotts Bluff 0.40% 5.9% 65 257

(5) The next area of greatest need for CDBG NSP assistance is determined to be the counties of Adams, Antelope, Buffalo, Burt, Chase, Cheyenne, Clay, Colfax, Cuming, Dawes, Dawson, Dixon, Dodge, Franklin, Gage, Garfield, Hamilton, Harlan, Holt, Howard, Jefferson, Johnson, Kearney, Keith, Kimball, Loup, Madison, Merrick, Nemaha, Nuckolls, Otoe, Perkins, Phelps, Pierce, Platte, Polk, Richardson, Saline, Seward, Stanton, Thayer, and Thurston.

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Adams 0.02% 5.1% 3 167Antelope 0.03% 6.8% 1 29Buffalo 0.01% 3.5% 2 189

Burt 0.16% 7.9% 6 97Chase - 8.8% - 30

Cheyenne - 5.8% - 77Clay - 6.3% - 41

Colfax 0.17% 6.1% 7 57Cuming 0.30% 4.0% 13 37Dawes 0.02% 3.1% 1 19

Dawson 0.02% 5.9% 2 173Dixon 0.04% 4.6% 1 34Dodge 0.09% 5.8% 15 289

Franklin 0.12% 6.9% 2 11Gage 0.05% 5.0% 5 176

Garfield 0.10% 4.7% 1 8Hamilton 0.03% 4.5% 1 70

Harlan 0.04% 3.8% 1 9Holt 0.02% 5.6% 1 62

Howard - 5.8% - 35Jefferson - 6.4% - 56Johnson 0.14% 6.7% 3 38Kearney 0.04% 6.0% 1 46

Keith - 5.1% - 59Kimball 0.10% 8.1% 2 31

Loup 0.52% 7.7% 2 3Madison 0.01% 5.0% 1 170Merrick 0.03% 6.7% 1 60Nemaha 0.11% 6.4% 4 43Nuckolls 0.12% 5.2% 3 13

Otoe 0.09% 4.6% 6 114Perkins 0.07% 7.5% 1 23Phelps 0.12% 3.4% 5 49Pierce - 5.8% - 32Platte 0.01% 3.6% 1 105Polk - 5.7% - 30

Richardson - 5.3% - 34Saline 0.03% 5.0% 2 105Seward 0.04% 3.5% 3 122Stanton - 6.8% - 40Thayer 0.03% 4.7% 1 13

Thurston 0.04% 9.0% 1 19

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Projects in the following counties are not eligible for DED CDBG NSP funds because these are determined to be areas that are not of greatest need.

Arthur, Banner, Blaine, Boone, Box Butte, Boyd, Brown, Butler, Cedar, Cherry, Custer, Deuel, Dundy, Fillmore, Frontier, Furnas, Garden, Gosper, Grant, Greeley, Hayes, Hitchcock, Hooker, Keya Paha, Knox, Lincoln, Logan, McPherson, Morrill, Nance, Pawnee, Rock, Sheridan, Sherman, Sioux, Thomas, Valley, Wayne, Webster, Wheeler, and York.



Realty Trac estimated

foreclosures


Arthur - 8.3% - 2Banner - 4.2% - 1Blaine - 4.2% - 1Boone - 4.0% - 14

Box Butte - 4.9% - 63Boyd - 5.4% - 2

Brown - 4.0% - 10Butler - 4.1% - 49Cedar - 2.7% - 20Cherry - 2.3% - 12Custer - 3.9% - 34Deuel - 9.0% - 21Dundy - 8.5% - 10

Fillmore - 6.8% - 29Frontier - 5.3% - 12Furnas - 7.1% - 27Garden - 4.4% - 5Gosper - 3.2% - 8Grant - 9.1% - 2

Greeley - 5.7% - 5Hayes - 8.1% - 3

Hitchcock - 4.8% - 7Hooker - 1.9% - 1

Keya Paha - - - -Knox - 3.8% - 22

Lincoln - 4.5% - 225Logan - 4.1% - 2

McPherson - 3.4% - 1Morrill - 5.4% - 22Nance - 5.7% - 12

Pawnee - 6.9% - 11Rock - 1.6% - 1

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Realty Trac estimated

foreclosures


Sheridan - 4.4% - 15Sherman - 5.7% - 9

Sioux - 4.5% - 3Thomas - 8.9% - 5Valley - 4.0% - 15Wayne - 4.4% - 32Webster - 5.3% - 10Wheeler - 15.0% - 3

York - 4.4% - 64

DED analyzed and compared data from each of the following sources to determine areas of greatest need.

1. First American Core Logic Data;2. Federal Reserve Bank of New York Sub-prime Mortgage Data;3. HUD provided Local Level Data; and4. Realty Trac5. DED CDBG NSP Pre-applications

First American Core Logic Data

Data Sources

Securities Data

Securities Data is a loan-level dataset with over 80 data fields of static and monthly performance information. All the loans are collateral in non-agency, publicly-placed mortgage backed securities. Historical data goes back to 1992. The data covers 95+% of the non-agency market representing roughly $2 trillion in outstanding balances. Monthly data includes delinquency, foreclosure, payoff, and dollar loss.

Servicing Data

Servicing Data is a cooperative loan-level dataset with over 40 data fields of static and monthly performance information. All the loans are contributed by the nation’s largest servicers. The data covers more than 75% of the nation’s active first mortgages, more than 38 million, including all of the Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac portfolios.

Federal Reserve Bank of New York Sub-prime Mortgage Data

SUBPRIME MORTGAGE CONDITIONS IN NEBRASKA COMPARED TO THE OVERALL UNITED STATES

(JULY 2008)

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The table below indicates that the banking and housing industries in Nebraska are generally less impacted by difficulties associated with subprime mortgage loans than in the United States as a whole on most measures. The data in the table were released by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (www.newyorkfed.org). The data are apparently for a period including 2007 and early 2008.

Subprime loans per 1000 housing units. Nebraska had 14.5 percent owner-occupied subprime loans per 1,000 housing units, compared to 23.4 percent for the total United States. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York estimates these data cover 47 percent of subprime loans and assumes that the covered loans are representative of the entire subprime market.

In foreclosure per 1,000 housing units. Nebraska had 0.9 owner-occupied subprime loans per 1,000 housing units where the lender has initiated the foreclosure process but has not completed it. This was considerably less than a rate of 2.5 per 1,000 for the total U.S. This is a measure of the stock of loans in foreclosure at a particular time, not the rate of completed foreclosures.

Real estate-owned properties (REOs) per 1,000 housing units. With real estate-owned properties (REOs), the lender has taken legal title to the property through foreclosure or transference of title from the borrower. Nebraska had 0.5 REOs resulting from subprime loans per 1,000 housing units, compared to 1.6 for the total U.S.

Share adjustable rate mortgages (ARMs). This is the percent of owner-occupied subprime loans that have a variable rate of interest that will be reset periodically in contrast to loans with interest rates fixed to maturity. ARMs are given special consideration because they traditionally have a higher likelihood of being delinquent or foreclosed upon than fixed rate loans. This is true in both the prime and subprime markets. Nebraska’s share of ARMs (62.6%) was only slightly below the U.S. figure (63.1%).

Share current. This is the percent of owner-occupied subprime loans for which the borrower’s payments are up to date. Loans in this category may have at some time been delinquent but were caught up at the end of the period measured. With 66.7% of loans current, Nebraska compared favorably to a rate of 58.3% for the total U.S.

Share 90 days delinquent. This is the percent of owner-occupied subprime loans where the loan payment is 90 or more days overdue but the loan is not in foreclosure or REO. Nebraska has a slightly lower percent (8.4%) on this measure than the overall nation (9.2%).

Share in foreclosure. For 6.3% of Nebraska’s owner-occupied subprime loans, the lender had initiated the foreclosure process but not completed it. Again, this is a more favorable share than for the total U.S. (10.7%).

Median combined loan to value (LTV). The combined loan to value (LTV) is the ratio of the loan amount to the value of property at origination, and the median, of course, is the value at which half of LTVs are higher and half are lower. On this measure, Nebraska was higher (90.0%) than the total U.S. (87.4%).

Share low FICO & high combined loan to value (LTV). FICO is a credit bureau risk score. The higher the FICO score, the lower the likelihood of delinquency or default for a loan. Also, the lower the FICO score, generally the higher the cost of borrowing (interest rate) will be. For this measure, the share of subprime loans was calculated that had both FICO scores below 620 (the national average) and LTVs above 90%. Here

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http://www.newyorkfed.org/

Nebraska did not score as well as the nation as a whole. The Nebraska share was 20%, compared to 13.3% for the total U.S.

Share low or no documentation. This measure is the percent of owner-occupied subprime loans for which the borrower provided little or no verification of income and assets in order to receive a mortgage. Tighter loan standards in Nebraska were indicated by a significantly lower share (19.3%) of loans with low or no documentation compared to the national figure (32.9%).

Share adjustable rate mortgages (ARMs) resetting in 12 months. This measure shows the percent of adjustable rate mortgages (ARMs) for which the rate of interest is scheduled to undergo its first rate reset within the next 12 months. The Nebraska share was 28.5%, compared to 33.1% for the total U.S.

Share late payment last 12 months. Difficulties in paying on time often precede more serious defaults. This measure shows the share of subprime owner-occupied loans for which at least one payment has been late over the past 12 months. Nebraska’s share was 50.3%, compared to a national figure of 56.6%.

Subprime Mortgage Conditions in Nebraska and the Overall United States(Source: Federal Reserve Bank of New York, July 2008)

Measure Nebraska

United States

Loans Per 1,000 Housing Units 14.5 23.4In Foreclosure Per 1,000 Housing Units 0.9 2.5Real Estate-Owned Properties (REOs) Per 1,000 Housing Units 0.5 1.6Share Adjustable Rate Mortgages (ARMs) 62.6% 63.1%Share Current 66.7% 58.3%Share 90 days Delinquent 8.4% 9.2%Share in Foreclosure 6.3% 10.7%Median Combined Loan to Value (LTV) 90.0% 87.4%Share Low FICO & High Combined Loan to Value (LTV) 20.0% 13.3%Share Low or No Documentation 19.3% 32.9%Share Adjustable Rate Mortgages (ARMs) Resetting in 12 months 28.5% 33.1%Share Late Payment Last 12 Months 50.3% 56.6%

HUD provided Local Level DataNeighborhood Stabilization Program - Revised 10-20-08Methodology and Data Dictionary for HUD Provided Data Background

Using data from the Mortgage Bankers Association National Delinquency Survey as of June 2008, HUD has calculated the approximate number of foreclosure starts for all of 2007 and the first six months of 2008 (“Foreclosure Starts over 18 months”) at the statewide level.

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The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) data are not available for geographic areas smaller than states. As such, HUD has identified data collected by other federal agencies that prove to be good predictors of where foreclosures are likely. HUD has used those data to “distribute” the statewide counts of foreclosure starts among the neighborhoods, places, and counties within each state.

To test the reliability of HUD’s estimated foreclosure rate at the local level, HUD asked the Federal Reserve to compare HUD’s estimate to data the Federal Reserve had from Equifax showing the percent of households with credit scores that were delinquent on their mortgage payments 90-days or longer. The Equifax data are based on a 5 percent sample of all credit records in the United States. As such, they are more reliable for counties with higher population counts (a larger sample size reduces sampling error) than those with smaller population counts. At the statewide level, 90-day delinquencies from Equifax and the MBA data on foreclosure starts are closely related, that is they have a very high correlation with one another (0.90 where 1 is a perfect correlation).

Analysis by the Federal Reserve staff found that when comparing the HUD predicted county foreclosure rates to the Equifax county level rates of delinquencies, HUD’s data and the Equifax data had high intrastate correlations. For example, within the state of California, the correlation was 0.835 (where 1 is a perfect correlation). The county level intrastate correlations were higher when the analysis was restricted to counties with greater than 15,000 households. There are reasons that either the HUD estimated foreclosure rate or Equifax delinquency data could be wrong, but when they are very similar to one another in a particular community, we have a greater confidence that HUD’s estimated foreclosure rate and the Equifax delinquency data are accurately targeting the problem.

HUD also obtains data from the United States Postal Service (USPS) on addresses that have been vacant for 90-days or longer. The USPS collects these data to reduce delivery of bulk mail to homes where no one is picking up the mail. While there are many reasons for homes being vacant for 90-days or longer, HUD believes that if a Census Tract is found to be estimated to have a higher rate of foreclosures and it has a high rate of homes 90-days or more vacant, abandonment risk associated with the foreclosure crisis is higher in those neighborhoods.

HUD is providing its data on estimated foreclosures (based on risk) and vacancy data to assist state and local governments in their efforts to target the communities and neighborhoods with the greatest needs. HUD recommends that if states and local governments have local data, such as county data on foreclosure filings, that those data also be given serious consideration in identifying areas of greatest needs. HUD has created data files at several areas of geography to assist local and state governments:

(1) County (2) County-Place

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(3) Census Tract(4) Block Group (part)

The County, County-Place, and Census Tract files contain the same data: Estimated number and percent of foreclosure starts over the past 18 months

through June 2008 Number and percent of vacant addresses in June 2008 Data used to calculated the estimated foreclosure rates

o Federal Reserves Home Mortgage Disclosure Act Data on high cost loanso Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight Data on falling home

priceso Bureau of Labor Statistics data on place and county unemployment rates

The Block Group (part) file includes: Number and percent of persons estimated at less than 120 percent of median

income A “foreclosure and abandonment risk score” that is a function of the estimated

foreclosure rate and percent of addresses vacant Percent of foreclosure starts over the past 18 months through June 2008 Percent of vacant addresses in June 2008 Data used to calculate the estimated foreclosure rates

o Federal Reserves Home Mortgage Disclosure Act Data on high cost loanso Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight Data on falling home

priceso Bureau of Labor Statistics data on place and county unemployment rates

MethodologyAll of the files provide estimates of foreclosures based on a formula that calculates the rate of foreclosure starts over the past 18 months as a function of:

Metropolitan area decline in home values as of June 2008 against peak home values in June of any previous year between 2000 and 2008. If home values have not declined, it is zero. These data are from the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight (OFHEO)1 Home Price Index. Data for non-metropolitan balances of states are from the March 2008 Home Price Index.

County or Place Level unemployment rate as of June 2008 from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Local Area Unemployment Rate data.

Census Tract Level Data on number of loans made between 2004 and 2006 from the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) data and the number of those loans that are high cost (where the rate spread is 3 percentage points above the Treasury security of comparable maturity).

States with very high rates of correlation between HUD’s foreclosure rate estimates and Equifax 90 day delinquencies (correlation of 0.80 or higher) are California, Connecticut, 1 Now the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA). Data available from www.ofheo.gov.

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Hawaii, Maryland, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and South Carolina. States with a modestly high rate of correlation (correlation 0.60 to 0.79) are Arizona, Florida, Massachusetts, Michigan, and South Dakota.

While most of the remaining states had correlations that were positive and significant, the correlations were lower. The reason for the lower rate of correlations could be because the model HUD is using to estimate foreclosure rates does not account for the factor or factors most contributing to foreclosures in that state, the sampling errors in the Equifax data makes the comparison data inaccurate, there is not enough variation between counties on the data in the model to show significant variations in county foreclosure rates, or some other reason. Notably, intrastate correlations between the HUD estimated foreclosure rate and the Equifax data improve dramatically when only counties with more than 15,000 households are included in the analysis. When making this restriction, 23 intrastate correlations are greater than 0.6 (see Appendix 1). Since the Equifax data are sample data, their accuracy is improved by having a larger N while the HUD model is also more accurate for communities within the metropolitan areas that OFHEO calculates price change information.

All grantees are advised to look to other local data when considering their areas of greatest need, particularly if they are not among the states listed as having high rates of intrastate correlation between the HUD estimated foreclosure rate and the Equifax 90-day delinquency data. Even in states with relatively low correlation, HUD believes that the data it is providing are useful for identifying areas state and local governments should review as possible candidates for targeting funds because they have underlying characteristics that make them at significant risk for foreclosures and abandoned homes.

Data Dictionary for County, County-Place, and Tract FilesGeographic Identifiers in Each File Are As Follows:

County Level File countycode - 5 character combination of state and county FIPS codes state - 2 character state FIPS code sta - 2 character state alphanumeric abbreviation county - 3 character county FIPS code countyname - county name

Appendix 1: Pearson Correlation Comparison of HUD County Foreclosure Rate Estimate to Equifax 90-day mortgage delinquency sample data for Counties with over 15,000 Households

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State

Correlation when restricted to counties above 15,000 households

N (counties greater than 15,000 households) State


N (counties greater than 15,000 households) State


N (counties greater than 15,000 households)

AK *** 4 KY *** 21 NY 0.545 55AL *** 32 LA *** 27 OH 0.556 62AR 0.606 18 MA 0.779 12 OK *** 22AZ 0.823 11 MD 0.874 18 OR 0.587 18CA 0.862 45 ME *** 10 PA 0.632 55CO 0.735 15 MI 0.777 40 PR *** 0CT 0.840 8 MN 0.466 22 RI 0.942 5DC *** 1 MO 0.587 25 SC 0.788 25DE *** 3 MS 0.625 16 SD 1.000 2FL 0.799 43 MT *** 6 TN 0.570 37GA 0.676 42 NC 0.641 58 TX 0.428 63HI 0.970 4 ND *** 4 UT *** 6IA 0.750 17 NE 0.821 5 VA 0.531 40ID 0.876 7 NH -0.678 9 VT *** 6IL 0.593 34 NJ 0.920 21 WA 0.619 23IN 0.591 37 NM *** 13 WI 0.468 35KS 0.976 11 NV 0.883 5 WV 0.594 14***If data not shown, it was not statistically significant at the .05 level or better WY -1.000 2

States with correlations 0.6 or higher shown in bold.

HUD provided Local Level Data on LMMI block groups (part) and foreclosure risk scoresThis information was found at http://www.huduser.org/publications/commdevl/nsp_target.html

The data used to calculate the risk scores are also included in the file. The data used here are from different levels of geography, as noted below. That is, the data on home price change is for the whole metropolitan area, not just for the neighborhood and unemployment is for the place or county, not just the neighborhood. The high-risk loan rate and address vacancy data are at the neighborhood (Census Tract) level:

Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight (OFHEO) data on decline in home values as of June 2008 compared to peak home value since 2000 at the Metropolitan/Micropolitan/Non-Metropolitan level ("OFHEO_CBSA_home_price_decline_since_peak").

Federal Reserve Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) data on percent of all loans made between 2004 and 2006 that are high cost at the Census Tract Level ("HMDA_hi_cost_loan_rate").

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http://www.huduser.org/publications/commdevl/nsp_target.html

Labor Department data on unemployment rates in places and counties as of June 2008 ("BLS_place_or_county_unempoloyment_rate_0608").

USPS data on residential addresses identified as being vacant for 90 days or longer as of June 2008 at the Census Tract level ("USPS_residential_vacacancy_rate").

B. DISTRIBUTION AND USES OF FUNDS

Provide a narrative describing how the distribution and uses of the grantee’s NSP funds will meet the requirements of Section 2301(c)(2) of HERA that funds be distributed to the areas of greatest need, including those with the greatest percentage of home foreclosures, with the highest percentage of homes financed by a subprime mortgage related loan, and identified by the grantee as likely to face a significant rise in the rate of home foreclosures. Note: The grantee’s narrative must address these three stipulated need categories in the NSP statute, but the grantee may also consider other need categories.

Response:

The distribution and uses of funds are consistent with the requirements of Title III of Housing and Economic Recovery Act Section 2301(b)(3) by allocating funds according to the data provided in the Areas of Greatest Need section of this plan.

DED proposes to use funds in each of the need areas starting with the area of greatest need level 1. DED recognizes that grantees will have limitations on the ability to administer the funds within the accelerated timeframe of the CDBG NSP. Therefore, funds distributed to each Level are limited by the capacity to expend funds within the CDBG NSP deadlines.

Need Level

Geographic Area Proposed amount of NSP to be awarded

Proposed uses

1 Douglas and Sarpy Counties $6,432,000 (A)Establishing financing mechanisms for purchase and redevelopment of foreclosed homes and residential properties;

2 Lancaster County $4,000,0003 Cass, Hall, and Washington

counties$3,000,000

4 Dakota, Red Willow, Saunders, and Scotts Bluff counties

$2,500,000

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Need Level

Geographic Area Proposed amount of NSP to be awarded

Proposed uses

(B) Purchasing and rehabilitating homes and residential properties abandoned or foreclosed;

(D)Demolishing blighted structures; or

(E) Redeveloping demolished or vacant properties

5 Adams, Antelope, Buffalo, Burt, Chase, Cheyenne, Clay, Colfax, Cuming, Dawes, Dawson, Dixon, Dodge, Franklin, Gage, Garfield, Hamilton, Harlan, Holt, Howard, Jefferson, Johnson, Kearney, Keith, Kimball, Loup, Madison, Merrick, Nemaha, Nuckolls, Otoe, Perkins, Phelps, Pierce, Platte, Polk, Richardson, Saline, Seward, Stanton, Thayer, and Thurston counties

$2,100,000

Subrecipient (DED grantee) $784,000 General AdministrationState Administration $784,000 General AdministrationTotal $19,600,000 Activities (A), (B), (D), (E),

and General AdministrationFunds can be distributed from lower Need Levels to higher Need Levels using the Application Scoring Process outlined in the following section.

Grantee and State Administration funds can be awarded to projects in the eligible areas of greatest need using the Application Scoring Process outlined in Section B .

Projects specified in the DED CDBG NSP Grant Submission for Section G.Section G. of the DED CDBG NSP Grant Submission was developed using the following method:

Step 1: DED provided a pre-application form for potential Nebraska projects and held a DED CDBG NSP briefing to present the strategy and pre-application form. The pre-application form was available October 17, 2008 and due November 3, 2008. This pre-application was substantially equivalent to the NSP application and checklist required for the DED substantial plan amendment to receive the State allocation of CDBG NSP. DED did inform communities that the pre-application was required to have a potential project included in the DED grant submission.

Step 2: Analyze “area of greatest need” information for the state – see Section A of this plan.

Step 3: Determine general allocation of funds and eligible activities per “areas of greatest needs” data – See DED CDBG NSP allocation table in this section.

Step 4: Pre-applications were reviewed and an Eligibility and Feasibility score was assigned. DED did not ask pre-applicants to address the Eligibility and Feasibility criteria in the pre-application. Instead, the criteria were more generally presented as (1) the project is eligible, (2) the project can be completed expeditiously, and (3) the project

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administrator and partners have the capacity to produce the intended results. The below score was developed as an objective measure of these three original criteria.All projects meet the goals of the NSP to stabilize neighborhoods.

10 = (a) project will contribute to meeting the state requirement that 25% of the funds will be used to provide housing for families with incomes at or below 50% of the Area Median Family Income, (b) the national objective can be met quickly, and the project timeline is clearly feasible, and (c) the project was determined to be definitely eligible for NSP.

9 = (a) project service area is targeted and the project meets a priority goal of the Housing and Community Development Plans, (b) the national objective can be met quickly or the project timeline is clearly feasible, and (c) the project was determined to be definitely eligible for NSP.

8 = (a) project meets Housing and Community development plan goals, (b) the national objective can be met quickly or the project timeline is clearly feasible, and (c) the project was determined to be definitely eligible for NSP.

7 = (a) project activities are targeted or the project meets a priority goal of the Housing and Community Development Plans, (b) the national objective can be met quickly, or the project timeline is clearly feasible, and (c) the project was determined to have a high likelihood for NSP eligibility.

6 = (a) project meets Housing and Community Development Plan goals, (b) the national objective can be met quickly, or the project timeline is likely feasible, and (c) the project was determined to have a high likelihood for NSP eligibility.

5 = (a) project activities are targeted or the project meets a priority goal of the Housing and Community Development Plans, (b) the national objective can be met quickly, or the project timeline is likely feasible, and (c) the likelihood of the project eligibility for NSP is unknown.

4 = (a) project meets Housing and Community Development Plan goals, (b) the national objective can be met quickly, or the project timeline is likely feasible, and (c) the likelihood of the project eligibility for NSP is unknown.

3 = (a) project activities are targeted and does not meet Housing and Community Development Plan goals, (b) the national objective can be met; however, timeliness is uncertain, and (c) the project was determined to be definitely eligible for NSP.

2 = (a) project activities are targeted and does not meet Housing and Community Development Plan goals, (b) the national objective can be met; however, timeliness is uncertain, and (c) the project was determined to have a high likelihood for NSP eligibility.

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1 = (a) project activities are targeted and does not meet Housing and Community Development Plan goals, (b) the national objective can be met; however, timeliness is uncertain, and (c) the likelihood of the project eligibility for NSP is unknown.

0 = project is definitely ineligible for NSP.

Step 5: The pre-applications were reviewed for proposed changes per the HUD response to the original DED plan submission and required changes. Pre-applicants were responding based on the original allocation strategy; therefore, adjustments were needed. This included a revision in budget, location, and narrative as needed to clearly demonstrate the appropriate Area Need Level for the pre-application.

Step 6: The pre-application was sorted by (1) the Eligibility and Feasibility score (highest to lowest), (2) the Area Need Level (first to fifth), and (3) the amount of NSP investment proposed and potential impact on the neighborhood, (highest to lowest). These projects still had to demonstrate a high likelihood that project activities could be completed in an expeditious manner.

Step 7: Pre-applications were identified (in whole or in part) according to the Proposed DED CDBG NSP Allocation Table in this section. Some projects are proposed to receive a portion of the total requested to ensure eligibility and feasibility of the project. In addition, funds can be redistributed per the Allocation table in this section from lower Need Levels to higher Need Levels.

Step 8: In order to ensure that the requirement to award a minimum of 25% of the funds for projects that include purchasing and rehabilitating homes and residential properties abandoned or foreclosed upon that will result in housing very low-income persons, the department proposes to set-aside funds for this activity within the two highest need areas.City of Omaha - $4,000,000City of Lincoln - $1,000,000An application form will be provided for both grantees by March 18, 2009 due to the department by May 6, 2009. The City in each case may designate an eligible non-profit to be the direct grantee of funds in the application. If all application thresholds are met, funds are anticipated to be conditionally awarded by June 30, 2009.

Step 9: Application Guidelines including all necessary information to determine project eligibility and feasibility will be available March 18, 2009.

Step 10: Full applications are due (received) May 6, 2009. All eligible applicants and projects may submit an application for DED CDBG NSP funds by May 6, 2009.

Step 11: Project applications will be selected using the following Feasibility and Priority Score and cross-referenced with the Area Need Level as described in Step 7 of this section. This application score is similar to the Eligibility and Feasibility Score; however, eligibility will be determined prior to assigning a score since all projects will have to be eligible to receive award and release of funds. In the case of a tie, the project

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that is determined to have the highest likelihood to meet the aggressive timeline requirements for implementation of the Neighborhood Stabilization program will be selected. The track record of the administrator and the applicant with past DED program awards will be reviewed. If the applicant is a non-profit in Lincoln or Omaha, DED may consult with the City about the applicant and administrator capacity

The department contracted with First American Core Logic in 2008 to obtain detailed data. A table was developed identifying Nebraska zip code areas with the highest ratios of housing foreclosures to households. The foreclosures data are the monthly averages of foreclosures shown for the January 2007-June 2008 period. The data on households are from the 2000 census. A scoring procedure was developed to consider a combination of the average number of foreclosures per month and the ratio of foreclosures to households in each zip code area in the state. The table of zip codes that meet the below scoring criteria will be available to applicants on the DED CDBG NSP web-page.

Category A zip code area –average per month foreclosure rate of 3 or higher or a foreclosures/households ratio of 0.60% or higher

Category B zip code area –average per month foreclosure rate of 1.0 or higher or a foreclosures/households ration of 0.40% or higher (Category A zip code area also qualifies as a Category B zip code area for the purposes of applying the below scoring criteria)

Feasibility and Priority Score for full applications

10 = (a) project is located entirely in Category A zip code area(s) and (b) the project timeline is clearly feasible considering the capacity of the administrator and the grantee, and the project was submitted in a pre-application in 2008.

9 = (a) project is located entirely in Category A zip code area(s), and (b) the project timeline is likely feasible considering the capacity of the administrator and the grantee, and the project was submitted in a pre-application in 2008.

8 = (a) project is located entirely in Category B zip code area(s) and (b) the project was submitted as a pre-application in 2008, and the project timeline is clearly feasible considering the capacity of the administrator and the grantee.

7 = (a) project is located entirely in Category B zip code area(s), and (b) the project was submitted as a pre-application in 2008, and the project timeline and compliance are likely feasible considering the capacity of the administrator and grantee.

6 = (a) project is located entirely in Category B zip code area(s), and (b) the project was submitted in a pre-application in 2008, or the project timeline and compliance are likely feasible considering the capacity of the administrator and grantee.

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5 = (a) project does not meet the criteria for scores 6-10, and (b) the project was submitted as a pre-application in 2008, and the project timeline is clearly feasible considering the capacity of the administrator and the grantee.

4 = (a) project does not meet the criteria for scores 6-10, and (b) the project was submitted as a pre-application in 2008, and the project timeline and compliance are likely feasible considering the capacity of the administrator and grantee.

3 = (a) project is located entirely in Category B zip code area(s), and (b) the national objective can be met, but timeliness and likelihood for compliance are uncertain considering the capacity of the grantee and administrator.

2 = (a) project does not meet the criteria for scores 6-10, and (b) the project was submitted in a pre-application in 2008, or the project timeline and compliance are likely feasible considering the capacity of the administrator and grantee.

1 = (a) project does not meet the criteria for scores 6-10, and (b) the national objective can be met, but timeliness and likelihood for compliance are uncertain considering the capacity of the grantee and administrator.

0 = the project clearly cannot meet the proposed timeline considering the capacity of the grantee and administrator.

C. DEFINITIONS AND DESCRIPTIONS

(1) Definition of “blighted structure” in context of state or local law.

Response:

Definition of blighted structure

The State of Nebraska definition of blighted structure for purposes of implementing the Community Development Block Grant Neighborhood Stabilization Program is as follows:

Blighted structure includes, but is not limited to, any dwelling, garage, outbuilding, warehouse, commercial building, or any other structure or part of a structure, which:

(a) because of the effects of fire, wind, flood, or other natural disaster;(b) because of physical deterioration; or,(c) because of demolition, or partial demolition, not carried out to

completion within a reasonable period of time; is no longer habitable as a dwelling or, in the case of a non-dwelling structure, is no longer useful for the purpose for which the non-dwelling structure was intended, and which has been designated by a State CDBG-recipient unit of local

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government or non-profit organization as detrimental to the public health or safety in its present condition and use.

Definition of blighted structure in the context of state law

A definition for “blighted structure” is not contained in Nebraska law. The above definition was developed by incorporating frequently occurring elements from definitions of blighted structure by other governmental entities with appropriate elements from the definitions for substandard area and blighted area in the Nebraska Community Development Law. The following definitions contained in Nebraska State Law are related to defining blighted structures.

Nebraska Community Development Law - Nebraska Statute Section 18-2103 (10)

Substandard areas means an area in which there is a predominance of buildings or improvements, whether nonresidential or residential in character, which, by reason of dilapidation, deterioration, age or obsolescence, inadequate provision for ventilation, light, air, sanitation, or open spaces, high density of population and overcrowding, or the existence of conditions which endanger life or property by fire and other causes, or any combination of such factors, is conducive to ill health, transmission of disease, infant mortality, juvenile delinquency, and crime, (which cannot be remedied through construction of prisons), and is detrimental to the public health, safety, morals, or welfare;

Nebraska Community Development Law - Nebraska Statute Section 18-2103 (11)

Blighted area means an area, which (a) by reason of the presence of a substantial number of deteriorated or deteriorating structures, existence of defective or inadequate street layout, faulty lot layout in relation to size, adequacy, accessibility, or usefulness, insanitary or unsafe conditions, deterioration of site or other improvements, diversity of ownership, tax or special assessment delinquency exceeding the fair value of the land, defective or unusual conditions of title, improper subdivision or obsolete platting, or the existence of conditions which endanger life or property by fire and other causes, or any combination of such factors, substantially impairs or arrests the sound growth of the community, retards the provision of housing accommodations, or constitutes an economic or social liability and is detrimental to the public health, safety, morals, or welfare in its present condition and use and (b) in which there is at least one of the following conditions: (i) Unemployment in the designated area is at least one hundred twenty percent of the state or national average; (ii) the average age of the residential or commercial units in the area is at least forty years; (iii) more than half of the plotted and subdivided property in an area is unimproved land that has been within the city for forty years and has remained unimproved during that time; (iv) the per capita income of the area is lower than the average per capita income of the city or village in which the area is designated; or (v) the area has had either stable or decreasing population based on the last two decennial censuses. In no event shall a city of the metropolitan, primary, or first class designate more than thirty-five percent of the city as blighted, a city of the second class

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shall not designate an area larger than fifty percent of the city as blighted, and a village shall not designate an area larger than one hundred percent of the village as blighted;

Nebraska Redevelopment Act - Nebraska Statute Section 58-503(6)

Blighted and substandard area means an area either within a city or cities or up to ten miles outside of the area of operation of a city or cities of the metropolitan or primary class, up to six miles outside of the area of operation of a city or cities of the first class, and up to three miles outside of the area of operation of a city or cities of the second class or village or villages, or any combination thereof, in which by reason of (a) the existence of significant areas of unimproved or insufficiently developed land, (b) the lack of a significant number of new and growing business enterprises, (c) the lack of sufficient economic growth, (d) the dilapidation, deterioration, age, or obsolescence of buildings and improvements, (e) the lack of a state, regional, or local redevelopment plan or program, (f) the existence of significant conditions which prevent or do not promote economic growth within such area, (g) the lack of medical and health care facilities, (h) the lack of utilities and other government services infrastructure, or (i) any combination of such factors, there exists (i) insufficient safe, sanitary, and available housing for low-income and moderate-income families and persons, including, but not limited to, persons displaced by clearing of slums or blighted areas or by other public programs, (ii) job growth at less than the United States or midwest average job growth rates, (iii) average wages at less than the United States or midwest average wage levels, (iv) a net emigration of population, (v) population growth that is less than that of the United States or the midwest, (vi) the failure to utilize substantial land areas at their highest and best uses in comparison to other areas within such city or cities, (vii) an abundance of property that is not on the tax rolls at levels at least equal to industrial and residential valuation levels, or (viii) any combination of such results;

(2) Definition of “affordable rents.”

Response:

Definition of affordable rents

The State of Nebraska definition of affordable rents for purposes of implementing the Community Development Block Grant Neighborhood Stabilization Program is as follows:

Affordable Rents must meet the following qualifications:

a. Rent Limitation: NSP provides the following maximum NSP rent limits. The maximum NSP rents are the lesser of:

1. The fair market rent for existing housing for comparable units in the area as established by HUD under 24 CFR 888.111; or

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2. A rent that does not exceed 30 percent of the adjusted income of a family whose annual income equals 65 percent of the median income for the area, as determined by HUD, with adjustments for number of bedrooms in the unit. The HOME rent limits provided by HUD will include average occupancy per unit and adjusted income assumptions.

b. Initial rent schedule and utility allowance:

1. The participating jurisdiction must establish maximum monthly allowances for utilities and services (excluding telephone). The participating jurisdiction must review and approve rents proposed by the owner for units subject to the maximum rent limitations in paragraphs (a) or (b) of this section. For all units subject to the maximum rent limitations in paragraphs (a) or (b) of this section for which the tenant is paying utilities and services, the participating jurisdiction must ensure that the rents do not exceed the maximum rent minus the monthly allowances for utilities and services.

c. Subsequent rents during the affordability period:

1. The maximum HOME rent limits are recalculated on a periodic basis after HUD determines fair market rents and median incomes. HUD then provides the new maximum HOME rent limits to participating jurisdictions. Regardless of changes in fair market rents and in median income over time, the NSP rents for a project are not required to be lower than the HOME rent limits for the project in effect at the time of project commitment.

2. The Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) NSP grantee (subrecipient) must provide project owners with information on updated NSP rent limits so that rents may be adjusted (not to exceed the maximum HOME rent limits in paragraph (a) of this section) in accordance with the written agreement between the DED NSP grantee and the owner. Owners must annually provide the DED with information on rents and occupancy of NSP-assisted units to demonstrate compliance with this section.

3. Any increase in rents for NSP-assisted units is subject to the provisions of outstanding leases, and in any event, the owner must provide tenants of those units not less than 30 days prior written notice before implementing any increase in rents.

This definition is an adoption of the HOME program standards at 24 CFR 92.252 (a), (c), and (f). (3) Describe how the grantee will ensure continued affordability for NSP assisted housing.

Response:

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Description of continued affordability

The State of Nebraska description of how the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) will ensure continued affordability for purposes of implementing the Community Development Block Grant Neighborhood Stabilization Program is as follows:

NSP-assisted housing must meet the following affordability requirements:

Rental Housing

a. Periods of Affordability. The NSP-assisted units must meet the affordability requirements for not less than the applicable period specified in the following table, beginning after project completion. The affordability requirements apply without regard to the term of any loan or mortgage or the transfer of ownership. They must be imposed by deed restrictions, covenants running with the land, or other mechanisms approved by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED), except that the affordability restrictions may terminate upon foreclosure or transfer in lieu of foreclosure. The DED NSP grantee may use purchase options, rights of first refusal or other preemptive rights to purchase the housing before foreclosure or deed in lieu of foreclosure to preserve affordability. The affordability restrictions shall be revived according to the original terms if, during the original affordability period, the owner of record before the foreclosure, or deed in lieu of foreclosure, or any entity that includes the former owner or those with whom the former owner has or had family or business ties, obtains an ownership interest in the project or property.

Rental Housing Activity Minimum period of affordability in years Rehabilitation or acquisition of existing housing per unit amount of NSP funds:

Under $15,000

5

$15,000 to $40,000 10 Over $40,000 or rehabilitation involving

refinancing 15

New Construction or acquisition of newly constructed housing

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Homeownership

a. Acquisition with or without rehabilitation. Housing that is for acquisition by a family must meet the affordability requirements of this paragraph (a).

1. The housing must be single-family housing.

2. The housing must be modest housing as follows:

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i. In the case of acquisition of newly constructed housing or standard housing, the housing has a purchase price for the type of single family housing that does not exceed 95 percent of the median purchase price for the area, as described in paragraph (a)(2)(iii) of this section.

ii. In the case of acquisition with rehabilitation, the housing has an estimated value after rehabilitation that does not exceed 95 percent of the median purchase price for the area, described in paragraph (a)(2)(iii) of this section.

iii. If a DED NSP grantee intends to use NSP funds for homebuyer assistance or for rehabilitation of owner-occupied single-family properties, the DED NSP grantee must use the Single Family Mortgage Limits under Section 203(b) of the National Housing Act (12 U.S.C. 1709(b)) (which may be obtained from the HUD Field Office).

3. The housing must be acquired by a homebuyer whose family qualifies as a income qualified family and the housing must be the principal residence of the family throughout the period described in paragraph (a)(4) of this section.

4. Periods of affordability. The NSP-assisted housing must meet the affordability requirements for not less than the applicable period specified in the following table, beginning after project completion. The per unit amount of NSP funds and the affordability period that they trigger are described more fully in paragraphs (a)(5)(i) (resale) and (ii) (recapture) of this section.

Homeownership assistance NSP amount per-unit Minimum period of affordability in years

Under $15,000 5 $15,000 to $40,000 10

Over $40,000 15

5. Resale and recapture. To ensure affordability, the DED NSP-grantee must impose either resale or recapture requirements, at its option. The DED NSP-grantee must establish the resale or recapture requirements that comply with the standards of this section and set forth the requirements in its program guidelines. DED must determine that they are appropriate.

i. Resale. Resale requirements must ensure, if the housing does not continue to be the principal residence of the family for the duration of the period of affordability, that the housing is made available for subsequent purchase only to a buyer who is an income-qualified family and will use the property as its principal residence. The resale requirement must also ensure that the price at resale provides the original NSP-assisted owner a fair return on investment (including the homeowner’s investment and any capital improvement) and ensure that the housing will remain affordable to a reasonable range of income

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eligible homebuyers as defined by the CDBG NSP. The period of affordability is based on the total amount of NSP funds invested in the housing.

A. Except as provided in paragraph (a)(5)(i)(B) of this section, deed restrictions, covenants running with the land, or other similar mechanisms must be used as the mechanism to impose the resale requirements. The affordability restrictions may terminate upon occurrence of any of the following termination events: foreclosure, transfer in lieu of foreclosure or assignment of an FHA insured mortgage to HUD. The DED NSP-grantee may use purchase options, rights of first refusal or other preemptive rights to purchase the housing before foreclosure to preserve affordability. The affordability restrictions shall be revived according to the original terms if, during the original affordability period, the owner of record before the termination event, obtains an ownership interest in the housing.

B. Certain housing may be presumed to meet the resale restrictions (i.e., the housing will be available and affordable to a reasonable range of income-eligible homebuyers; an income-eligible homebuyers will occupy the housing as the family’s principal residence; and the original owner will be afforded a fair return on investment) during the period of affordability without the imposition of enforcement mechanisms by the DED NSP-grantee. The presumption must be based upon a market analysis of the neighborhood in which the housing is located. The market analysis must include an evaluation of the location and characteristics of the housing and residents in the neighborhood (e.g., sale prices, age and amenities of the housing stock, incomes of residents, percentage of owner-occupants) in relation to housing and incomes in the housing market area. An analysis of the current and projected incomes of neighborhood residents for an average period of affordability for homebuyers in the neighborhood must support the conclusion that a reasonable range of low-income families will continue to qualify for mortgage financing. For example, an analysis shows that the housing is modestly priced within the housing market area and that families with incomes of 65% to 120% of area median can afford monthly payments under average FHA terms without other government assistance and housing will remain affordable at least during the next five to seven years compared to other housing in the market area; the size and amenities of the housing are modest and substantial rehabilitation will not significantly increase the market value; the neighborhood has housing that is not currently owned by the occupants, but the DED-NSP grantee is encouraging homeownership in the neighborhood by providing homeownership assistance and by making improvements to the streets, sidewalks, and other public facilities and services. If a DED NSP-grantee in preparing a neighborhood revitalization strategy under 24 CFR Part 91.215(e)(2) of its consolidated plan or Empowerment Zone or Enterprise Community application under 24 CFR part 597 has incorporated the type of market data described above, that submission may serve as the required

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analysis under this section. If the DED NSP-grantee continues to provide homeownership assistance for housing in the neighborhood, it must periodically update the market analysis to verify the original presumption of continued affordability.

ii. Recapture. Recapture provisions must ensure that the DED NSP-grantee recoups all or a portion of the NSP assistance to the homebuyers, if the housing does not continue to be the principal residence of the family for the duration of the period of affordability. The DED NSP-grantee may structure its recapture provisions based on its program design and market conditions. The period of affordability is based upon the total amount of NSP funds subject to recapture described in paragraph (a)(5)(ii)(A)(5) of this section.

A. The following options for recapture requirements are acceptable to DED. The DED NSP-grantee may adopt, modify or develop its own recapture requirements for DED approval. In establishing its recapture requirements, the DED NSP-grantee is subject to the limitation that when the recapture requirement is triggered by a sale (voluntary or involuntary) of the housing unit, and there are no net proceeds or the net proceeds are insufficient to repay the NSP investment due, the DED NSP-grantee can only recapture the net proceeds, if any. The net proceeds are the sales price minus superior loan repayment (other than NSP funds) and any closing costs.

1. Recapture entire amount. The DED NSP-grantee may recapture the entire amount of the NSP investment from the homeowner.

2. Reduction during affordability period. The DED NSP-grantee may reduce the NSP investment amount to be recaptured on a prorata basis for the time the homeowner has owned and occupied the housing measured against the required affordability period.

3. Shared net proceeds. If the net proceeds are not sufficient to recapture the full NSP investment (or a reduced amount as provided for in paragraph (a)(5)(ii)(A)(2) of this section) plus enable the homeowner to recover the amount of the homeowner’s downpayment and any capital improvement investment made by the owner since purchase, the DED NSP-grantee may share the net proceeds. The net proceeds are the sales price minus loan repayment (other than NSP funds) and closing costs. The net proceeds may be divided proportionally as set forth in the following mathematical formulas:

NSP Investment/NSP Investment + homeowner

X Net Proceeds = NSP amount to be recaptured

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investmenthomeowner Investment /NSP Investment + homeownerinvestment

X Net Proceeds = Amount to homeowner

4. Owner investment returned first. The DED NSP-grantee may permit the homebuyer to recover the homebuyer’s entire investment (downpayment and capital improvements made by the owner since purchase) before recapturing the NSP investment.

5. Amount subject to recapture. The NSP investment that is subject to recapture is based on the amount of NSP assistance that enabled the homebuyer to buy the dwelling unit. This includes any NSP assistance that reduced the purchase price from fair market value to an affordable price, but excludes the amount between the cost of producing the unit and the market value of the property (i.e., the development subsidy). The recaptured funds must be used to carry out NSP-eligible activities in accordance with the NSP requirements. If the NSP assistance is only used for the development subsidy and therefore not subject to recapture, the resale option must be used.

6. Special considerations for single-family properties with more than one unit. If the NSP funds are only used to assist an income qualified homebuyer to acquire one unit in single-family housing containing more than one unit and the assisted unit will be the principal residence of the homebuyer, the affordability requirements of this section apply only to the assisted unit. If NSP funds are also used to assist the income qualified homebuyer to acquire one or more of the rental units in the single-family housing, the affordability requirements of Rental Housing apply to assisted rental units, except that the DED NSP-grantee may impose resale or recapture restrictions on all assisted units (owner-occupied and rental units) in the single family housing. If resale restrictions are used, the affordability requirements on all assisted units continue for the period of affordability. If recapture restrictions are used, the affordability requirements on the assisted rental units may be terminated, at the discretion of the DED NSP-grantee, upon recapture of the NSP investment. (If NSP funds are used to assist only the rental units in such a property then the requirements of rental housing affordability requirements would apply and the owner-occupied unit would not be subject

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to the income targeting or affordability provisions of homeownership housing affordability requirements.)

7. Lease-purchase. NSP funds may be used to assist homebuyers through lease-purchase programs for existing housing and for housing to be constructed. The housing must be purchased by a homebuyer within 36 months of signing the lease-purchase agreement. The homebuyer must be an income-qualified family at the time the lease-purchase agreement is signed. If NSP funds are used to acquire housing that will be resold to a homebuyer through a lease-purchase program, the NSP affordability requirements for rental housing shall apply if the housing is not transferred to a homebuyer within forty-two months after project completion.

8. Contract to purchase. If NSP funds are used to assist a homebuyer who has entered into a contract to purchase housing to be constructed, the homebuyer must be an income-qualified family at the time the contract is signed.

b. Ownership interest. The ownership in the housing assisted under this section must meet the following definition of “homeownership”:

1. homeownership means ownership in fee simple title or a 99 year leasehold interest in a one- to four-unit dwelling or in a condominium unit, or equivalent form of ownership approved by DED. The ownership interest may be subject only to the restrictions on resale required under homeownership (a) ; mortgages, deeds of trust, or other liens or instruments securing debt on the property as approved by the DED NSP-grantee; or any other restrictions or encumbrances that do not impair the good and marketable nature of title to the ownership interest. For purposes of the insular areas, homeownership includes leases of 40 years or more. For purposes of housing located on trust or restricted Indian lands, homeownership includes leases of 50 years. The DED NSP-grantee must determine whether or not ownership or membership in a cooperative or mutual housing project constitutes homeownership under State law.

c. New construction without acquisition. Newly constructed housing that is built on property currently owned by a family which will occupy the housing upon completion, qualifies as affordable housing if it meets the requirements under paragraph (a) of this section.

This description is an adoption of the HOME program standards applicable provisions at 24 CFR 92.252 (e) and 92.254.

(4) Describe housing rehabilitation standards that will apply to NSP assisted activities.

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Response:

Description of housing rehabilitation standards

The State of Nebraska description of housing rehabilitation standards that will apply to NSP-assisted activities for purposes of implementing the Community Development Block Grant Neighborhood Stabilization Program is as follows:

NSP-assisted housing activities including rehabilitation of housing must meet the following housing rehabilitation standards:(1) All housing units rehabilitated as an NSP-assisted housing activity must meet local codes that apply; and(2) All housing units rehabilitated as an NSP-assisted housing activity must meet the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) Rehabilitation Standards required for the Nebraska HOME program, Nebraska CDBG program, and Nebraska Affordable Housing Trust Fund. The current DED Rehabilitation Standards are described below.

MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR REHABILITATIONNebraska Department of Economic Development

A. MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR BASIC EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES

1. KITCHENS – Every dwelling shall have a kitchen room or kitchenette equipped with a kitchen sink, properly connected to both hot and cold running water lines, under pressure, and in working order.

2. TOILET ROOM REQUIRED – Every dwelling unit, except as otherwise permitted for rooming houses, shall contain a room that is equipped with a flush water closet and properly installed lavatory. Said lavatory shall be properly connected to both hot and cold running water, under pressure, and shall be in working order. Fixtures shall be properly installed, free of hazards, leaks and defects, and in functional and sanitary order.

Said flush water closet shall be properly connected to the water supply, under pressure, and shall be in working order.

3. SHARED TOILET FACILITIES – Shared toilet rooms shall be equipped with a flush water closet and lavatory basin, and shall be connected as provided in Section 2 above. In rooming house type structures, at least 1 toilet and 1 lavatory basin, properly connected as set forth above, shall be supplied for each 8 persons or fractions thereof residing within a rooming house, including members of the operator’s family whenever they share the use of said facilities, provided that in rooming houses where rooms are let only to males, flush urinals may be substituted for not more than ½ of the required number of toilets.

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4. BATH REQUIRED – Every dwelling unit shall contain a bathtub and/or shower. Fixtures shall be properly installed, free of hazards, leaks and defects, and shall be in functional and sanitary order.

Potable water supply piping, water discharge outlets, backflow prevention devices or similar equipment shall not be so located as to make possible their submergence in any contaminated or polluted liquid or substance.

Said bathtub and/or shower may be in the same room as the flush water closet and lavatory, or said bathtub and/or shower may be in a separate room. In all cases, these facilities shall be properly connected to both hot and cold running water lines, under pressure, and shall be in working order.

In rooming house type structures, at least 1 bathtub and/or shower, properly connected as set forth above, shall be supplied for each 8 persons or fractions thereof, residing within a rooming house, including members of the operator’s family whenever they share the use of said facilities.

5. PRIVACY IN ROOM CONTAINING TOILET AND BATH – Every toilet and every bath shall be contained in a room or within separate rooms which affords privacy to a person within said room or rooms. Said rooms shall not be the only passageway to the exterior.

Toilets and bathrooms shall have doors with a privacy type lock and such doors, locks and hardware shall be in working order.

6. LOCATION OF COMMUNAL TOILETS AND BATHS – Every communal bath required to be provided in accordance with other provisions, shall be located within a room or rooms accessible to the occupants of each dwelling unit sharing such facilities, without going through a dwelling unit of another occupant and without going outside of the dwelling.

In rooming houses, said room or rooms shall be located on the same floor of the dwelling as, or on the floor immediately above or below, the dwelling unit whose occupants share the use of such facilities.

7. WATER SUPPLY – All fixture water supplies shall be properly connected to public or private water system.

All water supply inlet orifices (mouth of an opening from any pipe or faucet supplying water) shall have an air gap (The unobstructed vertical distance through the free atmosphere between the lowest opening from any pipe or faucet supplying water to a tank, plumbing fixture or other device and the floor level rim of the receptacle.) or shall be protected by vacuum breakers (also known as backflow preventers).

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8. HOT AND COLD WATER LINES TO BATH AND KITCHEN – Every dwelling shall have supplied water-heating facilities which are properly installed; in working condition and free of leaks; properly connected to hot water lines required; and are capable of supplying hot or tempered water at not less than 110°F to be drawn for every bath, as well as general usage.

Hot water storage associated with water heating facilities shall not be less than the following minimum capacities:

a. 1 dwelling unit 30 gallonsb. 2 dwelling units 40 gallonsc. 3 or more dwelling units 50 gallons or more

and rooming houses

Sizes and/or number of water heaters are to be based upon the number of units served. No water heaters shall be allowed in bathrooms or bedrooms. All hot water heaters shall be properly vented and sealed and equipped with a pressure relief valve and drip leg a maximum of 6” above the floor.

The local rehabilitation division and/or building inspection division may adjust the above-required capacities upward or downward based on the type and recovery time of the hot water system.

9. CONNECTION OF SANITARY FACILITIES TO SEWAGE SYSTEM – Every kitchen sink, toilet, lavatory basin and bathtub/shower shall be in working condition and properly connected to an approved public or private sewage system.

All sewers and vents shall function properly and be free of leaks and blockages.

10. EXITS – Every exit from every dwelling and/or dwelling unit shall comply with the following requirements:

a. It shall be functional;

b. It shall be unobstructed;

c. All stairways and steps of 4 or more risers shall have at least 1 handrail, and all stairways and steps that are 5 feet or more in width or open on both sides shall have a handrail on each side where possible;

d. Every dwelling unit shall have 2 independent ways of egress;

e. All handrails shall be not less than 30” or more than 42” vertically above the nose of the stair treads and not less than 36” above the stairway platform;

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f. All balconies and platforms that are 30” or more above grade, shall have protective guards not less than 30” in height above the balcony or platform level;

g. All multiple dwellings (1 & 2 family residences exempted) shall have a second exit stairway or approved fire escape available to all occupants of units located on second or higher stories;

h. All stairs and steps shall have a riser height of no more than 8” and a tread depth of no less than 9”. This requirement may be waived on the programmatic level if in an existing structure, it would be impossible or cost prohibitive to meet this requirement. In such cases, new stairs could be put in having the same rise and run as the old;

i. In basement units where one means of an exit shall be a window, it shall comply with the International Residential Code, Section 310 Emergency Escape and Rescue Openings.

11. FIRE PROTECTION AND SMOKE ALARMS – All fire protection systems and devices shall be in operable condition. When a dwelling is occupied by any hearing impaired person, smoke alarms shall have an alarm system designed for hearing impaired persons in accordance with NFPA 74 (or successor standards).

Smoke alarms shall be installed: On each story, including basement and cellar (Alarms are not required in

unfinished attics and crawl spaces) Outside of each bedroom In each bedroom

B. MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR LIGHT, VENTILATION AND HEATING

1. REQUIRED WINDOW AREA – Every habitable room, provided such rooms are adequately lighted, shall have at least one open air space. The minimum total window area, measured between stops, for every habitable room shall be as follows:

a. 1/12 of the floor area if two or more separate windows exist; or

b. 1/10 of the floor area if only one window exists;

c. a minimum of 12 square feet of window area is required in habitable rooms other than kitchens;

d. a kitchen may pass without a window area, provided there is a mechanical means of ventilation in working order.

Whenever the only window in a room is a skylight type window, the total window area of such skylight shall be equal to at least 15% of the total floor area of such

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room. Skylight type windows, if less than 15% of the total floor area shall be increased to 15% of the total floor area, unless another window is to be installed to provide adequate light and ventilation.

2. ADEQUATE VENTILATION REQUIRED - Every habitable room shall have at least one window or skylight which can easily be opened, or other such device as will adequately ventilate the room.

3. LIGHT AND VENTILATION REQUIREMENTS FOR BATHROOMS, TOILET ROOMS AND KITCHENS Every bathroom, toilet room, and kitchen shall comply with the light and ventilation requirements for habitable rooms contained above, except that no window shall be required in adequately ventilated bathrooms, toilet rooms, or kitchens equipped with a ventilation system that filters or exhausts to the exterior.

4. ALTERNATIVE LIGHT AND VENTILATION – Artificial light or mechanical ventilation complying with the International Building Code shall be permitted.

5. CLOTHES DRYER VENTING – Clothes dryer exhaust vent shall be a single purpose vent in compliance with the manufacturer’s instructions and vent to the exterior.

6. ELECTRIC OUTLETS AND SERVICE REQUIRED - Where there is suitable electricity available from supply lines no more than 300 feet away from a dwelling, including all existing dwellings now supplied with electrical services, every habitable room within such dwelling shall contain a minimum of two separate and remote wall type electric convenience outlets. Habitable rooms measuring more than 120 square feet shall contain a minimum of three separate and remote wall type electric convenience outlets. Temporary wiring, extension, or zip cords shall not be used as permanent wiring.

Every habitable room shall have at least one ceiling or wall type electric light fixture, controlled by a wall switch, or a wall type grounded electric convenience outlet controlled by a remote switch.

Every toilet room, bathroom, laundry room, furnace room, and hallway (hallway where applicable) shall contain at least 1 supplied ceiling or wall type electric light fixture, controlled by a wall switch, and at least one wall type grounded electric convenience outlet. Convenience outlets used in bathrooms shall be the GFI type.

Each individual kitchen based on its size and layout shall be wired to meet the requirements of the National Electric Code (N.E.C.).

Receptacle convenience outlets in or on open porches, breezeways or garages shall be of the GFI type with a weather proof receptacle box.

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All wall and/or ceiling type lighting fixtures shall be controlled by a wall switch, except porcelain type fixtures used in cellars and/or attics, which may be controlled with a proper pull chain.

All electrical equipment, appliances and wiring shall be properly installed and in safe condition.

All broken and/or missing switch and receptacle plates shall be replaced.

All outlets and fixtures shall be properly installed, shall be in working condition and shall be connected to the source of electric power in a proper manner and in accordance with the electrical code of the city and/or the N.E.C., as applicable.

Minimum electrical service for each dwelling and/or dwelling unit’s circuit breaker box shall be by a three wire 120/240 volt single phase service rated no less than 100 amps, or as adjusted for size and usage of equipment and appliances in accordance with the ICC Electrical Code and approved, in writing, by the electrical inspector of the local jurisdiction or program.

7. HAZARDOUS ELECTRICAL CONDITIONS – Where any condition of the electrical system in the dwelling or structure is identified as, and constitutes a hazard, the hazardous conditions shall be corrected.

8. HEATING FACILITIES –Heating facilities shall be properly installed, be in working condition and be capable of adequately heating all habitable rooms, and toilet rooms contained therein, or intended for use by the occupants capable of maintaining a room temperature of 68°F (20°C) when the outdoor temperature is within the winter outdoor design temperature for the locality as cited in Appendix D of the International Plumbing Code. Space heaters shall not substitute for a central heating unit.

Every installed central heating system shall comply with the following requirements:

a. The central heating unit shall be safe and in good working condition;

b. Every heat duct, steam pipe and hot water pipe shall be free of leaks and obstructions and deliver an adequate amount of heat where intended;

c. Every seal between any and all sections of a hot air furnace shall be air-tight so noxious gases and fumes will not escape into the heat ducts;

d. Required clearance from combustible materials shall be maintained;

e. All chimneys and vents shall have a flue liner intact and in safe working condition.

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Every existing space heater shall comply with the following requirements:a. No space heater burning solid, liquid or gaseous fuels shall be of a portable type;

b. Every space heater burning solid, liquid or gaseous fuels shall be properly vented to a chimney or duct leading to outdoor space and be installed to provide proper draft;

c. Every fuel burning space heater shall have a fire-resistant panel between it and the floor or floor covering as required by the unit’s manufacturer;

d. Whenever a space heater is located within 2 feet of a wall, said wall shall be protected with insulation sufficient to prevent overheating of the wall as required by the unit’s manufacturer;

e. Every space heater smoke pipe shall be equipped with approved thimbles or guards, properly constructed of non-flammable material, at the point where the pipe goes through any wall, ceiling or partition;

f. Each dwelling and/or dwelling unit shall be supplied with its own heating systems. Local option may provide for one central forced air system to serve no more than two separate dwelling units.

9. LIGHTING OF PUBLIC HALLS AND STAIRWAYS

a. Public halls and stairways in every dwelling containing 2 to 4 dwelling units shall be provided with convenient wall-mounted light switches controlling an adequate lighting system that will provide at least 2 foot candles of illumination on all parts thereof and be turned on when needed. An emergency circuit is not required for this lighting;

b. Public halls and stairways in every dwelling containing 5 or more dwelling units shall be lighted at all times with an artificial lighting system. Said system shall provide at least 2 foot candles of illumination on all parts thereof at all times by means of properly located electric light fixtures, provided that such artificial lighting may be omitted from sunrise to sunset where an adequate natural lighting system is provided;

c. Wherever the occupancy of the building exceeds 100 persons, the artificial lighting system as required herein, shall be on an emergency circuit;

d. All basements and cellars shall be provided with a lighting system that permits safe occupancy and use of the space and contained equipment as intended, and which may be turned on when needed;

e. The required intensity of illumination shall apply to both natural and artificial lighting.

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10. SCREENS REQUIRED - For protection against flies, mosquitoes and other insects, every door opening directly from a dwelling unit or rooming unit, to the outdoor space where feasible, shall be supplied with a screen covering at least 50% of the window area of the door, and said door shall be equipped with a self-closing device.

Every window or other opening to outdoor space used or intended to be used for ventilation shall likewise be supplied with screens covering the entire window areas required for ventilation. The material used for all such screens shall be no less than 16 mesh per inch, properly installed, and repaired when necessary to prevent the entrance of flies, mosquitoes and other insects.

Half-screens on windows may be allowed, provided they are properly installed and are bug and insect proof.

11. SCREENS FOR BASEMENT AND CELLAR WINDOWS - Every dwelling unit having operable basement or cellar windows shall be screened to prevent the entry of insects and rodents.

12. EXISTING HEATING TO DWELLINGS OR PARTS THEREOF - Every dwelling owner or operator who rents, leases or lets for human habitation any unit contained within such dwelling, on terms either expressed or implied, shall supply or furnish heat to the occupants.

Whenever a dwelling is heated by means of a furnace, boiler or other heating apparatus under the control of the owner or operator, in the absence of a written contract or agreement to the contrary, said owner and/or operator shall be deemed to have contracted, undertaken, or bound to furnish heat in accordance with the provisions of this section to every unit that contains radiators, furnace heat duct outlets, or other heating apparatus outlets, and to every communal bathroom and communal toilet room located within such unit.

a. Every central heating unit, space heater, water heater and cooking appliance shall be located and installed in a safe working manner to protect against involvement of egress facilities or egress routes in the event of uncontrolled fires in the structure;

b. Every fuel burning heating unit or water heater shall be effectively vented in a safe manner to a chimney or duct leading to the exterior of the building. The chimney duct and vents shall be designed to assure proper draft, shall be adequately supported, and shall be clean;

c. No fuel-burning furnace shall be located in any sleeping room or bathroom unless provided with adequate ducting for air supply from the exterior, and the combustion chamber for such heating unit is sealed from the room in an airtight manner. Water heaters are prohibited in bathrooms and sleeping rooms.

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d. Every steam or hot water boiler and every water heater shall be protected against overheating by appropriate temperature and pressure limit controls;

e. Every gaseous or liquid fuel burning heating unit and water heater shall be equipped with electronic ignition or with a pilot light and an automatic control to interrupt the flow of fuel to the unit in the event of failure of the ignition device. All such heating units with plenum have a limit control to prevent overheating.

C. MINIMUM STRUCTURAL STANDARDS

1. SIDEWALKS AND DRIVEWAYS – All sidewalks, driveways, stairs and similar areas shall be free of hazardous conditions and in proper repair.

2. PREMISE IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS – Address numbers easily visible and legible from the street or road shall be installed. Numbers shall contrast in color with their background and be at least 4 inches high with a minimum stroke width of one half inch.

3. FOUNDATIONS, EXTERIOR WALLS, ROOFS, SOFFITS AND FASCIA - Every foundation, exterior wall, roof, soffit, and fascia shall be structurally sound, weather-tight, and rodent/insect-proof.

All exterior surface materials shall be protected by lead-free paint or other protective coating in accordance with acceptable standards. The exception is all types of exterior materials acceptable to weatherizing without deterioration.

4. INTERIOR WALLS, FLOORS, CEILINGS, DOORS, AND WINDOWS – Every interior partition, wall floor, ceiling, door and window shall be structurally sound.

Holes in walls should be replastered before new paint is applied.

All interior doors shall be capable of affording privacy for which they were intended.

5. GRADING AND RAINWATER DRAINAGE FROM ROOF - All rainwater shall be drained and conveyed from every roof so as not to cause dampness within the dwelling. All rainwater drainage devices, such as gutters, downspouts, leaders and splashblocks shall be in safe working order. Ground areas around the habitable unit shall be sloped or drain away from foundation walls to prevent standing water.

6. WINDOWS, EXTERIOR DOORS AND BASEMENT OR CELLAR HATCHWAYS - Every front, rear, side and basement or cellar door shall be no less than 2'4" in width and no less than 6' 6" in height. In existing structures, if replacement to meet these requirements would be impossible or cost-prohibitive, said requirement may be waived by the grantee.

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Every window, exterior door and basement or cellar hatchway shall be substantially tight and rodent-proof. In addition, the following requirements shall be met:

a. All exterior doors to the outside or to a common public hall shall be equipped with adequate security locks. Means of egress door locks shall be easily opened from the egress side without a key or special knowledge. All windows accessible from ground level without the aid of mechanical devices shall have a security device. Emergency escape windows shall be openable from the inside without the use of a key, code or tool;

b. Every window sash shall be fully equipped with windowpane glazing materials free of cracks or holes, and all panes shall be secured with retaining devices or an adequate amount of putty. Said putty shall not be cracked, broken or missing;

c. Every window sash shall be in good condition and fit tightly within its frame;

d. Every window, other than a fixed window, shall be easily opened and held in position by window hardware;

e. Every exterior and interior door, door hinge, door latch, and/or lock shall be in good working condition;

f. Every exterior and interior door, when closed, shall fit well within its frame;

g. Every window, door and frame shall be constructed in relation to the adjacent wall construction, to exclude rain and wind as completely as possible from entering the dwelling or structure;

7. STAIRWAYS , DECKS, BALCONIES AND PORCHES - Every interior and exterior stairway, porch, deck, balcony and appurtenance thereto, including hand and guard rails, shall be constructed to be sound and safe to use and capable of supporting the load that normal use may place upon it.

8. SUPPLIED PLUMBING FIXTURES - Every plumbing fixture and water and waste pipe shall be properly installed in safe, sanitary working condition, free from leaks, defects, and obstructions.

9. BATHROOM, TOILET ROOM, KITCHEN AND UTILITY ROOM FLOORS - Every bathroom, toilet room, kitchen, and utility room floor surface shall be constructed to be impervious to water and to permit such floors to be easily kept clean and sanitary.

Indoor-outdoor type carpeting, when properly installed, shall be allowed in bathrooms, toilet rooms, kitchens and utility rooms except when in conflict with required interim controls or standard treatments required to comply with the lead-based paint regulation.

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10. CHIMNEYS AND SMOKE PIPES - Every chimney and smoke pipe shall be adequately supported, structurally sound, and clean.

11. TREES AND VEGETATION – Trees and vegetation endangering the unit and/or it occupants shall be eliminated.

12. INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE FOR ONE AND TWO-FAMILY DWELLINGS – All rehabilitation work must meet or exceed the requirements of the International Residential Code as promulgated by the International Code Council in its current edition or as adopted in ordinance by the local jurisdiction.

a. Work must comply with the permitting and inspection requirements of the local jurisdiction.

b. In the absence of local permitting and inspection services, the local recipient program shall engage qualified inspectors and document code inspection and compliance.

13. LEAD-BASED PAINT – As required under 24 CFR Part 35, the Final HUD Regulation on Lead-Based Paint Hazards in Federally Owned Housing and Housing Receiving Federal Assistance, all assisted dwelling units constructed before January 1, 1978, will be evaluated for lead-based paint hazards or presumed to have lead-based paint present throughout the unit when paint is disturbed.

a. Evaluation will be done by a qualified, certified or licensed person as required under the regulation.

b. All lead-based paint hazards will be identified and reduced or eliminated through paint stabilization, interim controls or abatement with work being done by supervised, trained, qualified, certified or licensed persons as required under the regulation.

c. Safe work practices will be followed at all times.

d. Occupants shall be protected or temporarily relocated as required by the regulation. With some exceptions, as listed at 24 CFR 35.1345, occupants shall be temporarily relocated before and during hazard reduction activities to a suitable, decent, safe and similarly accessible dwelling unit that does not have lead hazards.

e. The dwelling unit and worksite shall be secured. The worksite shall be prepared and warning signs shall be posted as required by the regulation.

f. Clearance examinations will be performed by qualified personnel and final clearance shall be achieved as required by the regulations.

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14. ENERGY CONSERVATION –

a. Equipment, appliances, windows, doors and appurtenances replaced during rehabilitation shall be replaced with Energy Star qualified products.

b. If feasible, attics should be insulated to R38 and walls to a minimum of R11.

c. Replacement heating and/or cooling systems shall be properly sized as evidenced by completion of ACCA/ANSI Manual J® or an equivalent sizing calculation tool.

d. All accessible air ducts shall be tightly sealed.

e. Heating or cooling supply running through unconditioned space should be avoided or rerouted, but when present and accessible, shall be insulated.

15. INDOOR AIR QUALITY – The scope and conduct of rehabilitation of each dwelling unit shall take into consideration the improvement and maintenance of satisfactory and healthy air quality within the unit.

a. A carbon monoxide detector installed per manufacturers’ recommendations shall be present in each unit, and receive primary power from the building wiring or battery. If the house is all electric a carbon monoxide detector is not required.

b. Devices and appurtenances identified to contain mercury shall be removed or replaced excluding CFL bulbs.

c. Materials and methods used in carrying out rehabilitation, shall to the extent feasible, minimize and prevent dust, outgassing, volatile organic compounds and other contaminants within the dwelling unit.

16. UNIVERSAL DESIGN AND ACCESSIBILITY – Rehabilitation of each unit shall be carried out with consideration for the needs of its occupants and to the maximum practical extent in accordance with the principles of universal design. For guidance in implementing universal design features, visit www.design.ncsu.edu/cud .

D. MINIMUM SPACE, USE AND LOCATION REQUIREMENTS

1. CEILING HEIGHT - Wherever possible, no habitable room in a dwelling or dwelling unit shall have a ceiling height of less than 7' 6". At least 1/2 of the floor area of every habitable room located above the first floor shall have a ceiling height of 7' 6", and the floor area of that part of any room where the ceiling height is less than 5' shall be considered as part of the floor area in computing the total floor area of the room for the purpose of determining maximum floor area.

2. ROOM WIDTH - All rooms, except kitchens and/or kitchenettes and baths, shall have a minimum width of 7'. Kitchens shall have a clear passage dimension of no less than 3 feet between walls, appliances and cabinets.

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http://www.design.ncsu.edu/cud

3. CELLAR SPACE NOT HABITABLE - No cellar space shall be converted or rehabilitated as habitable room or dwelling unit.

4. REQUIREMENTS FOR HABITABLE BASEMENT SPACE - No basement space shall be used as a habitable room or dwelling unit unless all of the following requirements are met:

a. Such required minimum window area is located entirely above the grade of ground adjoining such window area, or an adequate window well of sufficient size as to allow escape of inhabitants residing within such basement apartment, has been constructed;

b. Such basement dwelling unit or rooming unit shall be entirely sealed off from the central heating plant with a one hour fire separation. To assist grantees in evaluating existing building components, HUD has published the “Guideline on Fire Ratings of Archaic Materials and Assemblies”, February 2000, available at http://www.huduser.org/publications/destech/fire.html;

c. Such basement dwelling unit or rooming unit provides two means of exit, with at least one means of opening directly to the outside;

5. MINIMUM STORAGE AREAS - Each dwelling unit shall have at least one closet with a minimum of 6 square feet of floor area and a minimum height of 6’, located within the dwelling unit. Dwelling units with 2 or more bedrooms shall have a storage floor area of at least 4 square feet per bedroom. This storage requirement does not necessarily have to be located in the bedrooms.

E. MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR GARAGES, FENCES AND PREMISES

1. PROTECTION OF EXTERIOR WOOD SURFACES - All exterior wood surfaces shall be properly protected from the elements against decay and rot by lead-free paint, or other approved protective coating.

2. FENCES - Every residential fence shall be in a state of maintenance and repair or shall be removed. Wood materials that are not decay resistant shall be protected against decay by use of lead-free paint or by other preservative material.

If a fence is removed and replaced, said installation shall conform with all local requirements.

3. CONDITION OF PREMISES - All areas and all parts of the premises upon which any dwelling or dwelling units are located and all areas adjacent thereto and a part of the premises shall be in a clean and sanitary condition. This shall include, but not be limited to, removal of abandoned and junked automobiles, automobile bodies, chassis, parts, and trailers; inoperable machines and appliances; lumber piles and building materials not used in actual construction; tin cans, broken glass, broken furniture, boxes, crates, and other debris, rubbish, junk and garbage.

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http://www.huduser.org/publications/destech/fire.html

4. WATER SUPPLY - CONNECT TO WATER MAIN - Every owner of a dwelling situated on property that abuts any street or alley in which a water main is laid, shall be connected to such main to provide water service.

5. ABANDONED WELLS AND CISTERNS - Every owner of a dwelling that contains an abandoned well or cistern on the premises shall permanently seal or fill it in a proper manner.

6. INFESTATION AND EXTERMINATION – Structures shall be free from rodent and insect infestation.

D. LOW INCOME TARGETING

Identify the estimated amount of funds appropriated or otherwise made available under the NSP to be used to purchase and redevelop abandoned or foreclosed upon homes or residential properties for housing individuals or families whose incomes do not exceed 50 percent of area median income: $_$5,000,000________.

Note: At least 25% of funds must be used for housing individuals and families whose incomes do not exceed 50 percent of area median income.

Response:

DED proposes to award $4,000,000 to the City of Omaha and $1,000,000 to the City of Lincoln for projects that include housing activities that will benefit households with incomes at or below 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI).

E. ACQUISITIONS & RELOCATION

Indicate whether grantee intends to demolish or convert any low- and moderate-income dwelling units (i.e., ≤ 80% of area median income).

If so, include:

The number of low- and moderate-income dwelling units—i.e., ≤ 80% of area median income—reasonably expected to be demolished or converted as a direct result of NSP-assisted activities.

The number of NSP affordable housing units made available to low- , moderate-, and middle-income households—i.e., ≤ 120% of area median income—reasonably expected to be produced by activity and income level as provided for in DRGR, by each NSP activity providing such housing (including a proposed time schedule for commencement and completion).

The number of dwelling units reasonably expected to be made available for households whose income does not exceed 50 percent of area median income.

Response:

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The State of Nebraska intends to demolish 21 low- and moderate-income dwelling units as a direct result of NSP-assisted activities.

The State of Nebraska intends to make available at least 70 dwelling units for low- moderate – and middle income households.

20 units made available through acquisition, rehabilitation, and resale of foreclosed, abandoned, and vacant properties for households with incomes at or below 50% AMI.

10 units made available through new construction of Habitat for Humanity homes for households with incomes at or below 50% AMI.

20 units made available through acquisition, rehabilitation, and resale of foreclosed, abandoned, and vacant properties for households with incomes between 51% and 80% AMI.

5 units made available through acquisition, rehabilitation, and resale of foreclosed, abandoned, and vacant properties for households with incomes between 81% and 120% AMI.

15 units made available through new construction for households with incomes between 81% and 120% AMI.

The State of Nebraska intends to make at least 30 dwelling units available for households whose incomes does not exceed 50 percent of area median income.

F. PUBLIC COMMENT

Provide a summary of public comments received to the proposed NSP Substantial Amendment.

Note: proposed NSP Substantial Amendment must be published via the usual methods and posted on the jurisdiction’s website for no less than 15 calendar days for public comment.

Response:

Public comments were solicited via e-mail or letter to:

Lara HuskeyDirector, Community and Rural Development DivisionPO Box 94666Lincoln, NE 68509

[email protected]

Public comments were accepted from November 10, 2008 until close of business on November 25, 2008.

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mailto:[email protected]

The proposed CDBG NSP Substantial Amendment was posted on the web at http://www.neded.org/content/view/818/156/ on November 10, 2008. In addition, an e-mail notification of the availability of the Amendment and related public comment procedures was sent via electronic mail the Nebraska Development List serve, participants in the DED CDBG NSP briefing, and persons who prepared DED CDBG NSP pre-applications.

63 public comments were received. Please find the text of each comment below.

Comment 1

I was disappointed to see that there were no projects in the list for award for the Panhandle of Nebraska. We proposed doing virtually the same type of project as several other applicants. We would have thought some of the projects would be reduced to allow funding for all of the regions to do similar, much-needed projects. Our community is in a very difficult position with Aurora Loan Services being the second largest employer. Because they service mortgage loans and their parent company has declared bankruptcy, we don't know what is going to happen with them in the future and don't know what is going to happen with their 520 employees. We hope you will at least consider a project for someone in the Panhandle prior to submitting this for the final application. I don't care if it is the project for Panhandle Area Development District, Gering, Scottsbluff, or Monument Family Connections, but please include a Panhandle project. If you took a small percentage from each of the projects that are on the award list, you'd have enough to do a project in the Panhandle region.

Comment 2

Due to the nature of the high foreclosure rates, lower median incomes, and the fact that these counties encompass Indian Reservations, 20 percent of the NSP funds ($3.6 million) will also be designated for Indian Reservations. Comment 3

Please consider including Habitat for Humanity of Omaha as part of the Neighborhood Stabilization Plan for Nebraska – specifically because of the need in the area of North Omaha and the capacity of Habitat as outlined below.

Omaha has the highest foreclosure rate in our state – nearly double that of any other city in Nebraska. We expect many more additional foreclosures as investors are beginning to go under. North Omaha is an at-risk community. Every home that is boarded up creates more instability in this community in need.

North Omaha is the area of our state with the greatest need for renovation and demolition of old housing stock. There are nearly 800 condemned homes in zip codes 68110 and 68111, over 250 on the demolition list, and the city is only

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http://www.neded.org/content/view/818/156/

demolishing 30 a year. Fifteen percent of all lots are vacant, and 15% of all homes are vacant.

Habitat for Humanity is uniquely positioned to help in this housing crisis. We renovate old homes, build news ones and have the capacity to demolish existing structures very affordably through partially donated services. 100% of our families are below 50% of median income.

Habitat does not need to wait for a buyer that is interested in the property AND able to qualify for a loan. Habitat does our own underwriting and mortgage lending and has a continuous list of 40 or more families that are waiting for a home.

Habitat is fully supported by the community we serve. We have over 6000 volunteers a year – eager to help with new or renovated construction. Our donor base consists of over 5000 donors.

Habitat is successful. In Douglas & Washington Counties, we have over 240 mortgages and have only foreclosed on 6 loans in 24 years. In 2008, Habitat will build or renovate 30 homes.

Please consider the needs in North & South Omaha and Habitat’s unique ability to quickly renovate and sell homes to families in need. Habitat would be a good partner for you in meeting the goals of NSP.

Comment 4

I think it is vital that Habitat for Humanity of Omaha (serving Douglas and Washington County) be included to receive funds for the $19.5 million dollars for the following reasons.

1) Omaha has the highest foreclosure rate in the state, 2) North Omaha is a blighted community that is most at-risk with foreclosure rates, 3) Habitat has the capacity to help meet the goals of the stabilization plan, and 4) Habitat rehabs houses and helps prevent neighborhoods from deteriorating.5. These neighborhoods in Northeast and now starting in Southeast Omaha are being TRANSFORMED, block by block. I invite you to come visit our organization and take a tour of our good works in these neighborhoods. The way these streets now look will take your breath away with their transformations from blighted to good, safe and stable neighborhoods.6. Our work benefits helps to increase tax revenues for our community by rehabilitating and building new homes-increasing property values in areas where it has sunk to next to nothing.7. Through our partnership, we will help break the cycle of poverty by offering families a “hand up”, not a hand out. Our homeowners BUY their homes through no-interest loans. Between the time these families are approved for a loan and the completion of their home

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they must attend classes on home ownership, fiscal responsibility and devote 350 hours of “Sweat Equity,” volunteering their time to help build their own home as well as others.8. In conclusion EVERYONE WINS when investing their funds in our organization in the following ways:

Help break the cycle of poverty Create safer and more stable neighborhoods in blighted areas Increase tax revenues for our community Instead of “giving a man a fish,” we “teach them how to fish,” figuratively

speaking. Offer hope to hard-working low-income families, by creating better futures

through homeownership

Comment 5

As a donor of Habitat for Humanity of Omaha , I really think that they need to be included to receive funds for the $19.5 million dollar grant from HUD for the following reasons.

1) Omaha has the highest foreclosure rate in the state, 2) North Omaha is a blighted community that is most at-risk with foreclosure

rates, plummeted property values. These factors only increase the chance of more neighborhood destabilization by encouraging crime and gang activity.

3) Habitat has the capacity to help meet the goals of the stabilization plan, and 4) Habitat rehabs houses and helps prevent neighborhoods from deteriorating. 5. These neighborhoods in Northeast and now starting in Southeast Omaha are

being TRANSFORMED, block by block.As an example, all you need to do is drive down streets like 33rd and Manderson in Omaha to see for yourself-among others. The way these streets now look will take your breath away with their transformations from blighted to good, safe and stable neighborhoods.

6. Our work benefits helps to increase tax revenues for our community by rehabilitating and building new homes-increasing property values in areas where it has sunk to next to nothing.

7. Through our partnership, we will help break the cycle of poverty by offering families a “hand up”, not a hand out. Our homeowners BUY their homes through no-interest loans. Between the time these families are approved for a loan and the completion of their home they must attend classes on home ownership, fiscal responsibility and devote 350 hours of “Sweat Equity,” volunteering their time to help build their own home as well as others.

8. In conclusion EVERYONE WINS when investing their funds in our organization in the following ways:

Help break the cycle of poverty Create safer and more stable neighborhoods in bad ones Increase tax revenues for our community Instead of “giving a man a fish,” we “teach them how to fish,” figuratively

speaking.

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Offer hope to hard-working low-income families, by creating better futures through homeownership

Thank you for your consideration. I know the director, Amanda Jedlicka, would be glad to answer any questions and even give you a tour of our neighborhoods we have transformed.

Comment 6

Please consider Habitat for Humanity for funding from this grant. They positively affect the lives of the most in need.

Comment 7

Please consider including Habitat for Humanity of Omaha as part of the Neighborhood Stabilization Plan for Nebraska. The reasons Habitat Omaha should be included are many. for instance, Omaha has the highest foreclosure rate in the state. North Omaha in particular is a blighted community that is most at-risk with foreclosure rates. Habitat for Humanity has the capacity to help meet the goals of the stabilization plan because Habitat rehabs houses and helps prevent neighborhoods from deteriorating. I served a year of AmeriCorps National Service at Habitat Omaha, and their mission and what they do is very close to my heart. The joy that Habitat brings to so many families in Omaha could certainly be increased exponentially with their inclusion in the Neighborhood Stabilization Plan. Thank you for your time, and again, please do not exclude Habitat Omaha and all of the good things that they do.

Comment 8

In support of Habitat for Humanity receiving funding, I can attest first hand the changes that Habitat makes in a new home owner's life. I've been to a ceremony called a dedication where Habitat for Humanity hands the keys to the new homeowner. The sacredness of that moment is priceless. The home owner's Pastor or Spiritual Leader will come out and say a prayer for the new family and I've felt the love in that house when that's happening among, once strangers, now a team who finished building a home! The home is more than just wood framing and carpet. It's a stake in the community that needs that kind of support and commitment from it's constituents. Please include Habitat for Humanity for this year's, or should I say, next year's funding. Thank you,

Comment 9

Hello, my name is Steven Beck and I am a Community Development Advisory Committee member in Grand Island. I am writing to you as I am concerned that the State is proposing to allow everyone who didn’t submit a pre-app to apply in the open round against everyone who submitted a pre-app. By doing this you are basically demonstrating that is doesn’t matter if you submitted all of the paper work in the correct

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manner and by the correct time as you still have the same chance as those who chose to do nothing.

They are using other cities information as their plan which they will submit to HUD. At this time there is not an allowance, or priority given to those who qualified in the pre-app. I am asking you to set aside the amount currently allocated for those who submitted pre-apps and then split the rest of the grant funds among those who apply in the open round.

Comment 10

I would like Habitat Omaha to be included in the Neighborhood Stabilization Plan. I am on the Board of Directors for Habitat for Humanity.

1) Omaha has the highest foreclosure rate in the state, 2) North Omaha is a blighted community that is most at-risk with foreclosure rates, 3) Habitat has the capacity to help meet the goals of the stabilization plan, and 4) Habitat rehabs houses and helps prevent neighborhoods from deteriorating.

Please support Habitat. Comment 11

As a board member of Habitat Omaha, I have seen first hand the benefits of this valuable organization. Please consider Habitat Omaha to be included in the Neighborhood Stabilization Plan. There is a great need for affordable house in area of North Omaha. Omaha has the highest foreclosure rate in the state of Nebraska - nearly double that of any other city in our state. We fully expect many more foreclosures as investors are beginning to go under. North Omaha is an at-risk community. Every home that is boarded up creates more instability in this community.

The capacity of Habitat as outlined below:

Habitat for Humanity is uniquely positioned to help in this housing crisis. They renovate old homes, build new ones and have the capacity to demolish existing structures very affordably through partially donated services. 100% of their families are below 50% of median income.

Habitat is fully supported by the Omaha community. They have over 6,000 volunteers a year - eager to help with new or renovated construction. The donor base consists of over 5,000 individuals/organizations.

Habitat does not need to wait for a buyer that is interested in the property AND able to qualify for a loan. Habitat does their underwriting and mortgage lending and has a continuous list of 40 or

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more families that are waiting for a home.

Habitat is successful. In Douglas & Washington Counties, they have over 240 mortgages and have only foreclosed on 6 loans in 24 years. In 2008, Habitat will have built or renovated 30 homes.

Please take these points into consideration. Habitat would be an excellent partner for you in meeting the goals of NSP.

Comment 12

Regarding comments to the Annual Action Plan, especially the NSP funding our county has concerns that while other parts of the United States may already be feeling the effects of foreclosures, we in this area have only begun to feel the impact, and with several closures announced in Nebraska and one significant in limbo for Dawson County concerning a large number of households, we may not be aware of how deeply we will be impacted. The NSP funding should allow for some flexibility to address future events that will have significant impact on the number of foreclosures that could occur in the future due to these plant closures. Thank You! Comment 13I am a member of the Grand Island Community Development Advisory Committee and would like to provide a comment in regard to the proposed 2008 Housing and Community Development Substantial Plan Amendment for the Neighborhood Stabilization Program. I am a real estate broker in Grand Island and support the City’s plan to demolish substandard housing to rebuild safe, affordable housing as a replacement. These funds are crucial to moving demolition of substandard housing forward in this community.

In the first part of November, the Community Development Division submitted a pre-application to the state for the Neighborhood Stabilization Program. We are pleased to have been identified in one of the six levels as an appropriate, eligible program that qualifies for grant funding based on your scoring criteria.

Joni Kuzma, Community Development Administrator, provided a copy of the State’s proposed plan to the Advisory Committee. As a member of that Committee, I would ask that the pre-applicants noted in the plan receive an allocation that is set aside for them pending their completion of the larger application that is due in March. The pre-applicants showed initiative, organization, and foresight in their ability to complete that grant in a small window of time. It is good that other communities will have the chance to apply for these funds even though they did not submit a pre-application, but I feel they should have to compete against one another.

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The Department of Economic Development has awarded thousands of dollars to Grand Island over the years for housing projects. Each of those grants enabled our community to make improvements in housing. This is a most unique program that will allow the City to address substandard and vacant housing in a concentrated way that has not been done before.

I appreciate having the opportunity to share my thoughts on this plan.

Comment 14 As a current Habitat for Humanity volunteer and advocate, I ask for you to please consider including Habitat in your Neighborhood Stabilization Plan. You and your plan would benefit greatly for several reasons. First off, Habitat has been both influential and supportive of the North and South Omaha communities. If you include Habitat you would be including a well established non-profit organization capable of achieving your plan. Second, Habitat has a long history of bringing positive to both the community and the city. The community benefits from new or refurbished houses in dilapidated neighborhoods and the city benefits from the increase in tax revenue. Please take a moment to consider all the benefits Habitat has to offer. Thank you

Comment 15

My name is Mike Klauer and I Chair the Finance Committee for Habitat for Humanity of Omaha. I am emailing to request that Habitat be considered in the funds allocated to the Neighborhood Stabilization Plan. For the reasons stated in the attached letter to you from the Executive Committee, I believe the funds attained would be used appropriately to assist in curbing the housing downturn by providing homes to qualified and committed owners, consistent with our mission and history serving the Omaha area.

Comment 16

I would like Habitat for Humanity Omaha to be included in the Neighborhood Stabilization Plan. North and South Omaha, areas that Habitat Omaha serves have a high crime rate. Additional empty homes will increase the crime in those neighborhoods. Homeownership has been proven to cut down crime and improve neighborhoods.

Comment 17 Habitat Omaha should be included in the Neighborhood Stabilization Plan. Comment 18

Please consider including Habitat for Humanity of OMaha in your funds for the Neighborhood Stabilization Plan. THis worthy and well run organization is basically already in this business!.

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They currently serve this community and certainly can expand those efforts with additional support. They renovate homes and sell them to those in need now- please let them serve out their mission further by designating additional funds to help the people of Nebraska ( with the work they already know how to do!).

Comment 19

Please include Habitat Omaha in the Neighborhood Stabilization Plan. Omaha has the highest foreclosure rate in the state; moreover, North Omaha is a blighted community that is most at-risk with foreclosure rates. Habitat has demonstrated its ability and the capacity to help meet the goals of the stabilization plan. The homes rehabilitated by Habitat prevent neighborhoods from deteriorating.

Comment 20

I am familiar with the work of Habitat for Humanity of Omaha and understand that they are not currently a part of the Neighborhood Stabilization Plan for Nebraska. I would like to ask that the Nebraska Department of Economic Development include Habitat for Humanity of Omaha in that Neighborhood Stabilization Plan.

I believe that not only is there a great need in Omaha, but the Habitat for Humanity of Omaha is well equipped to renovate old homes affordably and to sell these homes to low income families that can make use of them.

Comment 21

I work for Habitat for Humanity of Omaha, Inc. so I may be a little bias. However, our stabilization plan is something that addresses and embraces the needs of the community during this critical housing crisis. Please consider including our organization as we would appreciate the opportunity to serve the community through this special partnership.

Comment 22

The city of South Sioux City concurs with the plan for Neighborhood Stabilization Community Development Block Grant funds. We recognize and appreciate the tremendous effort made by the State of Nebraska to meet the needs of citizens of the State with the parameters of the funds.

Comment 23

May we first compliment the Nebraska Department of Economic Development for the great job of putting together the Neighborhood Stabilization Program Application in such a short period of time. We are aware of the large volumes of information, federal regulations, and project requests you had to process and greatly appreciate the professional presentation of your Federal grant submission.

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PADD also greatly appreciates all the effort the DED has made to address the housing and community development issues facing all of rural Nebraska.

Even though we are aware that there will be a second opportunity to submit project requests for the NSP, It is our understanding that this is our only opportunity to comment on the Nebraska NSP program.

We thus would like to make a comment and a request for the DED to consider regarding the impact the National housing crisis has had on the Panhandle region. As you are aware, Aurora Loan Services is a subsidiary of Lehman Brothers that specializes in originating and servicing home mortgages and employees over 500 persons in our region. With the bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers, it puts their local loan servicing center in a very precarious situation.

Given this unique impact the housing crisis is directly creating in the Panhandle region, we hope the DED will consider granting at least one NSP project in the Nebraska Panhandle.

Comment 24 I am writing to ask you to please include Habitat for Humanity of Omaha in the Neighborhood Stabilization Plan. My husband and I moved to Omaha three years ago, and since then I have gotten involved with Habitat for Humanity of Omaha Friends. I see such a need for help in this area. My hope would be that if more funds are put into this area, we might prevent neighborhoods in north Omaha from deteriorating any further. Hopefully, in turn we will see a turn for the better in the crime rate, as we give hope for a brighter future to the less forturnate. Also, when we give folks "ownership" in the process of building their homes, as Habitat does, we evoke more of an attitude of pride in their community. I feel it is such a worthy cause, and hope you will also, in your decision making. Comment 25

I understand that you are accepting public comments of the NSP Substantial Amendment pre-applications. Joni Kuzma, our Grand Island Community Development Administrator, has indicated to me that the pre-application of level 5 designation of need indicates an order of approval. However, I’ve noticed on page 13 that this pre-application was not a requirement and that some communities did not submit one.

Due to the extra effort that Joni and her staff went through, I would like you to consider that the, allocations of need, that you listed on pages 2-4 be given priority when your decision is made in March, 09.

Comment 26

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I am on the Advisory Board of the Habitat for Humanity-Omaha organization and would like to petition to have our Habitat group be part of the Neighborhood Stabilization Plan grant from HUD. I am certain our Habitat organization has the capacity to meet the goals of the stabilization plan and the staff of Habitat is exceptional in their diligence to the cause of affordable housing for the Omaha community. The office is located in north Omaha which is a blighted community and subject to high risk of foreclosures. Over the years our Habitat office has worked very hard to keep neighborhoods from deteriorating by filling empty lots with Habitat homes and conscientious home owners. It would seem to me to be a perfect fit for the HUD dollars and an opportunity to have Nebraska be a point of light in having great impact for the Neighborhood Stabilization Plan.

I sincerely hope the Department will give consideration to partnering with Habitat for Humanity-Omaha.

Comment 27

As a personal supporter of Habitat for Humanity of Omaha and an employee of the company that partners with the homebuilder, I submit this public comment in support of including Habitat of Omaha in the state’s Neighborhood Stabilization Plan.I formerly served as an AmeriCorps member and construction site supervisor with Habitat of Omaha. I saw how the organization united the resources of local government, philanthropies, and volunteers to build quality, affordable homes. But we built more than homes – we built a conduit to savings and wealth for low-income families. These families who earn between 30 and 50% of median income for the area, would otherwise have no such path. Through 30-year, no-interest mortgages, Habitat of Omaha offers American Dream to hardworking, underpaid families.Furthermore, the organization transformed by life by engaging me in service to my community. During my term of service , I learned marketable skills for my own career and learned the value of helping the less fortunate. Each year, Habitat Omaha helps hundreds of individual volunteers and AmeriCorps members make that same personal transformation.Currently, Goodwill’s YouthBuild program partners with Habitat Omaha to offer a construction training program for youth ages 16 to 24 who have dropped out of high school. Good will provides academic instruction and vocational training, and Habitat provides a real-world training environment. This a comprehensive approach to neighborhood revitalization – building and renovating homes, preparing young people for college and careers, and developing tomorrow’s leaders. Habitat Omaha is critical to this revitalization.The number of foreclosed homes in Omaha is frightening. According to NSP data, more than 105,000 people – one in seven Omaha residents – live in an area with an estimated foreclosure abandonment risk score of 10 on HUD’s 10-point scale. And recently, the NIFA first-time homebuyers program ceased making new loans as a result of the credit crisis. Clearly, current economic conditions will only increase the need for affordable housing, and Habitat Omaha’s no-interest model is uniquely positioned to serve the families most in need.

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Thank you for considering this public comment in support of including Habitat Omaha in the Neighborhood Stabilization Plan.

Comment 28

I would like Habitat for Humanity of Omaha included in the Neighborhood Stabilization plan. Habit has build on over 200 vacant lots in Northeast Omaha and has done a gread deal to change neighborhoods from weeds to houses, where a family can have a home of their own. Omaha has over 400 houses that are boarded up and not occupied. Habitat, with financial help, can rehab a number of these houses and provide a home for another family Comment 29

I am writing today to request your consideration of including Habitat for Humanity of Omaha as part of the Neighborhood Stabilization Plan for Nebraska. As a supporter and former employee of Habitat Omaha I know first hand the success the agency has had in rebuilding the North and South Omaha communities.

Habitat for Humanity makes homeownership a reality to families that would otherwise never have the possibility or the hope for a home of their own. They stimulate progress and re-development in neighborhoods otherwise left to deterioration. They inspire and reinvigorate neighborhoods to step up and reinvest in their own homes and streets. They provide thousands of volunteers with a meaningful and tangible way to help other families in our city.

Please consider the needs in North & South Omaha and Habitat’s unique ability to quickly renovate and sell homes to families in need. They would make and excellent partner in obtaining the goals of the NSP.

Comment 30

I represent a rural county in central Nebraska with 5 communities. I am a certified CDBG administrator with over 10 years experience in this field. I submitted a grant pre-application to the NE Dept of Economic Development within time frame requested.

My application request was NOT included as a high priority project in the NE plan submitted to HUD. We are assuming that we did not meet the major criteria outlined in the Federal NSP priorities?

Although the communities in Sherman County have seen a 75 percent increase in foreclosures over the last 2 years, we feel that we are being “penalized” because our local banks have been more diligent than our urban counterparts and have NOT provided “sub-

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prime” loans to unqualified applicants.

Our communities’ average over 60% area LMI and we are experiencing serious population decline due to the lack of quality affordable housing available. Our communities’ have very low unemployment rates leading to a very competitive labor market. This makes the availability of quality affordable housing that much more important to attract and retain our population.

We are confident about our housing needs because Loup City undergone two professionally prepared blight/redevelopment studies, one comprehensive housing plan/study, one comprehensive plan, and one comprehensive economy development strategy within the last 10 years. Based on our history of preparation and planning, we feel that we are more than prepared to administer an NSP project.

We simply propose the acquisition and demolition of 21 “blighted or foreclosed” structures/properties.

Acquisition and demolition of these properties will create opportunities: For developers and individual homeowners to build what our market demands,

thereby Increasing the local property tax base and subsequently providing better services

and living standards for everyone

Housing is our primary economic development strategy as we have very few large employers but we are in close proximity to two larger cities and one of Nebraska’s largest Lakes/recreation areas.

It our recommendation that the activity of acquisition and demolition of “blighted or foreclosed” structures/properties be placed as a higher priority in the best interest of our nation and impoverished rural America in general.

Comment 31

I want to thank you in advance for considering Habitat for Humanity of Omaha as a partner in the Neighborhood Stabilization Plan for Nebraska. Habitat has unique capabilities that can help mitigate the severity of the housing crisis immediately. Our capabilities include:

Flexibility - We both build and renovate homes. In addition we are able to demolish existing structures at low cost.

Responsiveness - We are not reliant on banks to approve potential home buyers. Through our own underwriting process we can approve buyers and we maintain a list of families waiting to buy.

Human Resources - We have over 6000 working volunteers. History and Reputation - We have over 240 outstanding mortgages and will build

or renovate 30 homes in 2008.

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As you know the North Omaha area is faced with significant housing challenges. Between condemned homes and foreclosures it is the most at risk part of our community and perhaps the entire State. We are active in this community today and we can accomplish much more by partnering with the State through the Neighborhood Stabilization Plan.

Comment 32

My name is Norma Fletcher and I would like to support the efforts of Omaha Habitat for Humanity to be included in the Neighborhood Stabilization Plan. As a long time volunteer builder with Omaha Habitat I can testify to their efforts to provide well built, functional homes for the low income members of Omaha's community. Habitat is the perfect organization to take foreclosed homes, make sure they are remodeled for future occupants and get these homes to the working poor of Omaha. Omaha Habitat has a stong volunteer base and is well equiped to handle more homes.Please consider Habitat for Humanity of Omaha to carry out the goals of the Neighborhood Stabilization Plan.

Comment 33

I am writing this in support of the application from Buffalo County for the NSP funds. As a local banker and a member for the Buffalo County housing work group I feel the NSP funds would be a wonderful opportunity for Buffalo County to grow and revitalize their communities. I attend the monthly housing senate meetings and I see how the communities have really come together and are working diligently and putting their hearts into on how they can revitalize their communities and make them a welcoming place to live and raise a family. I am a native to Buffalo County and have seen what the communities can provide and I really feel that the funds would be a great opportunity to give the towns a way of getting rid of the structures that are not livable and provide new, affordable, safe homes to be purchased and help the communities grow.Thank you for your time in reading this and please consider Buffalo County’s application to NDED.

Comment 34

I am the Buffalo County Housing Senate Representative for the Village/City of Kearney. I feel this Housing Senate has assisted all of the Buffalo County communities to recognize the needs of the County as a whole and that all communities are working toward a common goal. The Housing Senate has been working toward improving the available housing in Buffalo County. We have looked at improving our neighborhoods by removal of deteriorating buildings in each of our communities. We are appreciative of the opportunity to submit a pre-application to NDED for the NSP program. We had a planning meeting with the Housing Senate members to discuss the opportunity and all of the communities in Buffalo County gathered data for submittal into the grant application.

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The Housing Senate members talked to local bankers, realtors, the County Treasurer, and city officials to gather the most accurate information they could for the pre-application. We would appreciate it if NDED considered the Buffalo County application to help us realize our goals for the county.

Comment 35

Buffalo County Economic Development Council is diligently working to offset a shortage of a skilled, educated workforce by recruiting area alumni back to Buffalo County. While we hope that these efforts are successful in attracting our alumni back to their roots, we are also concerned with the limited availability of housing in many of our county communities. Should a graduate choose to return to and live in their hometown, they may face challenges in locating adequate housing for their families.

The opportunity that the NSP program offers to these communities to improve their available housing inventories would be very advantageous. For this reason, please consider the Buffalo County application for the NSP program to put our best foot forward to attract new residents and improve on the neighborhoods we already have. Buffalo County is very progressive and we would put the NSP funds to good use. We are thorough and have the capacity to attain the outcomes we develop for the program. We would appreciate your consideration of our application.

Comment 36

I serve on the Buffalo County Community Partners Board and their work group Positive Pressure. In addition, I am also the President of the Board of Directors for RAFT (Residential Assistance to Families in Transition). Our goal is to assist Buffalo County in accomplishing the goals of the 2008 Buffalo County Housing Study. In particular, the Buffalo County Attorney's Juvenile Services Office recognizes the needs of the County as a whole and to insure that all communities are on the same vision, working toward a common goal. As a group we have been working for months toward the common goal of improving housing in Buffalo County. As a part of this goal, demolition of dilapidated structures was deemed a priority in each of our communities. Because of this priority we were very excited at the opportunity to submit a pre-application to NDED for the NSP program. We had a planning meeting with the Housing Senate members to discuss the opportunity and all of the communities gathered data for submittal into the grant application. The Housing Senate members talked to local bankers, realtors, the County Treasurer, and municipal elected officials to glean the most accurate information for the pre-application. We would appreciate it if NDED considered the Buffalo County application in all aspects to help us attain our goal.

Comment 37 I serve on the Buffalo County Community Partners Board. One of our goals is to assist Buffalo County in accomplishing the goals of the 2008 Buffalo County Housing Study. This organization recognizes the needs of the County as a whole and is working to ensure

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that all communities are working toward a common goal. As a group we have been collaborating for months toward the common goal of improving the housing in Buffalo County. As a part of this goal, demolition of dilapidated structures was deemed a priority in each of our communities. Because of this priority we were very excited at the opportunity to submit a pre-application to NDED for the NSP program. We had a planning meeting with the Housing Senate members to discuss the opportunity and all of the communities gathered data for submittal into the grant application. The Housing Senate members talked to local bankers, realtors, the County Treasurer, and municipal elected officials to glean the most accurate information for the pre-application. We believe this opportunity is crucial for continued growth in our communities and would appreciate it if NDED considered the Buffalo County application in all aspects to help us attain our goal. Comment 38

I’m writing to urge that Habitat of Humanity Omaha to be included in the Neighborhood Stabilization Plan.

Comment 39

The City of Scottsbluff is concerned with the direction of funding under the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP). While we understand certain criteria help define the targets for funding it is very difficult to understand how some jurisdictions in the State were fully funded for projects identical to those the panhandle submitted. If one looks objectively at the need to stabilize neighborhoods our need is at the very least equal if not greater than others who appear to be in line for funding. It appears application of the criteria has been somewhat oversimplified. The impact of these difficult national economic conditions are in fact shared by the panhandle. One only needs to look at how recent economic stress has added to stress' of the panhandle's already low income levels. We have struggled for decades with higher than average levels of low income households. Thus we do not accept the apparent view that somehow the panhandle is an isolated area free from national economic problems sited in criteria for the NSP. What is true is that a poor national economy sinks the disproportionately high number of low income households to even lower standards of living, much lower than the State of Nebraska as a whole thus destabilizing our neighborhoods further. We applaud past funding for important projects that have served to stabilize our neighborhoods and will continue to strongly support the DED and others at the State level who recognize the panhandle's unique economic conditions. We are concerned that in this case a careful second look at sharing the wealth is in order. We would love to see a Scottsbluff project funded but urge additional consideration for the panhandle as a whole. We look at the health of this region of the State as our first priority and consider our contributions to the welfare of the entire State as our primary goal.

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Comment 40

I am the director of the Buffalo County Community Partners. I hope that you are receiving a few emails today from our many partners in Buffalo County expressing their interest in the investment of housing dollars in our communities. Our organization started in 1995 with the express intent to define community goals. We have 10 goals to achieve by 2010. One of those goals has always been to increase affordable housing in Buffalo County. Our organization has organized multiple work groups in the community since 1994. We coordinate between homeless programs, near homeless, mental health, substance abuse, business engagement, and youth engagement and many others. One of our indicators requires us to decrease homelessness and many of the members of the Homeless Coalition maybe connecting with you to share their support of this funding. One of our goals addresses mental health housing, so we are working with many organizations to determine need for this type of funding. Our workgroup has conducted the past 2 housing studies and most recently conducted the first Buffalo County wide housing study.The study outlines that we should develop a county wide Housing Senate, which has been completed and I hope you are hearing from some of the Senate people. And we also are working toward attainment of another housing study recommendation to remove vacant and dilapidated structures in Buffalo County. I made many of the calls to each Buffalo County community. Each community is very excited for this type of funding. They see a great need in each of the community which is also outlined as our greatest need in the Buffalo County housing study. We also received great response from bankers who are sitting on repossessed homes in Buffalo County. Our hardest hit area is in the south east side of the county in Gibbon and Shelton. We encourage you to consider investing funds in Buffalo County. We have a tremendous need in this area for rehabbing homes, removing vacant homes and providing affordable housing for our communities. These needs match very nicely with your grant funding. Please let me know if we can provide any other information. We look forward to hearing from you and your office.

Comment 41

I am writing in support of the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) pre-application submitted for Buffalo County, excluding the City of Kearney and including Sumner in Dawson County. The Buffalo County Housing Work Group and the Housing Senate have worked diligently to obtain specific data for this pre-application. Personnel throughout the County are prepared to begin the project, including individuals with the capacity to administer the program in a timely manner. I urge NDED to give full consideration to this pre-application.

The Housing Senate was formed as an outcome of the 2008 Buffalo County Housing Study conducted by Western Economic Services, LLC. Representatives of the nine communities in the county, plus one rural representative, have organized to address the needs of the County as a whole and insure that all communities are working toward the

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common goal of addressing affordable housing in Buffalo County. During the needs identification process, demolition of dilapidated structures was deemed a priority by each of the community representatives. Therefore, the opportunity to submit a pre-application to NDED for the NSP program was identified as an exciting avenue to accomplishing this goal. At a recent planning meeting, the Housing Senate members discussed the prospect and each of the community representatives gathered data for inclusion in the grant pre-application. The Housing Senate members discussed the potential project with lenders, Realtors, the County Treasurer, and municipal elected officials to obtain the most accurate information for the pre-application.

I would appreciate NDED’s consideration of the Buffalo County NSP application as an avenue to address the revitalization of communities in Buffalo County. Thank you for the opportunity to submit input on the funding of future NSP projects.

Comment 42

My name is Tom Hunter and I am the Victim/Witness Assistance Director for Scotts Bluff County. My office is located in the county attorney’s office. I have held this position for the past 18 years. During this time I have worked with many needy families and battered women that have been displaced from their homes. Our local domestic violence staff is doing an incredible job of assisting domestic violence victims and often with children. All too often crime victims are forced into personal financial problems that are not of their creation. Some victims loose their employment through extended medical recovery. Many people are victimized by the crime and then they are re-victimized with an avalanche of medical bills that get sent to collection agencies because of their failure to pay. These financial situations often lead to utility disconnects, inability to provide basic necessities for their children and homelessness.

For the past several years I have served on the board of directors for Monument Family Connection. MFC goal is to provide emergency housing for homeless people. At the present time we located property in a blighted area of Scottsbluff. All of the buildings on the property are abandoned and need to be demolished. None of the buildings (and old motel with multiple units and a liquor lounge) is suitable to inhabit as they are asbestos and rodent contaminated. At the present time the board is negotiating with the property owner to purchase the property. We have polled the residents and businesses in the area and have their support. We also have the support and encouragement to build emergency homeless shelter from our area churches. .Twin City Development in Scottsbluff desires to collaborate with us on the project.

Monument Family Connections needs financial assistance for development and maintenance of this community betterment project.

Thank you for this opportunity of voicing my comments and opinions regarding our homeless emergency housing project.

Comment 43

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The Buffalo County Community Partners was the applicant for the Nebraska Stabilization Program to 1) remove vacant and dilapidated homes and 2) assist in rehabilating repossessed homes in Buffalo County. The letter of intent was submitted to the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (NDED). We recently found out that Buffalo County was not inserted into the plan the NDED sent to HUD. I serve on the Buffalo County Community Partners Board. Our goal is to assist Buffalo County in accomplishing the goals of the 2008 Buffalo County Housing Study. In particular, Kearney Housing Agency recognizes the needs of the County as a whole and ensures that all communities are on the same vision, working toward a common goal. As a group we have been working for months toward the common goal of improving the housing stock in Buffalo County. As a part of this goal, demolition of dilapidated structures was deemed a priority in each of our communities. Because of this priority we were very excited at the opportunity to submit a pre-application to NDED for the NSP program. We had a planning meeting with the Housing Senate members to discuss the opportunity and all of the communities gathered data for submittal into the grant application. The Housing Senate members talked to local bankers, realtors, the County Treasurer, and municipal elected officials to glean the most accurate information for the pre-application. We would appreciate it if NDED considered the Buffalo County application in all aspects to help us attain our goal. Kearney Housing Agency has a Management Contract with Gibbon and Shelton and as the Director for Public Housing these 3 communities in Buffalo County, I can assure there is a tremendous need to address the worn out housing no longer meeting the needs of the community. This housing provides substandard living conditions, creating social issues, is an eyesore, invites vandalism and an increase need for law enforcement. Communities need to be able to move forward to address the issues of decent, safe and affordable housing and the NSP program is a step in the right direction. Please reconsider and include Buffalo County for the NSP program.

Comment 44 It is my understanding Tribes/Native Americans are considered eligible participants in the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP). I made some local inquiries about any meeting notices that would have been received regarding this program. Unfortunately, none of the mail logs hold any reference to any NSP public meeting notice. Regarding the State's proposed NSP, the only reference to Native Americans I found in the amendment to the 2008 Housing and Community Development Annual Action Plan was regarding leases on trust properties. The wording in the paragraph that relates to Native Americans is such that it precludes many of the group. What is asked is that all Native American Homebuyers/Owners living on trust properties need to amend there homesite leases to fifty years. According

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to a USDI/BIA Realty Officer, they would require a Tribal Resolution to change a homesite lease to 50 years to comply with 25 CFR. There is just not enough time to accomplish this task for every potential applicant. We find this unreasonable. The majority of Native Americans reside on trust properties within Reservations. These areas have the highest rates of overcrowding, unemployment and are economically distressed. These areas also have the lowest median incomes in the State and are therefore the most needy population. A simple solution to the problem would be similar to the neighboring States which have set-aside up to 25 percent of the Neighborhood Stabilization Program Funds for Native Americans living on Reservations. We respectfully request the State of Nebraska Department of Economic Development to make a similar set-aside of 20 percent or 3.6 million dollars. These funds would be used in accordance with the national program objectives for use on all the Indian Reservations located in the State of Nebraska. This would enhance the quality of life on the Reservations by providing safe and affordable housing, creating employment, and helping the local economy. Comment 45 Goodwill has been working with the Buffalo County Housing work group for many years and we have a strong interest in housing throughout our entire area. Please consider the Buffalo County NSP application, as the Buffalo County Housing Work Group and the Housing Senate have worked hard on obtaining precise data for the pre-application. We have the persons ready to start the program and persons who have the capacity to administer the program timely and correctly. Your consideration of our application would be greatly appreciated and we know you won’t be disappointed in the completion of the project. Comment 46

My comment and support for a similar provision as found in South Dakota would be an excellent leveraging strategy. And, would be a good way for tribes to work in collaboration with local governments in areas where there are tribal members residing in fee land. Perhaps like Walthill in Thurston county as an example. The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska actually has technical service areas established by the Congressional Restoration Act that includes 14 counties to include Douglas and Lancaster. I’m sure the Santee Tribe, Omaha Tribe, and Winnebago tribe would like to find ways to expand housing in adjacent or contiguous areas or areas “on or near” their reservations.

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The South Dakota 20% could definitely be a model for Nebraska in the area of addressing state-tribal relations development in areas involving rural economic development and housing needs.

The Northern Ponca Housing Authority would like to see a 20% set aside for the 4 nebraska Indian tribes similar to the South Dakota plan.

Comment 47

In reviewing the recommendations for the use of NSP funds, I have a need for the department to consider. I believe there is a great need for funds to be allocated to the panhandle of Nebraska for the purpose of addressing emergency shelter needs for homeless individuals and families.

The Region I Continuum of Care for Housing and Homelessness formed a sub committee to work on this effort several years ago. This sub committee formed a 501 C3 which is managed by it’s own independent board of directors. This non – profit, Monument Family Connections, has been working diligently to obtain funding to open an emergency shelter. Our first effort was to partner with the Housing Authority to convert a GSA building which had been given to them, into shelter and transitional housing. The Housing Authority received grant funds from DED to help with this project As the department is aware, there was much controversy over the location which ultimately ended in DED rescinding the grant until a more equitable location could be found.

The department has been very supportive of this effort and has looked at several of the locations we have considered. Monument Family Connections has continued to seek a suitable site and community support for such a project and we believe we are close. The NSP funds would fit perfect with our venture. We have located an old hotel and bar which is an eye soar and safety issue for the community. Homeless people have been found sleeping in the hotel rooms which have raw sewer water standing, the fire department has been called to the location and the outside of the building is covered in graffiti.

Having the opportunity to write a grant which offers funding for demolishing and/or rehabilitating abandoned properties is exactly what Monument Family Connections has been waiting for. The project will house households at 50% AMI or less. As board chair of MFC and the Operations Manager for Cirrus House, I have been actively involved in the Region I CoC and see the magnitude of the homeless problem in our area on a daily basis. At the present time MFC and Cirrus House use vouchers from NHAP and State PATH grant funds to assist homeless referrals. These funds are minimal and only help a small percentage of those referred. Having a shelter would stretch our resources and would fill a gap for agencies through out the panhandle.

Monument Family has a design committee which is researching green build as well as other energy efficient construction. We have included local engineers, architects and city staff in the development of our plan. We intend on utilizing community volunteers as

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well as employing homeless individuals during the construction and/or redevelopment and beyond. MFC has networked with other agencies in the panhandle to provide case management/support services to help families transition from homelessness to permanent housing. We have listened to our community and believe the location and the plan we have for constructing a shelter answer concerns expressed by neighbors and business leaders.

We are hopeful the Nebraska Department of Economic Development will give us the opportunity to apply for these funds by allocating an proportionate amount of NSP funds to the panhandle for the purpose of demolishing blighted structures and the redevelopment of demolished or vacant properties.

Comment 48

Please accept this public comment regarding the NSP program. These funds are desperately needed in the Panhandle to build an emergency shelter in a blighted area of our community. Community Members have been working together for several years to find a suitable location and determine the safest and most empowering shelter model. NSP funds would assist our community in improving a blighted area of our community and encouraging additional beautification projects while establishing a green-build emergency shelter.

I strongly encourage you to consider the Panhandle (especially the Scottsbluff/Gering area) for use of these funds.

Comment 49

I am writing to ask you that Habitat for Humanity of Omaha, Inc. be included in the Neighborhood Stabilization Plan. I presently serve as Board President and can tell you that we are in a unique position to serve a blighted neighborhood is on the brink of disaster. Market forces are driving foreclosures at a rate higher than anywhere else in the state of Nebraska. We can help meet the goals of the Stabilization Plan and we hope that HFHO will be considered for funding.

Comment 50

Family Monument Connection in Scottsbuff, NE’s goal is to build a sustainable emergency shelter in Scottsbluff using blighted property on the East side of the city. We are currently negotiating for one of two sites. We will have on site management and a social support caseworker, charged with helping residents obtain food, clothing, employment and health care.

We have considerable community support, but always need more. We are networking with agencies who refer homeless people to us and others. We are currently working with vouchers using rooms at motels and empty apartments for short term housing. Our limited funds come from local and state grants and future funding is in the form of Bricks

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and Mortar Grant Pledges from local banks, state, and community sources.

As you well know, in these times there is a great need for a facility of this type, especially in a community of our size in Western Nebraska. The largest communities near us our at least one hundred miles in any direction. A recent paper has stated the homeless population has risen 30% since the summer. Combined with job loss and home foreclosures, these matters will certainly worsen.

I am co-chair of the design committee and we are dedicated to a totally green technology for this facility. I have proposed the idea of building the facility of adobe brick design, using the latest in solar technology, as well as passive solar architecture and landscaping. This idea would help us in several ways:

1) Historically, being on the Oregon Trail, pioneers often built their homes using local resources such as mud, sand, and hay using less sophisticated building skills. Skills which could employ homeless and unemployed persons and community volunteers. A structure of this nature can save as much as 50% in building costs. Many fine and enduring buildings have in the past and continue to be built with these materials.2) This process and over all design could be used as an educational tool in our local schools and college.3) A project of this nature could open up possibilities for grant and loan monies directed at organizations promoting alternative and sustainable energy sources as well as humanitarian organizations.4) I believe if we can realize all of these goals that such a facility would be a "showcase" and a model for the community, the state, and perhaps the nation.

I hope that you and your program will keep this western end of Nebraska in mind, and will lend any assistance you can. As you know, the need is dire.

Comment 51

It is great to hear about HUD’s new Neighborhood Stabilization Program that will provide emergency assistance to state and local governments to acquire and redevelop foreclosed properties that might otherwise become sources of abandonment and blight within their communities. Before the mortgage and foreclosure crisis even happened we have been dealing with this issue locally for several years. I am afraid it will only get worse now. I understand that Omaha and Lincoln are always going to be at the top of the list for funding like this - if for no other reason because of their size and population compared to the rest of the state. However I would like to urge you to consider some of the dire needs in the Panhandle of Nebraska especially Scotts Bluff County.I have an extensive background in working with homeless youth (ages 22 and younger) in the Panhandle. Through my experience of working with Monument Family Connections and now at Cirrus House, Inc. I can testify that the homeless problems span across ages and most often affect families and parents with children. As you may know Panhandle

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Community Services has a Transitional Living Program for homeless youth ages 16 to 21. These are youth who are NOT part of the foster care system or part of any other system of care – they are on their own - out in the streets and living in substandard housing such as run down abandoned houses, trailers with no heat or running water and living out of their cars. The following chart shows how many youth were turned away because the TLP program was at maximum capacity.Year Number of Youth Turned Away from the Transitional Living Program because the program was at maximum capacity. Note: These are all youth that filled out an application and met the FYSB definition of homelessness. 2002-2003 31 youth turned away 2003-2004 59 youth turned away 2004-2005 60 youth turned away 2005-2006 81 youth turned away 2006-2007 66 youth turned away 2008 update All TLP apartment slots (16) are currently full and they continue to receive referrals of homeless youth. That is 297 unduplicated homeless people in a specific age range since 2002. Last month Cirrus House, Inc had 21 referrals (in 24 days) of homeless people of various ages seeking us out for housing. Scotts Bluff County has a housing crisis right now. We do not have an Emergency Shelter option for people who are already homeless and we have blighted areas with land lords that are grossly taking advantage of low income, homeless and vulnerable populations of people. Next time you are in the city of Scottsbluff please take a drive through the Wagon Wheel Trailer Court. The owners of this property live in Colorado and rent rundown trailers to anyone with cash in hand. You will find 1 and 2 bedroom trailers with no furniture that have 10 to 15 people living there sleeping on blankets on the floor. You will find trailers with broken windows and some with no electricity some with no running water. Yet these trailers are being “rented” legally. This is just one example – there are others just like it.Every winter in Scottsbluff people engage in survival sex just to have a warm place to sleep at night. I have personally worked with an 18 year old mother who was sleeping in an unheated garage with her 6 week old baby, a 21 year old man who lives in his car in the Wal-Mart parking lot (where he works full time but has no place to live), a young married couple who bum places to sleep from couch to couch and sleep in their car when no other option is available, two homeless girls that are cousins and sleep where ever they can at night yet they still make it to school each day and are getting B’s and C’s for grades. I can go on and on but my point is this: Scotts Bluff County may not be able to ever compete with the numbers and statistics that Omaha and Lincoln can put up but people (human beings) are more than a group of numbers. Our end of the state has dire needs that go unmet year after year. On paper, 297 homeless youth in 5 years might look like a drop in the bucket compared to Omaha and Lincoln but when you have to look that one person in the face and say “I’m sorry I don’t have any place for you to stay tonight.” the numbers take on a whole different meaning.

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I would urge you to consider the Region I, Panhandle area for this and future funding opportunities that can address our very real housing crisis and need for emergency shelter.

Comment 52

As Mayor of the City of Ravenna I would encourage you and the DED to consider the Buffalo County NSP Program Application. Having worked with the Buffalo County Housing Senate and having attended some of the Buffalo County Housing meetings; along with offering input from the City of Ravenna’s Housing Listening Sessions and Surveys, I believe we have put together a workable application that addresses many of the common housing needs seen throughout the County that would help to revitalize our communities. The communities in Buffalo County are very progressive and would benefit greatly from the NSP Program funds. Thank you again for your consideration on the Buffalo County NSP Program Application.

Comment 53

I am so pleased to see that Nebraska has a plan for full utilization of theNSP funding. You have expressed accurately the areas of greatest need andhave opportunities for the entire state to benefit from this most needed fundingappropriation.In Western Nebraska, our issues of homelessness and blighted, substandard,vacant buildings are still of foremost concern as I mentioned to you on the phone.Our local banks and USDA offices were very conservative in their loans and havenot had the high exposure to foreclosures that many experienced in Eastern Ne.This is a unique opportunity for collaboration between the Housing Authority, PADD,TCD, realtors and communities to make a difference in their housing and economicdevelopment communities. Please consider an allocation for Western Nebraska,particularly Scotts Bluff County, but not forgetting the other Panhandle counties, wherevacant buildings can be demolished and new rental housing established or new storefrontswith housing attached to create sustainable neighborhoods. I am pleased to seemany applications from persons who are assisting the homeless and hope thatyour efforts will reflect a statewide effort to assist those who may find themselvesin the less than 50% and indeed, less than 30% of AMI.

Comment 54

I am the Chairperson for the Buffalo County Community Partners Housing Goal Work Group as well as the coordinator for the Buffalo County Housing Senate. The Housing Work Group goal was to raise funds and obtain a grant to complete the first ever county-wide Housing Study. This goal was accomplished and the finished product was presented to the public in June 2008.

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One of the recommendations from the study was to create a Housing Senate comprised of a member from each Buffalo County community. This group has been formed and has been meeting monthly since June 2008. As a Senate group they felt the NSP program was a wonderful opportunity to accomplish one of their goals, which was to remove dilapidated structures from the communities in Buffalo County. They were very excited at the opportunity and spent time researching the structures which needed to be included in the pre-application.

As the work group leader I have been impressed by the commitment these volunteer Housing Senate members have shown. They have attended meetings, obtained pertinent data for the application and have served as a liaison to their respective communities to help spread the word about the importance of safe, affordable housing in Buffalo County. They are working toward a common goal and it is very rewarding to be a part of.

With all of this said, I would urge DED to give the Buffalo County NSP application the attention it deserves and consider investing funds in Buffalo County. There is a need; capacity and readiness to proceed have been reflected in the partners at the table and the persons working to make this a reality.

Thank you for your consideration and I am sure that if you invest in Buffalo County you will not be disappointed with the outcome.

Comment 55

I have a comment regarding the funding distribution in the NSP plan. I suggest that any leftover funds from the pool of money for the communities over 20,000 population (if there is any) be added to the rest of the Nebraska area which was only allocated $3.6 million. This money for removal of dilapidated structures would be very important to the rural Nebraska communities and would make a huge impact in their communities. For example, Arthur County is one of the smallest counties in Nebraska and would utilize the funds to demolish two dilapidated structures from their downtown area which would make way for a much needed new senior/community center and fire station. Since the community is so small they don’t have a large population to draw from to obtain donations, however those facilities are vital to the community’s existence. It is stories and examples like this that make the NSP program a great thing for rural Nebraska.

Comment 56

I am writing in support of the Buffalo County application to the Nebraska Stabilization Program for funding to remove vacant and dilapidated homes and assist in rehabilitating homes in Buffalo County. I am a member of the Buffalo County Community Coalition Board and was in attendance when the findings of the 2008 Housing Survey were shared with the constituents in Buffalo County. These are definitely needs that were identified in the process that was sponsored by the Partners Housing Coalition.

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Buffalo County is a hub for a lot of economic development activity and housing goes hand in hand with those activities. For this reason, please consider our application for the NAP program to put our best foot forward to attract new residents and improve on the neighborhoods we already have. Buffalo County is very progressive and we would put the NSP funds to good use. We are thorough and have the capacity to attain the outcomes we develop for the program. We would appreciate your consideration of our application.

Comment 57

I am the Chairman of the Buffalo County Board of Supervisors and am a member of the Buffalo Housing Senate. I also sit on other boards and committees in the area dealing with economic development. We, (members of these boards and committees) are always looking for things that help promote our communities to make them more desirable to both live in and work in. The NSP Grant is a great opportunity for our small communities to do just that. It will be an immediate, tangible way for people of these communities to see that things are getting done to further promote what we have to offer those that might be looking to move into these communities. Your consideration of our application would be greatly appreciated.

Comment 58

I received a copy of the proposed 2008 Housing and Community Development Substantial Plan Amendment for the Neighborhood Stabilization Program this week from the Community Development staff for the city of Grand Island. I am a Realtor in Grand Island, and serve as a member of our Community Development Advisory Committee, because I recognize the need to make improvements in the availability of affordable, decent housing and adequate infrastructure for the residents of Grand Island.

Our community submitted a request for funding during the pre-application phase, primarily as a result of the tremendous efforts of Joni Kuzma and Barb Quaundt. I believe that one of the important criteria for any grant funding is the amount of commitment and priority that a community shows in support of their proposed use. Without such commitment up front, the chances for success for the project are weakened. When a project is critical to successfully meeting the goals and objectives of a community, they will put forth the effort necessary to make it happen. I believe that Joni and Barb’s efforts showed that our community is committed to the success of our proposal.

I would like you to consider giving priority to those communities and organizations that met the requirements of a granting organization during the pre-application phase. Thank you for your consideration of my request.

Comment 59

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I have been a member of the Grand Island Community Development Advisory Committee for more than 10 years and am familiar with the amount of time and effort required to complete a grant application to carry out the activities of the grant. Based on that experience, I am submitting a public comment to your Department regarding the State Plan for the Neighborhood Stabilization Program.

I was pleased to hear that the Grand Island preapplication met the funding requirements of the grant program and was in one of the qualifying levels of allocation for grant funding. I believe that the extra effort invested by our Community Development staff and staff from the other organizations that submitted preapplications merits priority selection when the grant is awarded.

I understand that a full application will be required of each preapplicant and that grant funds will be made available to all the other towns and agencies in Nebraska that did not initially apply. Please consider awarding grant funds to the preapplicants as a type of entitlement and not require them to compete with applicants who did not participate in the first round.

Thank you for allowing me to provide this comment on behalf of the City and the Neighborhood Stabilization Program.

Comment 60

Please accept the following comments from the City of Grand Island as input into the 2008 Housing and Community Development Substantial Plan Amendment for the Neighborhood Stabilization Program.

The City submitted a pre-application to the Department, which is noted on page 12 of the Plan in the Proposed DED CDBG NSP Allocation Table. We would suggest that it would be consistent with HUD regulations and Public Law 110-289 to allow those counties/communities identified in the table to move forward as set aside projects. Grant approval could be contingent on submission of a full application in March that meets the thresholds set by HUD and DED. It is our suggestion that all new applications submitted in the open cycle be considered for funding with the moneys not already allocated to set aside projects.

It was further noted that HUD set an allowable administration fee of 10% Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 and that the State has proposed a 4% administration fee for grantees in this program. The City contends that the administrative fee be set between 8 to 10% due to a limited grant time frame, the complexity of projects to be completed, and the high degree of oversight and management required to meet both HUD and DED regulations.

We appreciate the opportunity to provide input into the 2008 Housing and Community Development Substantial Amendment for the Neighborhood Stabilization Program.

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Comment 61

I would appreciate it if you would consider the following comments and suggestions as input into the 2008 Housing and Community Development Substantial Amendment for the Neighborhood Stabilization Program.

The City of Grand Island Community Development Division submitted a pre-application to the Department, which is noted on page 12 of the Plan in the Proposed DED CDBG NSP Allocation Table. It appears that would be consistent with the HUD regulations and Public Law 110-289 to allow those counties/communities identified in the table to move forward as set aside projects. Grant approval could be contingent on submission of a full application in March that meets the thresholds set by HUD and DED. I would suggest that all new applications submitted in the open cycle be considered for funding with the moneys not already allocated to set aside projects. The process, timeline and procedure for completing the pre-application was understandably short but, those of us that complied with the procedure should get consideration for our work.

The State has proposed a 4% administration fee for grantees in this program. HUD set an allowable administration fee of 10% Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008. Looking at the budget for my department and divisions; and the upcoming City budget process, City participation in the future may be limited if we have to subsidize the administrative costs associated with the programs. It is not possible to meet NEDED and HUD guidelines without certified, paid professional staff.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to provide input into the 2008 Housing and Community Development Substantial Plan Amendment for the Neighborhood Stabilization Program.

Comment 62

I write in support of the State of Nebraska’s 2008 Housing and Community Development Substantial Plan Amendment grant submission for Neighborhood Stabilization Program funds. The proposed program meets the needs of Nebraskans and Omahans within the objectives of the Neighborhood Stabilization Program to acquire and redevelop foreclosed properties that might otherwise become sources of abandonment and blight.

The elements of the substantial plan amendment for the City of Omaha will assist our efforts to provide housing opportunities for lower income citizens, remove blighted structures for redevelopment, turn vacant and foreclosed properties into safe and sanitary housing, stimulate the housing market and rebuild property value. Overall, the Neighborhood Stabilization Program and I am confident the plan will improve the quality of life in our community. Thank you for including our proposed activities in your grant submission. Please let me know how the City of Omaha can assist you in making the Neighborhood Stabilization Program a success.

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Comment 63

I am writing to ensure that you are aware of a new funding opportunity for our community, and to make a recommendation for developing your plans for that opportunity.

HUD’s new Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) will provide emergency assistance to state and local governments to acquire and redevelop foreclosed properties that might otherwise become sources of abandonment and blight within their communities.

NSP provides grants to every state and certain local communities to purchase foreclosed and abandoned homes to rehabilitate, resell, or redevelop those homes in order to stabilize neighborhoods and stem the decline of house values of neighboring homes. The program is authorized under Title III of the recently passed Housing and Economic Recovery Act.

Under the law, local authorities must submit their budget plans for acquisition of foreclosed homes by December 1, 2008.

1. I am sure I join many who would ask that you submit plans for acquisition by the December 1 deadline and bring our fair share of the funds to our community.

2. In addition, I request that you strongly encourage/recommend/require home inspections for the houses that your office will acquire under the NSP program.

While a home inspection is always a good idea, it is especially important in cases of abandonment and foreclosure. Such distressed properties often suffer from a lack of maintenance and repair.

A home inspection may be indispensable to your efforts. Clearly, your office will need to respond to taxpayers who wish to know the physical condition of the homes that will come under your management with NSP funds.

Further, future homebuyers whom we hope will eventually purchase these homes will need some reassurance that they will be buying – and your office will be selling – houses that have been inspected for their technical condition. An independent, professional home inspection is the best available means to meet this need.

Thank you for your kind attention to these issues. I would appreciate knowing your plans to proceed. If I may be of help, I would be happy to answer questions about home inspections or provide other resource information that may assist you in this regard.

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The following table is a summary of responses to comments.

Comment Number Response1, 23, 39 The plan was revised based on the data for Scotts Bluff County and now

includes projects in the Panhandle.

2, 46 Foreclosure data utilized to develop the plan, which includes data provided by HUD, does not support the conclusion that Nebraska Indian Reservations are areas of greatest need. Thurston County, which includes the Winnebago and Omaha Indian Reservations and is part of the Northern Ponca Tribe service area, is a designated area for NSP. Knox County, which includes the Santee Sioux Indian Reservation, is not a designated area for NSP because the Realty Trac data source recorded no foreclosures and the HUD data demonstrated a foreclosure rate less than 5% and less than 30 total foreclosures. The Northern Ponca Tribe serves many of the counties that were determined to be areas of greatest need.

44 The State of Nebraska NSP plan was made available for public comment and the required public comment process was followed to which you have responded with this comment. We are unable to determine the paragraph and related information to which you are referring regarding Native Americans in the Nebraska NSP plan. Foreclosure data utilized to develop the plan, which includes data provided by HUD, does not support the conclusion that Nebraska Indian Reservations are areas of greatest need. Thurston County, which includes the Winnebago and Omaha Indian Reservations and is part of the Northern Ponca Tribe service area, is a designated area for NSP. Knox County, which includes the Santee Sioux Indian Reservation is not a designated area for NSP because the Realty Trac data source recorded no foreclosures and the HUD data demonstrated a foreclosure rate less than 5% and less than 30 total foreclosures. The Northern Ponca Tribe serves many of the counties that were determined to be areas of greatest need.

3, 4,5, 7, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 24, 26, 27, 28, 29, 31, 32, 38, 49

The Nebraska CDBG NSP plan has been revised and Habitat for Humanity Omaha is identified as a project partner with the City of Omaha to serve households that are very low-income to meet their housing needs. Habitat for Humanity Omaha is encouraged to work with the City of Omaha in development of the City's set-aside for CDBG NSP.

6, 8 The Nebraska CDBG NSP plan includes many projects identifying the local Habitat for Humanity as a potential project partner.

9, 13, 25, 58, 59, 60 The scoring for full applications was revised and now includes an advantage for projects that were submitted as part of a pre-application during the October-November 2008 DED CDBG NSP pre-application round. This was determined to be one measure, among others, of readiness to proceed.

12 The Nebraska CDBG NSP funds must be expended in an expeditious manner; therefore, funds can not be distributed based on anticipated needs. The program; however, does allow for programs that will be available for up to two years within a community and could be responsive to some future need.

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Comment Number Response22, 62 Thank you for supporting the State of Nebraska Department of Economic

Development's plan for use of the CDBG NSP funds.30 The federal program parameters for CDBG NSP do not allow for an

acquisition/demolition of blighted structure activity. In addition, the data used to develop the plan does not identify Sherman County as an "area of greatest need" based on foreclosure rates and subprime mortgage rates. The communities in your area may very well have a great need for resources, however, unfortunately the requirements for CDBG NSP distribution do not allow for use of these funds in your area.

33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 40, 43, 45, 52, 54, 56, 57

Buffalo County is identified as an "area of greatest need" county in the CDBG NSP plan. We encourage you work with an eligible applicant to submit the project you are supportive of for funding addressing the full application scoring criteria.

41 Buffalo County and Dawson County are identified as "area of greatest need" counties in the CDBG NSP plan. We encourage you work with an eligible applicant to submit the project you are supportive of for funding addressing the full application scoring criteria.

42, 47, 48, 50, 51, 53

The plan was revised based on the data for Scotts Bluff County and now includes projects in the Panhandle. We encourage you to work with an eligible applicant to submit the project that you support for funding addressing the full application scoring criteria.

55 The Distribution and Uses of funds section of the plan has been revised. There are no funds reflected in the plan that are not targeted toward an "area of greatest need" that would be available for general distribution. All available funds, excluding $5 million set-aside to meet the 25% to serve very low-income households with housing, will be available through the application cycle outlined in the plan which could include the types of projects that you are referencing in your comment.

61 The administration fee for grantees is capped at 4% to ensure that the total administration fee for the state and grantees of 10% can be met. Additional funds may be provided for project delivery costs.

63 Rehabilitated homes in the Nebraska CDBG NSP will be required to meet the Rehabilitation standards outlined in the plan. This process includes a proper review and clearance inspection that the home meets these standards. In addition, newly constructed homes will be required to meet codes and the 2003 International Energy Conservation Code. The use of an additional home inspection is not required, but an eligible cost of the program.

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G. NSP INFORMATION BY ACTIVITY (COMPLETE FOR EACH ACTIVITY)

THE STATUS OF PROJECTS LISTED IS DETAILED IN SECTION B DISTRIBUTION AND USES OF FUNDS

DED made available to the public an application packet on March 18, 2009. Two (2) application workshops were held statewide documenting the application process, basic threshold requirements and scoring criteria. Application Guidelines were made available on March 18, 2009 and were due May 6, 2009.

All 49 applications received into DED were reviewed and scored, all applicants received an in person interview to further discuss individual projects requesting funding. Twenty-seven projects are being funded by the State of Nebraska’s Neighborhood Stabilization Program 1 (NSP1) direct allocation.

The 27 projects being funded by the State of Nebraska’s CDBG NSP1 allocation are listed below with a reference to Project Numbers and Awardees. Additional details on individual projects are available for reference upon request from DED.

Project Number Awardees Activity

NSP Funding

Area Level of Need

07 City of Bellevue Demolition of 10 structures and 2 dwelling units.

$1,000,000 1

23 City of Omaha Acquisition, demolition, redevelopment and resale of abandoned and/or foreclosed property. Acquisition, rehabilitation and resale of abandoned and/or foreclosed property. Acquisition, rehabilitation, and rent-to-own of abandoned and/or foreclosed property. Serving very-low income families.

$4,000,000 1

28 City of Omaha Redevelopment of vacant property for rental housing opportunities.

$323,100 1

27 City of Omaha Redevelopment of vacant property to housing. Open Door Mission Permanent Supportive Housing for homeless men.

$1,138,100 1

10 New Community Development Corporation

Purchase and rehabilitate abandoned, foreclosed and/or vacant residential properties for rental housing opportunities.

$540,000 1

25 Omaha Economic Development Corporation

Demolition of blighted structures and the redevelopment of demolished property into new housing.

$483,600 1

41 City of Lincoln Acquisition, rehabilitation and resale of abandoned and/or foreclosed property. Acquisition, redevelopment and resale of abandoned and/or foreclosed property. Serving very-low income families.

$1,000,000 2

40 City of Lincoln Demolition of blighted structures. Acquisition, rehabilitation and resale of abandoned, foreclosed and/or vacant properties.

$2,384,000 2

40A City of Lincoln Demolition of blighted structures. $616,000 2

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11 City of Grand Island Demolition of blighted structures and redevelopment of demolished or vacant properties into new housing.

$954,800 3

12 Housing Development Corporation

Acquisition, rehabilitation and resale of abandoned, foreclosed and/or vacant property in the communities of Grand Island and Hastings (at least 50% of the funds will be used in Grand Island).

$992,400 3

09 City of Gering Demolition of blighted structures. $265,000 444 City of Indianola Demolition of blighted structures and the

redevelopment of demolished or vacant property into an emergency storm shelter.

$679,500 4

45 City of McCook Demolition of blighted structures. $605,500 419 Western Nebraska Housing

OpportunitiesDemolition of blighted structures and redevelopment of demolished or vacant properties into new housing in the community of Scottsbluff.

$950,000 4

17 Central Nebraska Economic Development, Inc.

Demolition of blighted structures in the communities of O’Neill, St. Paul and Stuart.

$100,000 5

38 City of Auburn Demolition of blighted structures. $100,000 549 City of Central City Demolition of blighted structures. $50,000 532 City of Fairbury Demolition of blighted structures. $100,000 537 City of Falls City Demolition of blighted structures. $100,000 542 City of Kearney Demolition of blighted structures and the

redevelopment of demolished or vacant property into new housing.

$200,000 5

31 City of Tecumseh Demolition of blighted structures. $100,000 514 Dawson Area Development Redevelopment of vacant property into

Opportunity Center in the community of Lexington.

$500,000 5

24 NeighborWorks Northeast Nebraska

Acquisition, rehabilitation and resale of abandoned, foreclosed and/or vacant property in the communities of Columbus, Norfolk and Schuyler..

$300,000 5

29 Northeast Economic Development, Inc.

Demolition of blighted structures in the communities of Columbus, Dodge, Fremont, Inglewood, Madison, Norfolk, Oakland, Orchard, Plainview, Schuyler, Scribner, Snyder, Stanton, Tekamah and West Point.

$300,000 5

22 South Central Economic Development District

Demolition of blighted structures in the communities of Harvard, Holdrege and Superior.

$300,000 5

03 West Central Nebraska Development District

Demolition of blighted structures in the communities of Imperial and Ogallala.

$200,000 5

State Administration Eligible General Administration Costs $582,900 Not Applicable

Grantee (Sub-recipient) Administration

Eligible General Administration Costs $735,100 Not Applicable

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The total funds allocated to Subrecipients for projects for demolition of blighted structures only does not exceed 30% of total funds allocated to Subrecipients ($3,836,500).

Project Number

Awardees Activity NSP Funding

Area Level of Need

07 City of Bellevue Demolition of 10 structures and 2 dwelling units.

$1,000,000 1

40A City of Lincoln Demolition of blighted structures. $616,000 209 City of Gering Demolition of blighted structures. $265,000 445 City of McCook Demolition of blighted structures. $605,500 417 Central Nebraska

Economic Development, Inc.

Demolition of blighted structures in the communities of O’Neill, St. Paul and Stuart.

$100,000 5

38 City of Auburn Demolition of blighted structures. $100,000 549 City of Central City Demolition of blighted structures. $50,000 532 City of Fairbury Demolition of blighted structures. $100,000 537 City of Falls City Demolition of blighted structures. $100,000 531 City of Tecumseh Demolition of blighted structures. $100,000 529 Northeast Economic

Development, Inc.Demolition of blighted structures in the communities of Columbus, Dodge, Fremont, Inglewood, Madison, Norfolk, Oakland, Orchard, Plainview, Schuyler, Scribner, Snyder, Stanton, Tekamah and West Point.

$300,000 5

22 South Central Economic Development District

Demolition of blighted structures in the communities of Harvard, Holdrege and Superior.

$300,000 5

03 West Central Nebraska Development District

Demolition of blighted structures in the communities of Imperial and Ogallala.

$200,000 5

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PROJECT 07 – City of Bellevue - Demolition and clearance of blighted structures to prepare site to be “shovel-ready” for business development and job creation.


1. Activity Name : Coreslab Demolition and Redevelopment

2. Activity Type : (include NSP eligible use & CDBG eligible activity)

NSP Eligible Uses: §2301(c) Administration and Planning Costs (see project 26) §2301(c)(3)(D) demolish blighted structures

CDBG Eligible Activity: Administration and planning costs (see project 26) 24 CFR 570.201

(d) Clearance for blighted structures only

3. National Objective : (Must be a national objective benefiting low, moderate and middle income persons, as defined in the NSP Notice—i.e., ≤ 120% of area median income).

Benefiting all the residents of a primarily residential area in which at least 51% of the residents have incomes at or below 120% of area median income (LMMA).

4. Activity Description : Include a narrative describing the area of greatest need that the activity addresses; the expected benefit to income-qualified persons; and whether funds used for this activity will be used to meet the low income housing requirement for those below 50% of area median income.

The project meets the area of greatest need level 1 referenced in Section A of this plan.

The project benefit to income-qualified persons is removal of a blighted structure (demolition).

The project will not be used to meet the low-income housing requirement for those below 50% of area median income.

The area of greatest need addressed by this project is the former Coreslab industrial property located on the northwest corner of Fort Crook Road and Cornhusker Road and the surrounding residential neighborhoods north and west of the property. The expected benefit to income qualified persons in the area will be removal of a series of blighted structures and redevelopment leading to job creation activities benefiting LMMI persons. Due to the presence of active rail service on the property, residential redevelopment using HUD funds would be

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challenging given considerations for noise and current land use at the site. However, the property is ideal for mixed commercial/industrial use, or could have benefits serving a public use for the area, and clearance of the blighted buildings is a critical first step in redevelopment.

5. Location Description: (Description may include specific addresses, blocks or neighborhoods to the extent known.)

The project location is in Bellevue, Nebraska at the location known as the Coreslab property, on the northwest corner of the intersection of Fort Crook Road and Cornhusker Road. The property is located in Zip Code Area 68005 and 68123.

6. Performance Measures (e.g., units of housing to be acquired, rehabilitated, or demolished for the income levels of households that are 50 percent of area median income and below, 51-80 percent, and 81-120 percent).

Ten (10) blighted structures and 2 blighted dwelling units will be demolished.

7. Total Budget: (Include public and private components)

City of BellevueDemolition of Coreslab Property

NSP Funds Other FundsTotal Project

FundingSource of

Other FundsDemolition $1,000,000 $500,000 $1,500,000 General FundGeneral Administration $15,000 $ - $15,000 TOTAL $1,015,000 $500,000 $1,515,000

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8. Responsible Organization: (Describe the responsible organization that will implement the NSP activity, including its name, location, and administrator contact information).

The project will be implemented by the City of Bellevue and administered by the Metropolitan Area Planning Agency.

Applicant: City of Bellevue Gary Troutman, City Administrator

210 West Mission Avenue Bellevue, NE 68005

Phone: 402-293-3023Fax: 402-293-3081E-Mail:[email protected]

Administrator Contact: Jake Hansen Metropolitan Area Planning Agency 2222 Cuming

Holdrege, NE 68949Omaha, NE 68102-4328Phone: 402-444-6866E-mail: [email protected]

9. Projected Start Date: August 13, 2009

10. Projected End Date: August 12, 2011

11. Specific Activity Requirements:For acquisition activities, include: discount rate

This project does not include NSP acquisition activities.

For financing activities, include: range of interest rates

This project does not include NSP financing activities.

For housing related activities, include: duration or term of assistance; tenure of beneficiaries--rental or homeownership; and a description of how the design of the activity will ensure continued

affordability.

This project is not a housing related activity.

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PROJECT 23A – City of Omaha- Acquisition, demolition, new construction, and resell of abandoned and foreclosed homes that are financed by Habitat for Humanity.


1. Activity Name : Redevelopment of abandoned or foreclosed homes for Habitat for Humanity assisted homebuyers.


NSP Eligible Uses §2301(c) Administration and Planning Costs (see project 26) §2301(c)(3)(A) establish financing mechanisms for purchase and

redevelopment of foreclosed upon homes and residential properties, including such mechanisms as soft-seconds, loan loss reserves, and shared-equity loans for low- and moderate- income homebuyers;

§2301(c)(3)(B) purchase and rehabilitate homes and residential properties that have been abandoned or foreclosed upon, in order to sell, rent, or redevelop such homes and properties;

§2301(c)(3)(D) demolish blighted structures; §2301(c)(3)(E) redevelop demolished or vacant properties

CDBG Eligible Activities Administration and planning costs (see project 26) As part of an activity delivery cost for an eligible activity as defined in 24

CFR 570.206. Financing mechanisms used to carry out CDBG eligible activities listed

below. 24 CFR 570.201

(a) Acquisition(b) Disposition(e) Public services for housing counseling, but only to the extent that counseling beneficiaries are limited to prospective purchasers or tenants of the redeveloped properties(n) Direct homeownership assistance to persons whose incomes do not exceed 120% of median income.

New housing construction


Providing or improving permanent residential structures that will be occupied by a household whose income is at or below 50% of area median income (LMMH).

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The project benefit to income-qualified persons is housing.

The project will be used to meet the low-income housing requirement for those below 50% of area median income.

The purchase and redevelopment of abandoned and/or foreclosed properties program will renovate 7 homes and will address the area of the greatest need in Omaha – focusing on zip codes 68110, 68111, 68104, 68105, and 68107. These areas have been most affected by foreclosures. In addition: Beneficiaries will be homeowners at 30-50% of median income. Financing will be provided so the duration of service is 30 years or more. Affordability will be ensured through requirements in the warranty deed and

mortgage documents – Habitat will follow guidelines set forth by the NE-DED.

5. Location Description : (Description may include specific addresses, blocks or neighborhoods to the extent known.)

Primarily in the areas of North & South Omaha – zip codes 68110, 68111, 68104, 68105, and 68107. Other areas of Omaha may be included.


Seven (7) foreclosed and/or abandoned homes will be acquired and rehabilitated.

Seven (7) households with incomes at or below 50% of the Area Median Income will benefit from the housing.

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City of OmahaDemolition and Construction of New Housing Units


FundingSource of

Other FundsDemolition $60,000 $- $60,000 SF New Construction Homebuyer $940,000 $- $940,000 General Administration $ 40,000 $- $40,000 TOTAL $1,040,000 $- $1,040,000

8. Responsible Organization : (Describe the responsible organization that will implement the NSP activity, including its name, location, and administrator contact information)

The project will be implemented and administered by the City of Omaha Planning Department, Housing and Community Development Division.

Applicant & Administrative Contact:City of OmahaJames R. Thele, Assistant Planning Director1819 Farnam Street, Suite 1111Omaha, NE 68183Phone: 402-444-5206Fax: 402-444-6140E-mail: [email protected]

9. Projected Start Date : August 13, 2009

10. Projected End Date : August 12, 2012

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11. Specific Activity Requirements: For acquisition activities, include: discount rate

Properties purchased will have a purchase discount of 1% or greater than the Current Market Appraised Value for each property.


NSP financing provided will be at a 0% interest rate.

For housing related activities, include: duration or term of assistance; tenure of beneficiaries--rental or homeownership; a description of how the design of the activity will ensure continued

affordability

Duration or term of assistance – NSP will be provided as a conditional grant with an affordability period consistent with the affordability period requirements.

Tenure of beneficiaries – homeownership

Description of how the design of the activity will ensure continued affordability – the project will be subject to the affordability requirements for homebuyer housing detailed in Section C (3) of this plan.

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PROJECT 23B – City of Omaha - Acquisition, rehabilitation and resale of foreclosed and/or abandoned properties for housing serving very low-income families.


1. Activity Name : Urban Homestead Rehabilitation and Resale Program


NSP eligible uses §2301(c) Administration and Planning Costs (see project 26) §2301(c)(3)(A) establish financing mechanisms for purchase and




CDBG eligible uses Administration and planning costs (see activity 26) 24 CFR 570.201

(a) Acquisition(b) Disposition

24 CFR 570.202 Eligible rehabilitation and preservation activities for homes and other residential properties.






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The project will be used to meet the low-income housing requirement for those below 50% of area median income.The Urban Homestead Rehabilitation and Resale Program will acquire vacant abandoned and/or foreclosed upon homes within the North and South Omaha Neighborhood Revitalization Stabilization Area (NRSA).

The Urban Homestead Rehabilitation and Resale Program will meet several important needs of the NSP grant. First, the geographical focus of the Program is in areas already established to have a need for stabilization, the North and South Omaha NRSA area. Second, the Urban Homestead Program and existing City homeowner and rental rehabilitation programs and infill housing programs in these areas provide mutual support. Third, the Urban Homestead Program is designed for, and the houses will be sold to households at or below 50% of the Area Median Income.


The Acquisition, Rehabilitation, Resale Program will take place primarily in the North and South Omaha NRSA. The North NRSA is in a part of Omaha determined to be one of the most economically distressed areas of the city.

As previously described, the North and South Omaha NRSA is the targeted area for the Acquisition, Rehabilitation, Resale Program; however, any Census Block Group qualifying as a Very-Low Income area could receive NSP funding. Still, only households meeting NSP income limits of at or below 50% of AMI would qualify.

The eligible Targeted Census Block Groups for the Urban Homestead Rehabilitation and Resale Program will include:

Targeted Census Block Groups

Tract Block Groups Tract Block Group3 1, 2, 3 42 1, 24 1, 2 51 1, 2, 35 1 52 1, 26 1, 2 53 1, 2, 37 1 54 1, 2, 3, 48 1, 3 58 2, 3

11 1, 2, 3 59.01 1, 2, 312 1, 2, 3 59.02 1, 219 1, 2 60 1, 2, 3, 4, 539 1, 2 61.02 540 1, 2, 3

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Thirteen (13) foreclosed, abandoned, or vacant properties will be acquired and rehabilitated.

Thirteen (13) households with incomes at or below 50% of the Area Median Income will benefit from the homeownership program.


City of OmahaUrban Homestead Rehabilitation and Resale Program

NSP Funds Other Funds Total Project FundingSource of Other

FundsSF Purcahse/Rehab/Resale $1,350,000 $- $1,350,000 General Administration $54,000 $- $54,000 TOTAL $1,404,000 $- $1,404,000






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Properties purchased will have a purchase discount of 1% or greater than the Current Market Appraised Value for each property purchased with NSP funds.




affordability

Duration or term of assistance: 15 years.

Tenure of beneficiaries: homeownership.

Description of how the design of the activity will ensure continued affordability:

During the initial 15-year affordability period, the City of Omaha will use its resale/recapture provisions for the HOME Program for homebuyers receiving NSP assistance, if any.

If the City does not select the resale option for projects within the Area of Presumed Affordability before NSP assistance is provided to the initial homebuyer, the Recapture Requirements described above shall be used. This resale provision applies only to the affordability requirements of the project and does not nullify any terms of the mortgage/deed of trust securing the NSP-funded assistance.

The project will meet the affordability requirements detailed in Section C (3) of this plan.

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PROJECT 23C – City of Omaha - Acquisition and rehabilitation of foreclosed and/or abandoned properties for housing serving very low-income families.


1. Activity Name : Single Family CROWN Rent-to-Own Program


NSP eligible uses §2301(c) Administration and Planning Costs (see project 26) §2301(c)(3)(A) establish financing mechanisms for purchase and












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The project will be used to meet the low-income housing requirement for those below 50% of area median income.The Single-Family Rent-to-Own Program addresses several important needs of the NSP grant. First, the geographical focus of the program is in an area already established to have a need for stabilization, the North Omaha Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Area (NRSA). The Single-Family Rent-to-Own Program will acquire abandoned and/or foreclosed upon properties and return them to the occupied housing stock. Not acting on abandoned and foreclosed upon properties not only puts these units at a greater risk for further deterioration but threatens the area around each house. The units will be rented exclusively to low-income households, all households will be at or below 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI).

The program is also designed to provide decent affordable housing to qualified renters interested in homeownership. The rent-to-own feature of the program requires that households participating make progress towards homeownership by:

1. Taking homeownership training/counseling services, and 2. Setting aside a portion from each monthly rent payment to be used for

the downpayment and related cost when the household eventually buys a home.

The City of Omaha will use the approach to maintaining affordable housing with the Single-Family Rent-to-Own Program it uses with the HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME). One significant difference is the level of affordability. Unlike the HOME program, the household income level for participation in the Single-Family -to-Own Program will be at or below 50% of the Area Median Income. This legally-binding requirement will be incorporated into an agreement with the developer and will be monitored by the City of Omaha during the 20-year affordability period.


The Single-Family Rent-to-Own Program will take place primarily in the North Omaha NRSA. The North Omaha NRSA is in a part of Omaha determined to be one of the most economically distressed areas of the city. The North Omaha NRSA not only defines the area of greatest need, but approval of the area as an NRSA by HUD offers enhanced flexibility for the use of CDBG funds in a manner that promotes innovative programs. This additional flexibility in using annual/regular CDBG funds with the Single-Family ent-to-Own Program and other Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) activities will enhance the impact of all efforts to stabilize and revitalize the North Omaha NRSA.

As previously described, the North Omaha NRSA is the targeted area for the Single-Family Rent-to-Own Program; however, any Census Block Group qualifying as a Low Moderate and Middle Income (LMMI) area could receive

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Single-Family Rent-to-Own Program funding. Still, only households meeting NSP income limits of at or below 50% of AMI would qualify.

The eligible Targeted Census Block Groups for the Single-Family Rent-to-Own Program will include:

Targeted Census Block Groups

Tract Block Groups Tract Block Group3 1, 2, 3 42 1, 24 1, 2 51 1, 2, 35 1 52 1, 26 1, 2 53 1, 2, 37 1 54 1, 2, 3, 48 1, 3 58 2, 3

11 1, 2, 3 59.01 1, 2, 312 1, 2, 3 59.02 1, 219 1, 2 60 1, 2, 3, 4, 539 1, 2 61.02 540 1, 2, 3


Six (6) foreclosed and/or abandoned properties will be acquired and rehabilitated.

Six (6) households with incomes at or below 50% of the Area Median Income will benefit from the rent-to-own housing.

7. Total Budget : (Include public and private components)

City of OmahaRent-to-Own Rehabilitation Program


FundingSource of Other

FundsRehabilitation SF1-4 Unit Bldgs. $1,650,000 $- $1,650,000 General Administration $ 66,000 $- $ 66,000 TOTAL $1,716,000 $ - $1,716,000

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The project will be implemented and administered by the City of Omaha Planning Department, Housing and Community Development Division.Applicant & Administrative Contact:

City of OmahaJames R. Thele, Assistant Planning Director1819 Farnam Street, Suite 1111Omaha, NE 68183Phone: 402-444-5206Fax: 402-444-6140E-mail: [email protected]






NSP financing provided will be at a 0% interest rate


affordability

Duration or term of assistance: 20 years conditional grant.

Tenure of beneficiaries: tenants to eventually become homeowners


Upon sale to a homebuyer, at the end of the initial 20-year rental affordability period, the City of Omaha will use its resale/recapture provisions for the HOME Program for homebuyers receiving NSP assistance, if any.

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If the City does not select the resale option for projects within the Area of Presumed Affordability before NSP assistance is provided to the initial homebuyer, the Recapture Requirements described above shall be used. This resale provision applies only to the affordability requirements of the project and does not nullify any terms of the mortgage/deed of trust securing the NSP-funded assistance.


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PROJECT 28 – City of Omaha - Redevelop vacant property to provide housing for low-moderate and middle-income households at 18th & Locust Streets in Omaha.


1. Activity Name : New construction of rental housing units.


NSP Eligible Uses: §2301(c) Administration and Planning Costs (see project 26) §2301(c)(3)(E) redevelop demolished or vacant properties

CDBG Eligible Activities: Administration and planning costs (see project 26) As part of an activity delivery cost for an eligible activity as defined in 24


below. 24 CFR 570.201

(b) Disposition New housing construction







The proposed project will be a twenty-eight (28) unit affordable rental housing project, two (2) of which will be NSP1 assisted. The proposed site is a comprised of approximately 3 acres located between. The project will consist of seven 4-

93

plexes, for a total of 28 units. Twenty-four of the total units will be 2-bedroom units, while the remaining 4 units will be 3 bedrooms. The two (2) NSP1 assisted units will be rented to households with an income up to 120% of the Area Median Income. The proposed rents will not exceed the fair market rents for a 2 bedroom and 3 bedroom units that are in effect at the time of lease agreement. The project will be 100% visitable and adaptable and will include at least one handicap accessible unit.


The new construction rental housing units will be built in the North Omaha Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Area (NRSA). The North Omaha NRSA is in a part of Omaha determined to be one of the most economically distressed areas of the city.

The location of the site is Locust and Corby Streets and 18th and 19th streets in Omaha, Nebraska.


Two (2) households with incomes at or below 120% of the Area Median Income will benefit from the newly constructed rental housing.


City of OmahaNew Rental Housing Units

NSP Funds Other Funds Total Project FundingSource of

Other FundsMF New Construction Rental $323,100 $ - $323,100 General Administration $12,900 $ - $12,900 TOTAL $336,000 $ - $336,000

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9. Projected Start Date : September 30, 2009

10. Projected End Date : September 29, 2011






affordability

Duration or term of assistance – NSP will be provided as a conditional grant with a 20 year affordability period. The Period of Affordability will be determined in affordance with Periods of Affordability documented in Section C (Definitions and Descriptions) of the State of Nebraska’s CDBG NSP1 Substantial Plan Amendment.

Tenure of beneficiaries – rental

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Description of how the design of the activity will ensure continued affordability – the project will be subject to the affordability requirements for newly constructed rental housing detailed in Section C (3) of this plan.


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PROJECT 27 – City of Omaha - Redevelopment of vacant property to housing. Open Door Mission Permanent Supportive Housing for homeless men.


1. Activity Name : Open Door Mission Permanent Supportive Housing Redevelopment Project

2. Activity Type : (include NSP eligible use & CDBG eligible activity)NSP eligible uses §2301(c) Administration and Planning Costs (see project 26) §2301(c)(3)(E) redevelop demolished or vacant properties

CDBG eligible uses Administration and planning costs (see project 26) As part of an activity delivery cost for an eligible activity as defined in 24


below. 24 CFR 570.201








The project will not be used to meet the low-income housing requirement for those below 50% of area median income.The Open Door Mission Permanent Supportive Housing Redevelopment Project addresses several important needs of the NSP grant. The Open Door Mission Permanent Supportive Housing Redevelopment Project will construct 41 units of

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rental housing for homeless people on a site that is vacant, or has had a recently demolished structure on it. Providing permanent supportive housing for homeless people provides stable housing circumstances. Not providing it may prevent homeless people from achieving stable housing circumstance for themselves and stable households make for stable neighborhoods. The 41 units will be rented exclusively to low-income households, households at or below 120% the Area Median Income (AMI).

The City of Omaha will use the approach to maintaining housing affordable with the Open Door Mission Permanent Supportive Housing Redevelopment Project it uses with the HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME). One significant difference is the level of affordability. Unlike the HOME program, the household income level for participation in the Open Door Mission Permanent Supportive Housing Redevelopment Project will be at or below 120% AMI. This legally-binding requirement will be incorporated into an agreement with the developer and will be monitored by the City of Omaha during the 20-year affordability period.

The project includes the use of Low-Income Housing Tax credits, with rental limited to households at or below 60% LMI, having an initial 15-year affordability period followed by another 15-year period.

Financing includes LIHTC equity, FHLB-AHP funds, HUD Continuum of Care, NSP funds and owner equity. NSP funds will be at no interest.


The Open Door Mission Permanent Supportive Housing Redevelopment Project will take place at the southeast corner of Locust Street and 23rd Street East. The Open Door Mission considers the location of this project, near its existing facilities, critical to the overall effectiveness of this project and to its existing programs/facilities. The project is also just three blocks from the North NRSA. The North NRSA is in a part of Omaha determined to be one of the most economically distressed areas of the city. The North NRSA not only defines the area of greatest need, but approval of the area as an NRSA by HUD offers enhanced flexibility for the use of CDBG funds in a manner that promotes innovative programs. These factors are obvious advantages for the Open Door Mission Permanent Supportive Housing Redevelopment Project.

As previously described, the North NRSA is near the Open Door Mission Permanent Supportive Housing Redevelopment Project. Only households meeting NSP income limits would qualify.

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Forty-one (41) households with incomes at or below 120% of the Area Median Income will benefit from the permanent supportive housing.


City of OmahaOpen Door Mission Permanent Supportive Transitional Housing Project



Funds

MF New Construction Rental $1,138,100 $7,347,600 $8,485,700 LIHTC, AHP, HUD CoC & Owner Equity

General Administration $45,500 $ - $45,500 TOTAL $1,183,600 $7,347,600 $8,531,200






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affordability

Duration or term of assistance: conditional grant for 20 years.

Tenure of beneficiaries: tenants

Description of how the design of the activity will ensure continued affordability period: See Section C (3) of this plan for the description of how DED will ensure the continued affordability period for a new construction rental property.


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PROJECT 10 – New Community Development Corporation - Acquisition, rehabilitation and rental of foreclosed, abandoned and/or vacant properties for housing serving households at or below 120% of the area median income.


1. Activity Name : Purchase, Rehabilitation and Rental Program

2. Activity Type : (include NSP eligible use & CDBG eligible activity)NSP eligible uses §2301(c) Administration and Planning Costs (see activity 26) §2301(c)(3)(A) establish financing mechanisms for purchase and

redevelopment of foreclosed upon homes and residential properties, including such mechanisms as soft-seconds, loan loss reserves, and shared-equity loans for low- and moderate- income homebuyers


§2301(c)(3)(E) redevelop demolished or vacant properties






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The Purchase, Rehabilitation and Rental Program will acquire abandoned, foreclosed and/or vacant properties and return them to safe and decent affordable rental units in the North Omaha Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Area. The program will not only return housing units to the housing stock but will prevent already inhabitable units from being vandalized or inhabited by individuals who prey on vacant homes for the purpose to commit illegal activities.

This program will also be designed to provide decent affordable housing to qualified renters interested in homeownership. If renters are interested in homeownership opportunities, New Community Development Corporation will have a transition plan in place to assist renters into homeownership.


The Purchase, Rehab, Rental Program will take place in the North Omaha Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Area. The North Omaha NRSA is in a part of Omaha determined to be one of the most economically distressed areas of the city. The North Omaha NRSA not only defines the area of greatest need, but approval of the area as an NRSA by HUD offers enhanced flexibility for the use of CDBG funds in a manner that promotes innovative programs. The Purchase, Rehab, Rental Program will enhance the impact of all efforts to stabilize and revitalize the North Omaha NRSA.

As previously described, the North NRSA is the targeted area for the Purchase, Rehab, Rental Program. Still, only households meeting NSP income limits of at or below 120% of AMI will qualify.

The location of all activity will take place in Omaha, restricted to Zip Code Area 68104, 68110, 68111, and 68131.

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Four (4) foreclosed, abandoned, or vacant properties will be acquired and rehabilitated.

Four (4) households with incomes at or below 50% of the Area Median Income will benefit from the rental program.


New Community Development CorporationPurchase, Rehab, Rental


FundingSource of

Other FundsRehabilitation SF 1-4 Unit Bldgs. $540,000 $ - $540,000 General Administration $ 21,600 $ - $21,600 TOTAL $ 561,600 $ - $561,600


The project will be implemented by the New Community Development Corporation and administered by NeighborWorks Northeast Nebraska.

Applicant: New Community Development Corporation Felecia Howard, Housing Coordinator

1701 North 24th Street, Suite 102 Omaha, NE 68110

Phone: 402-451-2939Fax: 402-451-2595Email: [email protected]

Administrator Contact: Leslie Coleman NeighborWorks Northeast Nebraska

213 South 1st Sreet, Suite DNorfolk, NE 68701

Phone: 402-379-3311 Fax: 402-379-3377

Email: [email protected]



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affordability

Duration or term of assistance: The affordability in years will be determined in affordance with Periods of Affordability documented in Section C (Definitions and Descriptions) of the State of Nebraska’s CDBG NSP1 Substantial Plan Amendment.

Tenure of beneficiaries: tenants to eventually become homeowners.


Upon sale to a homebuyer, New Community Development Corporation will use the resale/recapture provisions for the HOME Program for homebuyers receiving NSP assistance, if any.

If the New Community Development Corporation does not select the resale option for projects within the Area of Presumed Affordability before NSP assistance is provided to the initial homebuyer, the Recapture Requirements described above shall be used. This resale provision applies only to the affordability requirements of the project and does not nullify any terms of the mortgage/deed of trust securing the NSP-funded assistance.


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PROJECT 25 – Omaha Economic Development Corporation – Acquisition of abandoned, foreclosed and/or vacant property, demolition of blighted structures and redevelopment into new housing construction.


1. Activity Name : Acquisition, Demolition, Redevelopment

2. Activity Type : (include NSP eligible use & CDBG eligible activity)NSP eligible uses §2301(c) Administration and Planning Costs (see activity 26) §2301(c)(3)(B) purchase and rehabilitate homes and residential properties

that have been abandoned or foreclosed upon, in order to sell, rent, or redevelop such homes and properties;










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The project will be used to meet the low-income housing requirement for those below 120% of area median income.Omaha Economic Development Corporation will acquire four (4) blighted structures within the North Omaha Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Area (NRSA) and prepare the sites for the demolition and redevelopment into new housing. After demolition the vacant sites will be redeveloped into Rent-to-Own single-family houses to be rented/purchased by households who qualify at or below 120% of the Area Median Income.

The Single-Family Rent-to-Own Program addresses several important needs of the NSP grant. First, the geographical focus of the program is in an area already established to have a need for stabilization. The Single-Family Rent-to-Own Program will acquire abandoned, foreclosed and/or vacant properties and return them to the occupied housing stock. Not acting on abandoned, foreclosed, and/or vacant property through the Single-Family Rent-to-Own Program not only puts these units at great risk of further deterioration but threatens the area around each house. The units would be rented exclusively to households at or below 120% of the Area Median Income (AMI).

The program is also designed to provide decent affordable housing to qualified renters interested in homeownership. The rent-to-own feature of the program requires that households participating make progress towards homeownership by:

1. Taking homeownership training/counseling services, and 2. Setting aside a portion from each monthly rent payment to be used for the

downpayment and related cost when the household eventually buys a home.


The Single-Family Rent-to-Own Program will take place primarily in the North Omaha NRSA. The North Omaha NRSA is in a part of Omaha determined to be one of the most economically distressed areas of the city.

As previously described, the North Omaha NRSA is the targeted area for the Single-Family Rent-to-Own Program; however, the location of all activity will take place in Omaha and is restricted to Zip Code Area 68104, 68110 and 68111.


Four (4) foreclosed, abandoned and/or vacant properties will be acquired, demolished and redeveloped.

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Four (4) households with incomes at or below 120% of the Area Median Income will benefit from the rent-to-own housing program.


Omaha Economic Development CorporationAcquisition, Demolition, Redevelopment



FundsDemolition $67,000 $- $67,000 SF 1-4 Unit Bldgs. Housing New Const. Rental $416,600 $ 308,400 $725,000

Permanent & Developer Financing

General Administration $19,300 $- $19,300 TOTAL $502,900 $308,400 $811,300


The project will be implemented by the Omaha Economic Development Corporation and administered by Schemmer Associates.

Applicant: Omaha Economic Development CorporationAnnette Artherton, Planning, Research and Special Projects Coordinator2221 North 24th Street

Omaha, NE 68110Phone: 402-346-2300Fax: 402-346-3368Email: [email protected]

Administrator Contact: Chris Solberg Schemmer Associates

1044 North 115th Street, Suite 300Omaha, NE 68154




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11. Specific Activity Requirements: For acquisition activities, include: discount rateProperties purchased will have a purchase discount of 1% or greater than the Current Market Appraised Value for each property purchased with NSP funds.




affordability

Duration or term of assistance: 20 years conditional grant.

Tenure of beneficiaries: tenants to eventually become homeowners


Upon sale to a homebuyer, at the end of the initial 20-year rental affordability period, the Omaha Economic Development Corporation will use the resale/recapture provisions for the HOME Program for homebuyers receiving NSP assistance, if any.

If the Omaha Economic Development Corporation does not select the resale option for projects within the Area of Presumed Affordability before NSP assistance is provided to the initial homebuyer, the Recapture Requirements described above shall be used. This resale provision applies only to the affordability requirements of the project and does not nullify any terms of the mortgage/deed of trust securing the NSP-funded assistance.


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PROJECT 41– City of Lincoln - Acquisition, rehabilitation/redevelopment, and resale of foreclosed and abandoned homes to provide homeownership opportunities to very low-income homebuyers.


1. Activity Name : Purchase, rehabilitation (or demo/ new constuction), resale.


NSP Eligible Uses: §2301(c) Administration and Planning Costs (see project 26) §2301(c)(3)(A) establish financing mechanisms for purchase and




CDBG Eligible Activities: Administration and planning costs (see project 26) As part of an activity delivery cost for an eligible activity as defined in 24


below. 24 CFR 570.201



24 CFR 570.204 Community based development organizations New housing construction

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The project meets the area of need level 2 referenced in Section A of this plan.


The project will be used to meet the low-income housing requirement for those below 50% of area median income.

The project will address the preservation of home ownership in neighborhoods with low ownership rates while still keeping the houses affordable to lower income buyers. The benefit to income-qualified persons will be a first mortgage payment within their housing cost ratios. All funds will be used to benefit those below 50% of AMI.


The location of all activity will take place in the City of Lincoln.

Priority will be given to the Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Areas (NRSA) to preserve home ownership but balanced by some economic integration in the non-LMI areas.


Two (2) abandoned and/or foreclosed housing units that are also vacant will be acquired, demolished and redeveloped

Three (3) abandoned and/or foreclosed housing units that are also vacant be acquired and rehabilitated

Five (5) households with incomes at or below 50% of the Area Median Income will benefit from the homeownership opportunities provided.

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City of LincolnAcquisition, Demolition, New Construction/Rehabilitation, Resale


FundingSource of

Other FundsDemolition $45,000 $- $45,000SF Purcahse/Rehab/Resale $790,000 $- $790,000SF New Construction $165,000 $165,000 General Administration $40,000 $- $40,000 TOTAL $1,040,000 $- $1,040,000


The project will be implemented and administered by the City of Lincoln, Urban Development Division.

Applicant & Administrative Contact:City of LincolnSteve Wertmann, Housing & Real Estate Manager808 P Street, Suite 400Lincoln, NE 68508Phone: 402-441-8621Fax: 402-441-8711E-mail: [email protected]



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The soft seconds will carry a 0% deferred payment. The first mortgage will be market rate fixed through a private lender except for Habitat which carries a below market rate first mortgage.


affordability

Duration or term of assistance: the homebuyers will carry a soft second mortgage which the function will be to make the first mortgage affordable to someone at 50% AMI. The soft second will also prevent a “windfall” profit to the owner because the below market first mortgage amount will not create instant equity for the buyer without the second being in place.

Tenure of beneficiaries: will be homeowners unless part of the funds are used for a Special Need project then the tenure will be permanent supportive housing tenant.

A description of how the design of the activity will ensure continued affordability:

Once the acquisition and rehabilitation has taken place, the house will be sold so the first mortgage payment will be affordable to a 50% AMI buyer. This will be accomplished by moving the remaining balance of the purchase price determined by an appraisal to a 0%, deferred payment second mortgage. The second mortgage will serve as the affordability mechanism for recapture of the funds if the owner sells or no longer occupies the home.


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PROJECTS 40 – City of Lincoln – Acquisition, rehabilitation, resell of foreclosed, abandoned and/or vacant properties. Demolition of blighted structures.


1. Activity Name : Acquisition, rehabilitation, resale and demolition only.


NSP Eligible Uses §2301(c) Administration and Planning Costs (see project 26) §2301(c)(3)(A) establish financing mechanisms for purchase and






below. 24 CFR 570.201

(a) Acquisition(b) Disposition(d) Clearance, for blighted structures only(e) Public services for housing counseling, but only to the extent that counseling beneficiaries are limited to prospective purchasers or tenants of the redeveloped properties(n) Direct homeownership assistance to persons whose incomes do not exceed 120% of median income.

24 CFR 570.202 Eligible rehabilitation and preservation activities for homes and other residential properties. Note that rehabilitation may include counseling for those seeking to take part in the activity.


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and





The project benefit to income-qualified persons is removal of blighted structures (demolition).


The City of Lincoln project will demolition two (2) blighted structures and will acquire 11 abandoned, foreclosed or vacant housing units that will be rehabilitated and made available for homeownership. All housing units will be sold to households at or below 120% of the Area Median Income. All activities will take place in the Everett, Near South and Malone Neighborhoods of Lincoln.


The location of all project activity will take place in Lincoln in Zip Code Areas 68502, 68503 and 68508

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Eleven (11) units of housing will be acquired, rehabilitated and sold to homebuyers.

Two (2) blighted structures will be demolished.

Eleven (11) middle-income homebuyers will benefit from the homeownership activity


City of LincolnAcquisition, Rehabilitation, Resale and Demolition


FundingSource of

Other FundsDemolition $55,000 $- $55,000 SF Purcahse/Rehab/Resale $2,329,000 $- $2,329,000 General Administration $95,000 $- $95,000 TOTAL $2,479,000 $- $2,479,000


The project will be implemented and administered by the City of Lincoln, Urban Development Division.

Applicant & Administrative Contact:City of LincolnSteve Wertmann, Housing & Real Estate Manager808 P Street, Suite 400Lincoln, NE 68508Phone: 402-441-8621Fax: 402-441-8711E-mail: [email protected]



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affordability

Tenure of beneficiaries will be homeowners.

Duration or term of assistance; the homebuyers will carry a soft second mortgage whose function will be to make the first mortgage affordable to someone between 80% and 120% AMI. The soft second will also prevent a “windfall” profit to the owner because the below market first mortgage amount will create instant equity for the buyer without the second being in place.

A description of how the design of the activity will ensure continued affordability:Once the acquisition and rehabilitation has taken place, the house will be sold so the first mortgage payment will be affordable to the income range of the buyer. This will be accomplished by moving the remaining balance of the purchase price determined by an appraisal to a 0%, deferred payment second mortgage. The second mortgage will serve as the affordability mechanism for recapture of the funds if the owner sells or no longer occupies the home.

Project will meet affordability requirements for homeownership housing in Section C. (3) of this plan.

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PROJECT 40A – City of Lincoln – Demolition of blighted structures and clearance at Assurity Life Insurance property.


1. Activity Name : Assurity Life Insurance Demolition Project


NSP Eligible Uses: §2301(c) Administration and Planning Costs (see project 26) §2301(c)(3)(D) demolish blighted structures;

CDBG Eligible Activity: Administration and planning costs (see project 26) 24 CFR 570.201

(d) Clearance for blighted structures only







The area of greatest need addressed by this project is the proposed location of the new Assurity Life Insurance building. The property is bordered by Q Street, S Street, 19th Street and 21st Street in Lincoln, Nebraska. The project will include the demolition of 11 structures.

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The project location is in Lincoln, Nebraska at the location known as the future site of the Assurity Life Insurance building. This area is bordered by Q Street, S Street, 19th Street and 21st Street. The property is located in Zip Code Area 68508.


11 blighted structures will be demolished.


City of LincolnDemolition of Assurity Life Insurance Property



FundsDemolition $616,000 $- $616,000 General Administration $25,000 $- $25,000 TOTAL $641,000 $- $641,000


The project will be implemented and administered by the City of Lincoln.

Applicant & Administrator Contract:City of LincolnSteve Werthmann, Urban Development Department808 P Street, Suite 400Lincoln, NE 68508Phone: 402-441-8621Fax: 402-441-8711 E-Mail: [email protected]

9. Projected Start Date : July 10, 2009

10. Projected End Date : July 9, 2011

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affordability.


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PROJECT 11 – City of Grand Island - Acquire demolished or vacant properties, demolish blighted structures, redevelop properties in partnership with Habitat for Humanity and the Housing Development Corporation.


1. Activity Name : Grand Island Redevelopment Project

2. Activity Type : (include NSP eligible use & CDBG eligible activity)NSP Eligible Uses §2301(c) Administration and Planning Costs (see project 26) §2301(c)(3)(D) demolish blighted structures; §2301(c)(3)(E) redevelop demolished or vacant properties

CDBG Eligible Activities Administration and planning costs (see project 26) 24 CFR 570.201

(a) Acquisition(b) Disposition(e) Public services for housing counseling, but only to the extent that counseling beneficiaries are limited to prospective purchasers or tenants of the redeveloped properties(n) Direct homeownership assistance (for persons whose income does not exceed 120% of median income)








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The City of Grant Island will acquire and demolish six (6) vacant blighted structures and redevelopment each lot into a single-family housing unit for households at or below 120% of the Area Median Income.


The location of all project activity will take place in Grand Island in Zip Code Areas 68801 and 68803.


Six (6) blighted structures will be demolished and redeveloped.

Six (6) households with incomes below 120% AMI will benefit from the homeownership activity.


City of Grand IslandAcquisition, Demolition, New Construction


FundingSource of

Other FundsDemolition $432,000 $- $432,000SF New Construction $522,800 $- $522,800General Administration $38,200 $- $38,200 TOTAL $993,000 $- $993,000


The project will be implemented and administered by the City of Grand Island.

Applicant & Administrator Contract:City of Grand IslandJoni Kuzma, Community Development Administrator100 East 1st Street

P.O. Box 1968Grand Island, NE 68802Phone: 308-385-5444, ext. 248Fax: 308-385-5423 Email: [email protected]

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affordability

duration or term of assistance;

The City of Grand Island will provide a direct subsidy to properties being purchased by homeowners with incomes at or below 120% of the Area Median Income. The City of Grand Island will secure a second mortgage in the form of a lien for a period of 10 years. This lien will be secured by a Deed of Trust and a Note to Secure the Deed of Trust will be signed by the applicant(s) and filed with the Hall County Register of Deeds. If the homebuyer lives in the house for the duration of the affordability period, the second mortgage will decrease 10% annually on the origination date, be forgiven at the end of the 10-year period, and no repayment will be required.

For individuals being assisted through properties built through Habitat For Humanity the City of Grand Island will use Resale provisions as documented in Section C. Definitions and Descriptions. The Resale provisions will be enforced through deed restrictions, covenants running with the land, or other similar mechanism to impose the requirement

Tenure of beneficiaries-- homeownership

Housing will meet affordability requirements detailed for homeownership in Section C. (3) of this plan.

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12 – Housing Development Corporation - Acquire, rehabilitate, resell foreclosed, abandoned and/or vacant homes for low-moderate-middle income homebuyers.


1. Activity Name : Purchase, Rehabilitation, Resale of Foreclosed, Abandoned, and/or Vacant Property.


NSP Eligible Uses §2301(c) Administration and Planning Costs (see project 26) §2301(c)(3)(B) purchase and rehabilitate homes and residential properties


§2301(c)(3)(E) redevelop demolished or vacant properties



below. 24 CFR 570.201



24 CFR 570.204 Community based development organizations



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The Housing Development Corporation will acquire seven (7) abandoned, foreclosed or vacant properties that will be rehabilitated and made available for homeownership in the communities of Grand Island.


The location of the project will take place in Grand Island, restricted to Zip Code Area 68801 and 68803; and Hastings, restricted to Zip Code Area 68901. Sixty percent of the total project costs are restricted to the community of Grand Island in Zip Code Area 68801 and 68803.


Seven (7) foreclosed, abandoned, and/or vacant houses will be purchased, rehabilitated, and sold to low- moderate- middle income households.

Seven (7) households with incomes below 120% AMI will benefit from the homeownership activity.


Housing Development CorporationAcquisition, Rehabilitation, Resale


FundingSource of

Other FundsSF Purchase/Rehab/Resale $992,400 $- $992,400 General Administration $39,600 $- $39,600 TOTAL $1,032,000 $- $1,032,000

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The project will be implemented and administered by the Housing Development Corporation.

Applicant & Administrator Contract:Housing Development CorporationLinda Addison, Executive DirectorP.O. Box 1005Hastings, Nebraska 68902Phone: 402-461-8407Fax: 402-461-4400 Email: [email protected]






NSP funds will be provided as deferred forgivable loans at 0% interest rate


affordability

Duration or term of assistance: Subsidy for this project will be in the form a direct assistance to the property. The homebuyer will carry a soft second mortgage which the function will be to make the first mortgage affordable to the homebuyer at 120% AMI. The soft second will be forgiven 10% each year at 0% interest, after the first year of occupancy. One-hundred percent of the direct subsidy will be forgiven after 10 years and 1 day of occupancy. The soft second mortgage will be secured with a Real Property Mortgage Lien and the signing of a Promissory Note.

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The homebuyers will carry a soft second mortgage which the function will be to make the first mortgage affordable to someone at 120% AMI. The soft second will also prevent a “windfall” profit to the owner because the below market first mortgage amount will not create instant equity for the buyer without the second being in place.

Tenure of beneficiaries: homeownership

A description of how the design of the activity will ensure continued affordability:

HDC has assisted 126 homeowners purchase homes since 1995. Of the126 families only 2 households have had mortgages foreclosed. This represents 28% of the total. The majority of these households are at or below 80% of median income and all are below 100% median income. This population group represents families that are more likely to lose their home through foreclosure due to job loss, illness, or a change in the household due to divorce or death.

HDC’s Program Design limits the household to spending 25% or less of the gross income for housing costs and requires that homebuyers are credit worthy or willing to work towards being credit worthy. Lenders have traditionally been allowing up to 32% and if there is little or no debt, as much as 41%. This type of lending practices has caused some of the foreclosure problems. Housing costs include: Principle, Interest, Taxes and Insurance (PITI). Lenders will allow up to 32%. Homes that are rehabbed by HDC meet the minimum standards as required by NDED. In addition HDC makes sure that the life expectancy of all mechanicals, roof, structure and other inspected areas of the home is at least 5 years. This ensures that the homeowner will not face expensive repairs within the first five years of purchase which is when the risk of foreclosure in highest.

All homeownership activities will meet the affordability requirements for homeownership detailed in Section C. (3) of this plan.

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PROJECT 09– City of Gering – Demolition of 10 blighted structures.


1. Activity Name : Demolition of blighted structures.


NSP Eligible Uses §2301(c) Administration and Planning Costs (see project 26) §2301(c)(3)(D) demolish blighted structures;


(d) Clearance, for blighted structures only(i) Relocation




The activity is located in area need level 4.

The project will provide an area benefit to low income persons with incomes at or below 120% area median income.

The funds used for this activity will not be used to meet the low income housing requirement for those below 50% of area median income.


The project location is in Gering, Nebraska, restricted to Zip Code Area 69341. Two (2) specific project locations will include the McKee Properties at 10th & M Streets in Gering and the former Health & Human Services Building at 1030 N Street in Gering.

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A total of 10 blighted structures will be demolished.


City of GeringDemolition of Blighted Structures


FundingSource of

Other FundsDemolition $ 265,000 $- $ 265,000 General Administration $ 10,600 $- $ 10,600 TOTAL $ 275,600 $- $ 275,600


The project will be implemented by the City of Gering and administered by the Panhandle Area Development District.

Applicant: City of Gering Lane Danielzuk, City Administrator

1025 P Street P.O. Box 687

Gering, NE 69341Phone: 308-436-5096Fax: 308-436-6899Email: [email protected]

Administrator Contact: Jeff Kelley Panhandle Area Development District 1432 10th Street

Gering, NE 69341Phone 308-436-6584

Fax: 308-436-6577 Email: [email protected]



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affordability.


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PROJECT 44 – City of Indianola – Demolish blighted structures and redevelop a demolished structure into a storm shelter.


1. Activity Name : Demolition of Blighted Structures and Development of Storm Shelter


NSP Eligible Uses§2301(c) Administration and Planning Costs (see project 26)§2301(c)(3)(D) demolish blighted structures;§2301(c)(3)(E) redevelop demolished or vacant properties

CDBG Eligible ActivitiesAdministration and planning costs (see project 26)24 CFR 570.201

(c) Public facilities and improvements(d) Clearance, for blighted structures only





The project benefit to income-qualified persons is for safety from inclement weather in a centrally-located tornado shelter.


The proposed project for the City of Indianola is to demolish blighted structures within the City of Indianola, including the demolition of a structure in the downtown area that is a definite health and safety hazard. After the demolition of the downtown building, the City is planning to construct a tornado shelter for

130

citizens in Indianola who do not have basements. The City of Indianola has HUD housing on the east side of town. The properties are built slab on grade. They also have approximately 15-20 trailer homes on scattered sites throughout the community which do not have any place to go in a tornado. The shelter would serve a void in the City’s Hazard Mitigation plan as research has shown the community needs a place for persons to go for safety during a storm. The project would benefit the entire community of which there are approximately 75% of households at or below 120% AMI. The City has been trying to rid the main street of the dilapidated structure for several years; however the lack of City funds has deterred them from completing the demolition. The NSP program will enable them to demolish this structure and redevelop the area to service the entire community with a safe place to go during inclement weather.


The location of the project will take place in Indianola, restricted to Zip Code Area 69034.


Five (5) blighted structure will be demolished.

One tornado shelter will be constructed.


City of IndianolaDemolition & New Construction of Storm Shelter

NSP FundsOther Funds Total Project Funding Source of Other Funds

Demolition $202,000 $- $202,000 Storm Shelter $477,500 $- $477,500 General Administration $27,200 $- $27,200

TOTAL $706,700.0

0 $- $706,700.00

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The project will be implemented by the City of Indianola and administered by Miller & Associates.

Applicant: City of IndianolaOna Malleck, City Clerk

P.O. Box F Indianola, NE 69034-0465

Phone: 308-364-2413Email: [email protected]

Administrator Contact: Candy Kuntz Miller & Associates 1111 Central Avenue

Kearney, NE 68848-0306Phone: 308-234-6456


9. Projected Start Date : October 1, 2009


11. Specific Activity Requirements: For acquisition activities, include:discount rate

No acquisition is planned for the project.

For financing activities, include:range of interest rates

NSP financing will be provided as a conditional grant.

For housing related activities, include:duration or term of assistance; tenure of beneficiaries--rental or homeownership; a description of how the design of the activity will ensure continued affordability

No housing activities are planned for the project.

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PROJECT 45– City of McCook – Demolition of six (6) blighted structures in the City of McCook.






(d) Clearance, for blighted structures only




The activity is located in area need level 4 reference in Section A of this plan.

The project benefit to income-qualified persons is removal of blighted structures (demolition). The project will provide an area benefit to low income persons with incomes at or below 120% area median income.


133


The project location is McCook, Nebraska, restricted to Zip Code Area 69001.

6. Performance Measures (e.g., units of housing to be acquired, rehabilitated, or demolished for the income levels of households that are 50 percent of area median income and below, 51-80 percent, and 81-120 percent).A total of six (6) blighted structures will be demolished.


City of McCookDemolition Only

NSP Funds Other Funds Total Project Funding Source of Other FundsDemolition $ 605,500 $- $ 605,500 General Administration $24,200 $ - $ 24,200 TOTAL $ 629,700 $ - $ 629,700


The project will be implemented by the City of McCook and administered by Miller & Associates.

Applicant: City of McCookKurt Fritsch, City Manager

P.O. Box 1059 McCook, NE 69001



Kearney, NE 68848-0306Phone: 308-234-6456




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affordability.


135

PROJECT 19 – Western Nebraska Housing Opportunities – Demolition of 19 structures and the redevelopment of two (2) lots into single-family housing in the City of Scottsbluff.


1. Activity Name: Demolition and redevelopment.


NSP Eligible Uses §2301(c) Administration and Planning Costs (see project 26) §2301(c)(3)(D) demolish blighted structures; §2301(c)(3)(E) redevelop demolished or vacant properties


(a) Acquisition(b) Disposition(d) Clearance, for blighted structures only (e) Public services for housing counseling, but only to the extent that counseling beneficiaries are limited to prospective purchasers or tenants of the redeveloped properties(n) Direct homeownership assistance (for persons whose income does not exceed 120% of median income)




and


136





Western Nebraska Housing Opportunities will demolish nineteen (19) vacant and blighted structures and redevelop two (2) properties into single-family housing units for households whose income is at or below 120% of the area median income.


The location of the project will take place in Scottsbluff, restricted to Zip Code Area 69361.


Nineteen (19) blighted structures will be demolished.

Two (2) households with incomes below 120% AMI will benefit from the homeownership activity.

Two (2) households with incomes at or below 120% of the Area Median Income will benefit from the homeownership opportunities provided.


Western Nebraska Housing OpportunitiesDemolition, Acquisition, New Construction


FundingSource of

Other FundsDemolition $734,000 $8,000 $742,000 WNHOSF New Construction $216,000 $- $216,000General Administration $38,000 $- $38,000 TOTAL $988,000 $ 8,000 $996,000

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The project will be implemented by the Western Nebraska Housing Opportunities and administered by City of Scottsbluff.

Applicant: Rawanda PierceWestern Nebraska Housing Opportunities

2620 College Park Scottsbluff, NE 69361


Administrator Contact: Ken Meyer City of Scottsbluff 1818 Avenue A

Scottsbluff, NE 69361Phone: 308-630-6249




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affordability

Western Nebraska Housing Opportunities will use Recapture provisions as documented in Section C. Definitions and Descriptions. The Recapture provisions will be enforced through deed restrictions, covenants running with the land, or other similar mechanism to impose the requirement


Recaptured funds from NSP will follow HUD requirements for reuse or returned to the Department of Economic Development or HUD. The City has a policy in place for recaptured funds, but it may be modified if NSP funding is awarded.


139

PROJECT 17 – Central Nebraska Economic Development, Inc. – Demolition of four (4) blighted structures in the City of O’Neill, City of St. Paul and the Village of Stuart.






(d) Clearance, for blighted structures only(i) Relocation




The activity is located in area need level 5.




The project location will include: O’Neill, Nebraska, restricted to Zip Code Area 68763; St. Paul, Nebraska, restricted to Zip Code Area 68873; and Stuart, Nebraska, restricted to Zip Code Area 68780.

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Four (4) blighted structures will be demolished.


Central Nebraska Economic Development, Inc.Demolition Only

NSP Funds Other Funds Total Project Funding Source of Other FundsDemolition $ 100,000 $ - $ 100,000 General Administration $10,000 $ - $10,000 TOTAL $ 110,000 $ - $ 110,000


The project will be implemented and administered by the Central Nebraska Economic Development, Inc.

Applicant & Administrator Contract:Central Nebraska Economic Development, Inc. Judy PetersenP.O. Box 201Chambers, NE 68725Phone: 402-482-5711Fax: 402-482-5632Email: [email protected]



141

11. Specific Activity Requirements:For acquisition activities, include: discount rate





affordability.


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PROJECT 38 – City of Auburn – Demolition of five (5) blighted structures in the City of Auburn. G. NSP INFORMATION BY ACTIVITY (COMPLETE FOR EACH ACTIVITY)









The activity is located in area need level 5 as referenced in Section A of this plan.




The project location will be in Auburn, Nebraska, restricted to Zip Code Area 68305.

143


Five (5) blighted structures will be demolished.


City of AuburnDemolition Only



The project will be implemented by the City of Auburn and administered by the Southeast Nebraska Development District.

Applicant: City of Auburn Sherry Heskett, City Clerk

P.O. Box 352 Auburn, NE 68305


Administrator Contact: Kevin Burnison Southeast Nebraska Development District P.O. Box 308

Humboldt, NE 68376Phone: 402-862-2201




144

11. Specific Activity Requirements:

For acquisition activities, include: discount rate





affordability.


145

PROJECT 49 – City of Central City – Demolition of five (5) blighted structures in the City of Central City. G. NSP INFORMATION BY ACTIVITY (COMPLETE FOR EACH ACTIVITY)









The activity is located in area need level 5 as reference in Section A of this plan.




The project location will be the City of Central City, Nebraska, restricted to Zip Code Area 68826.

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City of Central CityDemolition Only



The project will be implemented by the City of Central City and administered by the South Central Economic Development District.

Applicant: City of Central City Chris Anderson, City Administrator

P.O. Box 418 Central City, NE 68826


Administrator Contact: Sharon Hueftle South Central Economic Development District 1320 Valerie Drive

Holdrege, NE 68949Phone: 308-995-3190




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affordability.


148

PROJECT 32 – City of Fairbury – Demolition of five (5) blighted structures in the City of Fairbury. G. NSP INFORMATION BY ACTIVITY (COMPLETE FOR EACH ACTIVITY)













The project location will be the City of Fairbury, Nebraska, restricted to Zip Code Area 68352.

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City of FairburyDemolition Only

NSP

Funds Other Funds Total Project Funding Source of Other FundsDemolition $ 100,000 $ - $ 100,000 General Administration $10,000 $ - $10,000 TOTAL $ 110,000 $ - $ 110,000


The project will be implemented by the City of Fairbury and administered by the Southeast Nebraska Development District.

Applicant: City of Fairbury Joe Parker, City Administrator

P.O. Box 554 Fairbury, NE 68352


Administrator Contact: David Taladay Southeast Nebraska Development District

2631 O StreetLincoln, NE 68510

Phone: 402-475-2560 Fax: 402-475-2794




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affordability.


151

PROJECT 37 – City of Falls City – Demolition of five (5) blighted structures in the City of Falls City. G. NSP INFORMATION BY ACTIVITY (COMPLETE FOR EACH ACTIVITY)













The project location will be the City of Falls City, Nebraska, restricted to Zip Code Area 68355.

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City of Falls CityDemolition Only



The project will be implemented by the City of Falls City and administered by the Southeast Nebraska Development District.

Applicant: City of Falls City Gary Jorn, City Clerk

1820 Towle Street Falls City, NE 683555


Administrator Contact: Kevin Burnison Southeast Nebraska Development District P.O. Box 308

Humboldt, NE 68376Phone: 402-862-2201




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affordability.


154

PROJECT 42 – City of Kearney – Demolition of five (5) blighted structures and the redevelopment of two (2) properties into singe family housing units for homeownership in partnership with Habitat for Humanity.


1. Activity Name : Demolition and redevelopment.


NSP Eligible Uses §2301(c) Administration and Planning Costs (see project 26) §2301(c)(3)(D) demolish blighted structures; §2301(c)(3)(E) redevelop demolished or vacant properties


(a) Acquisition(b) Disposition(d) Clearance, for blighted structures only (e) Public services for housing counseling, but only to the extent that counseling beneficiaries are limited to prospective purchasers or tenants of the redeveloped properties(i) Relocation(n) Direct homeownership assistance (for persons whose income does not exceed 120% of median income)




and


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The City of Kearney will demolish five (5) identified vacant and blighted structures and redevelop two (2) properties into single-family housing units for households whose income is at or below 120% of the area median income.


The project location will be in Kearney, restricted to Zip Code Area 68845 and 68847.


Five (5) blighted structures will be demolished and redeveloped.

Two (2) properties will be redeveloped into new housing.

Two (2) households with incomes below 120% AMI will benefit from the homeownership activity.


City of KearneyAcquisition, Demolition, New Construction


Other FundsDemolition $55,850 $7,500 $63,350 SF New Construction $144,150 $- $144,150General Administration $10,000 $- $10,000 TOTAL $210,000 $ 7,500 $217,500

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The project will be implemented by the City of Kearney and administered by Miller & Associates.

Applicant: City of KearneySuzanne Brodine, Grants & Marketing Coordinator

P.O. Box 1180 Kearney, NE 68848



Kearney, NE 68848-0306Phone: 308-234-6456




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affordability

The City of Kearney will use Resale provisions as documented in Section C. Definitions and Descriptions. The Resale provisions will be enforced through deed restrictions, covenants running with the land, or other similar mechanism to impose the requirement



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PROJECT 31 – City of Tecumseh – Demolition of five (5) blighted structures in the City of Tecumseh. G. NSP INFORMATION BY ACTIVITY (COMPLETE FOR EACH ACTIVITY)












5. Location Description: (Description may include specific addresses, blocks or neighborhoods to the extent known.)

The project location will be the City of Tecumseh, Nebraska, restricted to Zip Code Area 68450.

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City of TecumsehDemolition Only



The project will be implemented by the City of Tecumseh and administered by the Southeast Nebraska Economic Development District.

Applicant: City of Tecumseh Paula Darling, City Clerk

P.O. Box 417 Tecumseh, NE 68450


Administrator Contact: David Taladay Southeast Nebraska Development District

2631 O StreetLincoln, NE 68510

Phone: 402-475-2560 Fax: 402-475-2794




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affordability.


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PROJECT 14 – Dawson Area Development – Redevelopment of a vacant property in Lexington into “The Opportunity Center”.


1. Activity Name : Redevelopment of a vacant building.


NSP Eligible Uses §2301(c) Administration and Planning Costs (see project 26) §2301(c)(3)(E) redevelop demolished or vacant properties


(c) Public facilities and improvements






The proposed project is to renovate a vacant and blighted public building into what is being called “The Opportunity Center.” The project involved renovating 9,354 square feet into classrooms, meeting rooms, a conference room and a computer lab, which will be made available to the public for educational training and community programs.


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The location of the project will be in Lexington, restricted to Zip Code Area 68850.


Redevelopment of one (1) vacant property.


Dawson Area DevelopmentRedevelopment of Vacant Property

NSP Funds Other Funds Total Project FundingSource of Other

FundsCommunity Center $500,000 $- $500,000 General Administration $12,000 $- $12,000 TOTAL $512,000 $- $512,000


The project will be implemented and administered by the Dawson Area Development.

Applicant & Administrator Contract:Jennifer Wolf, Executive DirectorDawson Area DevelopmentP.O. Box 106Cozad, NE 69130Phone: 308-784-3902Fax: 308-784-3941Email: [email protected]



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No acquisition is planned for the project.


NSP financing will be provided as a conditional grant.


affordability

No housing activities are planned for the project.

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PROJECT 24 – NeighborWorks Northeast Nebraska - Acquire, rehabilitate, resell foreclosed, abandoned or vacant homes for low-moderate-middle income homebuyers.


1. Activity Name : NSP Purchase/Rehab/Resell


NSP Eligible Uses §2301(c) Administration and Planning Costs (see project 26) §2301(c)(3)(B) purchase and rehabilitate homes and residential properties


2301 (d)(3)(E) redevelop demolished or vacant properties.



below. 24 CFR 570.201



24 CFR 570.204 Community based development organizations



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NeighborWorks® Northeast Nebraska intends to utilize NDED CDBG NSP funds to purchase, rehabilitate and resell four (4) foreclosed, abandoned or vacant homes in the communities. All four (4) homes will be sold to beneficiaries with up to 120% of the area median income per the most recent HUD income limits for the county of residence.


Eligible communities for this program include: Columbus, restricted to the Zip Code Area 68601; Norfolk, restricted to the Zip Code Area 68701; and Schuyler, restricted to the Zip Code Area 68661


Four (4) foreclosed, abandoned or vacant homes will be purchased, rehabilitated and sold to qualified homebuyers.

Four (4) households with incomes between at or below 120% AMI will benefit from the homeownership activity.


NeighborWorks Northeast NebraskaAcquisition, Rehabilitation, Resale


Other FundsSF Purchase/Rehab/Resale $300,00 $- $300,00 General Administration $12,000 $- $12,000 TOTAL $312,000 $- $312,000

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The project will be implemented and administered by the NeighborWorks Northeast Nebraska.

Applicant & Administrator Contract:Leslie ColemanNeighborWorks Northeast Nebraska 213 South 1st Sreet, Suite DNorfolk, NE 68701




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NSP financing will have an interest rate range of 0%.


affordability

Duration or term of assistance: The term of assistance will be for the time the homeowner owns and occupies the home acquired through the NSP Purchase/Rehab/Resell program.

Tenure of beneficiaries – homeownership.

A description of how the design of the activity will ensure continued affordability: NeighborWorks® Northeast Nebraska intends to purchase the foreclosed, abandoned or vacant properties at a minimum of a 1% discount of the appraised value. Upon ownership NeighborWorks® Northeast Nebraska will coordinate the necessary rehabilitation work to the property and resell it to the income-qualified homebuyer.

The affordability requirements for the project will meet the requirements for homeownership detailed in Section C. (3) of this plan.

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PROJECT 29 – Northeast Economic Development, Inc. – Demolition of six (6) blighted structures. Eligible communities for this project include Columbus, Dodge, Fremont, Inglewood Madison, Norfolk, Oakland, Orchard, Plainview, Schuyler, Scribner, Snyder, Stanton, Tekamah and West Point. G. NSP INFORMATION BY ACTIVITY (COMPLETE FOR EACH ACTIVITY)












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Eligible communities for this program include: Columbus, Nebraska, restricted to Zip Code Area 68601; Dodge, Nebraska, restricted to Zip Code Area 68633; Fremont, Nebraska, restricted to Zip Code Area 68025; Inglewood, Nebraska, restricted to Zip Code Area 68025; Madison, Nebraska, restricted to Zip Code Area 68748; Norfolk, Nebraska, restricted to Zip Code Area 68701; Oakland, Nebraska, restricted to Zip Code Area 68045; Orchard, Nebraska, restricted to Zip Code Area 68764; Plainview, Nebraska, restricted to Zip Code Area 68769; Schuyler, Nebraska, restricted to Zip Code Area 68661; Scribner, Nebraska, restricted to Zip Code Area 68057; Snyder, Nebraska, restricted to Zip Code Area 68664; Stanton, Nebraska, restricted to Zip Code Area 68779; Tekamah, Nebraska, restricted to Zip Code Area 68061; and West Point, Nebraska, restricted to Zip Code Area 68788.




Northeast Economic Development, Inc.Demolition Only

NSP Funds Other Funds Total Project Funding Source of Other FundsDemolition $ 300,000 $ - $300,000 General Administration $12,000 $ - $12,000 TOTAL $ 312,000 $ - $ 312,000

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The project will be implemented by the Northeast Economic Development, Inc. and administered by the Northeast Nebraska Economic Development District.

Applicant: Northeast Economic Development, Inc. Thomas Higginbotham, Jr.

111 South 1st Street Norfolk, NE 68701


Administrator Contact: Lisa HurleyNortheast Nebraska Economic Development District 111 South 1st StreetNorfolk, NE 68701

Phone: 402-379-1150 Fax: 402-379-9207










affordability.

171


172

PROJECT 22 – South Central Economic Development District – Demolition of eight (8) blighted structures. Eligible communities for this program include Harvard, Holdrege, and Superior. G. NSP INFORMATION BY ACTIVITY (COMPLETE FOR EACH ACTIVITY)



NSP Eligible Uses§2301(c) Administration and Planning Costs (see project 26)§2301(c)(3)(D) demolish blighted structures;

CDBG Eligible ActivitiesAdministration and planning costs (see project 26)24 CFR 570.201









Eligible communities for this program include: Harvard, Nebraska, restricted to Zip Code Area 68944; Holdrege, Nebraska, restricted to Zip Code Area 68949; and Superior, Nebraska, restricted to Zip Code Area 68978.

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Eight (8) blighted structures will be demolished.


South Central Economic Development DistrictDemolition Only

NSP Funds Other Funds Total Project Funding Source of Other FundsDemolition $ 300,000 $ - $300,000 General Administration $12,000 $ - $12,000 TOTAL $ 312,000 $ - $ 312,000


The project will be implemented and administered by the South Central Nebraska Development District.

Applicant & Administrator Contract:South Central Economic Development District Sharon Hueftle1320 Valerie DriveHoldrege, NE 68949Phone: 308-995-3190Fax: 308-995-3190Email: [email protected]



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For acquisition activities, include:discount rate


For financing activities, include:range of interest rates


For housing related activities, include:duration or term of assistance; tenure of beneficiaries--rental or homeownership; anda description of how the design of the activity will ensure continued affordability.

This project is not a housing related activity..

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PROJECT 03 – West Central Nebraska Development District – Demolition of ten (10) blighted structures in Imperial and Ogallala.











The project benefit to income-qualified persons by demolishing blighted structures.



The location of demolition of blighted structures will take place in Ogallala, restricted to Zip Code Area 69153 and Imperial, restricted to Zip Code Area 69033.

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Ten (10) blighted structures will be demolished benefitting low- moderate- middle income persons.


West Central Nebraska Development DistrictDemolition of Blighted Structures

NSP Funds Other Funds Total Project Funding Source of Other FundsDemolition $200,000 $ - $200,000General Administration $10,000 $ - $10,000 TOTAL $210,000 $ - $210,000


The project will be implemented and administered by the West Central Nebraska Development District.

Applicant & Administrator Contract:West Central Nebraska Development DistrictCJ PoltackP.O. Box 599 Ogallala, NE 69153Phone: 308-284-6077Fax: 308-284-6070Email: [email protected]



177







affordability.


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Projects 25 & 26 (Combined) - GENERAL ADMINISTRATION AND PLANNING COSTS – Nebraska Department of Economic Development – Administration and planning for the State of Nebraska CDBG NSP. NDED CDBG NSP Grantees (Subrecipients) – Administration and planning costs.


1. Activity Name : State Administration and Grantee (subrecipient) Administration


NSP Eligible Uses §2301(c) Administration and Planning Costs

CDBG Eligible Activities Administration and planning costs


Providing or improving permanent residential structures that will be occupied by a household whose income is at or below 120% of area median income (LMMH). Acquisition, Rehabilitation, Rental, Sale, Conversion, Construction of

Housing Units Homeownership Assistance All Units must be occupied by those meeting the low- moderate- and middle-

income requirement.

Benefiting all the residents of a primarily residential area in which at least 51% of the residents have incomes at or below 120% of area median income (LMMA). Demolition, Community Facilities

Serving a limited clientele whose incomes are at or below 120 % of area median income (LMMC). Public facilities such as emergency shelters, group homes

179


The activity address area of greatest need levels 1-5 referenced in Section A of this plan.

The activity benefit to income-qualified persons is housing, demolition of blighted structures, community facilities, and commercial development to create jobs for low-moderate- middle-income persons.

The State administration and Grantee (subrecipient) administration will not be used to meet the low-income housing requirement for those below 50% of area median income.


Location of projects listed in Section G of the plan Projects 1-24.


Performance measures listed by project in Section G of the Plan


Source- Neighborhood Stabilization

Program

Total

UseState: General administration costs that can not be attributed to specific project activities

$582,900 $582,900

Grantees (subrecipients) General administration costs that can not be attributed to specific project activities

$735,100 $735,0001

Total General Administration $1,318,000 $1,318,000


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Responsible organization: Nebraska Department of Economic Development, PO Box 94666, Lincoln, NE 68509

Administrator: Lara Huskey, same address, (402) 471-3759, [email protected]

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9. Projected Start Date : September 29, 2008 Pre-award March 10, 2009

10. Projected End Date : February 12, 2013




General administration is not a financing activity.


affordability

General administration is not a housing or housing related activity.

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CERTIFICATIONS

(1) Affirmatively furthering fair housing. The jurisdiction will affirmatively further fair housing, which means that it will conduct an analysis to identify impediments to fair housing choice within the jurisdiction, take appropriate actions to overcome the effects of any impediments identified through that analysis, and maintain records reflecting the analysis and actions in this regard.

(2) Anti-lobbying. The jurisdiction will comply with restrictions on lobbying required by 24 CFR part 87, together with disclosure forms, if required by that part.

(3) Authority of Jurisdiction. The jurisdiction possesses the legal authority to carry out the programs for which it is seeking funding, in accordance with applicable HUD regulations and other program requirements.

(4) Consistency with Plan. The housing activities to be undertaken with NSP funds are consistent with its consolidated plan, which means that NSP funds will be used to meet the congressionally identified needs of abandoned and foreclosed homes in the targeted area set forth in the grantee’s substantial amendment. (5) Acquisition and relocation. The jurisdiction will comply with the acquisition and relocation requirements of the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970, as amended (42 U.S.C. 4601), and implementing regulations at 49 CFR part 24, except as those provisions are modified by the Notice for the NSP program published by HUD.

(6) Section 3. The jurisdiction will comply with section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 (12 U.S.C. 1701u), and implementing regulations at 24 CFR part 135.

(7) Citizen Participation. The jurisdiction is in full compliance and following a detailed citizen participation plan that satisfies the requirements of Sections 24 CFR 91.105 or 91.115, as modified by NSP requirements.

(8) Following Plan. The jurisdiction is following a current consolidated plan (or Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy) that has been approved by HUD.

(9) Use of funds in 18 months. The jurisdiction will comply with Title III of Division B of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 by using, as defined in the NSP Notice, all of its grant funds within 18 months of receipt of the grant.

(10) Use NSP funds ≤ 120 of AMI. The jurisdiction will comply with the requirement that all of the NSP funds made available to it will be used with respect to individuals and families whose incomes do not exceed 120 percent of area median income.

183

(11) Assessments. The jurisdiction will not attempt to recover any capital costs of public improvements assisted with CDBG funds, including Section 108 loan guaranteed funds, by assessing any amount against properties owned and occupied by persons of low- and moderate-income, including any fee charged or assessment made as a condition of obtaining access to such public improvements. However, if NSP funds are used to pay the proportion of a fee or assessment attributable to the capital costs of public improvements (assisted in part with NSP funds) financed from other revenue sources, an assessment or charge may be made against the property with respect to the public improvements financed by a source other than CDBG funds. In addition, with respect to properties owned and occupied by moderate-income (but not low-income) families, an assessment or charge may be made against the property with respect to the public improvements financed by a source other than NSP funds if the jurisdiction certifies that it lacks NSP or CDBG funds to cover the assessment.

(12) Excessive Force. The jurisdiction certifies that it has adopted and is enforcing: (1) a policy prohibiting the use of excessive force by law enforcement agencies within its jurisdiction against any individuals engaged in non-violent civil rights demonstrations; and (2) a policy of enforcing applicable State and local laws against physically barring entrance to or exit from, a facility or location that is the subject of such non-violent civil rights demonstrations within its jurisdiction.

(13) Compliance with anti-discrimination laws. The NSP grant will be conducted and administered in conformity with title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000d), the Fair Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 3601-3619), and implementing regulations.

(14) Compliance with lead-based paint procedures. The activities concerning lead-based paint will comply with the requirements of part 35, subparts A, B, J, K, and R of this title.

(15) Compliance with laws. The jurisdiction will comply with applicable laws.

_________________________________ _____________ Signature/Authorized Official Date

___________________ Title

PLEASE SEE ATTACHMENT FOR SIGNED CERTIFICATIONS AND SF - 424

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NSP Substantial Amendment Checklist

For the purposes of expediting review, HUD asks that applicants submit the following checklist along with the NSP Substantial Amendment and SF-424.

Contents of an NSP Action Plan Substantial AmendmentJurisdiction(s): ____State of Nebraska___________Lead Agency Nebraska Department of Economic DevelopmentJurisdiction Web Address: http://www.neded.org(URL where NSP Substantial Amendment materials are posted)

NSP Contact Person: Lara HuskeyAddress: PO Box 94666 Telephone: 402-471-3759Fax: 402-471-8405Email: [email protected]

The elements in the substantial amendment required for the Neighborhood Stabilization Program are:

A. AREAS OF GREATEST NEEDDoes the submission include summary needs data identifying the geographic areas of greatest need in the grantee’s jurisdiction?

Yes X No . Verification found on pages _2-11____.

B. DISTRIBUTION AND USES OF FUNDSDoes the submission contain a narrative describing how the distribution and uses of the grantee’s NSP funds will meet the requirements of Section 2301(c)(2) of HERA that funds be distributed to the areas of greatest need, including those with the greatest percentage of home foreclosures, with the highest percentage of homes financed by a subprime mortgage related loan, and identified by the grantee as likely to face a significant rise in the rate of home foreclosures?

Yes X No . Verification found on pages ___11-_16_.

Note: The grantee’s narrative must address the three stipulated need categories in the NSP statute, but the grantee may also consider other need categories.

C. DEFINITIONS AND DESCRIPTIONSFor the purposes of the NSP, do the narratives include:

a definition of “blighted structure” in the context of state or local law, Yes X No .Verification found on page _16-18____.

a definition of “affordable rents,”Yes X No . Verification found on page _18-19____.

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a description of how the grantee will ensure continued affordability for NSP assisted housing, Yes X No .Verification found on pages _19-25____.

a description of housing rehabilitation standards that will apply to NSP assisted activities? Yes X No . Verification found on pages __25-39___.

D. LOW INCOME TARGETING Has the grantee described how it will meet the statutory requirement that at least

25% of funds must be used to purchase and redevelop abandoned or foreclosed upon homes or residential properties for housing individuals and families whose incomes do not exceed 50% of area median income?Yes X No . Verification found on page _39____.

Has the grantee identified how the estimated amount of funds appropriated or otherwise made available will be used to purchase and redevelop abandoned or foreclosed upon homes or residential properties for housing individuals or families whose incomes do not exceed 50% of area median income? Yes X No . Verification found on page _39____.

Amount budgeted = $_5,000,000____.

E. ACQUISITIONS & RELOCATION Does grantee plan to demolish or convert any low- and moderate-income dwelling units?

Yes X No . (If no, continue to next heading)Verification found on page __40___.

If so, does the substantial amendment include: The number of low- and moderate-income dwelling units—i.e., ≤ 80% of area

median income—reasonably expected to be demolished or converted as a direct result of NSP-assisted activities?Yes X No . Verification found on page _40____.

The number of NSP affordable housing units made available to low- , moderate-, and middle-income households—i.e., ≤ 120% of area median income—reasonably expected to be produced by activity and income level as provided for in DRGR, by each NSP activity providing such housing (including a proposed time schedule for commencement and completion)?Yes X No . Verification found on page _40____.

The number of dwelling units reasonably expected to be made available for households whose income does not exceed 50 percent of area median income?Yes X No . Verification found on page __40___.

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F. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIODWas the proposed action plan amendment published via the grantee jurisdiction’s usual methods and on the Internet for no less than 15 calendar days of public comment?

Yes X No . Verification found on page __41___.

Is there a summary of citizen comments included in the final amendment? Yes X No Verification found on pages _41-_70___.

G. INFORMATION BY ACTIVITYDoes the submission contain information by activity describing how the grantee will use the funds, identifying:

eligible use of funds under NSP,Yes X No . Verification found on pages _71-173____.

correlated eligible activity under CDBG,Yes X No .Verification found on page __71-173___.

the areas of greatest need addressed by the activity or activities, Yes X No .Verification found on page _71-173____.

expected benefit to income-qualified persons or households or areas, Yes X No .Verification found on page _71-173____.

does the applicant indicate which activities will count toward the statutory requirement that at least 25% of funds must be used to purchase and redevelop abandoned or foreclosed upon homes or residential properties for housing individuals and families whose incomes do not exceed 50% of area median income?Yes X No . Verification found on page _71-173____.

appropriate performance measures for the activity,Yes X No . Verification found on page _71-173____.

amount of funds budgeted for the activity, Yes X No . Verification found on page _71-173____.

the name, location and contact information for the entity that will carry out the activity,

Yes X No . Verification found on page _71-173____.

expected start and end dates of the activity?Yes X No . Verification found on page _71-173____.

If the activity includes acquisition of real property , the discount required for acquisition of foreclosed upon properties,

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If the activity provides financing , the range of interest rates (if any),


If the activity provides housing, duration or term of assistance,


tenure of beneficiaries (e.g., rental or homeownership),Yes X No . Verification found on page _71-173___.

does it ensure continued affordability?Yes X No . Verification found on page _71-173____.

H. CERTIFICATIONS The following certifications are complete and accurate:

(1) Affirmatively furthering fair housing Yes X No(2) Anti-lobbying Yes X No(3) Authority of Jurisdiction Yes X No(4) Consistency with Plan Yes X No(5) Acquisition and relocation Yes X No(6) Section 3 Yes X No(7) Citizen Participation Yes X No(8) Following Plan Yes X No(9) Use of funds in 18 months Yes X No(10) Use NSP funds ≤ 120 of AMI Yes X No(11) No recovery of capital costs thru special assessments Yes X No(12) Excessive Force Yes X No(13) Compliance with anti-discrimination laws Yes X No(14) Compliance with lead-based paint procedures Yes X No(15) Compliance with laws Yes X No

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