DHCD cover letter-affordability restriction-lots to Emerson Way LLC-WF4.12.2020
April 12, 2020
Department of Housing and Community Development
Attn: Affordability Restriction Approvals
100 Cambridge St, Suite 300
Boston, MA 02114
Re: Emerson Way Affordable Housing Restriction, Burts Pit Road, Northampton
To whom it may concern,
The City of Northampton is selling six lots while retaining Affordable Housing Restrictions on those lots
(three to Emerson Way LLC and three to Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity). We are requesting DHCD
approval on M.G.L. Chapter 184 of these restrictions.
This project is consistent with the City’s housing goals
It is part of a limited conservation development project which City Council (9/1/2016) and the
Mayor (9/2/2016) for the purpose of protecting open space (105 acres) and creating building lots
some of which would be dedicated for affordable housing.
The project is consistent with the Northampton Open Space, Recreation, and Multiuse Trail Plan
(2018‐2025), which calls for creating building lots so open space projects do not artificially inflate
the value of land, making housing less affordable.
The project is consistent with the City’s Sustainable Northampton Comprehensive Plan (2008),
Housing Needs Analysis and Strategic Housing Plan (2011) CDBG Consolidated Plan (2015), its
Unlocking Opportunity: An Assessment of Barriers to Fair Housing in Northampton (2019) all of
which endorse projects like this, and consistent with the PVPC regional planning.
When the city created this limited development plan, it did a detailed analysis of the parent 110 acre
parcel, identified the best land to be retained for open space and a bike path (105 acres) and the best
land to be kept for housing. There were no other proposals then, or now, by any government agencies I
the city for any other use of this land.
Attached are:
1. The City Council order for this project showing City Council and the Mayor’s approval.
2. The City’s CDBG Consolidated Plan (without the annual action report or project section).
3. Documentation of the advertisement in the Daily Hampshire Gazette newspaper (1/9 and
1/28/2019) and in the Central Register (1/28/2019) as proof of compliance with M.G.L. c. 30B.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Wayne Feiden, FAICP
Director of Planning & Sustainability
Executive Summary
ES-05 Executive Summary - 24 CFR 91.200(c), 91.220(b)
1. Introduction
The City of Northampton is pleased to submit to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development the Annual Action Plan and Five Year Consolidated Plan for FY2015-2020. This document
contains a needs assessment gleaned from a variety of data sources, citizen input, targeted
consultations and a short and long term strategic plan. Although the amount of Community
Development Block Grant funds allocated to the City continues to decrease, our community remains
committed to providing high quality services to those most in need in Northampton.
2. Summary of the objectives and outcomes identified in the Plan Needs Assessment
Overview
The City of Northampton, through the citizen participation process, targetted consultations and data
analysis, has identified fourteen areas of priority need that will be addressed over the next five years.
Those priority needs are as follows:
Homelessness prevention, support for the emergency shelter system, creation of new rental housing for
individuals, creation of new rental housing for families, preservation of existing rental stock, housing
rehabilitation for homeownership units, affordable homeownership opportunities for families, housing
for at-risk and special populations, economic development activities focused on economic
empowerment and income maximization, housing support services for those at risk of homelessness,
addressing basic needs such as food, shelter and health care, elimination of slums and blight to facilitate
development of new housing and economic opportunities, improvements to public facilities and public
infrastructure.
The City will allocate CDBG funds to the extent they are available and support efforts to leverage those
funds to operate successful programs and bring projects to fruition.
3. Evaluation of past performance
The City’s Community and Economic Development Office reviewed the activities, goals and outcomes
from the previous Consolidated Plan. With the final payment of the senior center debt service paid in
the previous program year, the City will have the latitude to add new programs. This evaluation, added
to feedback received during the meetings held for the Consolidated Plan process, gives a clearer picture
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of activities and goals to accomplish over the next five years. High priority projects were completed and
the public services grantees provided much needed social services to the low and moderate income
households in Northampton.
Accomplishments as of December 31, 2014 for program year 2014-2015 include:
• Final payment of debt service obligation for the construction of a full-service Senior Center was
made this program year. The balance remaining on the obligation will be paid by the City.
• Demolition was completed at 23 Laurel Street. This was an abandoned and dilapidated farm
house on a parcel owned by the Northampton Housing Authority. Removal of this property
eliminated a neighborhood blight and will allow for future development of affordable
homeownership.
• Small business technical assistance was provided to 6 new businesses and 4 existing businesses
by the Valley CDC. Assistance included: support with preparation of business plans and financial
projections, marketing and access to financing.
• Valley CDC administered a homeownership program providing residents education in both
attaining and sustaining affordable homeownership. Referrals to HOME-funded opportunities
and down payment assistance grants were provided.
• Twelve social service agencies provided services to 4,725 low and moderate income residents.
Assistance included: outreach to and advocacy for Latino households; housing support services
for residents in SRO's; adult basic education, computer and employment training for
immigrants; legal assistance for eviction prevention; soup kitchen, food pantry and emergency
shelter operational assistance.
Final details of accomplishments and analysis of performance will be reported in the CAPER.
4. Summary of citizen participation process and consultation process
Citizen input for community planning is on-going throughout the year. Monthly meetings of the
Northampton Housing Partnership, the Next Step Collaborative and the Community Preservation
Committee locally provide regular venues for information exchange. On the regional level, the Individual
Services Committee, the Family Services Committee and the Committee on Unaccompanied Youth meet
monthly gathering service providers from all 4 Western Mass. counties through the Network to End
Homelessness. The Pioneer Valley Planning Commission's Regional Housing Plan Implementation and
Fair Housing committees meet quarterly, as does the Network's Leadership Council and Committee on
Housing Sex Offenders. The Western Mass. Inter-Agency Council on Housing and Homelessness also
meets quarterly, strategizing on how to break down State agency silos that impede holistic service
delivery.
Specifically for the preparation of the ConPlan and Annual Action plan, discussions on priority
community needs took place at all local meetings and several Network Committee meetings held
between January 1 and May 8, 2015. Two public hearings were held with outreach to the broader
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community and 11 targeted consultations were conducted. The funds for the public services awards
were allocated through a competitive application process during which 12 interviews were conducted by
the AdHoc Public Services Review Committee in early March. All meetings were posted and open to the
public.
5. Summary of public comments
Renee Moss / Big Brothers Big Sisters was unable to attend the meeting but e-mailed this comment:
“As always, I think the need for services for children and youth are very important. Our waiting list
continues to grow with Northampton children who are low income and in need of mentors. Most
referrals are from other agencies or schools. I think it is important to provide services for families facing
challenges that are the results of poverty, mental illness, histories of domestic violence, etc. The children
and youth are the victims of the economic and social disparity we see in communities like Northampton.
Quality activities for after-school time have the potential to even the playing field and break these cycles
and also provide respite for parents, many of of whom are raising their children on their own.
No other comments were received.
6. Summary of comments or views not accepted and the reasons for not accepting them
There were no comments that were not accepted.
7. Summary
The impediments to affordable housing access in Northampton relate to cost burden and lack of
availability. With the City of Northampton being included in the Springfield Standard Metropolitan
Statistical Area the fair market rents allowed are not high enough for landlords to participate in the
program. Rental assistance is needed for low and moderate income households to afford rental rates in
Northampton's strong housing market. The City will support efforts to create new units with rental
subsidies and support services to insure viable tenancies. Through public service grantee awards, the
City will support efforts to maintain the safety net for those most challenged in our community. The City
is committed to securing funding where possible and facilitate venues where coordination and
collaboration can insure the most efficient and effective utilization of those resources.
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The Process
PR-05 Lead & Responsible Agencies 24 CFR 91.200(b)
1. Describe agency/entity responsible for preparing the Consolidated Plan and those
responsible for administration of each grant program and funding source
The following are the agencies/entities responsible for preparing the Consolidated Plan and
those responsible for administration of each grant program and funding source.
Agency Role Name Department/Agency
Lead Agency NORTHAMPTON
CDBG Administrator Community and Economic
Development
HOPWA Administrator
HOME Administrator
HOPWA-C Administrator
Table 1 – Responsible Agencies
Narrative
Consolidated Plan Public Contact Information
Mayor's Office City of Northampton
Community and Economic Development Department
Margaret Keller 413-587-1288 pkeller@northamptonma.gov
Cam Leon 413-587-1286 cleon@northamptonma.gov
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PR-10 Consultation - 91.100, 91.200(b), 91.215(l)
1. Introduction
The City of Northampton is composed of dedicated professionals and volunteers working towards
creating a city and region that is diverse, affordable and welcoming to all. Our area is known across the
Commonwealth for being innovative, collaborative and results oriented. Beginning in 1997, the City of
Northampton oversaw the largest Continuum of Care geography in the State in order to secure
McKinney funding for regional programming. When 10 regional networks to end homelessness were
created by the Commonwealth in 2005, western Massachusetts also responded to that challenge and
created successful partnerships, brought in funding, secured grants and tackled the difficult issues. Ours
is one of the few remaining regional networks and is supported by a line item in the State budget and
private fundraising. The Western Mass. Inter-Agency Council on Housing and Homelessness was also
one of the first, and one of the few that remain outside of the State and Federal level bodies. Our
collaborations have staying power and enjoy the support of area legislators. Several pilot projects, such
as the REACH Program and Secure Jobs Connect, originated here and became best practice models
nationwide.
Provide a concise summary of the jurisdiction’s activities to enhance coordination between
public and assisted housing providers and private and governmental health, mental health
and service agencies (91.215(I)).
The City of Northampton sponsors and participates in multiple venues that encourage exchange and
collaboration. It has an active Housing Partnership (since 1990), Human Rights Commission, Community
Preservation Committee, Social Services and Veterans Affairs City Council Committee, a Community
Preservation Committee and an Affordable Housing Trust. It served as the lead agent for the Continuum
of Care for 16 years and was instrumental in the formation of the Western Mass Network to End
Homelessness. It participates in Valley CDCâ¿¿s support services provider meetings, the Inter-Faith
Winter Emergency Shelter Program Management Committee and hosts monthly networking meetings
with housing and homeless service providers called the Next Step Collaborative (meeting since 1994).
The City has a fruitful working relationship with our local affordable housing development partner,
Valley CDC and HAPHousing, the regional housing agency. Two housing partnership members also sit on
the Housing Authority Board of Commissioners to facilitate coordination. The City administers 12-15
public service CDBG grants and maintains close working relationships with the grantees. The
Department of Mental Health, the Veterans Administration, Soldier On and Eliot Homeless Services are
present at most local and regional meetings and are active community partners.
Describe coordination with the Continuum of Care and efforts to address the needs of
homeless persons (particularly chronically homeless individuals and families, families with
children, veterans, and unaccompanied youth) and persons at risk of homelessness
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The City of Northampton, with regional partners, created the Three County Continuum of Care (Franklin,
Hampshire and Hampden) and served as the lead agent from 1997 until 2012. The Hilltown Community
Development Corporation now serves as the lead (reconfigured to include Berkshire, Franklin and
Hampshire counties) and Northampton remains an active partner. The COC is tracking the homeless and
their progress through the system via the ever evolving HMIS. The Western Mass Network to End
Homelessness (Berkshire, Franklin, Hampshire and Hampden counties) has a committee system that CoC
participants (Three County and Springfield/Hampden county) work through. There is an Individual
Services Committee, Family Services Committee, Veteranâ¿¿s Committee, Unaccompanied Youth as well
as Community Engagement and Data Collection. Committee meetings are rotated between
Northampton and Springfield for easy access. It is served by a Leadership Council with broad geographic
and affiliation diversity. Service providers participate in REACH (Regional Engagement and Assessment
of the Chronically Homeless. REACH meetings are held monthly in all counties. Providers come together
to discuss specific clients and conduct coordinated case management to locate permanent supported
housing.
The City awarded Highland Valley Elder Services a CDBG public services grant this year to identify and
serve elders at risk of homelessness in the community. The Housing Partnership was awarded funds for
a Community Housing Supportive Services Coordinator to work through a vendor agency to stabilize
families facing eviction. Several CDBG public service grantees, operating programs for many years also
focus on preventing homelessness.
Describe consultation with the Continuum(s) of Care that serves the jurisdiction's area in
determining how to allocate ESG funds, develop performance standards and evaluate
outcomes, and develop funding, policies and procedures for the administration of HMIS
The City of Northampton does not receive ESG funds directly from HUD. ESG funding for the 3-County
Rural CoC is allocated by the MA Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) through
a competitive process. Two providers within the CoC receive funding. The application is submitted by
Community Action, the CAP Agency, on behalf of Hampshire and Franklin Counties. DHCD solicits input
from the CoC on funding priorities. As part of the CoC governance structure, the CoC engages in an
annual discussion with the CoC membership about this application process and what needs should be
prioritized. Funds in the past few years have been applied to Prevention Services due to the high
number of homeless families in motels. State funding allocations are informed by the Point in Time
counts and other data reports produced through HMIS. The CoC shares ESG monitoring duties with
DHCD. The CoC HMIS administration is funded by HUD, through an annual McKinney renewal application
process. HMIS policies and procedures were set up when that initial application went in, and is revised
as needed when HUD data requirements change
2. Describe Agencies, groups, organizations and others who participated in the process
and describe the jurisdictions consultations with housing, social service agencies and other
entities
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Table 2 – Agencies, groups, organizations who participated
1 Agency/Group/Organization CASA LATINA, INC.
Agency/Group/Organization Type Services - Housing
Services-Elderly Persons
Services-Persons with Disabilities
Services-Health
Services-Education
Services-Employment
Neighborhood Organization
What section of the Plan was
addressed by Consultation?
Housing Need Assessment
Anti-poverty Strategy
How was the
Agency/Group/Organization consulted
and what are the anticipated outcomes
of the consultation or areas for
improved coordination?
Meeting held with Interim Board President and Board
Members, Sherry Hall-Smith and Eneida Garcia on March
17th to discuss agency's strategic plan,board
development,staffing capacity and consumer needs. Sole
organization serving the Latino population in Hampshire
County.
2 Agency/Group/Organization Center for Human Development
Agency/Group/Organization Type Housing
Services - Housing
Services-Children
Services-Persons with Disabilities
Services-homeless
Services-Health
What section of the Plan was
addressed by Consultation?
Housing Need Assessment
Homeless Needs - Families with children
Anti-poverty Strategy
How was the
Agency/Group/Organization consulted
and what are the anticipated outcomes
of the consultation or areas for
improved coordination?
Meeting held with Jane Banks, Director of Homeless
Services on March 27th. Discussion addressed SRO
Outreach Project work in Northampton with individuals
at risk of homelessness, new project to serve families at
risk of homelessness and general status of homeless
families in shelter and motels in the region.
3 Agency/Group/Organization Center for New Americans
Agency/Group/Organization Type Services-Education
What section of the Plan was
addressed by Consultation?
Anti-poverty Strategy
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How was the
Agency/Group/Organization consulted
and what are the anticipated outcomes
of the consultation or areas for
improved coordination?
Met with Executive Director Russell Bradbury Carlin and
Development Director Laurie Millman on December 3,
2104.Discussion focused on new programming for
immigrant services, collaboration with The Literacy
Project, the Pioneer Valley Workers Center, the area
community colleges and Adult Basic Education programs
in the region. Noted challenges their students face
pursuing language, education and employment
opportunities.
4 Agency/Group/Organization City of Easthampton
Agency/Group/Organization Type Other government - Local
What section of the Plan was
addressed by Consultation?
Market Analysis
How was the
Agency/Group/Organization consulted
and what are the anticipated outcomes
of the consultation or areas for
improved coordination?
Telephone update with Jessica Allen, Easthampton Town
Planner on April 9, 2015. Got updates on affordable
housing, community development, economic
development, infrastructure projects and homelessness.
Discussion focused on sharing information and
identifying areas of collaboration. Learned the
afffordability ranges of 2 major housing projects coming
on line there, helps know what income ranges are being
served between our 2 communities. Their demand is for
one bedroom units in the 30%ami range, rather than
larger family units.
5 Agency/Group/Organization Northampton Senior Services
Agency/Group/Organization Type Services-Elderly Persons
Municipal Department Elder Services and Senior Center
Grantee Department
What section of the Plan was
addressed by Consultation?
Housing Need Assessment
How was the
Agency/Group/Organization consulted
and what are the anticipated outcomes
of the consultation or areas for
improved coordination?
CDBG RFP sent directly to Director Patricia Shaughnessy.
Met with staff October 8, 2014 about offering
welcoming programming for the Latino community and
discussed program needs. CDBG made last payment on
the Senior Center construction debt service, so no
additional funds can be applied to operating or
maintenance.
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6 Agency/Group/Organization Northampton Department of Public Works
Agency/Group/Organization Type Municipal Department/Infrastructure Projects
Grantee Department
What section of the Plan was
addressed by Consultation?
Economic Development
How was the
Agency/Group/Organization consulted
and what are the anticipated outcomes
of the consultation or areas for
improved coordination?
CDBG Request for Proposals sent directly to the
Department. Several conversations with DPW Director
Ned Huntley throughout the year to identify potential
eligible projects to include in the program planning and
Action Plans.
7 Agency/Group/Organization Northampton Health Department
Agency/Group/Organization Type Health Agency
Grantee Department
What section of the Plan was
addressed by Consultation?
Lead-based Paint Strategy
How was the
Agency/Group/Organization consulted
and what are the anticipated outcomes
of the consultation or areas for
improved coordination?
Email on April 3, 2015 and follow up conversations held
with Ed Smith,Health Inspector in the City's Health
Department relative to the lead based paint strategy.
Worked with Merridith O'Leary during 2014 on
developing a task force to investigate smoke free public
housing, in conjunction with the Northampton Housing
Authority. several tenant forums have been held and
joint meeting with the Board of Health and the Housing
Authority Board of Commissioners. Legal services reps
on the Housing Partnership were concerned about
people with addictions being evicted from public
housing if they couldn't stop smoking. Work
continues.BOH also secured a 500,000 three year
planning grant to address heroin addiction in Hampshire
County and are forming a Task Force to begin the effort.
8 Agency/Group/Organization Northampton Veterans Services
Agency/Group/Organization Type Planning organization
Services - Veterans
Grantee Department
What section of the Plan was
addressed by Consultation?
Homelessness Needs - Veterans
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How was the
Agency/Group/Organization consulted
and what are the anticipated outcomes
of the consultation or areas for
improved coordination?
Meet monthly with Northampton Veteran's Agent. Steve
Connor is a regular participant at the Next Step
Collaborative. Provides regular input into the housing
and support services needs of local Veterans, the region
and the State. Mr. Connor serves as the Chair of the .
The Western Mass. Network to End Homelessness has a
Veterans Committee that meets monthly. They have
created a Resource Inventory, are working on a central
intake form, get updates on Springfield's participation in
the Zero 2016 campaign, created a Chapter 115
Veterans Benefits Information Flier and a VSO tracking
sheet, are working on a centralized Coordinated Entry
Release of Information for coordinated case
management and are coordinating with Eliot CHS
Homeless Services to do targeted street outreach to
unsheltered Veterans.
9 Agency/Group/Organization Community Action of the Franklin, Hampshire and North
Quabbin Regions, Inc.
Agency/Group/Organization Type Services-Children
Services-homeless
Services-Health
Services-Education
Services-Employment
CAP Agency
What section of the Plan was
addressed by Consultation?
Homelessness Needs - Unaccompanied youth
Anti-poverty Strategy
How was the
Agency/Group/Organization consulted
and what are the anticipated outcomes
of the consultation or areas for
improved coordination?
Regional CAP Agency staff came to the two public
hearings. They are also a CDBG public services grantee
so the City interacts with their staff regularly. Their
family and child care programs utilize the James House
and Vernon Street School, both City owned. The annual
community needs assessment they conduct is utilized by
City staff for program planning and evaluation.
10 Agency/Group/Organization Community Legal Aid, Inc.
Agency/Group/Organization Type Services - Housing
Services-Persons with Disabilities
Services-Victims of Domestic Violence
Services-homeless
Service-Fair Housing
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What section of the Plan was
addressed by Consultation?
Housing Need Assessment
Lead-based Paint Strategy
Public Housing Needs
Homelessness Strategy
Non-Homeless Special Needs
Anti-poverty Strategy
How was the
Agency/Group/Organization consulted
and what are the anticipated outcomes
of the consultation or areas for
improved coordination?
Community Legal Aid is a CDBG grantee so City staff
interact with them regularly. During the CDBG public
services interview process, CLA was asked about client
needs, trends and issues, so data is gathered through
that process for community planning purposes. Two of
the local staff attorneys are members of the Housing
Partnership, so input is received regularly there also. A
new project to stabilize at risk households in their
housing will partner CLA and the Center for Human
Development for eviction prevention activities. The
impetus for the project came from CLA initiative.
11 Agency/Group/Organization Cooley Dickinson Healthy Communities
Agency/Group/Organization Type Services-Persons with Disabilities
Services-Persons with HIV/AIDS
Services-Health
Publicly Funded Institution/System of Care
What section of the Plan was
addressed by Consultation?
Community physical and mental health issues
How was the
Agency/Group/Organization consulted
and what are the anticipated outcomes
of the consultation or areas for
improved coordination?
Telephone conversation with Jeff Harness, Director of
Western Mass Center for Healthy Communities, a
division of Cooley Dickinson Hospital. Hospital recently
merged with Mass General Hospital system and has a
new CEO, very community oriented. Hospital has pool of
grants they disperse, so coordination with CDBG is
important. Both City and CDH focused on bolstering staff
capacity and services at Casa Latina because they do
medical translation services at the hospital and do
outreach for the Health Care Connect Navigator and
Mass Health programs.CDH sponsors The Positive Place,
which is the HIV/Aids services organization for the
county.
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12 Agency/Group/Organization Department of Children and Families
Agency/Group/Organization Type Services-Children
Child Welfare Agency
Publicly Funded Institution/System of Care
Other government - State
What section of the Plan was
addressed by Consultation?
Housing Need Assessment
Homelessness Strategy
Homeless Needs - Families with children
How was the
Agency/Group/Organization consulted
and what are the anticipated outcomes
of the consultation or areas for
improved coordination?
Central West Regional Director sits on the Western
Mass. Inter Agency Council on Housing and
Homelessness. This is a quarterly meeting of state
agencies that work on homelessness issues to facilitate
silo busting and increase public system coordination.
City staff used to coordinate the WMIC meetings and
although did not consult directly with the agency
Director, quarterly meeting minutes articulate updates
on issues and trends.
13 Agency/Group/Organization Department of Developmental Services
Agency/Group/Organization Type Services-Persons with Disabilities
Other government - State
What section of the Plan was
addressed by Consultation?
Non-Homeless Special Needs
How was the
Agency/Group/Organization consulted
and what are the anticipated outcomes
of the consultation or areas for
improved coordination?
Email inquiry and follow up conversations with Dan
Lunden, Central West Regional Director and Jennifer
Rush, Information on current housing inventory for their
clients, waiting list numbers and unmet housing and
support services needs were ascertained for program
planning. The planned project on Burts Pit Road for 10
DDS clients through the Housing Authority has stalled at
the State level for years due to lack of funding, so
addressing other ways to meet the need is an outcome
of the consultation.
14 Agency/Group/Organization Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community
Development
Agency/Group/Organization Type Services - Housing
Other government - State
What section of the Plan was
addressed by Consultation?
Public Housing Needs
Economic Development
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How was the
Agency/Group/Organization consulted
and what are the anticipated outcomes
of the consultation or areas for
improved coordination?
State does an Annual Action Plan and Consolidated Plan
for HUD. Those plans, drafts and final, are available on
Department of Housing and Community Development's
website. City staff review the drafts to see what
direction the State is going for targeting resources. The
Draft Action Plan for 2013 is the latest document posted,
however. The Western Mass. rep, Alvina Brevard is the
past chair of the W.Mass Inter-agency Council on
Housing and Homelessness. She gives updates at the
quarterly meetings and is accessible to get information
regularly. Her office is in Springfield.
15 Agency/Group/Organization Department of Public Health
Agency/Group/Organization Type Services-Health
Other government - State
What section of the Plan was
addressed by Consultation?
Lead-based Paint Strategy
How was the
Agency/Group/Organization consulted
and what are the anticipated outcomes
of the consultation or areas for
improved coordination?
Massachusetts Department of Public Health Childhood
Lead Poisoning Prevention Program publishes statistics
by City/Town that are utilized for program planning.
Fiscal Year 2012 is the latest posting, which indicate no
incidences of blood lead levels. Of children 9-48 months,
65% of the population was screened and for children 6-
72 months, 41% of the population was screened.
Information was also examined for opiate addiction,
which is an issue approaching epidemic proportions in
the State. City staff will stay abreast of the Hampshire
County Task Force on Opiate Addiction, being facilitated
by the Northampton Board of Health.
16 Agency/Group/Organization Massachusetts Department of Mental Health
Agency/Group/Organization Type Services-Persons with Disabilities
Services-homeless
Other government - State
What section of the Plan was
addressed by Consultation?
Homelessness Needs - Veterans
Anti-poverty Strategy
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How was the
Agency/Group/Organization consulted
and what are the anticipated outcomes
of the consultation or areas for
improved coordination?
Email and telephone follow up with AnneMarie
Martineau, and Chris Zabik, Western Mass. Housing and
Employment Coordinator. Information gathered
regarding number of clients served in Northampton and
Hampshire County, waiting list numbers and plans for
creation of new units.
17 Agency/Group/Organization Department of Transitional Assistance
Agency/Group/Organization Type Services - Housing
Services-homeless
Services-Employment
Other government - State
What section of the Plan was
addressed by Consultation?
Homelessness Strategy
Homeless Needs - Families with children
Non-Homeless Special Needs
Anti-poverty Strategy
How was the
Agency/Group/Organization consulted
and what are the anticipated outcomes
of the consultation or areas for
improved coordination?
Joanne Glier,Assistant Director, facilitates the quarterly
meetings of the Western Mass. Network to End
Homelessness. During those meetings, each State
agency representative gives updates on regional activity
of their agency relative to homeless services. Minutes
reviewed regularly to ascertain DTA activity, changing
regulations, numbers served, linkage with housing
search workers from DHCD stationed at the DTA offices
and issues and trends.
18 Agency/Group/Organization PIONEER VALLEY HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
Agency/Group/Organization Type Housing
What section of the Plan was
addressed by Consultation?
Housing Need Assessment
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How was the
Agency/Group/Organization consulted
and what are the anticipated outcomes
of the consultation or areas for
improved coordination?
City staff consult regularly,(twice in April) about new
development possibilities for Habitat projects. Currently
investigating the Cooke Avenue site and one off of Route
10 on the Easthampton line. The Planning Department
often does limited development projects in conjunction
with open space land acquisition. Habitat is the only
affordable housing developer that can do projects of 6
units or less, so we work with them regularly. Have done
Pine Brook Curve, Ryan Road, Westhampton Rd.,
Cahillane Terrace and the Garfield Ave. 5 unit
subdivision is finishing up this year.
19 Agency/Group/Organization Franklin Hampshire Career Center
Agency/Group/Organization Type Services-Employment
What section of the Plan was
addressed by Consultation?
Anti-poverty Strategy
How was the
Agency/Group/Organization consulted
and what are the anticipated outcomes
of the consultation or areas for
improved coordination?
Representatives of the Career Center participate in the
Northampton Collaborative Educational Consortium.
Quarterly meetings are held with Adult Basic Education
providers, International Language Institute, The Literacy
Project and the Center for New Americans. Other
participants include the community colleges and
Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
grantees. Discussions focus on improving outreach and
services for those either challenged by language or are
not job ready. Consultations have resulted in a greater
emphasis on soft skills - resume writing, interviewing
techniques, expectations of the job site and computer
skills.
20 Agency/Group/Organization Hampshire County United Way
Agency/Group/Organization Type Regional organization
What section of the Plan was
addressed by Consultation?
Anti-poverty Strategy
Consolidated Plan NORTHAMPTON 15
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015)
How was the
Agency/Group/Organization consulted
and what are the anticipated outcomes
of the consultation or areas for
improved coordination?
City staff consult regularly with Jim Ayres, the Executive
Director of the United Way. Most of the CDBG public
services grantees also receive funds from the United
Way. We have had discussions in the past about
consolidating funding application processes to make it
easier on applicants. The United Way conducts surveys
and needs assessments that the City uses for program
planning, as many of our goals are the same. The United
Way, with its fundraising campaign and allocations
process, as well as community needs assessments do a
great job bringing awareness of social needs of local
residents to the broader community.
21 Agency/Group/Organization HAP Housing
Agency/Group/Organization Type Housing
What section of the Plan was
addressed by Consultation?
Housing Need Assessment
How was the
Agency/Group/Organization consulted
and what are the anticipated outcomes
of the consultation or areas for
improved coordination?
Consultations with HAP Housing occur regularly. We are
working on a very significant affordable housing
development now. HAPHousing and Valley CDC are our
affordable housing development community partners.
HAP serves the Pioneer Valley Region whereas Valley
serves Northampton Easthampton and AMherst. There
is no competition between the two agencies, they work
well together. HAP would only do a project in
Northampton if Valley was not able. There was a time
when HAP took on the larger more complicated projects
and Valley operated at a smaller scale, but Valley is also
doing a very large new construction project in
Northampton, so we work with them both. The COO of
HAPHousing was the past chair of the Northampton
Housing Partnership for 3 years and still serves on the
Committee.
22 Agency/Group/Organization Highland Valley Elder Services
Agency/Group/Organization Type Services-Elderly Persons
What section of the Plan was
addressed by Consultation?
Housing Need Assessment
Anti-poverty Strategy
Consolidated Plan NORTHAMPTON 16
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015)
How was the
Agency/Group/Organization consulted
and what are the anticipated outcomes
of the consultation or areas for
improved coordination?
Highland Valley is a CDBG public services grantee this
year for the second year. Due to that, we have more
contact with them. During the application process, the
interview process and the quarterly reporting and
monitoring, we have a much better sense of the work
the organization does and the needs they identify. Last
year we did a project with them to identify at risk elders
in the community due to feedback from the shelter
providers and the SRO Outreach worker relative to the
older people they are seeing. Connections were
improved with HVES's Protective Services Division and
two forums were held by HVES so they could meet and
learn more about services in the community.
23 Agency/Group/Organization THE LITERACY PROJECT
Agency/Group/Organization Type Services-Education
Services-Employment
What section of the Plan was
addressed by Consultation?
Homelessness Needs - Unaccompanied youth
Anti-poverty Strategy
How was the
Agency/Group/Organization consulted
and what are the anticipated outcomes
of the consultation or areas for
improved coordination?
The Literacy Project is a CDBG Public Services grantee, a
tenant in the James House and a lead facilitator of the
NCEC (Educational Collaborative) so we interact with
them regularly. The CDBG project assists their students
with issues other than the actual GED training. It is called
Pathways to Success. It addresses all the other obstacle
people face as they pursue their educational and
employment goals, such as language barriers, child care,
transportation, food security, basic computer skills,
guidance counseling. It sees the student holistically. So
feedback during the application process, the quarterly
reports and monitoring informs the City for program
planning relative to barriers people face.
24 Agency/Group/Organization MANNA SOUP KITCHEN, INC.
Agency/Group/Organization Type Services-homeless
Food Security Homelessness Prevention
What section of the Plan was
addressed by Consultation?
Homelessness Strategy
Anti-poverty Strategy
Consolidated Plan NORTHAMPTON 17
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015)
How was the
Agency/Group/Organization consulted
and what are the anticipated outcomes
of the consultation or areas for
improved coordination?
MANNA staff are consulted during the CDBG Public
Services application phase and throughout the program
year via quarterly reports and monitoring. Program
planning at the City level is impacted when numbers
increase at the meal sites, when the numbers of people
that are housed come to the meals ( indicators of food
insecurity, incomes going to housing costs rather than
food, need for socialization) and or when numbers of
homeless coming to the meals increases (indicators of
increased numbers of unsheltered homeless).
25 Agency/Group/Organization MASS FAIR HOUSING CENTER
Agency/Group/Organization Type Service-Fair Housing
What section of the Plan was
addressed by Consultation?
Anti-poverty Strategy
How was the
Agency/Group/Organization consulted
and what are the anticipated outcomes
of the consultation or areas for
improved coordination?
For many years, until last year, the MFHC was a CDBG
Public Services grantee. They still do complaint
processing and workshops in Northampton but they no
longer apply for funds. They put on an annual fair
housing conference with a variety of workshops that City
staff attend. We are meeting with them in May to
discuss updating the Analysis of Impediments.
HAPHousing has a person who works on fair housing
issues and landlord tenant issues. John Fisher attended
the March Housing Partnership meeting to discuss the
Interim Rule, update us on municipal responsibilities
under the new rule and to strategize about how best to
accomplish outreach and education when workshop
attendance is low and the people most in need of the
information don't attend. The Pioneer Valley Regional
Planning Commission has a fair housing section in their
recently completed Knowledge Corridor Plan. City staff
participate in that regional effort. Northampton is a
"community of opportunity" so our goal is to increase
access for households looking to move from Hampden
County ( Springfield/Holyoke area) which have high
levels of poverty and segregation. The Northampton
Housing Partnership has reviewed the AI
recommendations and implements tasks every year to
further the goals.
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26 Agency/Group/Organization Northampton Housing Authority
Agency/Group/Organization Type PHA
What section of the Plan was
addressed by Consultation?
Public Housing Needs
How was the
Agency/Group/Organization consulted
and what are the anticipated outcomes
of the consultation or areas for
improved coordination?
2 members of the Northampton Housing Partnership sit
on the Housing Authority Board of Commissioners. This
is a new development in order to increase collaboration
and flow of information. The Assistant Director attends
CDBG Public Hearings and supplied the information for
this ConPlan related to unit numbers, issues, trends,
capital improvement plans and tenant empowerment.
The NHA is in the process of hiring a new Executive
Director. Once that hire is made, City staff will meet with
them to pursue the development of the 2 remaining
parcels deeded to the NHA when the State Hospital
closed ( Laurel Street and Burts Pit Road ).
27 Agency/Group/Organization Northampton Survival Center
Agency/Group/Organization Type Provision of Food
What section of the Plan was
addressed by Consultation?
Anti-poverty Strategy
How was the
Agency/Group/Organization consulted
and what are the anticipated outcomes
of the consultation or areas for
improved coordination?
The NSC is a CDBG public services grantee, so we stay in
touch with them through the application and monitoring
process. During site visits, City staff talk alot about the
profiles of the clients, who they are ( race, ethnicity,
homeless, housed, housed where ) and what their needs
are. Their community room is used for life skills,
nutrition and health, cooking classes and they are
looking to offer additional topics that will contribute to
housing stabilization such as financial literacy trainings.
The NSC is a good barometer to gauge stability and
distress in local households with low and very low
incomes. The Client Services Director attended the CDBG
interview and provided a great deal of relevant
information.
28 Agency/Group/Organization A Positive Place
Agency/Group/Organization Type Services-Persons with HIV/AIDS
What section of the Plan was
addressed by Consultation?
HOPWA Strategy
Consolidated Plan NORTHAMPTON 19
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How was the
Agency/Group/Organization consulted
and what are the anticipated outcomes
of the consultation or areas for
improved coordination?
Staff of the Positive Place attend the Next Step
Collaborative meetings facilitated by City staff for
housing and homeless service providers monthly. We
talk often about the difficulty finding affordable units for
their clients in Northampton. Updates are given
regularly about numbers of those with HIV/Aids, support
services being offered and service system gaps, and the
philosophy of the new leadership at the local hospital
which houses the program. Info. was provided for the
Conplan related to numbers served, numbers on the
waiting list and challenges and trends.
29 Agency/Group/Organization SAFE PASSAGE
Agency/Group/Organization Type Services-Victims of Domestic Violence
What section of the Plan was
addressed by Consultation?
Homeless Needs - Families with children
How was the
Agency/Group/Organization consulted
and what are the anticipated outcomes
of the consultation or areas for
improved coordination?
Anthia Elliot, Program Director at Safe Passage attends
the Next Step Collaborative meetings monthly. Anthia
provides updates on numbers seen, trends, issues, who
is presenting at their Shelter, household compositions,
support service needs. Through those discussions, we
have identified the need for transitional housing for
families experiencing domestic violence. City staff is in
communication with the Director to identify how to
accomplish that. Friends of the Homeless are
investigating a target population for their third house (
they have purchased two and partnered with service
agencies), which might address this need. The
Community Preservation Act funds would be applied for.
A project such as this would provide "next step" housing
options for families who need more time than allowed
for in their local emergency shelter. Work continues.
30 Agency/Group/Organization ServiceNet, Inc.
Agency/Group/Organization Type Services-Children
Services-Persons with Disabilities
Services-Persons with HIV/AIDS
Services-homeless
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OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015)
What section of the Plan was
addressed by Consultation?
Housing Need Assessment
Homelessness Strategy
Homeless Needs - Chronically homeless
Homeless Needs - Families with children
Homelessness Needs - Veterans
Anti-poverty Strategy
How was the
Agency/Group/Organization consulted
and what are the anticipated outcomes
of the consultation or areas for
improved coordination?
City staff interact with Shelter and Housing staff at
ServiceNet regularly. The Hampshire County Program
Director and the Resource Center staff attend the Next
Step Collaborative monthly meetings. They tell us if they
are at capacity, where they are moving people out to,
the number of turn aways, characteristics of the
population, town of origin, etc. so we can plan
accordingly. The winter shelter operates from November
to April so numbers swell with the anticipation of the
opening, but we try to gauge if all the local sheltering
programs can meet the need. We also hear from the
Street Outreach Clinician ( Eliot Homeless Services )
about the numbers of unsheltered living outside so we
can anticipate the numbers coming in for the winter.
Northern migration from the Hampden county programs
is monitored so we can plan accordingly. Between the
annex in Easthampton and the relatively new program in
Amherst, we have housed the majority of those looking
for shelter. Turnaways are the result of being
intoxicated, more than capacity issues. The Amherst is a
wet shelter and opens later so they can usually take
turnaways from here. Monitoring is done as well
because the Grove Street Inn year round shelter and the
Interfaith Winter shelter are CDBG public service
grantees.
31 Agency/Group/Organization Stavros
Agency/Group/Organization Type Services-Persons with Disabilities
What section of the Plan was
addressed by Consultation?
Non-Homeless Special Needs
Consolidated Plan NORTHAMPTON 21
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015)
How was the
Agency/Group/Organization consulted
and what are the anticipated outcomes
of the consultation or areas for
improved coordination?
Stavros is the regional advocacy agency for people with
disabilities. City staff co sponsor workshops with their
agency on fair housing laws so people are not denied
access or reasonable accommodation in housing and are
aware of their rights. We did a workshop with Stavros
and the Mass. Fair Housing Center last year.
32 Agency/Group/Organization Tapestry Health
Agency/Group/Organization Type Services-Persons with HIV/AIDS
Services-Health
Services-Education
What section of the Plan was
addressed by Consultation?
HOPWA Strategy
Anti-poverty Strategy
How was the
Agency/Group/Organization consulted
and what are the anticipated outcomes
of the consultation or areas for
improved coordination?
Consultation via email then a follow up phone call on
April 13th. Tapestry Health runs the needle exchange
program in Northampton, participates in the Task Force
on Opiate Addiction and conducts outreach and
information dissemination for at risk
populations.Tapestry Health is a non-profit health care
agency that has been serving western Massachusetts for
over 40 years. Founded as the Family Planning Council of
Western Massachusetts in 1973, Tapestry remains the
only non-profit organization in the region to offer family
planning and reproductive health care to often
marginalized individuals, such as young people, women
living in poverty, recent immigrants, injection drug users,
the homeless, and men and women with HIV/AIDS,
regardless of their ability to pay. With offices in
Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin, and Berkshire Counties,
they provide a variety of services including Health
Services, WIC programs, HIV prevention and support,
homelessness and re-entry programs, and operate the
only two needle exchanges offered in Massachusetts
west of Cambridge.
33 Agency/Group/Organization Town of Amherst
Agency/Group/Organization Type Other government - Local
What section of the Plan was
addressed by Consultation?
Housing Need Assessment
Homelessness Strategy
Market Analysis
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How was the
Agency/Group/Organization consulted
and what are the anticipated outcomes
of the consultation or areas for
improved coordination?
Telephone consultation with Nate Malloy, CDBG
Administrator/Housing Planner for the Town of
Amherst. Lengthy update on their expiring use projects,
their efforts to create new units of affordable housing,
their support for Craigs Door, the winter shelter,
community development projects and their efforts to
secure local and state funding. Our communities share
the resources of Habitat for Humanity, the Mass. Fair
Housing Center, Community Legal Aid, Valley CDC and
HAP Housing, so getting and sharing updates on projects
and what is planned for the future is beneficial for local
planning.
34 Agency/Group/Organization Valley Community Development Corporation (CDC)
Agency/Group/Organization Type Housing
Planning organization
What section of the Plan was
addressed by Consultation?
Housing Need Assessment
How was the
Agency/Group/Organization consulted
and what are the anticipated outcomes
of the consultation or areas for
improved coordination?
Valley CDC is our community partner for affordable
housing management and development, as well as a
CDBG grantee for first time homebuyer and
downpayment assistance. They also administer a micro
business technical assistance program for the City.
Valley is currently undertaking a new 55 unit affordable
housing project that is huge for Northampton. There
have been funding applications to the Community
Preservation Committee and DHCD, various local
permits and collaboration with the HAP project down
the block, so we talk regularly. They also facilitate a
quarterly meeting of all service providers engaged with
Valley's tenants. Valley and Home City Housing, their
property manager are committed to housing
stabilization for their residents and gather people to
troubleshoot potential issues and coordinate case
management to insure successful tenant landlord
relationships. Coordination with City staff is successful
and frequent. No need for improvement. Happy to have
them as community development partners. Great
organization and staff.
Consolidated Plan NORTHAMPTON 23
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Identify any Agency Types not consulted and provide rationale for not consulting
Agencies determined to have relevant input into the creation of this plan were consulted.
Other local/regional/state/federal planning efforts considered when preparing the Plan
Name of Plan Lead Organization How do the goals of your Strategic Plan overlap with the
goals of each plan?
Continuum of
Care
Hilltown Community
Development
Corporation
Creation of permanent supported housing units and housing
support services. Homelessness prevention, housing
stabilization to reduce recidivism, increase services for
mentally ill and those abusing substances.
Pioneer Valley
Planning
Commission
Regional Housin
PVPC 2014 Identification of communities of opportunity that commit to
creating affordable housing to facilitate movement from
areas of concentration in Hampden County, primarily
Springfield and Holyoke, north and west.
Needs
Assessment &
Strategic Housing
Plan
City of Northampton
2011
Solidification of list of prioritized needs based on extensive
data compilation and citizen input during public
participation sessions for plan development. Needs
Assessment in Housing Plan very thorough, provides
direction for resource allocation for Community
Preservation Committee and Housing Partnership.
Federal Opening
Doors Plan
U.S. Department of
HUD 2010
Western Mass. Network to End Homelessness has state line
item earmark to align all regional activity with Federal Open
Doors Plan, to insure progress and accountability in one
operational framework.
HAPHousing
Strategic Plan
HAPHousing 2014 Creation of permanent supported affordable housing with
on-site Resident Services Coordinators to insure successful
tenancies and housing stability.
All Roads Lead
Home
Three County COC
10 Yr. Plan to End
Homelessness 2008
Build community support for ending homelessness,
coordination and funding for prevention and rapid
rehousing, creation of supportive housing for vulnerable
populations, increase affordable housing for extremely low
income, increase education, employment and assets.
Table 3 – Other local / regional / federal planning efforts
Describe cooperation and coordination with other public entities, including the State and any
adjacent units of general local government, in the implementation of the Consolidated Plan
(91.215(l))
The City will work closely with local, regional and State partners to implement the ConPlan. The Hilltown
Community Development Corporation works in adjacent communities to the west and is the lead agency
for the CoC. Northampton, Amherst and Easthampton are the primary communities in Hampshire
Consolidated Plan NORTHAMPTON 24
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County and collaboration is necessary for homeless services coordination and affordable housing
development. The Commonwealth’s Department of Housing and Community Development is a partner
in public infrastructure projects, resources for public housing and affordable housing production. Local
efforts also benefit from the Western Mass. Inter-Agency Council on Housing and Homelessness which is
regularly attended by representatives from DHCD, the Department of Mental Health, the Department of
Public Health, the Mass. Rehabilitation Commission, the Mass. Disabilities Commission, the Department
of Transitional Assistance, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, the CoC leads and
the Coordinator for the Network to End Homelessness. A state line item earmark of $125,000 has
allowed the Network to develop data integration, analysis and reporting capabilities to advance its
mission to prevent and end homelessness in alignment with Opening Doors, the Federal Strategic Plan
to Prevent and End Homelessness.
Narrative (optional):
Goals of the Opening Doors in Western MA effort are to:
• Finish the job of ending chronic homelessness
• Finish the job of ending homelessness among Veterans
• Prevent and end homelessness for families, youth and children
• Set a path to ending all types of homelessness
Performance Measures Include:
• Reduction in the length of time that people experience homelessness
• Reducing the number of people and families who are homeless
• Reduce the number of people and families that return to homelessness
• Job and income growth
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PR-15 Citizen Participation
1. Summary of citizen participation process/Efforts made to broaden citizen participation
Summarize citizen participation process and how it impacted goal-setting
Two public hearings, 14 email and telephone consultations, 5 Next Step Collaborative meetings, 4 Housing Partnership meetings and a Request
for Proposals competitive application process to select public service grantees were conducted. All hearings and meetings were publicly posted
and open to everyone. Information gathered was taken into consideration for the selection of public facilities and infrastructure projects as well
as housing projects and public social services grants. The input informed the community planning process by identifying strengths and
weaknesses in the service delivery system. Targeting resources and enhancing the collaborations needed to address the weaknesses and grow
the strengths impacted the 5 year planning strategy. City staff find that emails followed up with appointments made for telephone interviews
with targeted questions is highly effective. General public hearings tend to be less well attended, although substantive discourse occurs in those
settings as well. City staff prefer presenting open ended questions and having round table discussions that evolve organically, as opposed to
formal power point presentations and limited interactive conversation. This approach works well with our City size and the universe of
participants. The 12 public services grantees are monitored annually and those sessions present well utilized opportunities for detailed
information sharing about the needs of clients and how to address them moving forward.
Consolidated Plan NORTHAMPTON 26
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Citizen Participation Outreach
Sort Orde
r
Mode of Outreac
h
Target of Outreac
h
Summary of
response/attendanc
e
Summary of
comments received
Summary of comment
s not accepted
and reasons
URL (If
applicable
)
1 Public Hearing Minorities
Persons with
disabilities
Non-
targeted/broad
community
Residents of Public
and Assisted
Housing
Public Hearing on
Housing, Community
and Economic
Development
PrioritiesWednesday
February 11, 2015.
15 attended.
Written comments
received from
Community Action
relative to needs of low
income youth. A
summary is included in
the Executive Summary.
There were no
comments not
accepted.
2 Public Hearing Minorities
Persons with
disabilities
Non-
targeted/broad
community
Residents of Public
and Assisted
Housing
Discussion of Draft
Consolidated Plan
and Annual Action
PlanWednesday April
8, 2015. 7 attended.
Written comments are
included in the minutes
of the public hearings,
contained in Appendix I.
There were no
comments that were
not accepted.
Consolidated Plan NORTHAMPTON 27
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Sort Orde
r
Mode of Outreac
h
Target of Outreac
h
Summary of
response/attendanc
e
Summary of
comments received
Summary of comment
s not accepted
and reasons
URL (If
applicable
)
3 Public Meeting Housing and
Homeless Service
Providers
Next Step
Collaborative. Meets
monthly, 5 monthly
meetings devoted to
identifying
community needs
and ConPlan
discussion. Each
monthly meeting was
attended by 4-10
providers.
Input focused on
additional housing
program types needed
in City, homeless shelter
capacity, issues and
trends, unmet support
service needs and
updates on new
affordable housing
projects.
There were no
comments not
accepted.
4 Public Meeting Housing
Partnership
Members
5 meetings held from
January to June with
5-8 participants
monthly. Members
are composed of
architects, bankers,
realtors, legal aid
attorneys, housing
developers, landlords
and interested
citizens.
Needs Assessment
reviewed for validity
from 2011 Strategic
Housing Plan. Fair
Housing Analysis of
Impediments
Recommendations
prioritized for
implementation,update
s on Housing Support
Services Project and
affordable housing
developments, as well
as monitoring expiring
use projects.
There were no
comments not
accepted.
Consolidated Plan NORTHAMPTON 28
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Sort Orde
r
Mode of Outreac
h
Target of Outreac
h
Summary of
response/attendanc
e
Summary of
comments received
Summary of comment
s not accepted
and reasons
URL (If
applicable
)
5 Public Meeting Minorities
Non-English
Speaking - Specify
other language:
Spanish
Meeting with Public
Services Ad Hoc
Review Committee
and 4 representatives
of Casa Latina,
advocacy
organization serving
the Latino population
in Hampshire County.
9 participants total.
Reviewed priority needs
of the Latino population
in Northampton, the
organizations strategic
plan to address those
needs and articulated
City support for
implementation of the
strategic plan and board
development to
improve and sustain
staff capacity and
organizational health.
There were no
comments not
accepted.
6 Telephone
interview
Persons with
disabilities
One on one
conversation with
Stavros Center for
Independent Living
on May 10, 2015.
Advocacy
organization serving
the disabled
community in the
region.
Contained in sections
addressing special
needs populations.
There were no
comments not
accepted.
Consolidated Plan NORTHAMPTON 29
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Sort Orde
r
Mode of Outreac
h
Target of Outreac
h
Summary of
response/attendanc
e
Summary of
comments received
Summary of comment
s not accepted
and reasons
URL (If
applicable
)
7 Telephone
interview
Residents of Public
and Assisted
Housing
Northampton
Housing Authority
hired a consultant to
guide the Board of
Commissioners
search and selection
process for a new
Executive Director.
Many community
stakeholders and
tenants were
interviewed and
surveyed to identify
tenant needs and
hopes for improved
community
collaboration.
Information gathered
via the ED selection
process was shared with
City staff to assist with
plan preparation, as
well as the data
collection required for
the ConPlan sections
was submitted by the
NHA.
There were no
comments not
accepted.
Consolidated Plan NORTHAMPTON 30
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Sort Orde
r
Mode of Outreac
h
Target of Outreac
h
Summary of
response/attendanc
e
Summary of
comments received
Summary of comment
s not accepted
and reasons
URL (If
applicable
)
8 Telephone
interview
some general,
some specific to
targetted
populations
telephone
consultations held
with Department of
Mental Health, Dept.
of Dev. Services,
Housing Authority,
MA Fair Housing
Center, Tapestry
Health, Cooley
Dickinson Hospital,
Stavros, A Positive
Place, City Veterans
Agent, Casa Latina,
Valley CDC,
HAPHousing, Habitat
for Humanity, Towns
of Amherst and
Easthampton.
As reflected in narrative
and goal setting
sections, and as
recorded in the
Executive Summary.
There were no
comments received
that were not
accepted.
Table 4 – Citizen Participation Outreach
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Needs Assessment
NA-05 Overview
Needs Assessment Overview
With an overall inventory of 11,880 households (6,356 ownership units and 5,524 rental units), 3,525 or
30% have low or extremely low incomes. Although the population (28,621) has remained stable, the
citizenry is aging and a high percentage of households claim some type of disability. The housing stock is
generally in good condition although the majority of housing units were built before 1980. The
incidences of overcrowding are minimal, however the Asian and Black/African American populations are
disproportionately impacted in some categories. Lack of availability and affordability for renters and
homeowners are critical issues in Northampton. The primary issue is that of cost burden.
• 1,135 households with 80% of area median income or less paying 50% or more of their income
for rental housing costs equates to 21% of all renter households.
• 985 households with 80% of area median income or less paying 30% or more of their income for
rental housing costs equates to 8% of all renter households.
• 585 households with incomes of 80% area median income or less paying 50% or more of their
income for housing costs equate to 9% of all homeowners.
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NA-10 Housing Needs Assessment - 24 CFR 91.205 (a,b,c)
Summary of Housing Needs
Northampton has a population of 28,621. There are 11,853 occupied households. With 2,120
households having incomes of 0-30% of area median income and 1,405 having incomes between 30-50%
of area median income, that indicates 30% of all Northampton households with low or extremely low
incomes. With the vacancy rate being very low and the housing demand high, both the rental and
homeownership supply is very stressed, making affordability and availability the most pressing housing
needs. The housing stock is in generally good condition, foreclosure rates have stabilized. Asian and
Black/African American populations are experiencing disproportionate housing problems.
Demographics Base Year: 2000 Most Recent Year: 2011 % Change
Population 28,978 28,621 -1%
Households 11,863 11,853 -0%
Median Income $41,808.00 $54,413.00 30%
Table 5 - Housing Needs Assessment Demographics
Data Source: 2000 Census (Base Year), 2007-2011 ACS (Most Recent Year)
Number of Households Table
0-30%
HAMFI
>30-50%
HAMFI
>50-80%
HAMFI
>80-100%
HAMFI
>100%
HAMFI
Total Households * 11,590 7,875 9,015 4,800 16,820
Small Family Households * 5,990 4,550 5,760 3,050 13,180
Large Family Households * 510 460 770 650 1,420
Household contains at least one
person 62-74 years of age 3,140 2,780 2,540 1,060 2,990
Household contains at least one
person age 75 or older 3,560 2,920 1,690 730 1,340
Households with one or more
children 6 years old or younger * 3,010 2,010 1,760 1,080 2,400
* the highest income category for these family types is >80% HAMFI
Table 6 - Total Households Table
Alternate Data Source Name:
ACS Data for Northampton City, MA 2007-2011
Data Source Comments:
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Housing Needs Summary Tables
1. Housing Problems (Households with one of the listed needs)
Renter Owner
0-30%
AMI
>30-
50%
AMI
>50-
80%
AMI
>80-
100%
AMI
Total 0-30%
AMI
>30-
50%
AMI
>50-
80%
AMI
>80-
100%
AMI
Total
NUMBER OF HOUSEHOLDS
Substandard
Housing -
Lacking
complete
plumbing or
kitchen facilities 30 0 0 0 30 0 0 0 0 0
Severely
Overcrowded -
With >1.51
people per
room (and
complete
kitchen and
plumbing) 0 0 30 10 40 0 0 0 15 15
Overcrowded -
With 1.01-1.5
people per
room (and none
of the above
problems) 35 0 0 0 35 0 0 25 0 25
Housing cost
burden greater
than 50% of
income (and
none of the
above
problems) 975 130 30 0 1,135 235 200 150 60 645
Housing cost
burden greater
than 30% of
income (and
none of the
above
problems) 390 385 210 45 1,030 65 185 300 260 810
Consolidated Plan NORTHAMPTON 34
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Renter Owner
0-30%
AMI
>30-
50%
AMI
>50-
80%
AMI
>80-
100%
AMI
Total 0-30%
AMI
>30-
50%
AMI
>50-
80%
AMI
>80-
100%
AMI
Total
Zero/negative
Income (and
none of the
above
problems) 40 0 0 0 40 30 0 0 0 30
Table 7 – Housing Problems Table
Data
Source:
2007-2011 CHAS
2. Housing Problems 2 (Households with one or more Severe Housing Problems: Lacks kitchen
or complete plumbing, severe overcrowding, severe cost burden)
Renter Owner
0-30%
AMI
>30-
50%
AMI
>50-
80%
AMI
>80-
100%
AMI
Total 0-
30%
AMI
>30-
50%
AMI
>50-
80%
AMI
>80-
100%
AMI
Total
NUMBER OF HOUSEHOLDS
Having 1 or more of
four housing problems 1,035 130 60 10 1,235 235 200 175 75 685
Having none of four
housing problems 695 615 930 350 2,590 90 460 700 595 1,845
Household has
negative income, but
none of the other
housing problems 40 0 0 0 40 30 0 0 0 30
Table 8 – Housing Problems 2
Data
Source:
2007-2011 CHAS
3. Cost Burden > 30%
Renter Owner
0-30%
AMI
>30-
50%
AMI
>50-
80%
AMI
Total 0-30%
AMI
>30-
50%
AMI
>50-
80%
AMI
Total
NUMBER OF HOUSEHOLDS
Small Related 235 110 70 415 40 140 185 365
Large Related 100 0 15 115 0 15 20 35
Elderly 225 129 0 354 205 175 125 505
Other 865 275 185 1,325 60 60 115 235
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Renter Owner
0-30%
AMI
>30-
50%
AMI
>50-
80%
AMI
Total 0-30%
AMI
>30-
50%
AMI
>50-
80%
AMI
Total
Total need by
income
1,425 514 270 2,209 305 390 445 1,140
Table 9 – Cost Burden > 30%
Data
Source:
2007-2011 CHAS
4. Cost Burden > 50%
Renter Owner
0-30%
AMI
>30-
50%
AMI
>50-
80%
AMI
Total 0-30%
AMI
>30-
50%
AMI
>50-
80%
AMI
Total
NUMBER OF HOUSEHOLDS
Small Related 190 25 0 215 40 120 90 250
Large Related 100 0 0 100 0 15 0 15
Elderly 105 55 0 160 140 45 45 230
Other 640 50 30 720 60 20 10 90
Total need by
income
1,035 130 30 1,195 240 200 145 585
Table 10 – Cost Burden > 50%
Data
Source:
2007-2011 CHAS
5. Crowding (More than one person per room)
Renter Owner
0-30%
AMI
>30-
50%
AMI
>50-
80%
AMI
>80-
100%
AMI
Total 0-30%
AMI
>30-
50%
AMI
>50-
80%
AMI
>80-
100%
AMI
Total
NUMBER OF HOUSEHOLDS
Single family
households 35 0 15 0 50 0 0 15 15 30
Multiple, unrelated
family households 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 0 10
Other, non-family
households 0 0 15 10 25 0 0 0 0 0
Total need by
income
35 0 30 10 75 0 0 25 15 40
Table 11 – Crowding Information – 1/2
Data
Source:
2007-2011 CHAS
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Renter Owner
0-30%
AMI
>30-
50%
AMI
>50-
80%
AMI
Total 0-30%
AMI
>30-
50%
AMI
>50-
80%
AMI
Total
Households with
Children Present 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Table 12 – Crowding Information – 2/2
Data Source
Comments:
Describe the number and type of single person households in need of housing assistance.
Householders living alone (4,370), compose 37.5% of all households in Northampton. 1,560 of those
households at the 0-80% of area median income levels are paying greater than 30% of their incomes for
housing costs. 810 single individual households are paying greater than 50% of their income. With a
total of 11,853 households, that translates to 20% of all Northampton households (2,370/11,853) being
cost burdened.
At the 30% cost burden level, individuals that are renting are almost 40% higher in number than other
cost burdened categories: Individual renters = 1,325; Elderly homeowners = 505; Small household
renters = 415, Small households owning= 365 and Elderly renters =354. With regard to types of
individuals, they may be residents living in non-subsidized single room occupancy units, small owner
occupied rentals, retirees with limited income in condominium units or small apartments in single family
homes. Despite a stable population total over the last several decades, (a 1% increase from 1980 to
2010) the number of households has increased 16%. Average household size has decreased from 2.45 to
2.14. This trend reflects the growing need for smaller sized affordable units for one or two person
households.
Estimate the number and type of families in need of housing assistance who are disabled or
victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking.
According to Safe Passage, the local DV services agency, domestic violence is among the leading factors
for instability and homelessness. In 2014, they served 1,493 community-based clients. 71 needed
housing advocacy and placement. 22 had no children, 49 had at least one child. Many had no incomes
when they presented. Economic instability and credit problems for survivors result when abusers leave
utilities unpaid and accumulate debt unknown by the survivor. Noise complaints and unpaid rent can
make positive landlord references improbable. For students, leaving violent settings can cause
disruption of education, loss of credits, tuition and financial aid. Disability is a risk factor for domestic
violence. Between 60-95% of persons with specific disabilities have been victims of interpersonal
violence. Data indicates that among homeless women, more than 85% have a history of DV, dating
violence, sexual assault and stalking. Re-housing victims is challenging due to the safety risk. For
survivors who want to stay in their own communities due to jobs, school, family and children’s needs,
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finding safe and affordable housing is often impossible. Many families placed in Northampton from
other communities desire to stay. Estimating the need is difficult.
According to the City’s Housing Needs Assessment and Strategic Plan, of the 2,000 residents aged
between 5 and 20, 539 or 9.1 % had some disability. Of those aged 21-64, 2,650 residents or 15% of the
people those ages claimed a disability. About 58% of this group was employed, leaving another 42% or
1,100 residents unemployed, likely due to their disability. For those aged 65 and older, 1,227 seniors, or
37.9% of those in that age group claimed a disability. These levels of disability represent significant
special needs in Northampton and mandate that the City make a concentrated effort to integrate special
needs housing, units that are handicapped accessible and housing with supportive services into
affordable housing development planning.
According to Stavros, the regional disability advocacy organization, finding affordable, accessible
housing can be one of the biggest challenges faced by persons with disabilities. They report receiving
150 requests for housing informtion in Hampshire County, what's available and how to look for it. Most
of the requests are for the Northampton Amherst area. The rent at most apartments is out of reach for
many disabled people. While subsidies aren’t easy to come by, they work with clients to get the best
rental assistance available. Stavros provides the resources and assistance people need to find housing
that works for them. Stavros’ Housing Services division provides information on and keeps updated lists
of accessible, subsidized and market rate housing in western Massachusetts. Stavros sends lists of
housing opportunities and related material to consumers interested in living in the area. Stavros also
provides information about modifications and financing. Stavros holds monthly workshops on topics
such as: subsidized housing, governmental programs, tenants’ rights and responsibilities, reasonable
accommodation and how to search for housing. Attendees receive informational packets at the sessions.
The problems their clients face are limited availability of units in elderly/disabled housing (communities
put caps on the number of younger disabled who can live there), aging housing stock not accessible for
persons with mobility impairments, very limited subsidies (and the disconnect between actual rents and
the subsidies) and limited public transportation beyond the larger communities.
What are the most common housing problems?
Data indicates that cost burden and lack of affordable housing availability are the primary challenges for
those with lowest incomes in Northampton. Despite the fact that the subsidized housing inventory
percentage exceeds many communities (11.8%) all consultations and needs assessments point to a lack
of available units. Part of the problem is a lack of movement once those units are filled; there is very
little tenant turnover. The age of the housing stock does not seem to be problematic with regard to
kitchen and plumbing facilities but may have unreported amounts of lead paint.The renter population
expending more than 50% of income for housing costs is the highest category of being cost burdened,
with renters paying more than 30% of household income running close behind. The homeowner income
categories of 50-80% ami paying more than 30% of their income is the next highest category, with
homeowners at 0-30% ami paying more than 50% of their income the next highest category.
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More generically, the Housing Needs Assessment and Strategic Housing Plan of 2011 identified the
following housing problems and needed resources: homelessness prevention, the need to support the
existing homeless shelters and rapid re-housing efforts, production of rental housing for individuals and
families, preservation of existing affordable housing stock, housing rehabilitation resources, affordable
homeownership opportunities for smaller households and housing for at-risk special populations.
Are any populations/household types more affected than others by these problems?
Individual renters and elders seem to be struggling the most with cost burden. The order of need based
on the data presented is as follows: For cost burden of paying 30% or more of income for housing:
Individual renters 1,325, Elderly homeowners, 505, Small Related Renters 415, Small Related Owners,
365 and Elderly renters 354.For cost burden of paying more than 50% of income for housing: Individual
renters 720, Small related household owners,250, elderly homeowners 230. The cost burden rate for
renters is nearly double for that of homeowners.
For clients of the Department of Mental Health, secure housing is the base for recovery for many but
most need a subsidy in order to afford rent in Northampton. Most clients have only SSI or SSDI to cover
all of their living expenses. The rental market here has too few units to make securing even an efficiency
apartment possible without rental assistance. Often clients whose services are in the City are forced to
live in surrounding towns and then commute in to receive services. Part of a mental health crisis and
subsequent hospitalization may be the loss of housing. Such episodes can fracture relationships and
impact financial stability which negatively impacts housing options. Many individuals experience
extended lengths of stay in DMH crisis respite beds (former rest home, Community Support Options in
Florence) because there are no affordable units available. The highest need is for one bedroom or
efficiency units as most clients are individual households. Currently, for three of the four DMH clients in
respite, housing is the major reason the individuals have not transitioned to their own homes in the
community. There are currently 67 units in Northampton set aside for DMH clients. 5 more are planned
with the HAPHousing Pleasant Street project in 2016-17. Challenges faced by households experiencing
domestic violence are described above. Individuals and families with family members that have been
incarcerated also have an extremely difficult time accessing housing. Criminal records are a huge barrier
to housing, particularly for someone with a sex offender history.
Describe the characteristics and needs of Low-income individuals and families with children
(especially extremely low-income) who are currently housed but are at imminent risk of
either residing in shelters or becoming unsheltered 91.205(c)/91.305(c)). Also discuss the
needs of formerly homeless families and individuals who are receiving rapid re-housing
assistance and are nearing the termination of that assistance
According to the CoC HMIS Administrator, locally and regionally, families who are currently housed but
at imminent risk are disproportionately Hispanic ( up to 40%); mostly one parent families headed by
single mothers (up to 90%) who tend to be ages 30 and younger. These families are typically small, with
one or two children, and most receive TANF. Individuals who are currently housed but who are at risk
Consolidated Plan NORTHAMPTON 39
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are disproportionately impacted by illness, especially mental health problems or mental illness, which
undermines their stability in housing and can lead to issues that jeopardize their housing stabilization.
Although HomeBASE funding and employment initiatives go a long way towards increasing families
income and self sufficiency, market rate rents are still outside the grasp of families earning minimum
wage or receiving public benefits. According to the 2011 Housing Plan, an income of $38,000 (assuming
$100 per month for utility bills and expenses no more than 30% of income) is needed to afford a one
bedroom apartment (median rent $850) and $41,400 to rent a two bedroom apartment (median rent
$900). Someone earning minimum wage of $9.00/hr. for 40 hours a week would yield a gross annual
salary of $18,720. Households with two earners at minimum wage still fall short. The scarcity of
affordable rentals, particularly those with support services, was identified as the foremost housing need
during the citizen participation process of the Housing Plan, and the ConPlan.
It is always a struggle when a program that has provided resources for housing search, placement, rental
assistance and support services ends. When HomeBASE and RAFT funds get exhausted, the State usually
adds allocations in supplemental budgets to avoid sending all those successfully housed back into the
shelter system. There is no formal Rapid Re-housing program operating in Northampton or Hampshire
County. Most of the funds that come into the region for these purposes get utilized for prevention.
If a jurisdiction provides estimates of the at-risk population(s), it should also include a
description of the operational definition of the at-risk group and the methodology used to
generate the estimates:
The operational definition of the at-risk population would be an individual or family who: (i) has an
annual income below 30% of median family income for the area; AND (ii) Does not have sufficient
resources or support networks immediately available to prevent them from moving to an emergency
shelter or another place defined in Category 1 of the "homeless" definition; AND (iii) Meets one of the
following conditions: 2 or more moves within the last 60 days; being doubled up; being asked to leave or
being evicted and losing housing within the next 21 days.
The Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development declares that imminent risk
includes the loss of housing within 14 days with no other options/no support system.
Estimating populations at risk could be done by using the National Alliance to End Homelessness criteria
which includes determinint the number and rate of 1) people in poor households who are doubled up;
and 2) poor renter households with severe housing cost burden. The methodology would rely on US
Census data, American Community Survey data and data from the Massachusetts Department of
Education on doubled up children. The most recent estimate from NAEH of those at rick of
homelessness in Massachusetts indicates that while worst case housing risk has decreased by 8% over
the previous year, the number of people who are doubled up has increased by 30%.
Consolidated Plan NORTHAMPTON 40
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Specify particular housing characteristics that have been linked with instability and an
increased risk of homelessness
Housing that is unaffordable increases the risk of displacement. Also, units with health and safety issues
put households at risk. Tenants that complain about the conditions of their units may face repercussions
from landlords unwilling to make the improvements. There are families and individuals that enter
shelter in the CoC that are forced out due to their housing having code violations, less a problem in
Northampton than in other areas. Up to 40% of families entering shelter come from doubled up
situations. 20-25% of individuals also report being doubled up prior to shelter entry, usually in couch
surfing situations. Doubling up puts tenants of units holding the lease at jeopardy if they host people not
on the lease.
The CoC also reports that households most at risk are poor renter households at 125% of poverty level
who are severely cost burdened, paying more that 50% of their income towards rent.
Discussion
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NA-15 Disproportionately Greater Need: Housing Problems – 91.205 (b)(2)
Assess the need of any racial or ethnic group that has disproportionately greater need in comparison to
the needs of that category of need as a whole.
Introduction
To insure a diverse community that affords opportunity for all population segments, it is important to
analyze disparate impacts. According to HUD, disproportionately greater need is experienced when the
percentage of a racial/ethnic group's households being negatively impacted exceed the percentage of
the total number of households at that income level in the community by 10%. The data below does not
indicate that any one sub-population group has a disproportionately greater need compared to the total
number of households in the community at that income level. The breakdown in the four charts below
reflect the same ratios as the number of people in each racial and ethnic group compared to the total
population in the City and the calculated percentages are shown in discussion boxes below each chart.
This does not mean that no actions are required to remediate the impacts, despite the fact that no
group met HUD's disproportionately greater need threshold.
0%-30% of Area Median Income
Housing Problems Has one or more of
four housing
problems
Has none of the
four housing
problems
Household has
no/negative
income, but none
of the other
housing problems
Jurisdiction as a whole 1,720 335 70
White 1,345 160 55
Black / African American 55 15 0
Asian 45 15 15
American Indian, Alaska Native 0 0 0
Pacific Islander 0 0 0
Hispanic 225 130 0
Table 13 - Disproportionally Greater Need 0 - 30% AMI
Data Source: 2007-2011 CHAS
*The four housing problems are:
1. Lacks complete kitchen facilities, 2. Lacks complete plumbing facilities, 3. More than one person per
room, 4.Cost Burden greater than 30%
Analysis
Using the formula suggested by HUD yields the following:
81% of the community at this income level has 1 or more housing problems. The racial/ethnic
breakdowns are:
Consolidated Plan NORTHAMPTON 42
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White 86%, Black/African American 79%, Asian 60% and Hispanic 63%
30%-50% of Area Median Income
Housing Problems Has one or more of
four housing
problems
Has none of the
four housing
problems
Household has
no/negative
income, but none
of the other
housing problems
Jurisdiction as a whole 905 500 0
White 865 395 0
Black / African American 10 0 0
Asian 0 25 0
American Indian, Alaska Native 0 0 0
Pacific Islander 0 0 0
Hispanic 20 80 0
Table 14 - Disproportionally Greater Need 30 - 50% AMI
Data Source: 2007-2011 CHAS
*The four housing problems are:
1. Lacks complete kitchen facilities, 2. Lacks complete plumbing facilities, 3. More than one person per
room, 4.Cost Burden greater than 30%
Analysis
64% of the households at this income level experience one or more housing problems. 69% of those
households are white, less than one percent are Black/African American and Asian and 20% are Hispanic
households.
50%-80% of Area Median Income
Housing Problems Has one or more of
four housing
problems
Has none of the
four housing
problems
Household has
no/negative
income, but none
of the other
housing problems
Jurisdiction as a whole 745 1,120 0
White 645 980 0
Black / African American 30 0 0
Asian 25 0 0
American Indian, Alaska Native 10 0 0
Pacific Islander 0 0 0
Consolidated Plan NORTHAMPTON 43
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Housing Problems Has one or more of
four housing
problems
Has none of the
four housing
problems
Household has
no/negative
income, but none
of the other
housing problems
Hispanic 25 140 0
Table 15 - Disproportionally Greater Need 50 - 80% AMI
Data Source: 2007-2011 CHAS
*The four housing problems are:
1. Lacks complete kitchen facilities, 2. Lacks complete plumbing facilities, 3. More than one person per
room, 4.Cost Burden greater than 30%
Analysis
40% of the whole community at this income level have one or more housing problems. Whites comprise
40% of that total, Blacks/AA's and Asians comprise one percent and Hispanic households comprise 15%.
80%-100% of Area Median Income
Housing Problems Has one or more of
four housing
problems
Has none of the
four housing
problems
Household has
no/negative
income, but none
of the other
housing problems
Jurisdiction as a whole 385 645 0
White 370 595 0
Black / African American 15 10 0
Asian 0 0 0
American Indian, Alaska Native 0 15 0
Pacific Islander 0 0 0
Hispanic 0 25 0
Table 16 - Disproportionally Greater Need 80 - 100% AMI
Data Source: 2007-2011 CHAS
*The four housing problems are:
1. Lacks complete kitchen facilities, 2. Lacks complete plumbing facilities, 3. More than one person per
room, 4.Cost Burden greater than 30%
Analysis
37% of all households at this income level experience one or more housing problems. 38% is comprised
of white households, 6% are Black/AA and no other percentages are indicated for other racial/ethnic
groups.
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Discussion
The four housing problems defined by HUD are: 1. Lacks complete kitchen facilities, 2. Lacks complete
plumbing facilities, 3. More than one person per room, 4. Cost burden greater than 30%. With a
universe of 11,667 occupied housing units in Northampton, 2011-13 American Community Survey
estimates indicate 161 kitchens lack complete facilities (1%) and 77 lack complete plumbing facilities (<
1%). With very low counts on the number of substandard housing units and overcrowded households,
analysis would lead to the conclusion that the primary problem being experienced by households in
Northampton is related to housing cost burden.
Consolidated Plan NORTHAMPTON 45
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NA-20 Disproportionately Greater Need: Severe Housing Problems – 91.205
(b)(2)
Assess the need of any racial or ethnic group that has disproportionately greater need in comparison to
the needs of that category of need as a whole.
Introduction
According to the data below and consultations, several racial/ethnic sub-populations in Northampton
are experiencing severe housing problems. For each area median income breakdown category below,
the racial/ethnic group is compared to the total number of households in the community at that income
level. HUD defines disproportionate need as when one group exceeds the percentage of persons in the
category as a whole, by 10 percentage points. This section differs from the one prior by breaking out
more severe problems which are defined as: overcrowding being more than 1.5 persons per room (as
opposed to more than one person per room in NA-15) and households paying 50% or more of their
incomes for housing costs as opposed to 30% or more (as in NA-15). The information HUD provides in
the charts is by household, not number of persons.
0%-30% of Area Median Income
Severe Housing Problems* Has one or more of
four housing
problems
Has none of the
four housing
problems
Household has
no/negative
income, but none
of the other
housing problems
Jurisdiction as a whole 1,270 785 70
White 1,030 480 55
Black / African American 55 15 0
Asian 45 15 15
American Indian, Alaska Native 0 0 0
Pacific Islander 0 0 0
Hispanic 90 265 0
Table 17 – Severe Housing Problems 0 - 30% AMI
Data Source: 2007-2011 CHAS
*The four severe housing problems are:
1. Lacks complete kitchen facilities, 2. Lacks complete plumbing facilities, 3. More than 1.5 persons per
room, 4.Cost Burden over 50%
Analysis
60% of the jurisdiction as a whole at this level of income have one or more of four housing problems;
Whites have 66% but Blacks have 78% which is a disproportionately greater need. Asians have 60% and
Hispanics have 25%.
Consolidated Plan NORTHAMPTON 46
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30%-50% of Area Median Income
Severe Housing Problems* Has one or more of
four housing
problems
Has none of the
four housing
problems
Household has
no/negative
income, but none
of the other
housing problems
Jurisdiction as a whole 330 1,070 0
White 315 945 0
Black / African American 10 0 0
Asian 0 25 0
American Indian, Alaska Native 0 0 0
Pacific Islander 0 0 0
Hispanic 10 90 0
Table 18 – Severe Housing Problems 30 - 50% AMI
Data Source: 2007-2011 CHAS
*The four severe housing problems are:
1. Lacks complete kitchen facilities, 2. Lacks complete plumbing facilities, 3. More than 1.5 persons per
room, 4.Cost Burden over 50%
Analysis
24% of the jurisdiction as a whole at this income level have one or more of four housing problems.
Whites have 25% and Hispanics have 10%. No group has a disproportionately greater need over
another.
50%-80% of Area Median Income
Severe Housing Problems* Has one or more of
four housing
problems
Has none of the
four housing
problems
Household has
no/negative
income, but none
of the other
housing problems
Jurisdiction as a whole 235 1,630 0
White 195 1,430 0
Black / African American 30 0 0
Asian 10 15 0
American Indian, Alaska Native 0 10 0
Pacific Islander 0 0 0
Hispanic 0 165 0
Table 19 – Severe Housing Problems 50 - 80% AMI
Data Source: 2007-2011 CHAS
Consolidated Plan NORTHAMPTON 47
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015)
*The four severe housing problems are:
1. Lacks complete kitchen facilities, 2. Lacks complete plumbing facilities, 3. More than 1.5 persons per
room, 4.Cost Burden over 50%
Analysis
13% of the jurisdiction as a whole at this income level have one or more of four housing problems.
Whites have 12%, Blacks have 1% and Asians have 40%, which is a disproportionately greater need.
80%-100% of Area Median Income
Severe Housing Problems* Has one or more of
four housing
problems
Has none of the
four housing
problems
Household has
no/negative
income, but none
of the other
housing problems
Jurisdiction as a whole 85 945 0
White 85 880 0
Black / African American 0 25 0
Asian 0 0 0
American Indian, Alaska Native 0 15 0
Pacific Islander 0 0 0
Hispanic 0 25 0
Table 20 – Severe Housing Problems 80 - 100% AMI
Data Source: 2007-2011 CHAS
*The four severe housing problems are:
1. Lacks complete kitchen facilities, 2. Lacks complete plumbing facilities, 3. More than 1.5 persons per
room, 4.Cost Burden over 50%
Analysis
8% of the jurisdiction as a whole at this income level have one or more of four housing problems.Whites
have 9% and the data for the other categories shows none. No one group has a disproportionately
greater need over the other segments.
Discussion
For the 0-30% of area median income level, the Black/African American community has a
disproportionately greater need. Although less than half of one percent of the total population of
households, this segment struggles with housing problems in Northampton. For the 50-80% of area
Consolidated Plan NORTHAMPTON 48
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015)
median income, these charts show that the Asian community is struggling with housing problems.
Although the numbers of households impacted are small (55 out of 11,853 households in the
community for Blacks and 10 out of 11,853 for Asians, these scenarios could be indicative of why there
are not larger racial and ethnic members of these populations in Northampton, because they cannot
afford to live here.
The numbers of households experiencing overcrowding and the numbers of substandard housing units
is minimal, therefore the conclusion is made that the problem most households are struggling with is
cost burden.
Consolidated Plan NORTHAMPTON 49
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015)
NA-25 Disproportionately Greater Need: Housing Cost Burdens – 91.205 (b)(2)
Assess the need of any racial or ethnic group that has disproportionately greater need in comparison to
the needs of that category of need as a whole.
Introduction:
Housing Cost Burden
Housing Cost Burden <=30% 30-50% >50% No / negative
income (not
computed)
Jurisdiction as a whole 2,635 1,865 1,855 70
White 6,640 2,230 1,575 55
Black / African American 45 14 95 0
Asian 200 15 45 15
American Indian, Alaska
Native 25 10 0 0
Pacific Islander 0 0 0 0
Hispanic 510 180 100 0
Table 21 – Greater Need: Housing Cost Burdens AMI
Data Source: 2007-2011 CHAS
Discussion:
The data indicates that 29% of the jurisdiction as a whole is cost burdened (paying 30-50% of their
income for housing costs and 29% is severely cost burdened (paying more than 50% of their income for
housing costs. 62 % of Black/African American households are paying more than 50% of their income for
housing costs, indicating a disproportionately greater need. 95 households out of a total of 11,853
represents less than 1% of the households in the community, but representative an issue within that
population segment that needs to be examined. 95 out of a total of 154 households represents 62% of
all Black/African American households in Northampton struggling with severe cost burden.
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NA-30 Disproportionately Greater Need: Discussion – 91.205(b)(2)
Are there any Income categories in which a racial or ethnic group has disproportionately
greater need than the needs of that income category as a whole?
At 0-30% area median income, the Black/African American population is experiencing
disproportionately severe housing problems - 78% compared to 60% for the jurisdiction as a whole at
that income level. At the 50-80% area median income level, Asian households are experiencing severe
housing problems.
In 2010, Black/African Americans numbered 776 out of a total population of 28,549 or 2.7% . Asians
numbered 1,162 or 4.1% of the total population. According to the ACS 2011-13 estimates, Blacks will
number 954 and Asians 1,734. Hispanics numbered 1,928 in 2010 and show as 2,494 in the estimates.
This data indicates a growth trend within these racial and ethnic groups moving forward. The chart
below shows those trends.
If they have needs not identified above, what are those needs?
Due to the low numbers of housing units with incomplete kitchen and/or plumbing facilities, or units
with overcrowding, the conclusion is that the primary housing problem as defined by HUD being
experienced is cost burden.
Additionally, the Mass. Fair Housing Center and the City's Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing
indicate a significant racial gap in access to homeownership in Northampton.The Non-Latino White
homeownership rate is 60% while 16% for Blacks and 20% for Latinos. Northampton is in the Springfield
Metropolitan Statistical Area. This MSA ranks first in the nation for the degree of segregation between
Latinos and Whites, and twenty-second in the nation for segregation between African Americans and
Whites. Northampton is located 10-20 miles north of Holyoke and Springfield and is considered a
"community of opportunity" to deconcentration of poverty and expansion of housing options.
Only 16% of all rental housing units in Northampton have 3 or more bedrooms. These units are needed
by families of color, where over 40% of Black and Latino households had 4 or more people living
together. Over 34% of Asian family households had 4 or more people living together. In comparison,
only 28% of White Non-Latino households were made up of 4 or more people.
Are any of those racial or ethnic groups located in specific areas or neighborhoods in your
community?
Onecpd maps do not show the locations of the ethnic groups in any way that yields analysis. The
universe is too small for the Black/African American community to be indicated. Asians seem to be
scattered throughout the City. An assumption was that the larger number of concentrations for Hispanic
Consolidated Plan NORTHAMPTON 51
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people are the two public housing developments. One does not even appear on the map. Further
research will be done with the Housing Authority to determine if that is the case.
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NA-35 Public Housing – 91.205(b)
Introduction
The Northampton Housing Authority manages 618 public housing units and 857 leased housing program vouchers. A chart showing the types of
units is included in the appendix (A). There are 12 additional units under development, 2 at Hampshire Heights and 10 at the Burts Pit Road site.
Totals in Use
Program Type
Certificate Mod-
Rehab
Public
Housing
Vouchers
Total Project -
based
Tenant -
based
Special Purpose Voucher
Veterans
Affairs
Supportive
Housing
Family
Unification
Program
Disabled
*
# of units vouchers in use 857 32 618 857 43 474 308 0 0
Table 22 - Public Housing by Program Type
*includes Non-Elderly Disabled, Mainstream One-Year, Mainstream Five-year, and Nursing Home Transition
Alternate Data Source Name:
Data from Northampton Housing Authority.
Data Source Comments:
Consolidated Plan NORTHAMPTON 53
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015)
Characteristics of Residents
Program Type
Certificate Mod-
Rehab
Public
Housing
Vouchers
Total Project -
based
Tenant -
based
Special Purpose Voucher
Veterans
Affairs
Supportive
Housing
Family
Unification
Program
Average Annual Income 11,223 7,357 12,835 13,704 0 13,730 13,720 0
Average length of stay 5 2 6 5 8 6 0 0
Average Household size 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 0
# Homeless at admission 1 26 0 140 0 11 129 0
# of Elderly Program Participants
(>62) 8 6 28 76 0 66 10 0
# of Disabled Families 23 10 46 286 0 219 67 0
# of Families requesting accessibility
features 39 28 108 573 1 443 129 0
# of HIV/AIDS program participants 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
# of DV victims 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Table 23 – Characteristics of Public Housing Residents by Program Type
Alternate Data Source Name:
Data from Northampton Housing Authority.
Data Source Comments: Data from Northampton Housing Authority added in table attached. April 2015.
Avg. Annual Income $13,704
Avg. HH size 1.5
# homeless admissions 10 families
# of Elderly 254
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OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015)
# of Disabled Families 303
# fam. req. accessibility features 39
Table 24 - Public Housing Resident Characteristics (Federal and State Units)
Race of Residents
Program Type
Race Certificate Mod-
Rehab
Public
Housing
Vouchers
Total Project -
based
Tenant -
based
Special Purpose Voucher
Veterans
Affairs
Supportive
Housing
Family
Unification
Program
Disabled
*
White 38 25 104 494 1 411 82 0 0
Black/African American 1 2 3 69 0 22 47 0 0
Asian 0 0 1 4 0 4 0 0 0
American Indian/Alaska
Native 0 1 0 5 0 5 0 0 0
Pacific Islander 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0
Other 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
*includes Non-Elderly Disabled, Mainstream One-Year, Mainstream Five-year, and Nursing Home Transition
Table 25 – Race of Public Housing Residents by Program Type
Alternate Data Source Name:
Data from Northampton Housing Authority.
Data Source Comments: Data from Northampton Housing Authority added in table attached. April 2015.
White 69.84%
Black/AA 2.6%
A.Indian 1%
PI 0
Other 0
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OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015)
Hispanic 22.3%
Non-Hispanic 77.6%
Table 26 - Race and Ethnicity of Public Housing Residents
Ethnicity of Residents
Program Type
Ethnicity Certificate Mod-
Rehab
Public
Housing
Vouchers
Total Project -
based
Tenant -
based
Special Purpose Voucher
Veterans
Affairs
Supportive
Housing
Family
Unification
Program
Disabled
*
Hispanic 5 2 35 137 0 123 14 0 0
Not Hispanic 34 26 73 436 1 320 115 0 0
*includes Non-Elderly Disabled, Mainstream One-Year, Mainstream Five-year, and Nursing Home Transition
Table 27 – Ethnicity of Public Housing Residents by Program Type
Data Source: PIC (PIH Information Center)
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OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015)
Section 504 Needs Assessment: Describe the needs of public housing tenants and applicants
on the waiting list for accessible units:
All NHA elderly and disabled housing developments meet or exceed Section 504 standards for
accessibility. All other NHA developments, including family projects, are at standard 504 levels and are
handicap accessible to the extent that building construction allows. Florence Heights and Hampshire
Heights (the two public housing developments for families) are not handicap accessible because
bedrooms and bathrooms are on the second floor. Two handicapped accessible units are in
development at Hampshire Heights; both require state construction and project 200-1 subsidy
commitments from the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development.
Most immediate needs of residents of Public Housing and Housing Choice voucher holders
Federal Public Housing Waiting list total eligible = 279
• Extremely low Income < 30% ami = 246/ 88% of total families
• Very Low Income <30% ami but <50% = 30/ 11% of total families
• Low Income >50% but < 80% ami = 3/ 1% of total families
• Families with Children 91 = 34% of total families
• Elderly Families 60 = 22% of total families
• Families with Disabilities 155 = 56% of total families
187 are in need of a one bedroom unit.
69 are looking for two bedroom units, 21 are in need of three bedroom units and 2 are waiting for 4
bedroom units.
Section 8 Waiting list: 535 total eligible.
• ELI = 416/78% of total families
• VL = 92/17% of total families
• LI = 27/5% of total families
• Families with Children = 299/ 56% of total families
• Elderly Families = 41/ 8% of total families
• Families with Disabilities = 108/20% of total families
226/46% are in need of one bedroom units
167/31% are in need of two bedroom units
123/ 23% are in need of three bedroom units
Consolidated Plan NORTHAMPTON 57
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18/3% are in need of four bedroom units
1/<1% is in need of a five bedroom unit
The most immediate need for those waiting for public housing units and Housing Choice vouchers is
movement on the lists. The Section 8 waiting list is usually closed and opens maybe every 3-5 years. The
NHA estimates they will issue 25 vouchers for use in 2015.
How do these needs compare to the housing needs of the population at large
The Housing Authority waiting list information reflects the City and regional needs. The highest demand
for units is from families with the lowest incomes. These may be households struggling with cost burden
in this community, the surrounding cities and towns, or because of universal applications, could be
applying from anywhere in the state or nation. There is an over representation of Hispanic families on
the waiting list. 35% of applicants are Hispanic, where 8.7% are represented in the total City population.
The NHA stats also indicate the large demand for one bedroom units which are in short supply in the
City. 78% of all the families on the Section 8 Waiting list have the lowest incomes (<30% ami). Both
programs show a disproportionate number of families presenting with disabilities. These could be
physical or mental health and/or substance abuse related diagnoses. Further investigation of this data
would reveal the need for physical unit modifications, vs. types of supportive services needed.
The Federal public housing developments are Florence Heights (50 units)for families and McDonald
House (60 units) for elderly/younger disabled. Florence Heights has no one bedroom units, 23 two
bedroom units, 22 three bedroom units and 4 four bedroom units. McDonald House has 54 one
bedroom units and 6 two bedroom units.
Discussion
The State of Massachusetts allows housing authorities to cap the percentage of the younger disabled
residents in public housing at 13%. The Northampton Housing Authority typically has between 30-50%
of younger disabled in their elderly housing units. Law prevents the NHA from segregating younger
populations in certain sections of buildings, so there are typically life style clashes and management
challenges. The repercussions of that can sometimes yield a low number of elders on the waiting list. If
the NHA has vacancies they cannot fill with elders, they can't afford to leave them vacant, so they often
get filled with younger disabled.
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NA-40 Homeless Needs Assessment – 91.205(c)
Introduction:
With targeted intervention efforts and the evolution of the HMIS system, many chronically homeless have been identified, tracked and housed.
In Hampshire County, the emergency shelters in Northampton, Amherst and Easthampton have been able to house those individuals seeking
shelter, with a minimal number of turnaways. The number of unsheltered in Northampton fluctuates between 3 and 20 depending on the
season. With the outreach clinician from Eliot Homeless Services, we are always able to have an accurate assessment of the number and
locations of those living outside. The Northampton Police Department is a partner in these outreach efforts. Those living outside have, in most
cases, been offered services, if not housing, but for a myriad of reasons they have not availed themselves of those resources. The Resource
Center is always available for securing benefits, such as MassHealth and Foodstamps, as well as attention from the Health Care for the Homeless
nurse and doctor. Case Managers are there to link people with housing and employment search. Efforts to end Veterans homelessness are
progressing with area partners. The biggest challenge remains family homelessness. Although there are no emergency shelter beds for homeless
families anymore in Northampton ( the program moved to Amherst), the City is striving to help ameliorate the epidemic by creating new
affordable housing units for low income families.
Homeless Needs Assessment
Population Estimate the # of persons
experiencing homelessness
on a given night
Estimate the #
experiencing
homelessness
each year
Estimate the #
becoming
homeless
each year
Estimate the #
exiting
homelessness
each year
Estimate the #
of days persons
experience
homelessness
Sheltered Unsheltered
Persons in Households with Adult(s)
and Child(ren) 0 22 83 0 20 84
Persons in Households with Only
Children 0 0 0 0 0 0
Persons in Households with Only
Adults 3 181 402 191 85 104
Chronically Homeless Individuals 1 41 178 0 5 500
Chronically Homeless Families 0 0 0 0 0 0
Consolidated Plan NORTHAMPTON 59
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Population Estimate the # of persons
experiencing homelessness
on a given night
Estimate the #
experiencing
homelessness
each year
Estimate the #
becoming
homeless
each year
Estimate the #
exiting
homelessness
each year
Estimate the #
of days persons
experience
homelessness
Sheltered Unsheltered
Veterans 0 140 497 271 23 104
Unaccompanied Child 1 0 0 0 0 0
Persons with HIV 0 5 5 0 1 104
Table 28 - Homeless Needs Assessment
Data Source Comments:
From HMIS Administrator for Three County Continuum of Care. 2015.The Veterans numbers are high due to the presence of Soldier On at the Veterans Administration
Campus in Leeds, Northampton. There were also 9 chronically homeless families in the region, consisting of 29 persons, but 0 in Northampton.
Indicate if the homeless population is: Has No Rural Homeless
If data is not available for the categories "number of persons becoming and exiting homelessness each year," and "number of
days that persons experience homelessness," describe these categories for each homeless population type (including chronically
homeless individuals and families, families with children, veterans and their families, and unaccompanied youth):
Data is available.
Consolidated Plan NORTHAMPTON 60
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Nature and Extent of Homelessness: (Optional)
Race: Sheltered: Unsheltered (optional)
White 0 0
Black or African American 0 0
Asian 0 0
American Indian or Alaska
Native 0 0
Pacific Islander 0 0
Ethnicity: Sheltered: Unsheltered (optional)
Hispanic 0 0
Not Hispanic 0 0
Data Source
Comments:
HMIS Administrator for the Three County Continuum of Care. 2015.Table on page would not save, so table included as
an attachment.
Race Sheltered Unshelt.
White 77% 100%
Black 21% 0
Asian 0 0
Am. Ind. 2% 0
P.I. 0 0
Hispanic 9% 0
Not Hisp. 91% 100%
Table 29 - Nature and Extent of Homelessness
Estimate the number and type of families in need of housing assistance for families with
children and the families of veterans.
One hundred and nine extremely low income families are in need of housing assistance, including 3
families of Veterans. These families are typically small, with an average of 3 persons per household,
including 1 parent, almost always a single mother. The estimate is based on taking 40% of the annual
count of homeless families in the CoC. HUD uses national data to indicate that 25% of homeless persons
resolve their own homelessness and 35% need some other type of intervention, which leaves 40% in
need of housing. There doesn't appear to be strategies specific to estimating family homelessness, so
the strategy for individuals was applied. An alternate strategy would be to report that 100% of homeless
families are in need of housing assistance. (HMIS Administrator for the CoC)
Describe the Nature and Extent of Homelessness by Racial and Ethnic Group.
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Homeless individuals in the City and within the region are mostly white males, whose race and ethnicity
reflect the race and ethnicity of the general population (76% White, 24% persons of Color). In contrast,
homeless families are significantly more likely to be Hispanic than not; 53% of persons in families who
were homeless during 2014 were Hispanic as compared to only 5% of persons in the general population
within the region. There appeared to be more Spanish speaking guests than ever before at the Inter-
faith Winter shelter. The stats for the program year have not been compiled yet, as the shelter closes for
the season on April 30th. Data will be checked to assess this and to make programmatic and staffing
changes if necessary to better accommodate non-English speaking homeless guests. (HMIS
Administrator for the CoC)
Describe the Nature and Extent of Unsheltered and Sheltered Homelessness.
The rate of sheltered homelessness in the CoC is about 34 persons per every 10,000 persons.This rate is
higher than state and national rates.28% of all homeless persons in the CoC live in shelters in
Northampton.Sheltered homelessness in the city has stayed steady for the last 3 years while in the CoC
it has increased.In contrast, unsheltered homelessness has declined steadily; during the 2015 Point in
Time Count, only 3 individuals were unsheltered in the city, representing 16% of all unsheltered persons
enumerated in the region on the night of the count. Unsheltered Homeless - There are 6-15 unsheltered
individuals living outside in Northampton at any given point.Camps tend to be scattered in the
“Meadows” which are isolated lands along the Connecticut River.The Street Outreach clinician (Eliot
Homeless Services) visits the camps and is familiar with the population.Most are actively abusing
substances and are not interested in services.Some come in to the Inter-Faith Shelter during the winter,
then go back outside during the warmer months.The population consists primarily of older males, rarely
youth or females.The unsheltered count this past year is not that accurate, due to the extreme cold.It is
assumed many people were doubled up in the SRO’s or housing authority units during that week.3
people were located; the number is usually 4-6.
At the monthly Next Step Collaborative meetings, City staff stay attuned to the trends.Regular updates
are given on shelter capacity, street & unsheltered counts, and issues in the SRO’s.If there is increased
activity in Hampden County, it has repercussions for the numbers in Hampshire County. We do see
many individuals coming to the Interfaith Shelter with reports they do not want to stay at the
Worthington Street Homeless Shelter in Springfield.That facility accommodates around 165 people
nightly.They (Worthington Street in Springfield) also experience influx from the Worcester area as a
result of the shelter closing there.Our local programs (Inter-Faith winter shelter and the Grove Street Inn
year round shelter, both for individuals) are each 20-24 in capacity and tend to be less chaotic.Since
Amherst opened their winter shelter, and it is “wetter” than the one in Northampton, many individuals
that used to be here are across the bridge and opt to stay outside in Amherst for the summer.The trend
last summer was more new faces, but the numbers stayed about the same.An unsheltered family has
never been located during any Northampton Point in Time count.The assumption is they are doubled
up, or perhaps living in their vehicles and undetected.We do not have an emergency shelter for
families.Those that are identified are referred to Jessie’s House in Amherst. Sheltered Homeless - During
the extreme cold, guests are accommodated on couches in order to keep people from being outside.The
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City set up a shelter at a school during the most severe weather (only one family from a surrounding
community came).This past winter was extremely challenging weather wise.ServiceNet staff put in
countless extra hours keeping the Resource Center and shelters open so people could be inside.During
2014-15 the Inter-Faith Shelter served 263 individuals in the six month program and the Grove Street
Inn served 116 in the year round program. The winter shelter is open from November 1 to April
30th.The numbers served were anticipated to be 210. That number was exceeded and has increased
over the years.The Case management occurs at the Resource Center. The Benefits Analyst and the
Health Care for the Homeless Nurse are also there.More new faces are being seen, some for short
periods of stay and more are Spanish speaking than ever before. The numbers of women have increased
to the point where dorm rooms are switched around to accommodate that influx.
Discussion:
When ServiceNet added the 6 beds at the Easthampton annex to address Northampton's overflow years
ago and Amherst opened their shelter several years ago, our capacity issues stabilized. The Interfaith
Shelter did have turn-aways this past year but the primary reason was for intoxication rather than for
lack of capacity. Tracking the numbers of unsheltered during the late summer help plan for the fall and
winter. So far, we have not had to create additional overflow beds beyond the Easthampton Annex.
Amherst coming on line with their facility, and the increase in beds for women there, was a huge
contribution to the regional system. The city supports the existing emergency shelter system through
CDBG allocations to the Inter-Faith Winter shelter and the Grove Street Inn. The City CDBG
Administrator serves on the Management Committee for the winter shelter, collects the personal
hygiene supplies and does an overnight once a month to stay in touch with the programs and
populations. Safe Passage operates their emergency shelter for victims of domestic violence and does
extensive local and regional fundraising. Soldier On has 13 emergency shelter beds funded by the grant
per diem program from the U.S. Veterans Administration.
During 2014, 211 unduplicated persons exited the Inter-faith Shelter or the Grove Street Inn. Of those,
43 had a "positive exit", meaning an exit to some type of housing rather than homelessness. 21% of
those exiting found some type of housing. 9 report moving to subsidized housing; 4%.
With the intensive work the City of Springfield is doing to house their chronically homeless and
homeless individuals, and the amazing work of the REACH Program, (monthly meetings with case
advocates doing housing search and placement for the chronically homeless) Northampton's numbers
have stayed relatively constant. With Soldier On increasing their housing programs at the Leeds Campus,
Springfield participating in Zero2016 and the coordinated case management efforts occurring through
the CoC and Western Mass. Network to End Homelessness, the need for additional shelter beds is not
anticipated for the next 5 years. Our focus is on sustaining the current shelter system, but trying not to
expand it. Rather, we are focusing on creating permanent supported housing opportunities.
Consolidated Plan NORTHAMPTON 63
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NA-45 Non-Homeless Special Needs Assessment - 91.205 (b,d)
Introduction:
Special needs populations considered in program planning in Northampton include the elderly, the
disabled, people with mental health and/or substance abuse issues, people inflicted with HIV/AIDS,
people with developmental disabilities and people experiencing domestic violence.
Describe the characteristics of special needs populations in your community:
Elder Households: The population of those 50 years old and older is expected to increase substantially
over the next few years with residents 50 to 64 increasing by 44%. Those 65 and over will increase by
16% between 2000 and 2014. The numbers of children are declining. In the year 2000, those aged 55 to
65+ comprised 22% of the total population. 2014 projection estimates tally those 65 to 74 as 8.4% of the
population, 75-84 at 4.7% and ages 85+ at 3.4%. For those able to remain in their own homes, Meals on
Wheels and Highland Valley Elder Services, as well as home modifications for accessibility will become
increasingly important resources.
Households with Disabled Members: According to the Housing Plan of 2011, of the 2000 residents aged
5-20, 539 or 9.1% had some disability. For those 21-64, 2,650 residents, or 15% of those in that age
range claimed a disability. Roughly 58% of this group was employed, leaving another 432% unemployed,
likely due to their disability. For those 65 and older, 1,227 seniors or 37.9% of people in that age group
claimed some form of disability. These levels of disability represent significant special needs within the
City.
People struggling with Mental Health issues: are usually on fixed incomes and cannot find apartments in
Northampton without rental subsidies. DMH clients may struggle with financial instability, hoarding
issues, difficulty living in congregate settings and the need to be close to counseling and treatment
locations.
People struggling with Substance Abuse issues: often find themselves with poor work histories, poor
credit histories, inadequate landlord references, often with criminal records and a lack of support
systems. If one decides to enter a treatment facility, there are none in Northampton. Detox beds need
to be identified in either Greenfield, Holyoke or Pittsfield and transportation needs to be found. If there
is a delay in either finding an open bed or getting someone there, the moment of willingness to seek
treatment may be lost. We have seen several unsheltered homeless pass away in the last few years as
their bodies can no longer tolerate the alcohol consumption. The Street Outreach Worker predicts there
will be more. A local memorial service is always held to honor their lives and their struggle. Acute care
can be secured at the Cooley Dickinson Hospital when necessary, however.
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People Living with HIV/AIDS: have difficulty finding housing outside of Holyoke and Springfield. They are
often Spanish speaking with low household incomes. The group reported on by A Positive Place that
struggles with the highest acuity needs is the transgendered minority population.
People with Developmental Disabilities: According to the Department of Developmental Services Area
Director for Franklin/Hampshire, 23 clients live in subsidized housing in Northampton, and 26 others are
in homes subsidized by DDS and run by provider agencies. They estimate 10 clients waiting for housing
in Northampton.
Victims of Domestic Violence: are in need of safe and secure affordable housing away from abusers.
Characteristics may include economic control and abuse by their partner, money being spent on other
than housing costs, credit and landlord references being negatively impacted by partner, debt
accumulation in partners name, threatened family members so they are afraid to assist the survivor,
workplace harassment, children being in danger at school or daycare, inability to retrieve household
goods and paperwork if flee, housing is put at risk for lessee if families are doubled up for safety. For
young adults who have been abused as children, turning 18 becomes a risk factor. Adult children may
continue to be abused at home, but child protective services no longer has jurisdiction. Young adults
may need to leave but have no work history or credit standing.
What are the housing and supportive service needs of these populations and how are these
needs determined?
The housing and supportive needs of special populations are determined through an assessment
process that includes interviews with the client and/or guardian and family members as well as records
reviews.
For most special needs populations:
Physical Accessibility of units is a paramount concern. Universal design elements should be incorporated
into any housing expansion or new development.
Proximity to downtown: since many experience travel limitations, easy access to services reduces the
likelihood of people becoming isolated and unable to get needed goods and services.
Access to transportation: Housing along transportation routes and access to transportation is important
for those who can utilize it.
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Supportive Environments: Spaces for community gatherings, such as community rooms promote
socialization.
Resident Services Coordinators: Residencies tend to be more successful and fulfilling when there is on
site staff to promote activities and case management.
Recognition of Live-In Support: Some people require overnight staffing assistance and therefore should
be eligible for two bedroom units.
Stable housing is a critical component of treatment and prevention of HIV/AIDS. Persons with AIDS are
impacted by the lack of affordable housing and many have difficulty accessing affordable housing due to
substance abuse and mental health issues and histories of incarceration.
Elderly have the option of applying for public housing units. There is a Mixed Populations Coordinator on
site to assist with the younger disabled/elderly management challenges. There is a Highland Valley Elder
services meal site at Salvo House, which is directly adjacent to the Northampton Senior Center. The
Christopher Heights Assisted Living Development at Village Hill has just broken ground. 43 of the 83
units will be affordable. As ones medical needs increase, there are 4 nursing homes in the City. An
Alzheimers Unit was just opened adjacent to the Linda Manor Nursing Home.
Discuss the size and characteristics of the population with HIV/AIDS and their families within
the Eligible Metropolitan Statistical Area:
The Eligible Metropolitan Statistical Area is comprised of Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin counties.
Within the EMSA, the majority of persons living with HIV/AIDS live in Hampden County. According to the
City of Springfield ConPlan draft and the 2013 Massachusetts Regional HIV/AIDS Epidemiological Profile,
the EMSA has 1900 persons living with HIV/Aids. Of these,84 % are in Hampden County, 7.8% are in
Hampshire County and 3.6% are in Franklin County. Of the total EMSA persons living with HIV/AIDS,
1050 live in the City of Springfield. The City averages 32 new cases per year.
In the EMSA, 63% of the people living with HIV/AIDS are men and 37% are women. Hispanics are
overrepresented in the population. 50% of persons living with HIV/Aids are Hispanic, 28.6% are Non-
Hispanic White and 18.6% are Black. The highest contributing factor to HIV infection is injection drug
use. That is the mode of exposure for 31% of persons with HIV/Aids in Hampden County. Other modes
of exposure are male to male sex (25.1%), heterosexual sex (17.9%), undetermined (21.7%) and other
combinations of activity. 82% of those living with HIV/AIDS are 40 years or older.
Discussion:
The City needs to make a concerted effort to integrate special needs housing, units that are
handicapped accessible and housing with supportive services, into its planning for affordable housing
development. The two affordable housing projects being pursued will make contributions towards that
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goal. The Valley CDC's Lumberyard Project will include 2 two bedroom apartments reserved for the
Mass. Rehabilitation Commission's Community Based Housing Program, 3 fully accessible handicap units
and 1 unit for the sensory impaired. HAPHousing's 129 Pleasant Street project will include 5 apartments
for clients of the Department of Mental Health through the Facilities Consolidated Fund, 4 units will be
fully handicap accessible and 2 units will be equipped to accommodate residents with visual and hearing
impairments.
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NA-50 Non-Housing Community Development Needs – 91.215 (f)
Describe the jurisdiction’s need for Public Facilities:
Need for Public Facilities
The only public facilities projects identified at this time are the Vernon Street School and the Jackson
Street Playground installation project. Vernon Street School, no longer used as a school, is home to
Community Action’s HeadStart program and various other programs. The school is in need of a new
heating plant and accessibility modifications. Community Action leases the school from the City and has
some of its own funds for capital improvements. Those funds may be insufficient to cover all the costs
associated with needed improvements. CDBG funds may be utilized once the extent of the work
becomes known.
The Jackson Street elementary school PTO successfully raised over 200,000 dollars to create a new
playspace. $30,000 of CDBG funds will be used to purchase pieces specifically to be utilized for children
with disabilities.
The Senior Center, originally constructed with CDBG funds, is not eligible for operating costs from CDBG,
so City coffers are tapped for maintenance and other expenditures there.
The Forbes Library has (finally) successfully fundraised for their elevator installation. CDBG funds were
used for construction drawings. Installation is occurring at this time and will be completed in late
summer of 2015. The Community Preservation Act local funds matched by the State for historic
preservation have become a huge source for capital improvements at this facility, so no additional CDBG
allocations are anticipated.
The James House, the city owned community learning center, home to The Literacy Project, the Center
for New Americans and the Pioneer Valley Workers Center, has no additional rehab projects scheduled.
The building has been renovated, painted, the front porch secured and is a successful venture
coordinating adult basic education programming which regional community colleges and social service
partners.
How were these needs determined?
Needs are determined by consultations with the Mayor and Department heads, particularly the Director
of Central Services, the division in charge of all City buildings and schools.
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Describe the jurisdiction’s need for Public Improvements:
The projects for which CDBG expenditures have been allocated are construction of a sidewalk at a low
income condominium development and installation of crosswalk signals to aid the visually impaired. The
Director of the Department of Public Works has not indicated that there are other projects they would
like to use CDBG funding for in the future. There are many street and sidewalk improvements needed in
certain areas, such as the downtown that are not CDBG eligible.
Pulaski Park, the primary park downtown is undergoing a complete renovation, but funds secured (in
excess of two million dollars) are through a State PARC grant and Community Preservation Act funds.
How were these needs determined?
Needs are determined by consultation with the Mayor and the Director of the Department of Public
Works. Also, City Councilors hear about issues with streets and sidewalks from their constituents.
Describe the jurisdiction’s need for Public Services:
There are 12-15 projects funded annually.
Generally, the projects funded address emergency shelter staffing capacity, outreach and information
referral services for the Latino community, soup kitchen operating costs, language and job readiness
services for immigrants and refugees, youth employment readiness training, mentoring for low income
youth, eviction intervention for housing stabilization and homelessness prevention, home visits and
meals for the elderly and adult basic education for income maximization and economic empowerment.
How were these needs determined?
The need for new projects is assessed from information gleaned by City staff at the Western Mass.
Network to End Homelessness Leadership Council and committee meetings ( Individual Services
Committee, Family Services Committee, Housing Sex-Offenders, Unaccompanied Youth), monthly
meetings of the Northampton Housing Partnership, monthly meetings of the Next Step Collaborative (
housing and homeless service providers) and other consultation venues.
The ad hoc Public Services Review Committee is composed of 3 City Councilors from the Council
Committee on Social Services and Veterans Affairs, a rep from the Friends of the Homeless and Human
Rights Commission, and a downtown clergy person. They meet ahead of time to determine the high
priority needs to direct the allocations process, based on what they bring from their own experience and
observations and staff input. Most years the focus has been on sheltering, food security and economic
empowerment.
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Housing Market Analysis
MA-05 Overview
Housing Market Analysis Overview:
More than half of Northampton’s housing stock is owner occupied. The 2007 and 2008 rates show
reductions in rental-occupancy, suggesting that new housing growth has focused on owner-occupied
units and likely conversions of rental units to owner occupancy, confirmed by building permit data.
Housing growth has occurred despite small population declines, reflecting increasing numbers of smaller
households.
Housing prices remain high despite the recent economic decline and flat sales elsewhere. There was a
period where prices soared after the 2000 census. There was a leveling off period during the housing
market crisis and the ability to obtain financing became increasingly difficult. Prices are starting to
increase again. Due to the popularity of Northampton as a community in which to live, the housing
market crash did not have a significant impact here. Traditionally our market seems to be relatively
immune to outside fluctuations. Realtors report rarely having enough inventory to meet the buyer
demand.
According to the Warren Group, the median home sales price was $260,750 in 2010, up from $250,000
in 2008. The average list price in February 2015 was $328,000; that compares to $300,300 in Hadley,
$271,700 in Hatfield, $268,000 in Westhampton, $260,100 in Southampton, $257,400 in Williamsburg,
$219,300 in Goshen, $218,800 in Easthampton, $195,800 in S. Hadley and $166,500 in Holyoke and
$138,684 in Springfield. The median home value in Northampton in 2015 is $272,200. Northampton
home values have gone up 4.4% over the past year and sites predict they will rise 4.0% within the next
year.
In the rental market in 2000, roughly 60% of the City’s rental units were renting in the $500 to $1,000
price range, with the median being $647. Since then, rental prices have increased significantly. The
lowest rent advertised in 2009 was $850 for a one bedroom and $950 for a two bedroom. The median
rent price for a two bedroom in Northampton now is $1,325, which is higher than the Springfield metro
area median of $960. A strong rental market has pushed rents well beyond the means of most low and
moderate income households.
Foreclosures may be a factor impacting home values in the next several years. In Northampton 1.4
homes are foreclosed (per 10,000). This is lower than the Springfield Metro value of 3.4 and also lower
than the national value of 3.0.
Mortgage delinquency is the first step in the foreclosure process. This is when a homeowner fails to
make a mortgage payment. The percent of delinquent mortgages in Northampton is 2.1%, which is
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lower than the national value of 6.3%. With U.S. home values having fallen by more than 20% nationally
from their peak in 2007 until their trough in late 2011, many homeowners are now underwater on their
mortgages, meaning they owe more than their home is worth. The percent of Northampton
homeowners underwater on their mortgage is 6.2%, which is lower than Springfield Metro at 14.4%, but
still problematic.
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MA-10 Number of Housing Units – 91.210(a)&(b)(2)
Introduction
In reviewing changes in the housing stock since 1980, a number of important trends become apparent:
• Continued housing growth: Housing growth has continued in Northampton despite an overall
population decrease, largely reflective of the formation of smaller households. While 1,745 new
housing units were created between 1980 and 2000, the rate of growth has slowed down from a
growth rate of 10.2% between 1980 and 1990, to 5.6% from 1990 to 2000, and to 2.6% between
2000 and 2010.
• Decrease in persons per unit. Average household size continues to drop, although at a slower
rate than it did between 1960 and 2000. Consequently, new housing units do not necessarily
translate into more people. The average number of persons per unit declined between 1980 and
2000 from 2.54 persons to 2.44 persons for owner-occupied units and from 1990 to 2000 from
1.95 to 1.79 persons for rental units. This decrease reflects local, regional and national trends
towards smaller household sizes and relates to the change in the average household size in
Northampton from 2.45 persons in 1990 to 2.14 in 2000.
• Limited growth in rental units: After an increase of 642 rental units between 1980 and 1990,
Northampton gained only 42 rental units from 1990 to 2000, most likely related to limited new
construction and the conversion of rentals to homeownership through condominium
conversions. Since 2000, the only new rental apartments that have been built in the City have
occurred with public subsidies, mainly through The Village at Hospital Hill and some small
developments sponsored by the Valley CDC, or the accessory apartment ordinance.
Northampton’s rental units are distributed throughout the housing stock with 82% of the total
5,524 occupied rental units in 2000 in structures of three (3) or more units.
• Tight market conditions. Vacancy rates for both rental and ownership housing were well below
5% indicative of an extremely tight housing market. These rates were substantially lower than
the state and national rates.
• Loss of small multi-family units. The U.S. Census estimates that from April 1, 2000 to July 1,
2007, 270 new dwelling units were built but 229 units were lost either to other uses, or
conversions of two-family dwellings to single-family homes. Moreover, the number of two-
family homes decreased from 1,722 such units in 1980 to only 1,529 in 2000, representing the
loss of a valuable segment of the city’s existing housing stock.
All residential properties by number of units
Property Type Number %
1-unit detached structure 5,754 46%
1-unit, attached structure 656 5%
2-4 units 3,081 24%
5-19 units 2,093 17%
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Property Type Number %
20 or more units 970 8%
Mobile Home, boat, RV, van, etc 47 0%
Total 12,601 100%
Table 30 – Residential Properties by Unit Number
Data Source: 2007-2011 ACS
Unit Size by Tenure
Owners Renters
Number % Number %
No bedroom 36 1% 305 6%
1 bedroom 266 4% 2,025 40%
2 bedrooms 1,855 27% 1,885 37%
3 or more bedrooms 4,618 68% 863 17%
Total 6,775 100% 5,078 100%
Table 31 – Unit Size by Tenure
Data Source: 2007-2011 ACS
Describe the number and targeting (income level/type of family served) of units assisted with
federal, state, and local programs.
According to the Dept. of Housing and Community Development’s Subsidized Housing Inventory, 12.07%
of the City’s housing inventory is defined as subsidized. That equates to 1,521 units which are owned
and managed by a variety of non-profit organizations and the Northampton Housing Authority. The
inventory listing the units is in the appendix (B). There has been no particular targeting strategy for the
units added to the inventory over the last several decades. However, with the two new affordable
housing developments proposed for Pleasant Street, HAPHousing focused on the need for studio and
one bedroom units to meet the needs of the existing tenant population which will be relocated and
rehoused at the new building and to meet the documented demand for smaller units. The Lumberyard
project is targeted for low income families, mostly two bedrooms, but some one and three bedroom
units. The two developments will house different populations and together, will address the need for
affordable rental units for individual and family households.
Provide an assessment of units expected to be lost from the affordable housing inventory for
any reason, such as expiration of Section 8 contracts.
Hathaway Farms, the second largest expiring use property in the community, may be lost from the
inventory this year. It converted from affordable to market rate housing in the early 1990’s. Through a
contribution to the Affordable Housing Trust from the property owner in the amount of $500,000 and
local fundraising of $120,000, subsidies were able to be provided to income eligible households for an
additional 7 years. Spear Management also participated in the 80/20 Loan Program through
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MassHousing. When that expired (2014), it put the complex below the 25% unit threshold for being able
to count the total number of units on the inventory. Official notification has not been received, but the
assumption is 207 units will be lost on the total count.
Leeds Village, a 17 unit apartment building owned by Mt. Holyoke Management expires in 2018.
MassHousing has some new loan products that we are hopeful the owner will utilize. City staff has been
in contact with the owner who seems interested, but was told by the State it was too early to have
specific discussions. This situation will be monitored. The majority of the units on the list have either
been created new, or refinanced and have expiration dates late in 2030 and beyond, or are protected in
perpetuity.
Does the availability of housing units meet the needs of the population?
With the total number of households being 11,853 in 2011 and the number of units being 12,604, one
could assume there is enough housing to meet the needs of the population. However, with further
analysis, however, the type of units available do not meet the needs of the population.
Describe the need for specific types of housing:
According to the Housing Plan 2011, a high priority need is providing housing for those whose incomes
do not exceed $1,000 per month. This is what the Federal government refers to as living at 100% of
poverty level. There is a clear need for enhanced SRO units, efficiency or studio apartments, or one
bedroom units for those with lower incomes. Some of these individuals have disabilities. Some are
younger, looking for opportunities to live in Northampton, some are older, some are reentering the
community after incarceration, some are recent immigrants working in local businesses with limited
pay. Some are trying to exit homelessness. Those with Section 8 vouchers have experienced difficulty
finding suitable housing in the private market due to high rents.
Single people compose 37% of all households and 74% of non-family households in 2000. About half of
all residents over 65 lived alone. 32% of elderly renters, or 260 seniors earning at or below 50% of area
median income, were paying too much for housing including 11.5% who were spending at least half
their income on housing. Most seniors earning fixed incomes and relying substantially on Social Security
find that when they lose their spouse, their income is insufficient to afford their current housing and
other expenses. In addition, the vacancy rate is 3% or less, making for a very tight rental market.
Through consultations with service providers, new SRO units and a Safe Haven type program to serve
chronically homeless, were identified as high priority needs. The city has lost over half of its SRO stock
since the 1980’s. There is also a significant need to house families, particularly those earning within the
poverty level. The number of two person households comprise almost one third of all households
(4,000) yet smaller units are in short supply. Almost half the households with children are headed by a
single parent, suggesting a compelling need for affordable family housing with only one income. In 2000,
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27.4% of all small family renters, or 330 families, were spending too much on housing costs, including
110 families earning at or below 30% ami.
The wait for a unit in one of the Housing Authority’s family units is 2 years and longer for those with
larger families. The wait list for subsidies is 3-6 years. The large gap between incomes and entry costs for
homeownership force first time homebuyers to look outside of Northampton. The scarcity of affordable
rentals, particularly those with supportive services is also problematic for those transitioning out of
homeless shelters and special needs programs.
Discussion
Information from the Housing Authority on their waiting lists for various programs is a good indicator of
the demand and the types of units people are looking for. For the Federal public housing (McDonald
House for Elderly/Younger Disabled and Florence Heights Family Housing): Total Eligible on the waiting
list = 279; Annual Turnover is 10. Of the 279, 246 are extremely low income (88% of total families, at less
than 30% ami. 30 of the 279 are >30 but < 50% ami (11% of total families). 3 of the 279 are >50% but
<80% of ami (1% of total families).
91 are families with children (34% of the total); 60 are elderly (22% of the total); 155 are families with
disabilities (56% of total). 198, or 71% of the total number of families are White, 12, or 4% of the total
are Black, 98, or 35% are Hispanic and 3, or 3% are Asian.
187 are on the list for a one bedroom unit, 69 for a two bedroom, 21 for a three bedroom and 2 for a
four bedroom unit. The waiting list for the public housing units is currently open. Specifically for the
family development of 50 units, Florence Heights, 56 families are waiting for a two bedroom unit, 17 are
waiting for a three bedroom unit, and 1 is waiting for a four bedroom unit (there are 4). Many families
are on both the Federal and State waiting lists, so the numbers are not mutually exclusive.
State Aided Public Housing Waits lists and development descriptions are as follows:
Elderly Housing Waiting List: Tobin (47 units), Forsander (72 units) , Cahill (64 units) and Salvo House
(192); 138 waiting for one bedroom units; 1 waiting for a 2 bedroom unit.
State Public Family Housing - Hampshire Heights (80) 70 families are waiting for 2 bedroom units, 24 for
three bedroom units and 0 for four bedroom units (there are 2, both handicap accessible)
State Street 667 6 units) 8 are waiting for one bedroom units
State - 689 Special Needs Housing/ Bridge Street SRO (7 units)
Grace House - leased through the Dept. of Public Health
Mary McColgan apartments - leased through the Dept. of Mental Health
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State - Chapter 705 Michelman Ave. (4 units, all 2 bedroom handicap accessible)
For the Section 8 program, there are 535 on the waiting list. The NHA estimates they will issue 25
vouchers in 2015. 416 are extremely low income families, 78% at < 30% ami, 92 or 17% of the total are
very low income at >30 but <50% ami and 27, or 5% of the total have low incomes >50% but <80% ami.
299, or 56% of the families on the waiting list have children, 41 or 8% are elderly and 108 or 20% of the
total are families with disabilities. 226 (46%) want a one bedroom unit; 167 (31%) are in need of a two
bedroom unit; 123 ( 23%) are in need of a three bedroom unit and 18 (3%) need four bedroom units.
The Section 8 waiting list is currently closed.
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MA-15 Housing Market Analysis: Cost of Housing - 91.210(a)
Introduction
The 2000 census shows the median house value as $144,600, up 8.8% from the median in 1990 of
$132,900, but up about 280% since 1980 when the median was $38,200.There were 555 units valued at
less than $100,000 in 2000, and 2,217, or 43.6% of the housing stock valued between $100,000 and
$150,000. More than half of the city’s housing units were relatively affordable at that time. Still another
1,101 units or 21.7% were valued between $150,000 and $200,000. 390 units, or 7.8% of the housing
stock was priced at $300,000 or more. In 2000, housing prices in Northampton were only a bit higher
than those for Hampshire County, with a median house value of $142,400. The median price was
somewhat lower than the state’s median of $162,800.
Current sales data for 2015 show the average list price for a home sale is $328,000 and an average
rental rate for a two bedroom unit is $1,200 to 1,600/ per month.
Cost of Housing
Base Year: 2000 Most Recent Year: 2011 % Change
Median Home Value 147,100 278,600 89%
Median Contract Rent 578 788 36%
Table 32 – Cost of Housing
Data Source: 2000 Census (Base Year), 2007-2011 ACS (Most Recent Year)
Rent Paid Number %
Less than $500 1,245 24.5%
$500-999 2,648 52.2%
$1,000-1,499 965 19.0%
$1,500-1,999 177 3.5%
$2,000 or more 43 0.9%
Total 5,078 100.0%
Table 33 - Rent Paid
Data Source: 2007-2011 ACS
Housing Affordability
% Units affordable to Households
earning
Renter Owner
30% HAMFI 7,210 No Data
50% HAMFI 21,140 540
80% HAMFI 36,680 2,870
100% HAMFI No Data 7,090
Total 65,030 10,500
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Table 34 – Housing Affordability
Alternate Data Source Name:
Housing Needs Assessment Strategic Plan 2011
Data Source Comments: Numbers pre-populated by HUD are incorrect. See the attached table for corrected information and analysis.
Affordability Analysis Maximum Affordable Prices Based on Income Levels
Monthly Rent
Monthly Rent ($) Efficiency (no
bedroom)
1 Bedroom 2 Bedroom 3 Bedroom 4 Bedroom
Fair Market Rent 624 748 935 0 0
High HOME Rent 634 761 951 0 0
Low HOME Rent 634 761 951 0 0
Table 35 – Monthly Rent
Data Source Comments:
Is there sufficient housing for households at all income levels?
According to the data, there are 12,604 housing units and 11,853 households, so one could assume
there is sufficient supply. However, there is a significant affordability gap. In the past, it was fairly easy
for purchasers to limit their down payments on mortgage financing to 5% or even less if they paid
private mortgage insurance or qualified for a subsidized mortgage program such as the state’s Soft
Second Loan Program. Given the recent financial crisis, lenders are now applying rigid lending criteria
including the need for 20% down payments. Such high cash requirements make homeownership,
particularly first-time homeownership, much more difficult. A household earning the same level of
income can acquire a much higher priced home with more cash down.
On the rental side, a two-person household earning 60% of area median income , $37,260 annually,
could afford a monthly rental of about $800, assuming they are paying no more than 30% of their
income on housing and pay utility bills that average about $135/mo. A rental rate this low is extremely
difficult to find in Northampton. Also most landlords require first and last month’s rent and a security
deposit equivalent to a month’s rent. Someone earning minimum wage of $8.00 for 40 hours per week
every week during the year would earn a gross income of $16,640. Households with two persons
earning the minimum wage would still fall short of the $38,000 income needed to afford this rent. This
means that any household looking to rent in the private housing market must have a considerable
amount of cash available, which has a significant impact on affordability.
There is also a unit mix gap. Those units most appropriate for single persons, with three rooms or less,
comprise only 21% of the housing stock. The 2014 estimate for single individuals as a percentage of the
total population is 79%.
Excerpts of the Affordability Analysis compiled for the Housing Plan are included in the Appendix (C).
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How is affordability of housing likely to change considering changes to home values and/or
rents?
Now that the housing crisis is coming to a close, home sales prices and rental rates are only going to
increase. There has been a decline in the number of two family homes, largely due to conversions to
single family units. Roughly 200 rental units in owner-occupied homes were lost. Most of those units
were probably affordable, as private landlords, particularly owner occupied, often charged below
market rents to maintain their long term tenants. That also represents loss of affordable
homeownership stock where owners are able to purchase because rental income helps them finance
the home. 75% of our housing stock is contained in structures with 4 units or less. (76.9% in 1980, 75%
in 2000). As our population of smaller unit property owners’ age and sell, purchase and carrying costs
for new owners necessitate that they charge higher rents.
As stated in the Housing Plan “The convergence of demographic and housing trends – increasing
numbers of households, lower incomes, increasing poverty, rising prices, lower housing production,
declining supply of rentals, difficulty in obtaining financing, large up-front cash requirements for
homeownership and rentals – all point to a growing affordability gap! This gap is reinforced by 2000
census data that indicated about 3,000 households or one-quarter of all Northampton households were
living in housing that was by common definition beyond their means and unaffordable as they were
paying more than 30% of their income on housing. If these demographic and housing trends are left to
evolve unchecked, Northampton will lose ground on its ability to be a place where families across a full
range of economic and social strata can call home.
How do HOME rents / Fair Market Rent compare to Area Median Rent? How might this
impact your strategy to produce or preserve affordable housing?
Market rents in Northampton exceed fair market rent rates established by HUD. We are not a
participating jurisdiction for HOME. The FMR rates for Northampton are too low.
Northampton being included in the Springfield SMSA has always been problematic. We have had several
task forces over the years strategize around this issue. U.S. Congressional action is required to remove
Northampton from the MSA. The alternate strategy has been to adopt exception rent rates. The
Amherst Housing Authority went to 120% several years ago. They have higher rents in their 40th
percentile units because of the competition of college students in that area.
Northampton adopted a 110% rate. They have not increased it. In 2014, the Board of Commissioners
voted that the Payment Standard for 2014 will remain the same. The Section 8 Program Director says
that although they would like to increase the payment standard, they ended the last fiscal year with
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$40,000 (down from $525,000 at the start of the year) in the Net Restricted Assets. Given a utility
allowance increase and expected increases in reasonable rent increases requested by landlords, along
with the uncertainty of Congressional funding of their budget authority, the Board opted to keep the
rate the same. They also feel that they can serve fewer people if they increase the rate. Additionally, if
the exception payment standard is too high, all of the allowable increase is borne by the tenant which
creates additional cost burden on the household.
According to the NHA Executive Director, increasing the FMR itself codifies real rental rates and allows
families to pay closer to 30% of their incomes for rent in a wider variety of apartments. Raising the
payment standard puts the burden above that threshold, which is not the goal.
The service providers traditionally report that certificate holders can’t find apartments to rent in
Northampton. In 2010 (most recent data) when new certificates were issued 4 out of 11 found
apartments in Northampton. The waiting list is composed of many households from other areas and
may have children in those school systems. Therefore they might not want to live here. This continues to
be a point of discussion. More recent data will be collected and analyzed. Easy solutions have not been
identified to date.
Discussion
According to 2010 Census figures, median homeowner monthly costs are $1,775 in the City, $2,100 in
the State and $1,524 in the country. Median rent in the City is $753, $873 in the State and $699 in the
country. 37.6% of the population has a mortgage, compared to 41.7% in the State and 39.8% in the
country. .7% pay less than $500 a month for the mortgage, compared to .6% in the State and 2.1% in the
country. 9.1% pay between $500-999 for the mortgage, 6.3% in the State and 19.8% in the country.
23.4% pay between $1,000 and $1,499 a month for their mortgage, compared to 16.6 across the State
and 27.1% in the country. 31.6% pay between $1,500 and $1,999 in Northampton, compared to 22.4 in
the State and 19.9% in the country. 25.3% pay between $2,000 and $2,999 a month for their mortgage,
compared to 34% in the State and 19.4% in the country. 9.9% of the homeowner households in
Northampton pay more than $3,000 a month for their mortgage, compared to 20% in the State and
11.7% across the nation.
9.8% of renter households in Northampton pay less than $300/mo, compared to 11.4% in the State and
9% in the country. 10.6% pay between 300-499, compared to 8.8% in the State and 16.3% in the
country. 20% of local renter households pay between 500-699 a month, compared to 13.3% in the State
and 21.9% in the country; 36.3% pay between 700-999 a month for rent, compared to 24.8 in the state
and 24% in the country; 16.7% pay between $1,000- 1,499 for rent compared to 25% in the State and
15.3% in the country.2.7% pay $1,500-$1,999 compared to 8.9% in the State and 5% in the country and
.3% of renter households in Northampton pay more than $2,000 a month compared to 4.2% in the State
and 2.8% in the country.
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MA-20 Housing Market Analysis: Condition of Housing – 91.210(a)
Introduction
Based on the data, one would assume that unit condition is far less of an issue here than cost burden
(although the data does not isolate the Conditions). According to the data below, 98% of the rental
housing units exhibit one selected condition or less. 99% of the homeownership units exhibit one
condition or less. That speaks to a relatively sound housing stock physically. Based on the age of the
stock and visual site surveys, however, there is a strong assumption that many homes have code
violations and are in definite need of exterior rehabilitation, some structural and many cosmetic.
There are rarely tax title or abandoned properties in Northampton and very few reach the state of
needing to be condemned.
Definitions
A building is considered to be substandard if it fails to comply with minimum standards of habitability
according to the Massachusetts State Sanitary Code , M.G.L. c.111, section 127 A-I. A building that is
suitable for rehabilitation is one where the overall condition of the building is not structurally deficient
and not a threat to public safety.
Condition of Units
Condition of Units Owner-Occupied Renter-Occupied
Number % Number %
With one selected Condition 2,076 31% 2,227 44%
With two selected Conditions 14 0% 66 1%
With three selected Conditions 0 0% 29 1%
With four selected Conditions 0 0% 0 0%
No selected Conditions 4,685 69% 2,756 54%
Total 6,775 100% 5,078 100%
Table 36 - Condition of Units
Data Source: 2007-2011 ACS
Year Unit Built
Year Unit Built Owner-Occupied Renter-Occupied
Number % Number %
2000 or later 446 7% 173 3%
1980-1999 1,075 16% 506 10%
1950-1979 2,074 31% 1,600 32%
Before 1950 3,180 47% 2,799 55%
Total 6,775 101% 5,078 100%
Table 37 – Year Unit Built
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Data Source: 2007-2011 CHAS
Risk of Lead-Based Paint Hazard
Risk of Lead-Based Paint Hazard Owner-Occupied Renter-Occupied
Number % Number %
Total Number of Units Built Before 1980 5,254 78% 4,399 87%
Housing Units build before 1980 with children present 470 7% 420 8%
Table 38 – Risk of Lead-Based Paint
Data Source: 2007-2011 ACS (Total Units) 2007-2011 CHAS (Units with Children present)
Vacant Units
Suitable for
Rehabilitation
Not Suitable for
Rehabilitation
Total
Vacant Units 34 34 68
Abandoned Vacant Units 2 2 4
REO Properties 13 0 13
Abandoned REO Properties 0 0 0
Table 39 - Vacant Units
Alternate Data Source Name:
Housing Needs Assessment Strategic Plan 2011
Data Source Comments: Based on REOdev.com survey April 2015 and extrapolation from Housing Plan, pg. 29 Vacancy rates by
Tenure.Tenure 1990 2000 MA 2000 Nation 2000Rental 3.4% 2.9% 3.5%
5%Homeowner 1.7% 0.7% 0.7% 3%
Need for Owner and Rental Rehabilitation
A substantial portion of Northampton’s housing stock, (45.4% or 5,638 units) predates World War II.
Additionally, almost another 30% or 3,484 units were built between 1940 and 1970, with another 1,500
units built between 1970 and 1980. Only 823 units were built more recently, between 1980 and 2000,
representing only 6.6% of the housing stock up to that point. Because of the relative age of the existing
housing stock, it is likely that many units may have remnants of lead-based paint and/or deferred
housing maintenance needs, including some basic code violations related to structural or systemic
deficiencies.
Estimated Number of Housing Units Occupied by Low or Moderate Income Families with LBP
Hazards
890 or 15%. Totals of table 34 above indicating number of owner occupied and rental units built before
1980 with children present.
Discussion
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Despite the age of the housing stock, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health Childhood Lead
Poisoning Prevention program statistics show no incidences of poisoning for the most recent data set for
FY2012- July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012.For children aged 9-48 months; out of a total # of 736, 480 were
tested (65%) with 0 incidences reported. For children aged 6-72 months, out of 1,243, 512 were tested
(41%) with 0 incidences reported.
The Council on Aging's Home Repair program is available for minor work on elders homes and much of
the jobs entail modifications to address physical disabilities. When the City had a housing rehab
program, Valley CDC worked on 4-6 units a year. If the City reinstitutes a program with a new vendor, a
community survey will be done to ascertain need. The program will be of the same size, as that is the
most we could do with the available funding.
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MA-25 Public and Assisted Housing – 91.210(b)
Introduction
The Northampton Housing Authority and non-profit affordable housing agencies maintain their properties well. Although maintenance and
operating reserves are never sufficient to address all physical plant and site management needs, our local entities do their best to keep their
inventory well maintained and physically attractive. There are many programs operating in the community, through for example, ServiceNet
residential programming contracts from the Department of Mental Health, group homes through the Department of Developmental Services,
recovery homes owned and operated by the Gandara Center, that are virtually visually undetectable and blend seamlessly into surrounding
neighborhoods. Local housing and social service providers are aware of how difficult it can be to site and establish a new community based
program, so they hold themselves to high operational standards to the extent their funding allows.
Totals Number of Units
Program Type
Certificate Mod-Rehab Public
Housing
Vouchers
Total Project -based Tenant -based
Special Purpose Voucher
Veterans
Affairs
Supportive
Housing
Family
Unification
Program
Disabled
*
# of units vouchers
available
895 61 728 1,526 84 1,102 1,202 0
0
# of accessible units 28
*includes Non-Elderly Disabled, Mainstream One-Year, Mainstream Five-year, and Nursing Home Transition
Table 40 – Total Number of Units by Program Type
Alternate Data Source Name:
Data from Northampton Housing Authority.
Data Source Comments: The data from the pre-populated information was incorrect.
Describe the supply of public housing developments:
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Describe the number and physical condition of public housing units in the jurisdiction, including those that are participating in an
approved Public Housing Agency Plan:
The Northampton Housing Authority manages 618 units of public housing and rates the general condition of those units as good. Every year they
implement a capital improvement plan addressing the most critical rehabilitation needs, as funds allow. A specific breakdown of development
descriptions, construction types, recent improvements and planned improvements is included in full in Appendix D. The NHA administers 130
family units; 80 State and 50 Federal. 455 are for elderly and younger disabled and 33 units for special needs populations. 20 are closed referral
from the Department of Public Health for women in recovery and their children, 6 units are closed referral from the Department of Mental
Health and 7 SRO units. There are 857 Leased Housing Program vouchers as well: 386 Section 8 Mobile vouchers, 81 Enhanced vouchers for
expiring use properties, 43 Project based Section 8 vouchers, 272 VASH vouchers administered for the region, 36 Project Based VASH Vouchers
for the new Soldier On development in Leeds, 7 Mass. Rental Program vouchers, and 32 Section 8 Mod. Rehab. vouchers. Descriptions of the
developments and their physical condition begin in the next section and conclude in Appendix D.
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Public Housing Condition
Public Housing Development Average Inspection Score
Real Estate Assessment Center/ Northampton Housing
Authority
82
Table 41 - Public Housing Condition
Describe the restoration and revitalization needs of public housing units in the jurisdiction:
A complete list is found in Appendix D. The two Federal developments are as follows:
McDonald House – Federal Elderly and Disabled Housing Project MA026-1 McDonald House is a
federally funded elderly and disabled development consisting of 60 units in one (1) seven story building
constructed in 1966. Construction type is brick face and masonry over steel frame with a flat roof, a
common laundry room and community room on the first floor as well as two passenger elevators.The
offices of the NHA are also located on the first floor of McDonald House.There are six (6) one bedroom
units and one (1) two bedroom unit at McDonald House that are HP accessible and two (2) one bedroom
units that are modified for the sight and hearing impaired (modified smoke and heat detectors). The
overall condition of McDonald House is very good.Recent improvements include landscaping and
fencing improvements, elevator improvements (call stations and interior cab upgrades), installation of
energy efficient lighting and boiler replacement for domestic heat and hot water.Planned improvements
for the next five years include a new roof, new unit thermostats, seal coating of the parking lot,
completion of a masonry study (brick walls, patios & railings) and an condition audit of the two
passenger elevators.
Florence Heights – Federal Family Housing Project MA026-2 Florence Heights is a federally funded family
development consisting of 80 units in twelve (12) two story townhouse style buildings faced with brick
and wood siding constructed in 1951.The overall condition of Florence Heights is good.One of the two
bedroom units is off line and used as a community room available for use by a tenant association or for
other resident activities.Recent improvements include new indirect domestic hot water heaters,
replacement of the cellar stairs and bulkheads, painting of the wood siding, masonry repairs, tree
trimming and new perimeter fencing. Planned improvements for the next five years include screen door
replacement, concrete and black top repair and kitchen countertop and cabinet replacement at unit
turnover.Hampshire Heights - State Family Housing Project 200-1
Hampshire Heights is a state funded family development consisting of 80 units within nineteen (19) two
story townhouse style buildings constructed in 1950. Construction type is face brick and wood siding
over a wood frame structure.One of the two bedroom units is off line and used as a community room
available for use by a tenant association or for other resident activities. Two additional barrier free
units are in development at Hampshire Heights. The design of the barrier free modular units is
substantially complete with construction dependent on the release of state funding.The overall
condition of units at Hampshire Heights is good. Kitchen and bath renovations were completed in 2004;
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replacement of furnaces with high efficiency units was completed in 2009 and the insulation of attic
spaces was also accomplished to improve energy efficiency. Planned improvements for the next five
years at Hampshire Heights include the correction of drainage issues at buildings 3 through 6; domestic
hot water tank replacement; roadway replacement and window replacement. See Appendix D for the
description of the remaining properties.
Describe the public housing agency's strategy for improving the living environment of low-
and moderate-income families residing in public housing:
The NHA continues to strive for excellence in its management and operation of public housing. In order
to improve the living environment of low and very low-income residents and expand housing
opportunities, the NHA will continue the following efforts:
• Maintain clean and secure housing developments
• Offer a variety of housing opportunities for the housing needs of NHA applicants
• Assure fiscal integrity of housing programs and participants
• Support initiatives that provide opportunities for residents that wish to pursue self-sufficiency
and economic independence (Mass LEAP)
• Efficient program management and collaboration with residents, tenant associations,
community service providers, law enforcement and community leaders
• Work with NHA tenant associations to address resident concerns and improve community
rooms and common areas
• Utilize federal capital funds and state modernization funds to address identified capital needs
• Reduce energy and utility costs by continuing to utilize energy efficient appliances and fixtures
• Continue progress on expanding the VASH program through the use of vouchers and project
based assistance
• Continue to utilize CORI as part of tenant screening procedures
• Develop policies that address smoking in public housing sites and units
Discussion:
With the implementation of the Community Housing Supportive Services Coordinator program, it is
hoped that many life skills opportunities will be embraced by Housing Authority residents. One on one
case management to preserve at-risk tenancies, a rep payee program to insure households pay their
rent, financial literacy and budgeting workshops will be core components to improve the quality of life
for public housing residents and others in subsidized units. Activities for youth, homework clubs, after
school programming, access to health services, formation of tenant associations for empowerment, are
all possible with this new program.
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MA-30 Homeless Facilities and Services – 91.210(c)
Introduction
The Hampshire County Resource Center located in Northampton serves as the central intake for entry into our local homeless service delivery
system. From there, homeless individuals can access the Interfaith Shelter during the winter and or the Grove Street Inn, both emergency
shelters for individuals. Homeless families are referred to Jessie's House in Amherst. Soldier On is available to provide emergency shelter and
transitional housing for Veterans, and Safe Passage has an emergency shelter facility locally for victims of domestic violence. There are currently
no facilities for unaccompanied youth, but ServiceNet does have a residential program for Department of Mental Health case managed youth.
Facilities and Housing Targeted to Homeless Households
Emergency Shelter Beds Transitional
Housing Beds
Permanent Supportive Housing
Beds
Year Round Beds
(Current & New)
Voucher /
Seasonal /
Overflow Beds
Current & New Current & New Under
Development
Households with Adult(s) and
Child(ren) 9 0 56 21 0
Households with Only Adults 48 26 174 60 44
Chronically Homeless Households 0 0 0 14 0
Veterans 10 0 174 13 44
Unaccompanied Youth 0 0 0 0 0
Table 42 - Facilities and Housing Targeted to Homeless Households
Data Source Comments:
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Describe mainstream services, such as health, mental health, and employment services to the
extent those services are use to complement services targeted to homeless persons
The Hampshire County Resource Center, colocated with the Interfaith Winter Shelter has a Benefits
Analyst and a nurse from Health Care for the Homeless. Casa Latina also administers a Health Care
Connector program to sign people up for health care benefits. The Department of Mental Health
employs a Street Outreach Clinician through Eliot Homeless Services who does outreach and clinical case
management and therapy for unsheltered homeless and some follow up with clients after they are
placed in housing. The Hampshire Franklin Career Center is located in Northampton and can be utilized
for resume writing and job search activities. The Department of Mental Health has case managers that
work with homeless people as does ServiceNet, Inc.'s behavioral health system through DMH contracts.
The Western Mass. Network to End Homelessness initiated a highly successful program with the
Fireman Foundation bringing together businesses and homeless families for job placement and support
services. The Network has worked with local State legislators to include funding for the program in the
annual State budget. Reports can be found on line at westernmasshousingfirst.org. Information on the
program can be found in Appendix (E). Most of the participants come from Hampden County.
List and describe services and facilities that meet the needs of homeless persons, particularly
chronically homeless individuals and families, families with children, veterans and their
families, and unaccompanied youth. If the services and facilities are listed on screen SP-40
Institutional Delivery Structure or screen MA-35 Special Needs Facilities and Services,
describe how these facilities and services specifically address the needs of these populations.
Hampshire County Resource Center: Intake location for local service delivery system. Administered by
ServiceNet, Inc. case managers provide services to homeless individuals thru intakes & assessments &
developing individual service plans. Laundry, emergency meals, showers & medical care from Health
Care for the Homeless are available. A benefits analyst links people with Mass Health.
Emergency Shelter: Hampshire County Inter-Faith Shelter for Individuals, (Nov.1 to May 1) 20 beds
Grove Street Inn Homeless Shelter for Individuals ( year round ) 24 beds; Safe Passage Emergency
Shelter for DV Victims (6 families) , Soldier On Emergency Shelter for Veterans (13). There are no
emergency shelter beds for families or beds for unaccompanied youth in Northampton.
SRO Outreach Project coodinator conducts weekly on-site coffee hours for tenants. Identifies case
management needs & develops goal plans to address issues. Links tenants to entitlement programs &
other supports.
Primary and Behavioral Health Services:
• ServiceNet, Inc. Outpatient Clinic, 50 Pleasant Street, Northampton (mental health treatment)
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• Clinical Support Options, 8 Atwood Drive, Northampton (crisis services, mental health and
addictions treatment)
• Health Navigator services through Cooley Dickenson Hospital, Valley Medical Services, Health
Care for the Homeless)
HIV/AIDS supports: A Positive Place, Hamden St. Northampton (medical and social services case
management, benefits coordination, information & referral)
Veterans Services:
• Soldier On, Inc., 421 North Main St., Leeds, (Support Services for Veteran Families (SSVF)
(homeless prevention and diversion, case management, temporary financial assistance,
employment, and peer mentoring; Court Diversion Program).
• Veterans Services Agent, 240 Main Street, Northampton (assistance with benefits, food,
housing, medical and employment)
• VA Medical Center (421 North Main St., Leeds (medical, behavioral health, substance abuse
treatment, PTSD, intensive case management, VASH Vouchers with case management support)
Domestic Violence services through: Safe Passage, 43 Center Street, Northampton (hotline, counseling,
shelter, legal assistance.
Homeless prevention/diversion services:
• ServiceNet, Inc. Shelter and Housing programs, 43 Center Street, Northampton (aftercare case
management for formerly homeless individuals through the downtown Resource/Drop-In
Center, access to Healthcare for the Homeless, prescription assistance, eye care, dental
referrals).
• Eliot Services, 1 Prince Street, Northampton (outreach case manager for chronically homeless,
high-risk, provides aftercare to clients once housed).
Other Resources:
• Survival Center, 226 Prospect Street, Northampton (weekly food pantry and clothing
distribution).
• Community Legal Aid, 20 Hampton Ave., Northampton (support for low income & elders –
benefits and employment, elder law, eviction prevention, immigration).
• Stavros, 227 Berkshire Ave, Springfield, (personal assistance services, advocacy, resource
development, case management).
• Franklin/Hampshire One Stop Employment Center, Industrial Drive, Northampton, (employment
training, job readiness, placement).
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• The Literacy Project, 42 Gothic Street, Northampton (adult literacy, GED preparation, Transitions
programs to college, vocational training and work).
• Community Enterprises, 444 Pleasant St, Northampton. (Temporary employment, case
management, direct care and referrals for individuals with disabilities)
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MA-35 Special Needs Facilities and Services – 91.210(d)
Introduction
Northampton is served by Cooley Dickinson Hospital which is now affiliated with the Massachusetts
General Hospital system. Emergency services are available there as well as longer term psychiatric
hospitalizations. Respite and residential programming for people with mental health challenges is
offered through Department of Mental Health contracts held locally by ServiceNet Inc. and Community
Support Options. DMH and DDS, the Department of Developmental Services have scattered site
residential units in the community. Riverside Industries and Community Enterprises offers employment
settings for DDS clients. There is a new assisted living development being built at Village Hill for
supporting elders and the Rock Ridge Retirement Center also contains supported assisted living for
elders. Gandara Center offers a continuum of programming for those in recovery beginning at Hairston
House, moving to the Alliance for Sober Living and Maple Avenue for independent living in a sober
environment. In summary, the City has a cross section of facilities and services but not enough to
address the need.
Including the elderly, frail elderly, persons with disabilities (mental, physical, developmental),
persons with alcohol or other drug addictions, persons with HIV/AIDS and their families,
public housing residents and any other categories the jurisdiction may specify, and describe
their supportive housing needs
The Northampton Senior Center offers extensive programming focusing on health and wellness in
addition to social interaction. Efforts have been made the last two years to introduce bilingual staff and
volunteers to be more inclusive. Highland Valley Elder Services administered a CDBG grant last year for
identification and outreach to frail elders who are at risk of homelessness. The HVES also has extensive
services including protective services and the Meals on Wheels Program. The Council on Aging provides
policy and programming insight for the community planning process. Elders and frail elders will be
increasing in numbers. The public housing units may be available, but there is a segment of the
population not eligible or unwilling to live in public housing due to assets, but cannot afford the more
expensive elder housing options (Bear Hill, Lathrup Community). There is a need for more units for that
sector.
Mental health services are provided by the Cooley Dickinson Hospital Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit, the
Community Support Options Crisis Team and Respite Program and ServiceNet’s comprehensive
behavioral health system network ranging from residential programming to clinical and housing
supports.
For those struggling with alcohol and substance abuse issues, there are no detox beds locally, so
placements need to be found in surrounding counties. Acute care can be obtained at the hospital.
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A Positive Place, a community program of the local hospital provides housing assistance, housing search
and case management for those with HIV/AIDS.
Tapestry Health Programs operates a Needle Exchange Program locally and does STD and HIV screening,
education, outreach and counseling.
For public housing residents, they will be served by a new CPC funded program initiated by the Housing
Partnership. The three year grant, recently awarded to the Center for Human Development is for a
Community Housing Support Services Coordinator who will work with court involved families to stabilize
their housing and do life skills training for residents at the larger multi-family properties in town.
Describe programs for ensuring that persons returning from mental and physical health
institutions receive appropriate supportive housing
Despite the requirement that public systems develop discharge planning that prohibits sending people
into homelessness, there are no specific programs exclusively focused on that goal. Success however, is
achieved regionally through work at the CoC and Network level and locally by relationship and trust
building among service providers. For example, if a Veteran is about to be discharged from the
Hampshire County House of Correction with no place to go, Soldier On will pick them up and take them
to their campus for intake and assessment. They instituted that practice not because they are funded for
it, but it is the right thing to do. The personnel at Cooley Dickinson Hospital discharging people with no
place to go will call the Grove Street Inn to see if there is a local bed and provide cab fare. Prior to this
coordination, people would just appear at the shelter with no advance warning. After CoC sponsored
meetings that put everyone in the same room, beeper numbers and cell phone numbers were swapped
to facilitate coordination. Our local Police Department has provided extensive training for their officers
on jail diversion efforts, mental health treatment and how to approach people exhibiting problematic
behavior.
The City and provider community work very closely with the Police department and the NPD is well
aware of the majority of unsheltered homeless, where the camps are and what area resources are
available. We coordinate to the extent possible, but there are rarely housing placements with support
services available for anyone exiting these other institutionalized settings. We are fortunate in that
ServiceNet, the large behavioral health agency based in Northampton with programs in the 4 western
Mass. counties, also administers the two homeless shelters and permanent housing programs in their
Shelter and Housing Division; so within their own system treatment components can be coordinated.
We also did two sessions with the City and Smith College library staffs. CSO, ServiceNet, Eliot Services,
CEDO staff, the Police Department and DMH presented information on addressing problematic
behaviors, response protocols and area resources.
Libraries play a critical role as the homeless often spend their days there. Forbes Library requested an
informational session which the City co-sponsored. Library staff from all City systems ( municipal and
Smith College) attended two sessions on how to engage people exhibiting problematic behavior, the
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community resources available and response protocols. Panelists included shelter staff, DMH case
managers, Street Outreach Clinicians, CSO Crisis Team & the Police Department. It was a valuable
acknowledgement of the library systems part in our service delivery system and they should be
commended for reaching out to learn how to participate in a respectful, humane and consistent
manner.
Specify the activities that the jurisdiction plans to undertake during the next year to address
the housing and supportive services needs identified in accordance with 91.215(e) with
respect to persons who are not homeless but have other special needs. Link to one-year
goals. 91.315(e)
Housing and support services planned for the next year for people who are not homeless include:
- City support to the Single Room Occupancy Project for case management and stabilization for residents
in the SRO's.
- CDBG allocation to Community Legal Aid for homelessness prevention; court intervention and
mediation to preserve at-risk tenancies $5,500
- Housing Partnership monitoring of the Community Housing Support Services Coordinator; new project
funded by the Community Preservation Act program
$195,000 over 3 years.
- CDBG funding for Valley CDC for the creation of 55 affordable housing units at the former
Northampton Lumberyard site. $150,000
- CDBG funding for HAPHousing for the creation of 48 affordable housing units in a 72 unit development
to replace the current 58 unit SRO called Northampton Lodging.
- the City will work with the Friends of the Homeless to identify a target population for which to develop
new housing. (their first house - formerly chronically homeless; their second house - individuals in
recovery).
For entitlement/consortia grantees: Specify the activities that the jurisdiction plans to
undertake during the next year to address the housing and supportive services needs
identified in accordance with 91.215(e) with respect to persons who are not homeless but
have other special needs. Link to one-year goals. (91.220(2))
Housing and support services planned for the next year for people who are not homeless include:
- City support to the Single Room Occupancy Project for case management and stabilization for residents
in the SRO's. $10,000
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- CDBG allocation to Community Legal Aid for homelessness prevention; court intervention and
mediation to preserve at-risk tenancies $5,500
- Housing Partnership monitoring of the Community Housing Support Services Coordinator; new project
funded by the Community Preservation Act program; $195,000 over 3 years.
- CDBG funding for Valley CDC for the creation of 55 affordable housing units at the former
Northampton Lumberyard site. $150,000
- CDBG funding for HAPHousing for the creation of 48 affordable housing units in a 72 unit development
to replace the current 58 unit SRO called Northampton Lodging.
- the City will work with the Friends of the Homeless to identify a target population for which to develop
new housing. (their first house - formerly chronically homeless; their second house - individuals in
recovery).
- Work with the Northampton Housing Authority to move the Burts Pit Road project forward for
development to accommodate 10 clients of the DDS
- Allocate CDBG funds to demolish the farmhouse at the Burts Pit Road site.
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MA-40 Barriers to Affordable Housing – 91.210(e)
Negative Effects of Public Policies on Affordable Housing and Residential Investment
The 2014 Fair Housing Equity Assessment conducted for the Sustainable Knowledge Corridor (PVPC)
describes intervention points where local government actions can affect barriers to affordable
housing:“State & local planning documents that do not address fair housing; lack of coordination &
funding for programs that promote mobility; inadequate fair housing enforcement & education to
address discrimination & barriers that limit housing access; too few legislative solutions to overcome
impediments; lack of collaboration among governmental entities, zoning regulations that prohibit
affordable and multi-family housing and/or make the creation of those units prohibitively expensive;
lack of data to determine if entities receiving Federal financing are meeting their goals to affirmatively
further fair housing. It adds the following components at the more macro level: lack of affordable
housing in a variety of locations and predatory lending, redlining and other housing discriminatory
practices, especially against persons of color. At the housing provider level, landlords that refuse to
make modifications or reasonable accommodation, those who refuse to accept housing subsidies as a
source of rental payment, linguistic profiling, and rental discrimination against families with young
children due to presence or potential presence of lead-based paint hazards”, are all issues to be
addressed.
The Housing Partnership’s Zoning Sub-Committee has identified zoning related issues that are
problematic. Multi-family housing allowed by right and inclusionary zoning continues to be analyzed to
increase market rate affordable units.There are no other specific public policies under scrutiny at this
time but the City of Northampton will continue to do outreach and in the course of implementing the
recommendations in the Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing, be open to proactively address
specific policies that may be identified that need to be examined and changed.
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MA-45 Non-Housing Community Development Assets – 91.215 (f)
Introduction
Economic Development Market Analysis
Business Activity
Business by Sector Number of
Workers Number of Jobs Share of Workers
% Share of Jobs
% Jobs less workers
%
Agriculture, Mining, Oil & Gas Extraction 5 0 0 0 0
Arts, Entertainment, Accommodations 153 0 13 0 -13
Construction 48 0 4 0 -4
Education and Health Care Services 210 0 18 0 -18
Finance, Insurance, and Real Estate 93 0 8 0 -8
Information 43 0 4 0 -4
Manufacturing 125 0 11 0 -11
Other Services 43 0 4 0 -4
Professional, Scientific, Management Services 126 0 11 0 -11
Public Administration 0 0 0 0 0
Retail Trade 184 0 16 0 -16
Transportation and Warehousing 53 0 5 0 -5
Wholesale Trade 61 0 5 0 -5
Total 1,144 0 -- -- --
Table 43 - Business Activity
Data Source: 2007-2011 ACS (Workers), 2011 Longitudinal Employer-Household Dynamics (Jobs)
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Labor Force
Total Population in the Civilian Labor Force 16,574
Civilian Employed Population 16 years and over 15,311
Unemployment Rate 7.62
Unemployment Rate for Ages 16-24 19.85
Unemployment Rate for Ages 25-65 4.84
Table 44 - Labor Force
Data Source: 2007-2011 ACS
Occupations by Sector Number of People
Management, business and financial 4,133
Farming, fisheries and forestry occupations 440
Service 1,564
Sales and office 2,947
Construction, extraction, maintenance and
repair 533
Production, transportation and material moving 511
Table 45 – Occupations by Sector
Data Source: 2007-2011 ACS
Travel Time
Travel Time Number Percentage
< 30 Minutes 10,003 74%
30-59 Minutes 2,964 22%
60 or More Minutes 605 4%
Total 13,572 100%
Table 46 - Travel Time
Data Source: 2007-2011 ACS
Education:
Educational Attainment by Employment Status (Population 16 and Older)
Educational Attainment In Labor Force
Civilian Employed Unemployed Not in Labor Force
Less than high school graduate 407 39 538
High school graduate (includes
equivalency) 1,423 264 744
Some college or Associate's degree 2,457 200 640
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Educational Attainment In Labor Force
Civilian Employed Unemployed Not in Labor Force
Bachelor's degree or higher 7,457 245 1,011
Table 47 - Educational Attainment by Employment Status
Data Source: 2007-2011 ACS
Educational Attainment by Age
Age
18–24 yrs 25–34 yrs 35–44 yrs 45–65 yrs 65+ yrs
Less than 9th grade 64 45 70 167 271
9th to 12th grade, no diploma 326 245 75 382 399
High school graduate, GED, or
alternative 841 468 471 1,492 1,126
Some college, no degree 2,946 760 368 1,036 508
Associate's degree 190 222 279 632 152
Bachelor's degree 385 1,131 933 1,755 455
Graduate or professional degree 25 921 1,103 2,887 702
Table 48 - Educational Attainment by Age
Data Source: 2007-2011 ACS
Educational Attainment – Median Earnings in the Past 12 Months
Educational Attainment Median Earnings in the Past 12 Months
Less than high school graduate 24,614
High school graduate (includes equivalency) 25,662
Some college or Associate's degree 32,175
Bachelor's degree 37,987
Graduate or professional degree 55,591
Table 49 – Median Earnings in the Past 12 Months
Data Source: 2007-2011 ACS
Based on the Business Activity table above, what are the major employment sectors within
your jurisdiction?
The City of Northampton’s Workforce is comprised of the following industry sectors:
• Education and Health Services: 43%
• Retail and Wholesale Trade: 13%
• Lodging, Food Services, Arts, Entertainment and Recreation: 12%
• Manufacturing: 7%
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• Government: 5%
• Construction: 3% / Professional: 3% /
• Information/ Finance/Insurance: All at 2%
Describe the workforce and infrastructure needs of the business community:
Similar to many regions across the nation, Northampton and Hampshire County possesses a workforce
in which over 40% of all jobs are in the higher incomes health care or educational sectors and 25% of
jobs are the low income retail/service trades. Manufacturing jobs which are viewed as moderate
income positions take up 7% of the workforce. Therefore, the needs of the lower income workforce are
not being met by the jobs available in our local economy.
Describe any major changes that may have an economic impact, such as planned local or
regional public or private sector investments or initiatives that have affected or may affect
job and business growth opportunities during the planning period. Describe any needs for
workforce development, business support or infrastructure these changes may create.
Historic Levels of New Construction
Northampton since 2012 has experienced a historic level of new construction with 13 projects valued at
over $88 million
Creating 203,000 square feet of office & medical space, 110 new hotel rooms, 73 housing units and 83
assisted living units with 43 of those units for low income residents.
Amtrak Vermonter Service
Thanks to $70 million in funding from the Obama Administration’s 2009 Recovery Act, the Pioneer
Valley rail line has been completely upgraded to handle future rail passenger growth. In January of 2015
the Amtrak Vermonter inaugurated service to include Northampton and Greenfield. The introduction of
rail service into this section of the Pioneer Valley will offer new transportation options for residents,
assist visitors to the many regional educational institutions and tourists as well. This new service will
offer an intangible quality of life benefit linking Northampton to further areas such as Manhattan which
is a bonus to the many residents who are employed in our “Knowledge Economy”.
Growth of Downtown Northampton
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Since 2012, Downtown Northampton has experienced a number of investment driven projects that will
strengthen the Downtown’s vibrancy and its ability to generate critically important entry level and
temporary posiitons in a jobs challenged economy. Some of the developments are:
• The expansion of Downtown through infrastructure improvements to the Pleasant Street
corridor.
• The planned construction of over 200 units of moderate to affordable housing on Pleasant
Street.
• Expansion plans by the Northampton Center for the Arts to build a new
performance/educational center.
• Since 2013, the Academy of Music has maintained its year round programming attracting over
45,000 annually.
• The opening of the New Fairfield Inn with 110 rooms will welcome 30,000 visitors annually.
• Downtown retail occupancy remains very high providing jobs and commerce to Northampton.
• Northampton just completed its first Downtown Parking Analysis since 1998.
How do the skills and education of the current workforce correspond to employment
opportunities in the jurisdiction?
Northampton’s high school graduation rate is 92.6% versus the national average of 86%. 55.7% of
Northampton residents possess a college degree or high versus the national average of 29% according to
the US Census Bureau. Education and job skills are important qualifiers for employment anywhere but
especially so in Northampton where 43% of jobs are in the education and health care fields. Conversely,
over 25% of Northampton jobs are in retail, wholesale, lodging, food services and entertainment which
are fields requiring moderate levels of education and training.
Manufacturing accounts for 7% of Northampton’s workforce. The current manufacturing sector
possesses many jobs that are skilled which has inspired many public sector development and workforce
agencies to work on serving this need since manufacturing jobs are no longer menial light assembly but
a skilled positions requiring many levels of expertise and independent judgment.
Describe any current workforce training initiatives, including those supported by Workforce
Investment Boards, community colleges and other organizations. Describe how these efforts
will support the jurisdiction's Consolidated Plan.
Mayor of Northampton’s Youthworks Program
This program is an annual effort sponsored by the Hampshire Franklin Regional Employment Board
(FHREB) offering 8 week internships under a Work-Based Learning Plan. In 2014, the program placed 36
youths into internships.
Northampton Community Education Consortium
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This group meets quarterly to address adult basic education and access issues for those seeking high
school and college experience, the majority of which are low and moderate income. The broadly
composed collaborative includes the 2 community colleges Greenfield and Holyoke), Smith College, the
University of Massachusetts, Community Action, the Center for New Americans, the Franklin Hampshire
REB and Career Center, the Literacy Project and others. The work undertaken by the NCEC to improve
access to education and career opportunites supports the City's ConPlan goals of economic
empowerment and self-sufficiency for residents with income and language challenges.
School-to-Career Connecting Activities
This program serves over 400 students across 15 school district linking students with work-based
learning experiences.
AMP It Up Manufacturing
This program works with older young adults who are out of high school, underemployed with no college
degrees to raise their awareness of the job openings in the advanced manufacturing field.
Middle Skills Manufacturing Initiative (MSMI)
This program will serve 48 adults and place 37 in jobs based on 100 to 300 hours of training in advanced
manufacturing. Supporting educational institutions include Greenfield Community College and the
Franklin County Technical School
Growing Together
This USDA funded program creates a sustainable farming education program at high school and
community colleges through coursework and internships.
Secure Jobs Connect
This is a program initiated, implemented and advance by the Western Mass. Network to End
Homelessness.
Does your jurisdiction participate in a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy
(CEDS)?
Yes
If so, what economic development initiatives are you undertaking that may be coordinated
with the Consolidated Plan? If not, describe other local/regional plans or initiatives that
impact economic growth.
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Village Hill
Village Hill Northampton is a 126 acre master planned community based on New Urbanist principles. It
combines commercial, R&D/light industrial and residential uses with open space to support regional job
creation, business development and recreational opportunities. At full build out, Village Hill will support
the creation or retention of 400 to 800 regional jobs.
Pleasant Street Housing
There are (2) affordable housing projects that have received City approval that will construct over 125
apartment units for low to moderate incomes. The projects are HAP Housing (76 mixed income) and
Valley CDC with 55 units of affordable housing.
Christopher Heights at Village Hill
Christopher Heights, currently under construction, will be an 83 unit assisted living facility with 43 of
those units set aside for low income residents.
Atwood Drive Office Park and Hotel Site
Northampton has worked closely with the Hampshire Hospitality Group (HHG) in its development of
over 80,000 square feet of new office space located on Route 5 adjacent to Exit 18 on I-91. The City has
tried to secure state funding to pay for the costs of water/sewer lines and an expanded road entrance to
suit bus transit. The presence of Class A office space in the Pioneer Valley is unique deserving or
regional investment in order to support the attraction of high value health care and office relate jobs.
Additionally, the HHG is considering additional office space along with a new 150 room hotel depending
on whether there is demand for the new office space.
Discussion
Secure Jobs Connect
The Secure Jobs Fund started as a one-year $1.5 million demonstration project to build a coordinated
service system that links extremely low-income households with the resources required to enter the
workforce. During the first pilot year, the program supported five regional partnerships to secure
employment for approximately 390 adults from HomeBASE rental-assistance households, and to
develop a replicable model for broader system reform, as well as inform state and federal policy
regarding homelessness and employment. Western Massachusetts received $309,000 from the Fireman
Charitable Foundation to implement a pilot project, and assisted with job placements for 68 households.
Since then, the Western MA project has expanded to include a wider geographical region as well as a
broader target population. The State Dept. of Housing and Community Development and the Fireman
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Foundation have each contributed funds to deepen and expand the regional work. Western
Massachusetts received $310,000 from DHCD and $209,000 from the Fireman Foundation.
In January 2014, the Commonwealth Corporation, funded by the MA Executive Office of Community and
Development, awarded the Western region $207,000 to provide employment services to both
individuals and families. The grant was part of a larger $1.7 million pool of funds awarded statewide.
This grant will serve homeless individuals in need of employment assistance through March, 2016.
Projected outcomes for the three combined initiatives include the enrollment of at least 300 adult
participants, at least 75% of whom will gain employment. To date, the partnerships that have developed
between homeless service providers, FutureWorks and area businesses has been hugely successful.
Community partners and the Network Coordinator were invited to Washington D.C. for a special session
with HUD and the Department of Labor to showcase the best practices model. Support from State
legislators yielded an annual allocation in the State budget to insure continuity beyond the foundation
funding. Two annual sessions celebrating the success for homeless families have been attended by all
regional Mayors and State legislators and hundreds of attendees. See Appendix E for additional
information.
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MA-50 Needs and Market Analysis Discussion
Are there areas where households with multiple housing problems are concentrated?
(include a definition of "concentration")
In examining census tract and block group level data, using a definition of 25% or more of a selected
characteristic to indicate an area of concentration, did not generate valuable data. As a result, we
revised the definition to 20% or more for selected characteristics. The characteristics of substandard
housing units and households living in overcrowded situations did not yield any concentrations, so we
focused on cost burden. 4 census tracts of the 8 indicated ranges of 24-32% of all rental households
experiencing severe cost burden and 2 tracts showed owner occupied units paying more than 50% of
their incomes for housing. A map showing concentrations of households living in poverty yielded more
information about specific geographic locations.
Census Tracts and block groups and the percentage of households with severe cost burden (>= 50%)
were as follows:
821601-1 = 36%; 821700-2 = 20%; 821602-2 = 42%; 821601-2 = 31%; 821901-1 = 24%; 821901-2 = 37%;
821903-1 = 39%
Are there any areas in the jurisdiction where racial or ethnic minorities or low-income
families are concentrated? (include a definition of "concentration")
Racial or ethnic minority concentration was defined as greater than or equal to 20% of the population.
Census Tract 821700 block group 3 showed up on the map which corresponded to the Veterans
Administration Campus which houses close to 200 units of emergency, transitional and permanent
supported housing for homeless and formerly homeless Veterans from the New England region. Tract
821903 block group 2 corresponds to the Hampshire County House of Corrections. Tract 822000 block
group 1 corresponds to Smith College. The other tract that shows up is 821601 block group 2 contains
Hampshire Heights - a Northampton Public Housing Authority family development, Hathaway Farms, a
privately owned apartment complex with 207 units, less than 25% affordable, and some market rate
affordable rental units in River Run, Laurel Ridge and Coachlight Condominiums on Barrett Street.
Concentrations of households living at or below the poverty level, defined as 20% or greater of a census
tract or block group revealed 4 tracts. The tracts and block groups and associated percentages were as
follows:
821602-2 = 33%; 821601-2 = 28%; 821901-2 = 21%; 821903-3 = 24%
Seperating out the tracts with the VA Campus and the Jail, 821601-2 is the tract that has both minority
concentration and cost burden.
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What are the characteristics of the market in these areas/neighborhoods?
The tract showing the largest number of minorities contains the majority of the larger apartment
complexes in the City. Some are public and some are privately owned. They are farther away from the
downtown, where rents may be slightly more affordable. The tract is intersected by the general highway
business corridor, which does include grocery stores, gas stations, WalMart, and other more affordable
retail locations, as compared to the more higher end destination shopping offerings located downtown.
Are there any community assets in these areas/neighborhoods?
The Jackson Street Elementary School and playground is an asset to the neighborhood. Highly multi-
cultural, there is a myriad of community opportunities facilitated by the school personnel. Students
come from many backgrounds and many do not have English as their primary language. The tract
borders the Connecticut River which provides passive and active recreation. There is a bike path that
traverses the community facilitating easy access to other areas of the City, such as public parks and
stores.
The Three County Fairgrounds is also in this area which has many activities such as horse shows, art
shows and an annual Fair.
Are there other strategic opportunities in any of these areas?
There will be traffic improvements made to the Damon Road and King Street intersections and
pedestrian safety will be enhanced. A bridge is planned to lift the bike path over King Street, for
improved safety. Stormwater and drainage improvements are planned for the area around the Three
County fairgrounds and the Fairgrounds has a multi year master plan geared towards increasing
economic benefits for the City and region.
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Strategic Plan
SP-05 Overview
Strategic Plan Overview
The City of Northampton, through the citizen participation process, targetted consultations and data
analysis, has identified fourteen areas of priority need that will be addressed over the next five years.
Those priority needs are as follows:
Homelessness prevention, support for the emergency shelter system, creation of new rental housing for
individuals, creation of new rental housing for families, preservation of existing rental stock, housing
rehabilitation for homeownership units, affordable homeownership opportunities for families, housing
for at-risk and special populations, economic development activities focused on economic
empowerment and income maximization, housing support services for those at risk of homelessness,
addressing basic needs such as food, shelter and health care, elimination of slums and blight to facilitate
development of new housing and economic opportunities, improvements to public facilities and public
infrastructure.
The City will allocate CDBG funds to the extent they are available and support efforts to leverage those
funds to operate successful programs and bring projects to fruition.
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SP-10 Geographic Priorities – 91.215 (a)(1)
Geographic Area
Table 50 - Geographic Priority Areas
1 Area Name: No geographic Priorities
Designated
Area Type: Programs are delivered city
wide or in specific project
locations.
Other Target Area Description: Programs are delivered city
wide or in specific project
locations.
HUD Approval Date:
% of Low/ Mod:
Revital Type:
Other Revital Description:
Identify the neighborhood boundaries for this target area.
Include specific housing and commercial characteristics of this
target area.
How did your consultation and citizen participation process help
you to identify this neighborhood as a target area?
Identify the needs in this target area.
What are the opportunities for improvement in this target area?
Are there barriers to improvement in this target area?
General Allocation Priorities
Describe the basis for allocating investments geographically within the jurisdiction (or within the EMSA
for HOPWA)
Public services allocations are made to organizations who conduct services city-wide. They may be
targeted to special populations, but not specific geographic areas. CDBG funded projects other than
public service contracts are evaluated individually on a need basis. If there is a public faciility, they are in
fact, open to the public. Public infrastructure improvements are implemented according to eligibility
requirements either based on the low mod area served on limited clientele benefit. We have no urban
renewal areas, no Neighborhood Strategy areas, no CDFI areas and no local target areas.
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Due to the smaller size of the City, data at the census tract level for Northampton is not very
informative. The American Community Survey provides data at the Block Group level which is more
informative for geographic analysis. The Block Groups containing 51% or more of households earning
80% or less of area median income are as follows: 821700-2; 821601-2; 821602-2; 821901-2;821904-
2;822000-1;821903-1;822200-1;812903-3.
Census tracts with more than 25% minority population are defined by HUD as areas of minority
concentration. Presently, there are no such areas in the city. Northampton redefined the threshold as
20% and researched the block groups to see where the concentrations are located. Those tracts and
block group numbers that met that threshold were as follows: 821700-3 (26%) which is primarily the
Veterans Administration Medical Campus; 821601-2 (38%); 822000-1 (20%) and 821903-2 (35%).
Maps are attached in Appendix F.
Minority concentrations will be analyzed for allocating investments for public infrastructure projects,
public facility projects and outreach locations for informational workshops about mainstream resources,
City resources and economic empowerment opportunities.
*2010 Census Tract 821902 was split into 2: 821903 and 821904
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SP-25 Priority Needs - 91.215(a)(2)
Priority Needs
Table 51 – Priority Needs Summary
1 Priority Need
Name
Homelessness Prevention
Priority Level High
Population Extremely Low
Low
Large Families
Families with Children
Elderly
Public Housing Residents
Chronic Homelessness
Individuals
Families with Children
Mentally Ill
Chronic Substance Abuse
veterans
Persons with HIV/AIDS
Victims of Domestic Violence
Unaccompanied Youth
Elderly
Frail Elderly
Persons with Mental Disabilities
Persons with Physical Disabilities
Persons with Developmental Disabilities
Persons with Alcohol or Other Addictions
Persons with HIV/AIDS and their Families
Victims of Domestic Violence
Geographic
Areas
Affected
Programs are delivered city wide or in specific project locations.
Associated
Goals
Homelessness Prevention
Planning and Administration
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Description It is far less costly to preserve tenancies than to provide shelter. The presence of
400 families in motels in Western Mass due to over capacity in the shelters
indicates an already overstressed system. With stable housing, individuals and
families can focus on job and educational goals and becoming healthy and
economically self sufficient.
Basis for
Relative
Priority
Massachusetts is a Right to Shelter state. The number of homeless families remain
epidemic. Stabilizing families that are currently housed in order to reduce the
numbers of families becoming homeless and being placed in a motel is a high
priority goal of the region.
2 Priority Need
Name
Support for Emergency Shelter
Priority Level High
Population Extremely Low
Chronic Homelessness
Individuals
Mentally Ill
Chronic Substance Abuse
Geographic
Areas
Affected
Programs are delivered city wide or in specific project locations.
Associated
Goals
Support for Emergency Shelter System
Planning and Administration
Description Funding sources for emergency shelters are few and far between. The City
embraces the paradigm shift to housing first models and permanent housing units
with support services, but until those units exist in sufficient numbers, the
emergency shelter system still needs to exist and be operational. The City
supports through CDBG, operating and staffing costs for the two generic
emergency shelters in town, the Grove Street Inn and the Inter-faith Winter
shelter, both for individuals. There are no emergency shelter beds for families in
Northampton.
Basis for
Relative
Priority
ServiceNet had utilized ESG funding in the past for shelter operations, but that has
diminished. Unfortunately, so has the CDBG amounts available to allocate for this
purpose. Shelter programs struggle for funds and only have one paid overnight
staff person at both shelters, which is less than ideal for security reasons.
3 Priority Need
Name
Rental Housing for Individuals
Priority Level High
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Population Extremely Low
Low
Elderly
Chronic Homelessness
Individuals
Geographic
Areas
Affected
Programs are delivered city wide or in specific project locations.
Associated
Goals
Rental Housing for Individuals
Planning and Administration
Description Single-person households comprised a substantial portion of the population,
about 37% of all households and 74% of non-family households in 2000, and are
projected to continue to increase in number and proportion to all households.
Despite the population housed in group quarters, there still remain another one
thousand single-person households that rely on the existing housing stock.
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Basis for
Relative
Priority
According to US Census stats from 2010, about half of all residents over 65 lived
alone.
Thirty-two percent (32%) of elderly renters, or 260 seniors earning at or below
50% of area median income, were paying too much for housing including almost a
hundred or 11.5% who were spending at least half of their income on housing.
Most seniors earning fixed incomes and relying substantially on Social Security find
that when they lose their spouse, their income may not be sufficient to afford
their current housing and other expenses.
There are at least two-year waits for those seniors applying to live in public
housing.
Using the lowest prices advertised in on Craigslist, a one-bedroom unit renting for
$850 would require an income of $38,000, assuming $100 per month in utility bills
and housing expenses of no more than 30% of the household’s income, much
higher than what most renters can afford. For example, someone earning the
minimum wage of $7.25 for 40 hours per week and every week during the year
would still only earn a gross income of $15,080.
The 2000 rental vacancy rate was 2.9%, representing extremely tight conditions
and little turnover in the rental market.
The Northampton Housing Partnership undertook a series of interviews with
housing providers and those serving the homeless,as important input into the
2011 Housing Needs Assessment. Through these discussions, new Single Room
Occupancy (SRO) units, providing single rooms for individuals, and the Safe Haven
Program, offering housing for the chronically homeless mentally ill, were
identified as priority needs. The City has lost more than half of its SRO housing
stock over the past few decades, most recently 21 units at Augies on Hawley
Street due to fire. A typical SRO rents for about $300 to $400 per month, and
many offer weekly rates as well, serving as valuable sources of affordable housing
for low-income individuals. The Valley CDC renovated a 17-unit enhanced SRO
project in Florence in 2005 with some limited supportive services, filled up
immediately and has had minimal turnover.
4 Priority Need
Name
Rental Housing for Families
Priority Level High
Population Extremely Low
Low
Large Families
Families with Children
Families with Children
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Geographic
Areas
Affected
Programs are delivered city wide or in specific project locations.
Associated
Goals
Rental Housing for Families
Planning and Administration
Description There is a significant need to house families, particularly those earning within the
poverty level. There is a growing number of smaller households that include single
parents with children and also a lack of larger apartments.
Basis for
Relative
Priority
The average household size of 2.14 people per dwelling unit in 2000, is projected
to decrease still to 2.04 by 2014. This trend towards smaller households is driven
by decreases in the numbers of children and more “traditional” families with
accompanying increases in “child-free” and “child-delayed” families. There have
also been increases in empty nesters and senior and frail populations.
There are also substantial numbers of two-person households that are now
estimated to comprise almost 4,000 households, or about one-third of all
households, yet smaller housing units are in short supply. Almost half of the
households with children were headed by one parent (82% of these involved
unmarried parents or single mothers), suggesting a compelling need for affordable
family housing for families with only one income.
In 2000, 27.4% of all small family renters, or 330 families, were spending too much
on housing costs, including 110 families earning at or below 30% AMI.
The wait for a unit in one of the Northampton Housing Authority’s family rental
developments is at least two (2) years, including substantial waits for larger
families looking for three- and four-bedroom units. Realtors indicate that there
are very few three- and four-bedroom apartments that come on the market and
are suitable for larger families.
There is substantial demand for NHA rental subsidies with waits of about six (6)
years to obtain a voucher.
Rental costs are high. Advertised two-bedroom apartments start at $900,
requiring an income of about $41,400 (this is based on $135 in monthly utility
costs and that housing costs are no more than 30% of the household’s income).
This rent is beyond most lower income household’s ability to afford. Also,
landlords typically expect first and last month’s rent and a security deposit when
the lease is signed, a sum that blocks many households from finding decent
housing.
Given a 2.9% vacancy rate, the housing market is very tight and units are hard to
find.
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5 Priority Need
Name
Preservation of Existing Affordable Rental Stock
Priority Level High
Population Extremely Low
Low
Families with Children
Individuals
Families with Children
Geographic
Areas
Affected
Programs are delivered city wide or in specific project locations.
Associated
Goals
Preservation of Existing Affordable Rental Stock
Planning and Administration
Description The preservation of existing affordable rental units is essential to maintaining an
affordable housing stock well into the future. This rental housing, including both
units that are subsidized and in the private housing market, is more cost effective
to rehabilitate and maintain than to build new. Moreover, efforts are needed to
maintain affordability restrictions on subsidized housing in perpetuity to the
greatest extent possible, so as not to lose affordability based on expiring use
restrictions.
Basis for
Relative
Priority
Northampton’s rental housing stock has been eroded over the last several
decades due largely to condo conversions or the elimination of rooming houses or
downtown hotels that catered to lower income individuals.
No new unsubsidized rental housing has been built with the exception of
accessory apartments.
Subsidized rental developments have been relatively small in scale and number
with the exception of developments at the former State Hospital site.
Northampton has a number of housing units in its Subsidized Housing Inventory
where affordability restrictions are due to expire within the next decade.
All strategies that preserve existing rental housing, at all affordability levels,
should be explored. Because preservation is so cost-effective compared with the
creation of new rental units, this needs to include supporting private sector
providers as well as those in the Subsidized Housing Inventory. It is also useful to
note that many private landlords may be in fact subsidizing their tenants, keeping
rents at below market value to enable their tenants to remain in their units.
6 Priority Need
Name
Housing Rehabilitation Resources
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Priority Level High
Population Extremely Low
Low
Moderate
Middle
Elderly
Geographic
Areas
Affected
Programs are delivered city wide or in specific project locations.
Associated
Goals
Housing Rehabilitation
Planning and Administration
Description Many low- and moderate- income homeowners lack sufficient resources to
properly maintain their homes and address substandard housing conditions.
Improvements should incorporate modifications to improve handicapped
accessibility and eliminate lead-based paint and housing code violations.
Basis for
Relative
Priority
A substantial portion of Northampton’s housing stock, 45.4% or 5,638 units, was
built before 1939. Almost another 30%, or 3,484 units, was built between 1940
and 1970, with another 1,500 units built between 1970 and 1980. Because of the
relative age of the existing housing stock, it is likely that many units may have
remnants of lead-based paint and/or deferred housing maintenance needs.
The Council on Aging has noted some demand within their home repair program
to address accessibility issues in homes occupied by non-elders.
7 Priority Need
Name
Affordable Homeownership for Families
Priority Level High
Population Moderate
Large Families
Families with Children
Geographic
Areas
Affected
Programs are delivered city wide or in specific project locations.
Associated
Goals
Affordable Homeownership for Families
Planning and Administration
Consolidated Plan NORTHAMPTON 117
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Description Market conditions have placed the purchase of homes beyond the financial means
of low- and moderate-income households and families need opportunities to “buy
up” as their families grow. Infill development and the redevelopment/reuse of
existing properties in partnership with non-profit organizations and private
builders offer the best options for increasing affordable homeownership
opportunities in Northampton.
Basis for
Relative
Priority
The large gap between incomes and the entry cost for homeownership forces
first-time homebuyers to look elsewhere for housing they can afford to buy. A
household has to earn at least at the median income level to afford to purchase a
home in Northampton. Without a subsidized mortgage, this household would also
have to come up with a substantial amount of cash, now more typically a down
payment of 20%, blocking many who seek to own a home. Credit problems also
pose substantial barriers to homeownership.
While condo prices are lower, it has become very difficult to obtain financing for
condominiums and monthly fees raise housing expenses, limiting how much that
can be borrowed.
Almost all of the City’s existing subsidized housing units are rentals.
Prior generations have had the advantage of GI loans and other favorable
mortgage lending options with reasonable down payments. Also, in prior years
the average home price to average income ratio was much lower than it is today,
making homeownership more accessible. Given current economic conditions, the
ability to obtain financing will likely become only more challenging for today’s
first-time homebuyers without subsidized homeownership.
The 2000 vacancy rate for homeownership units was less than one percent,
reflecting very tight market conditions. Since then the market has not softened
substantially in Northampton despite the financial crisis, and housing costs remain
out of reach for those earning at or below 80% AMI.
8 Priority Need
Name
Housing for At - Risk & Special Needs Populations
Priority Level High
Consolidated Plan NORTHAMPTON 118
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015)
Population Extremely Low
Low
Families with Children
Elderly
Chronic Homelessness
Individuals
Families with Children
Mentally Ill
Chronic Substance Abuse
veterans
Persons with HIV/AIDS
Victims of Domestic Violence
Unaccompanied Youth
Geographic
Areas
Affected
Programs are delivered city wide or in specific project locations.
Associated
Goals
Housing for At-Risk and Special Needs Populations
Planning and Administration
Description Housing should continue to be developed to serve those who are at risk of
homelessness and/or have special needs that require supportive services.
Providing stable and affordable opportunities for those transitioning out of
shelters or special programs remains a high priority
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Basis for
Relative
Priority
The relative scarcity of affordable rentals, particularly those with supportive
services, was identified as perhaps the foremost housing need in meetings
convened by the Northampton Housing Partnership with representatives of local
and regional housing program and service providers during the formulation of the
Housing Needs Assessment and Strategic Housing Plan.
The City and region are pursuing the Housing First model as an alternative to the
current emergency and transitional shelter system. Permanent housing needs to
be built to provide much needed rapid response units.
Wait lists for the City’s shelters continue to grow.
While the decreases in poverty levels appear to be a healthy signal that the City’s
population is doing better economically, it may also be that those of the most
vulnerable residents living in Northampton in 1980 have been forced to leave the
City in search of more affordable living conditions elsewhere, most likely to
Holyoke or Springfield. The ability to provide affordable housing options for those
with very limited incomes who have lived or currently live in the community and
want to continue to do so is a continuing challenge and a pressing need.
Only 31 of the Housing Authority's 618 units are modified to be accessible to the
physically handicapped. The wait list is low, probably due to the lack of turnover
and long time on the waiting list. When the issue of accessibility, however, is
coupled with affordability, choices become severely diminished for families and
individuals looking for such housing and they may become at risk of homelessness.
9 Priority Need
Name
Economic Development
Priority Level High
Consolidated Plan NORTHAMPTON 120
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015)
Population Extremely Low
Low
Moderate
Large Families
Families with Children
Public Housing Residents
Chronic Homelessness
Individuals
Families with Children
Elderly
Frail Elderly
Persons with Mental Disabilities
Persons with Physical Disabilities
Persons with Developmental Disabilities
Persons with Alcohol or Other Addictions
Persons with HIV/AIDS and their Families
Victims of Domestic Violence
Geographic
Areas
Affected
Programs are delivered city wide or in specific project locations.
Associated
Goals
Economic Development/Income Maximization
Planning and Administration
Description Northampton has had a strong and diverse economic base with an increasing
number of workers despite some decreases in the total population. It can boast a
significant manufacturing sector with a mixture of traditional operations, such as
wire protrusion and plastic molding, as well as innovative ones including the
production of heat sensing devices. It also has a resilient retail and commercial
sector and a large institutional base that includes county services, two hospitals
and Smith College. Of those 16,008 Northampton residents over the age of 16
who were employed in 2000, 8,270, or about 52%, worked in the community, a
percentage that is higher than Hampshire County and the state at 39% and 34%,
respectively, suggesting far more employment opportunities in the city. However,
Recent estimates suggest that poverty levels have actually increased. The 2007
census estimates in the American Community Survey for Northampton indicate
that poverty increased to 13.6% with 3,466 residents living below the poverty
level as opposed to about 2,500 in 1999. The 2008 American Community Survey,
that had estimates for the county and state, also showed increases in poverty,
from 9.4% to 10.4% of all residents for Hampshire County, and from 9% to 9.7%
for the state. Given the recent economic crisis, these poverty levels may in fact
have increased even more.
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Basis for
Relative
Priority
Incomes have increased substantially, especially between 1979 and 1989 when
the median income more than doubled. From 1989 to 1999, the median income
increased from $31,097 to $41,808, or roughly 34%. Those earning less than
$25,000 decreased from 78% of all households in 1979 to 28% in 1999.
Households earning between $25,000 and $50,000 almost doubled between 1979
and 1989, from 18.8% to 36.7%, but then decreased again to 29.8% in 1999. Those
with higher incomes, earning more than $50,000, increased from only 331
households in 1979 or 3.2%, to 2,647 or 23.8% in 1989, to 4,988 or 42.1% in 1999.
With time it would be expected that incomes would climb, but in comparison to
the state Northampton had a lower portion of those earning more than $75,000,
20.9% as opposed to 30.5% of all households statewide.
The City’s per capita income was $24,022 in 2000, only somewhat less than the
state average of $25,952. However the income of multiracial residents was 62% of
the City’s average ($14,952) and that of Hispanics was half of the City average
($11,131).
While non-family households comprised half the population in 2000, the median
income of families was substantially higher, $56,844 versus $29,818, a finding
highly correlated with a greater prevalence of two worker households in families.
Additionally, and not surprisingly, the median income level of homeowners is
substantially higher than that of renters, in fact almost double, $57,327 versus
$29,333 in 2000.
The majority of renters earned below $35,000, while the majority of homeowners
earned between $35,000 and $100,000. Almost 20% of the homeowners earned
more than $100,000 compared to only 3% of the renter households. Data also
confirm the concentration of jobs in the retail and service sectors, and
demonstrates that these jobs tend to have somewhat lower wage levels. The
average weekly wage for Northampton’s workers was $769, about half of Boston’s
at $1,476. Those industries with more than 1,000 Northampton workers included
manufacturing (1,231 workers), retail trade (2,051), educational services (2,693),
health care and social assistance (5,142), accommodation and food services
(1,937) and public administration (1,024).
10 Priority Need
Name
Housing Support Services
Priority Level High
Consolidated Plan NORTHAMPTON 122
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Population Extremely Low
Low
Families with Children
Elderly
Public Housing Residents
Chronic Homelessness
Individuals
Families with Children
Mentally Ill
Chronic Substance Abuse
veterans
Persons with HIV/AIDS
Victims of Domestic Violence
Unaccompanied Youth
Elderly
Frail Elderly
Persons with Mental Disabilities
Persons with Physical Disabilities
Persons with Developmental Disabilities
Persons with Alcohol or Other Addictions
Persons with HIV/AIDS and their Families
Victims of Domestic Violence
Geographic
Areas
Affected
Programs are delivered city wide or in specific project locations.
Associated
Goals
Housing Support Services
Planning and Administration
Description Housing stabilization activities that prevent homelessness.
Basis for
Relative
Priority
In order to end homelessness, housing should be secured as quickly as possible
with wrap around support services to stabilize tenancies and allow people to
remain in homes that they own, if at all possible.
11 Priority Need
Name
Addressing Basic Needs
Priority Level High
Consolidated Plan NORTHAMPTON 123
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Population Extremely Low
Low
Large Families
Families with Children
Elderly
Public Housing Residents
Chronic Homelessness
Individuals
Families with Children
Mentally Ill
Chronic Substance Abuse
veterans
Persons with HIV/AIDS
Victims of Domestic Violence
Unaccompanied Youth
Elderly
Frail Elderly
Persons with Mental Disabilities
Persons with Physical Disabilities
Persons with Developmental Disabilities
Persons with Alcohol or Other Addictions
Persons with HIV/AIDS and their Families
Victims of Domestic Violence
Geographic
Areas
Affected
Programs are delivered city wide or in specific project locations.
Associated
Goals
Addressing Basic Needs
Planning and Administration
Description This applies to public services grants for food pantries, soup kitchens, meals
programs, sheltering, access to health care.
Basis for
Relative
Priority
As part of the competitive process for reviewing applications for CDBG public
service dollars, the Review Committee prioritizes projects that address basic
needs, defined as provision of food and shelter. The program is designed to build
around those core services.
12 Priority Need
Name
Elimination of Slums and Blight
Priority Level Low
Consolidated Plan NORTHAMPTON 124
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Population Extremely Low
Low
Families with Children
Public Housing Residents
Persons with Developmental Disabilities
Non-housing Community Development
Geographic
Areas
Affected
Programs are delivered city wide or in specific project locations.
Associated
Goals
Elimination of Slums and Blight
Planning and Administration
Description There are very few properties that are deteriorated to the degree that they would
qualify for this category, but they do exist. Past demolition activity at the Three
County Fairgrounds has been undertaken to allow for new structures and
programming to take place to increase economic development potential for
tourist dollars and new jobs. Clearing old condemned farmhouses on the former
State hospital property now owned by the Housing Authority to facilitate future
development was a CDBG activity in 2014 and will be again in 2015. There are no
other parcels on which demolition will need to occur for NHA properties.
Basis for
Relative
Priority
Elimination of slums and blight projects will be evaluated on the future use of the
parcel, not just removal of delapidated structures. The demolition activity that has
occurred in recent years was at the Fairgrounds to increase economic
development opportunities and at Housing Authority parcels to clear sites for
affordable housing development. There are very few substandard buildings in
Northampton and no concentration in any particular geographic area, but slums
and blight activities would be evaluated on a case by case basis.
13 Priority Need
Name
Public Facilities
Priority Level Low
Population Non-housing Community Development
Geographic
Areas
Affected
Programs are delivered city wide or in specific project locations.
Associated
Goals
Improvement of Public Facilities
Planning and Administration
Consolidated Plan NORTHAMPTON 125
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015)
Description Work may be done on the Vernon Street school. Equipment will be purchased for
the Jackson Street School playground. Work on the Forbes Library elevator is
occurring this summer. No other public facilities projects have been brought
forward by the City's Central Services Department that will utilize CDBG
resources.
Basis for
Relative
Priority
Projects identified will be evaluated based on the numbers impacted, funds
available and if the project addresses a high priority need.
14 Priority Need
Name
Public Infrastructure
Priority Level Low
Population Persons with Physical Disabilities
Non-housing Community Development
Geographic
Areas
Affected
Programs are delivered city wide or in specific project locations.
Associated
Goals
Improvement of Public Infrastructure
Planning and Administration
Description Installation of audio signalization at two intersections will be done this summer.
Work has been delayed while other funding has been secured. There may be other
intersections suggested by the Department of Public Works in the future, to serve
disabled populations. The River Run Condominium development sidewalk is
planned to coincide with Damon Road street work that will be undertaken by the
Mass. Department of Transportaion. No other infrastructure projects have been
brought forward at this time, for future CDBG expenditures.
Basis for
Relative
Priority
Use of CDBG funding for public infrastructure projects will be evaluated on a case
by case basis. In most instances, income surveys need to be conducted to
determine eligibility. The Department of Public Works often opts for other funding
sources because all the contracting and reporting requirements for small amounts
of CDBG funding are time consuming.
Narrative (Optional)
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SP-30 Influence of Market Conditions – 91.215 (b)
Influence of Market Conditions
Affordable Housing
Type
Market Characteristics that will influence
the use of funds available for housing type
Tenant Based Rental
Assistance (TBRA)
Market rate rents in excess of Fair Market Rate rents and MRVP rents.
TBRA for Non-
Homeless Special
Needs
Market rate rents in excess of Fair Market Rate rents and MRVP rental
subsidies.
New Unit Production Land and/or building acquisition costs in excess of appraised values, therefore
ineligible for State and Federal funding sources. Non-profits needing to find
sellers willing to wait the long time periods it takes to secure needed funding.
Rehabilitation Lack of resources for lead paint abatement.
Acquisition, including
preservation
For preservation, purchase and carrying cost increases with ownership
transfers, result in higher rental rates to cover mortgages, etc.
Table 52 – Influence of Market Conditions
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SP-35 Anticipated Resources - 91.215(a)(4), 91.220(c)(1,2)
Introduction
The City of Northampton will use its entitlement funds to facilitate the implementation of priority projects as established in the Con Plan. City
departments and public service agencies utilize many other funding sources to operate programs and bring projects to fruition.
Anticipated Resources
Program Source
of
Funds
Uses of Funds Expected Amount Available Year 1 Expected
Amount
Available
Reminder
of ConPlan
$
Narrative Description
Annual
Allocation:
$
Program
Income:
$
Prior Year
Resources:
$
Total:
$
CDBG public -
federal
Acquisition
Admin and
Planning
Economic
Development
Housing
Public
Improvements
Public Services 602,342 10,000 485,074 1,097,416 3,249,368
CDBG funds will be used for public facility
projects; economic development; housing
programs/projects; demolition; public
service programs; and planning activities
and administration of the grant. Expected
remaining amount based on level funding;
$10,000 per year program income and
$200,000 carry-over annually
Continuum
of Care
public -
federal
Housing 1,280,377 0 0 1,280,377 5,121,508
Supportive Housing and Shelter Plus Care
programs. Expected remaining amount
based on level funding over the next four
years
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Program Source
of
Funds
Uses of Funds Expected Amount Available Year 1 Expected
Amount
Available
Reminder
of ConPlan
$
Narrative Description
Annual
Allocation:
$
Program
Income:
$
Prior Year
Resources:
$
Total:
$
Other public -
federal
Acquisition
Housing
Public
Improvements 1,746,200 0 0 1,746,200 4,800,000
Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds
for:Pulaski Park - $1,450,000 will leverage
state grant of $400,000 Conservation
Commission - $116,200 purchase of open
space parcel matched by $171,088 LAND
grant Grantham Group - $130,000 -
development of affordable assisted living
at Village Hill matched by $1,125,000 in
state and federal low income housing tax
credits Northampton Recreation
Department - $50,000 - playground at
Lampron Park and Florence fields
leverage by a state Our Common
Backyards grant
Other public -
federal
Housing 284,164 0 0 284,164 1,136,656
HOPWA funds for A Positive Place.
Expected remaining amount based on
level funding over the next four years
Table 53 - Anticipated Resources
Explain how federal funds will leverage those additional resources (private, state and local funds), including a description of how
matching requirements will be satisfied
All City of Northampton CDBG funded projects require other funding sources in order to implement the project. Affordable housing applications
to State and Federal funding sources require evidence of a local match. CDBG and Community Preservation Act funds, in addition to Smith
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College are used as local match sources. Public facilities often have City budgeted Capital Improvement Program funds and private fundraising
dollars, such as the Forbes Library Elevator Accessibility project. Public infrastructure projects typically utilize State Chapter 90 funding and
other grant sources. Public service grants use a variety of other funding sources, such as FEMA, United Way and private fundraising. Some of the
CDBG public service grantee awards are so small ($3,500) that their real value is for leveraging other sources and to show endorsement from the
City of Northampton.
If appropriate, describe publically owned land or property located within the jurisdiction that may be used to address the needs
identified in the plan
Currently, the Office of Planning and Sustainability is working on two parcels for affordable housing development initiated by the City. The Oak
Street is city owned. A tour and community session is scheduled for May 12, 2015. The site has challenges, but might accommodate a duplex by
Habitat for Humanity. The other parcel on Cooke Avenue is privately owned but has no frontage. A comp permit is required for any
development. It abuts conservation land and could be a limited development and open space project. An offer has been made by the City to the
seller and is pending. CDBG funds are being set aside for this project to be used for acquisition in partnership with other sources. Beyond these
two parcels, one other City owned parcel on Route 5 has been identified for possible development.
The Northampton Housing Authority still has 2 parcels deeded to them through the disposition of the Northampton State Hospital property.
Demolition of a farmhouse on Laurel Street occurred last year, paving the way for homeownership units to be constructed there. No State funds
for homeownership projects have existed in the past several years. This year, they made some available. The other parcel on Burts Pit Road is
slated for development for clients of the Department of Developmental Services. CDBG funding will be used to demolish the existing farmhouse
on that parcel. The project has been designed and permitted, but no State funding sources released as of yet.
Discussion
The two affordable housing projects will utilize close to 20 million dollars each of State funding sources from the Department of Housing and
Community Development's Low Income Housing Tax Credit Program, the Affordable Housing Trust, the Housing Innovations Fund, the Facilities
and Consolidation Fund, and the Community Housing Program.
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SP-40 Institutional Delivery Structure – 91.215(k)
Explain the institutional structure through which the jurisdiction will carry out its consolidated plan
including private industry, non-profit organizations, and public institutions.
Responsible Entity Responsible Entity
Type
Role Geographic Area Served
Office of Planning and
Sustainability
Government Planning Jurisdiction
Valley Community
Development
Corporation (CDC)
Non-profit
organizations
Economic
Development
Ownership
Rental
Region
HAP Housing Non-profit
organizations
Ownership
Rental
Region
ServiceNet, Inc. Non-profit
organizations
Homelessness
Rental
Region
Northampton Housing
Authority
PHA Ownership
Public Housing
Rental
Jurisdiction
Massachusetts
Department of Mental
Health
Government Homelessness
Rental
State
Department of
Developmental Services
Government Rental State
CASA LATINA, INC. Non-profit
organizations
Rental Jurisdiction
Hilltown CDC Continuum of care Homelessness
Planning
Region
Community Legal Aid,
Inc.
Non-profit
organizations
Homelessness
Rental
Region
Center for New
Americans
Non-profit
organizations
Economic
Development
Rental
public services
Region
COMMUNITY ACTION
OF FRANKLIN,
HAMPSHIRE AND
NORTH QUABBIN
Other Economic
Development
Homelessness
Planning
Rental
Region
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Responsible Entity Responsible Entity
Type
Role Geographic Area Served
Northampton Survival
Center
Non-profit
organizations
Homelessness
Public Housing
Rental
public services
Jurisdiction
MANNA SOUP KITCHEN,
INC.
Community/Faith-
based organization
Homelessness
Non-homeless special
needs
Jurisdiction
Highland Valley Elder
Services
Regional organization Homelessness
Non-homeless special
needs
Planning
Region
PIONEER VALLEY
HABITAT FOR
HUMANITY
Community/Faith-
based organization
Ownership Region
Soldier On Community/Faith-
based organization
Homelessness
Ownership
Rental
Region
THE CENTER FOR
HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
(CHD)
Non-profit
organizations
Homelessness Region
A Positive Place Non-profit
organizations
Homelessness
Rental
Region
City of Northampton
Veterans Agent
Government Homelessness
Rental
Region
Eliot Community Human
Services
Non-profit
organizations
Homelessness State
Table 54 - Institutional Delivery Structure
Assess of Strengths and Gaps in the Institutional Delivery System
There are some program components that address each target population if not locally, regionally. But
those services are not sufficient to meet the needs. More State resources are needed for the
Department of Mental Health, as so many homeless present with mental health issues. Resources for
the DMH system have been woefully inadequate to serve the deinstitutionalized populations that now
inhabit our jails and homeless shelters. The DMH system has shifted responsibility to other areas of
service provision, as a defacto result of inadequate funding for case managers, community based
programs and community based residential facilities.
With regard to affordable housing production, it takes multiple application rounds to secure funding at
the State level. State funding for domestic violence shelters and services have been cut by a third, each
of the past two years. 26 funding sources make up the Housing and Shelter Division at ServiceNet, which
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results in an inordinate amount of time away from direct service provision, just trying to keep the
division adequately funded. The State created a Commission on Unaccompanied Youth and a Point in
Time Count specific to youth was undertaken to define the universe of the population. Now it is time for
the State to fund programs and services to address the needs of LGBT youth, those aging out of the
foster care system and those struggling with substance abuse and mental health challenges. Addressing
these issues with youth is the only way to close the door to an ever present and growing adult homeless
population.
Availability of services targeted to homeless persons and persons with HIV and mainstream
services
Homelessness Prevention
Services
Available in the
Community
Targeted to
Homeless
Targeted to People
with HIV
Homelessness Prevention Services
Counseling/Advocacy X X X
Legal Assistance X
Mortgage Assistance X
Rental Assistance X X X
Utilities Assistance X
Street Outreach Services
Law Enforcement X X
Mobile Clinics
Other Street Outreach Services X X
Supportive Services
Alcohol & Drug Abuse X
Child Care X
Education X
Employment and Employment
Training X
Healthcare X X X
HIV/AIDS X X
Life Skills X X X
Mental Health Counseling X X X
Transportation X
Other
Table 55 - Homeless Prevention Services Summary
Describe how the service delivery system including, but not limited to, the services listed
above meet the needs of homeless persons (particularly chronically homeless individuals and
families, families with children, veterans and their families, and unaccompanied youth)
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Eliot CHS Homeless Services, through a grant from the Department of Mental Health, provides clinically
based outreach services to unsheltered adult homeless individuals with mental illness or mental illness
and substance abuse issues. They work closely with ServiceNet, Inc., SMOC and other housing and
homeless service providers via monthly REACH meetings to identify and prioritize services for the most
vulnerable and chronically homeless. Work is progressing on formalizing the new HUD centralized intake
process to accomplish centralized intake and assessment through the V1-SPDAT. Eliot provides 2 full-
time employees focused on outreach coverage for Hampshire County. They network with the
Northampton Police, DMH and work with the City to identify and work with unsheltered populations to
facilitate access to housing and treatment. Eliot clinicians accomplish this through stabilizing acute
issues (psychological, behavioral and medical), by developing a common language between clinician and
client that reinforces ownership and initiative toward attaining rehabilitative goals inclusive of housing.
Assessment and referral may be to a variety of systems of care, such as MRC-SHIP, Public Health -
Substance Abuse Services, DMH, DDS).
The Hampshire County Resource Center, collocated at 43 Center Street with the winter shelter, serves as
the entry point for our service delivery system for homeless individuals. Case managers do intake and
assess the clients need for services. Health Care for the Homeless nurses and doctors are on- site several
times a week. Clients who agree to participate in case management services are given access to showers
and laundry facilities. Housing search begins there. Referrals are made to emergency shelter beds
locally, and regionally if no local beds are available. Housing placements are made whenever possible.
The Housing Partnership partnered with ServiceNet Inc. to garner a funding award from the Community
Preservation Committee of 10,000 for first, last months rents and security deposits for those exiting
homelessness to access housing. The Benefits Analyst links clients to MassHealth and income supports
they may be eligible for.
Veterans services are addressed by the City’s Veteran’s Agent, Soldier On and the Veteran’s
Administration Campus in Leeds. Between the VA, Soldier On and the HUD VASH Program, there is a
complete care continuum for men and women Vets, ranging from psychiatric and medical services to
emergency shelter, transitional housing and permanent supported housing and limited equity coops.
A Positive Place, formerly known as AidsCare of Hampshire County is a program of the Cooley Dickinson
Hospital. A Positive Place receives HOPWA funds through the City of Springfield, through a competitive
RFP Process. Referrals are often made from medical settings. Persons with HIV/AIDS are impacted by the
lack of affordable housing. Support services to access mainstream resources occur through case
management. Provision of tenant based rental assistance, housing information services, permanent
housing placement and access to medical care are offered.
Families with children can get referrals for health care and other mainstream resources through the
Center for Human Development and the Department of Transitional Assistance.
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Describe the strengths and gaps of the service delivery system for special needs population
and persons experiencing homelessness, including, but not limited to, the services listed
above
The strengths in our system are the accessibility and availability of the Eliot PATH team for the street
outreach and engagement services, as well as the commitment of the staff of the Resource Center who
contribute countless hours to keeping the center open during inclement weather and struggle with
housing search for a very challenged population. The local housing, social service and homeless service
providers are incredible people that accomplish amazing things with limited resources.
The gaps that have been identified through meetings and consulations include the following:
• Street outreach, supportive housing and services for unaccompanied youth
• Transitional housing for victims of domestic violence and their children
• Next step housing for post-incarcerated individuals
• Housing for sex offenders
• Safe Haven program model for chronically homeless individuals
Provide a summary of the strategy for overcoming gaps in the institutional structure and
service delivery system for carrying out a strategy to address priority needs
The City is hopeful that the Homeless Runaway Youth funding will come through for Dial Self to institute
street outreach services for homeless youth.
The Friends of Hampshire County Homeless Individuals are soliciting requests from local housing and
homeless service providers to partner on the creation of a new program. The first project undertaken,
Yvonne's House, was in partnership with ServiceNet, Inc. and is a duplex which houses 6 chronically
homeless individuals. The second project, completed in conjunction with Mass Housing's CRI program,
the CPC and local fundraising, partnered with Gandara and provides 6 units to individuals in recovery.
The grass roots non-profit organization has raised funds for a third project and will gather research on a
potential new partner through the RFP process. This will address one of the gaps identified above, for
new housing needed.
It is difficult to acheive new production goals when State funding takes multiple application rounds to
secure. Funding for domestic violence shelters and services has been cut substantially over the last few
years. That creates a critical gap in local systems. The ServiceNet Shelter and Housing division is
composed of 26 funding sources; keeping track of that takes time away from client service. The State
created a Commission on Unaccompanied Youth but has yet to allocate any programmatic dollars. State
resources addressing the needs of youth aging out of the foster care system, LGBT youth, youth
struggling with substance abuse and mental health issues, is where the intervention is needed in order
to quell an ever burgeoning adult homeless population.
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Overall, the institutional structure operating in Northampton is comprehensive, holistic and
collaborative. The service delivery system works as well as possible with limited resources. Greater
collaboration with underserved populations is needed, as well as greater proactivity affirmatively
furthering fair housing.
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SP-45 Goals Summary – 91.215(a)(4)
Goals Summary Information
Sort
Order
Goal Name Start
Year
End
Year
Category Geographic
Area
Needs Addressed Funding Goal Outcome Indicator
1 Homelessness
Prevention
2015 2019 Homeless
Non-Homeless Special
Needs
No
geographic
Priorities
Designated
Homelessness
Prevention
CDBG:
$22,000
Continuum
of Care:
$449,584
CPA:
$195,000
ESG: $0
HOPWA:
$528,000
Homelessness Prevention:
55 Persons Assisted
HIV/AIDS Housing
Operations:
44 Household Housing Unit
2 Support for Emergency
Shelter System
2015 2019 Homeless No
geographic
Priorities
Designated
Support for
Emergency
Shelter
CDBG:
$92,000
Continuum
of Care: $0
CPA: $0
ESG: $0
HOPWA: $0
Homeless Person Overnight
Shelter:
375 Persons Assisted
Consolidated Plan NORTHAMPTON 137
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Sort
Order
Goal Name Start
Year
End
Year
Category Geographic
Area
Needs Addressed Funding Goal Outcome Indicator
3 Rental Housing for
Families
2015 2019 Affordable Housing No
geographic
Priorities
Designated
Rental Housing
for Families
CDBG:
$300,000
Continuum
of Care:
$772,848
CPA:
$600,000
ESG: $0
HOPWA: $0
Rental units constructed:
127 Household Housing
Unit
4 Rental Housing for
Individuals
2015 2019 Affordable Housing No
geographic
Priorities
Designated
Rental Housing
for Individuals
CDBG:
$300,000
Continuum
of Care:
$4,028,344
CPA:
$600,000
Rental units constructed:
127 Household Housing
Unit
5 Preservation of
Existing Affordable
Rental Stock
2015 2019 Affordable Housing No
geographic
Priorities
Designated
Preservation of
Existing
Affordable Rental
Stock
CDBG: $0
Continuum
of Care: $0
CPA: $0
ESG: $0
HOPWA: $0
Other:
1521 Other
Consolidated Plan NORTHAMPTON 138
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015)
Sort
Order
Goal Name Start
Year
End
Year
Category Geographic
Area
Needs Addressed Funding Goal Outcome Indicator
6 Housing Rehabilitation 2015 2019 Affordable Housing No
geographic
Priorities
Designated
Housing
Rehabilitation
Resources
CDBG:
$640,000
Continuum
of Care: $0
CPA: $0
ESG: $0
HOPWA: $0
Homeowner Housing
Rehabilitated:
20 Household Housing Unit
7 Affordable
Homeownership for
Families
2015 2019 Affordable Housing No
geographic
Priorities
Designated
Affordable
Homeownership
for Families
CDBG:
$149,000
Continuum
of Care: $0
CPA: $0
ESG: $0
HOPWA: $0
Homeowner Housing
Added:
12 Household Housing Unit
Direct Financial Assistance
to Homebuyers:
2 Households Assisted
8 Housing for At-Risk and
Special Needs
Populations
2015 2019 Affordable Housing No
geographic
Priorities
Designated
Housing for At -
Risk & Special
Needs
Populations
CDBG:
$195,000
Continuum
of Care: $0
CPA:
$300,000
ESG: $0
HOPWA: $0
Rental units constructed:
82 Household Housing Unit
Buildings Demolished:
2 Buildings
Consolidated Plan NORTHAMPTON 139
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Sort
Order
Goal Name Start
Year
End
Year
Category Geographic
Area
Needs Addressed Funding Goal Outcome Indicator
9 Economic
Development/Income
Maximization
2015 2019 Economic
Development/Income
Maximization
No
geographic
Priorities
Designated
Economic
Development
CDBG:
$40,000
Continuum
of Care: $0
CPA: $0
ESG: $0
HOPWA: $0
Businesses assisted:
40 Businesses Assisted
10 Housing Support
Services
2015 2019 Affordable Housing No
geographic
Priorities
Designated
Housing Support
Services
CDBG:
$40,000
CPA:
$195,000
Public service activities for
Low/Moderate Income
Housing Benefit:
380 Households Assisted
11 Addressing Basic
Needs
2015 2019 Non-Housing
Community
Development
No
geographic
Priorities
Designated
Addressing Basic
Needs
CDBG:
$202,000
Continuum
of Care: $0
CPA: $0
ESG: $0
HOPWA: $0
Public service activities for
Low/Moderate Income
Housing Benefit:
4900 Households Assisted
12 Elimination of Slums
and Blight
2015 2016 Elimination of Slums
and Blight
No
geographic
Priorities
Designated
Elimination of
Slums and Blight
CDBG:
$45,000
Continuum
of Care: $0
CPA: $0
ESG: $0
HOPWA: $0
Buildings Demolished:
1 Buildings
Consolidated Plan NORTHAMPTON 140
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Sort
Order
Goal Name Start
Year
End
Year
Category Geographic
Area
Needs Addressed Funding Goal Outcome Indicator
13 Improvement of Public
Facilities
2015 2016 Non-Housing
Community
Development
No
geographic
Priorities
Designated
Public Facilities CDBG:
$50,000
Continuum
of Care: $0
CPA: $0
ESG: $0
HOPWA: $0
Public Facility or
Infrastructure Activities
other than Low/Moderate
Income Housing Benefit:
200 Persons Assisted
14 Improvement of Public
Infrastructure
2015 2019 Non-Housing
Community
Development
No
geographic
Priorities
Designated
Public
Infrastructure
CDBG:
$45,000
Continuum
of Care: $0
CPA: $0
ESG: $0
HOPWA: $0
Public Facility or
Infrastructure Activities for
Low/Moderate Income
Housing Benefit:
100 Households Assisted
Consolidated Plan NORTHAMPTON 141
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Sort
Order
Goal Name Start
Year
End
Year
Category Geographic
Area
Needs Addressed Funding Goal Outcome Indicator
15 Planning and
Administration
2015 2019 Program
Administration
No
geographic
Priorities
Designated
Homelessness
Prevention
Support for
Emergency
Shelter
Rental Housing
for Individuals
Rental Housing
for Families
Preservation of
Existing
Affordable Rental
Stock
Housing
Rehabilitation
Resources
Affordable
Homeownership
for Families
Housing for At -
Risk & Special
Needs
Populations
Economic
Development
Housing Support
Services
Addressing Basic
Needs
Elimination of
Slums and Blight
Public Facilities
Public
If t t
CDBG:
$482,592
Public Facility or
Infrastructure Activities
other than Low/Moderate
Income Housing Benefit:
500 Persons Assisted
Public Facility or
Infrastructure Activities for
Low/Moderate Income
Housing Benefit:
500 Households Assisted
Public service activities
other than Low/Moderate
Income Housing Benefit:
3000 Persons Assisted
Public service activities for
Low/Moderate Income
Housing Benefit:
3000 Households Assisted
Facade treatment/business
building rehabilitation:
0 Business
Brownfield acres
remediated:
0 Acre
Rental units constructed:
127 Household Housing
Unit
Consolidated Plan NORTHAMPTON 142
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Table 56 – Goals Summary
Goal Descriptions
1 Goal Name Homelessness Prevention
Goal
Description
City will allocate CDBG funding to Community Legal Aid for work with at-risk families in the court system to preserve
tenancies ($5,500 annually). CPC support for Community Housing Support Services Program to work with families facing
eviction in the multi-family apartment complexes and Housing Authority by conducting case management and life skills
education ($195,000 for three years). City will support the Tenancy Preservation Program which stabilizes tenancies for
individuals with mental health challenges through the Mental Health Association. A Positive Place works with housing
search and housing stabilization for those with HIV/AIDS to prevent homelessness. (132,000 annual HOPWA and 112,396
McKinney).
2 Goal Name Support for Emergency Shelter System
Goal
Description
The City will allocate CDBG funding for staffing costs at the Hampshire Inter-Faith Shelter for Homeless Individuals and the
Grove Street Inn Homeless Shelter for individuals. Funding resources for shelter operational costs are difficult to secure, due
to the paradigm shift to housing first models. The City will support the Soldier On emergency shelter beds through advocacy
and services coordination, in addition to the Safe Passage emergency shelter facility for those experiencing domestic
violence. $23,000 is allocated annually, $13,000 for Grove Street and $11,000 for the Interfaith Shelter; $92,000 for the
duration of this Conplan.
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3 Goal Name Rental Housing for Families
Goal
Description
The City has allocated CDBG and CPC funds to assist with the development of Valley CDC's Lumberyard Project and
HAPHousing's 129 Pleasant Street affordable housing project. HAP's project contains studios and one bedroom apartments,
but there may be two person households in the one bedroom units. Valley's project will have 14 one bedroom units, 34 two
bedroom units and 7 three bedroom units, clearly focused on the provision of housing for families.
The COC allocates McKinney funds to A Positive Place, housing subsidies for families with HIV/AIDS ( $112,396 annually);
$58,067 to Hilltown CDC for Permanent Supported Housing; $22,749 for operating costs for Paradise Pond Apartments
family housing for formerly homeless in Northampton.
4 Goal Name Rental Housing for Individuals
Goal
Description
The City has allocated CDBG funds and CPC funds to both proposed affordable housing projects on Pleasant Street. Valley
CDC's Lumberyard Project will contain 14 one bedroom units and all of HAP'S 129 Pleasant Street development is composed
of studio apartments and one bedroom units. The HAP project contains 72 units, 48 of which will be considered affordable,
but due to the size of the other 24 units, they will be market rate affordable. These are one time allocations of $300,000
from CPC for each project, and $150,000 each from CDBG for acquisition costs.
The CoC allocates funds annually to permanent supportive housing projects throughout the three county region. Local
residents are eligible for the housing, even if it is not physically located in Northampton. ServiceNet, Inc. gets $719,656 for
permanent supportive housing units as well as $175,887 for a Shelter plus Care program; Soldier On receives $52,527 for
one program and $59,016 for a new permanent supported housing program.
5 Goal Name Preservation of Existing Affordable Rental Stock
Goal
Description
The Northampton Housing Partnership monitors the expiring use properties in the City. There is regular communication
with Hathaway Farms, the second largest apartment complex in the City and the owners of Leeds Village. Hathaway Farms
went market rate in 1993 but has retained some affordable units. With the pending termination of a MassHousing Loan, the
207 units will slip below the 25% threshold required for counting the units on the Subsidized Housing Inventory. This makes
the need for additional units imperative. Leeds Village expires in 2018 but the owner has expressed interest in maintaining
the affordability of those 19 units. The majority of the other units on the inventory are deed restricted for many years out.
The City commits staff time to this important task, but has no dollars to allocate.
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6 Goal Name Housing Rehabilitation
Goal
Description
The City has allocated $160,000 of CDBG funds this year to create a housing rehabilitation program. A Request for Proposals
to select a vendor will be issued in June. A focus on lead paint abatement is being considered, due to the age of the housing
stock and the possible impediment to access for families with children. The scope of work is 4-6 units to be completed each
year, if CDBG funding remains stable. Assuming that amount of 160,000 is available for each of the next four years, that
yields a $640,000 investment.
7 Goal Name Affordable Homeownership for Families
Goal
Description
The City utilized CDBG dollars last year to accomplish the demolition of a farmhouse on Laurel Street. This parcel is slated
for development of homeownership units for families currently in public housing. It is hoped that within the term of this five
year plan, the new Executive Director at the Housing Authority will prioritize this project and it will advance significantly.
The City has set aside $45,000 for a potential purchase of a site off of Cooke Avenue for pursuit of a limited
development/open space acquisition project. The parcel has no frontage, so could possibly accommodate the creation of a
duplex housing unit through Habitat for Humanity, through the issuance of a comprehensive permit. Two other sites are
being considered for potential development.
The City supports the Valley CDC's Homeownership Center with downpayment assistance grants and staffing capacity.
Educational workshops help to inform first time homebuyers about the responsibilities and need for financial literacy to
avoid foreclosures. $26,000 annually.
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8 Goal Name Housing for At-Risk and Special Needs Populations
Goal
Description
The City is allocating $45,000 to the Northampton Housing Authority to demolish the farmhouse on the Burts Pit Road
parcel. Although the project was designed and permitted to create new housing for clients of the Department of
Developmental Disabilities several years ago, it has languished at the State level due to lack of funding (2 million dollars
from an old Chapter 689 allocation). Hopefully, now that site clearance is moving forward, the NHA will prioritze moving this
project forward and funding will be secured within the implermentation period of this five year plan.
The HAPHousing project, because it involves demolition of an existing 58 unit SRO that is fully occupied, will be providing
high quality new housing for the existing tenants. Many of the current tenants are formerly homeless, some are DMH case
managed and many have criminal and sex offender histories. Individuals with so many challenges often struggle with access
to and maintenance of affordable housing. The Resident Services Coordinator and Supportive Services Plan will contribute
significantly to housing stability for these at-risk households.
9 Goal Name Economic Development/Income Maximization
Goal
Description
The City supports the Valley CDC Small Business Assistance Program with an annual CDBG allocation. Funds are used to
provide one on one technical assistance and counseling to 8-10 income eligible residents for business start ups. Assistance is
also provided to businesses with five or less employees to retain and or create new job opportunities. The annual allocation
is $10,000; $40,000 for four years total.
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10 Goal Name Housing Support Services
Goal
Description
The City allocates CDBG resources annually to the Single Room Occupancy Outreach Coordinator position ($10,000). This is
a one person operation administered by the Center for Human Development that was created when the State hospital was
deinstitutionalized. The Coordinator provides case management and support services to residents of the City's SRO units to
stabilize housing for at-risk populations. They operate a food pantry to address food insecurity issues, collaborate with local
housing and homeless service providers and will play a major role assisting tenants in the Northampton Lodging demolition
and relocation project (HAPHousing's Pleasant Street affordable housing project).
The City will also allocate CPC funds in the amount of $195,000 over three years for a Community Housing Support Services
Coordinator. That person will assist families in subsidized apartments that are at-risk of losing their housing. They will have
a presence in the court system to identify families most at risk and provide intensive case management services. The
selected vendor, the Center for Human Development will utilize their rep payee system in their agency as a housing
stabilization tool, and offer life skills, financial literacy and budgeting workshops for residents in all multi-family locations,
such as Housing Authority properties, Hathaway Farms and Meadowbrook.
11 Goal Name Addressing Basic Needs
Goal
Description
CDBG public services allocations are made to a variety of grantees. Service provision ranges from elder meals on wheels,
youth employment readiness, emergency food distribution, mentoring at-risk youth, soup kitchen operation and literacy
and language attainment. The total of funds allocated this year ( with the exception of the Grove Street Inn and Interfaith
shelter which were included in the Support for Emergency Shelter Goal section; and excluding the SRO Outreach Project
which was included in the Housing Support Services Goal section and the Community Legal Aid project which was included
in the Homelessness Prevention section ) is 50,500. Assuming the CDBG entitlement allocation does not diminish, that
would yield an expenditure of 202,000 over the next five years.
12 Goal Name Elimination of Slums and Blight
Goal
Description
CDBG will allocate $45,000 for demolition activity at the Burts Pit Road site to facilitate future development. This parcel was
deeded to the Northampton Housing Authority for the creation of affordable rental housing. The current plan is to house 10
clients of the Department of Developmental Disabilities.
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13 Goal Name Improvement of Public Facilities
Goal
Description
$20,000 will be allocated to the Department of Public Works to install audio signals at two crosswalk locations to assist the
visually impaired. $30,000 will be allocated to the Central Services Department to purchase playground equipment for
installation at the Jackson Street School for use by children with disabilities. There may be CDBG assistance allocated for
handicap accessibility improvements at the Vernon Street school which is leased by Community Action, the anti-poverty
agency for the HeadStart Program and other programs such as Fuel Assistance. There are no other public facilities projects
planned at this time.
14 Goal Name Improvement of Public Infrastructure
Goal
Description
River Run condominium development is considered market rate affordable housing. Unit sales prices are lower than most in
the City and many of the units are absentee owned and rented at affordable rates. It is in an isolated location and residents
have to walk in the road to access nearby services. Damon Road is adjacent to the development and is highly traveled and
dangerous for pedestrians. Installing a sidewalk for safety and improved access would be a benefit to the residents. When
the design elements come together with the State Department of Transportation further eligiblity determination will be
carried out such as a resident income survey.
15 Goal Name Planning and Administration
Goal
Description
CDBG planning and administration funds will be used over the course of the ConPlan to operate the program. This year is
$120,648 so assuming level funding, the total was estimated.
Estimate the number of extremely low-income, low-income, and moderate-income families to whom the jurisdiction will provide
affordable housing as defined by HOME 91.315(b)(2)
For the Valley CDC Lumberyard Project proposed for 256 Pleasant Street; 8 units will be made available to those earning <30% area median
income and 47 earning at or below 60% of area median income.
For the HAPHousing 155/Live Project (formerly known as 129 Pleasant Street, Northampton Lodging SRO); 8 units will be set aside for those
extremely low income ranges of <30% of ami, 8 at the very low range of <50%, and 24 at the low income range of <60% of area median income.
Consolidated Plan NORTHAMPTON 148
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SP-50 Public Housing Accessibility and Involvement – 91.215(c)
Need to Increase the Number of Accessible Units (if Required by a Section 504 Voluntary
Compliance Agreement)
Despite the need for handicap accessible units expressed by the Stavros Center for Independent Living,
the Northampton Housing Authority reports very low numbers on their wait lists for those units. It may
be related to minimal turnover, so people are reluctant to apply. 31 of the 618 units managed by the
Housing Authority are handicapped accessible.The new units being created in the two affordable
housing projects proposed for Pleasant Street will add units to the inventory. There is no Section 504
Voluntary Compliance agreement requirement for the Housing Authority to increase their number of
units.
Activities to Increase Resident Involvements
The Housing Authority encourages tenants to attend the Board of Commissioners meetings held
monthly to express comments and concerns. Tenant associations exist in most of the elderly/younger
disabled developments but are not currently active in the two family developments. The NHA has been
supportive of the Housing Partnership's application to the Community Preservation Committee to fund
the Community Housing Support Services Coordinator and is committed to working collaboratively with
that person. The Housing Authority issues a high number of notices to quit, usually for non-payment of
rent, but does not end up actually evicting many families each year. That is indicative of their
commitment to arrange payment plans and support services to preserve tenancies when possible.
When the new Executive Director is selected, the Housing Partnership and Next Step Collaborative will
invite the person to their meetings to provide context about the new grant (Community Housing
Support Services Project) and share what was learned while doing the research. The Springfield Housing
Authority Resident Services Program offers a wide variety of supports and programming and the SHA
program was examined as a model. The SHA offers on-site after school programs, on-site recreational
activities for youth, on-site financial literacy and budgeting workshops, Department of Mental Health
home visits, an early childhood reading program and cultivate a system of active tenant councils, among
other activities. It is our plan to create similar programming in Northampton once the person is hired
and does their own needs assessment of where services should be targeted and what types are needed.
Reinvigorating the tenant associations at Hampshire Heights and Florence Heights and strengthening
their relationships with the adjacent elementary schools is a prominent goal. Currently, Jackson Street
school and Hampshire Heights are very symbiotic. With the high percentage of Hispanic people in the
public housing, addressing language barriers comes to the forefront. The person that has just been hired
for the CHSSP Coordinator position, is fluent in Spanish.
Is the public housing agency designated as troubled under 24 CFR part 902?
No
Consolidated Plan NORTHAMPTON 149
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Plan to remove the ‘troubled’ designation
Not applicable.
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SP-55 Barriers to affordable housing – 91.215(h)
Barriers to Affordable Housing
The 2014 Fair Housing Equity Assessment conducted for the Sustainable Knowledge Corridor (PVPC)
describes intervention points where local government actions can affect barriers to affordable
housing:“State & local planning documents that do not address fair housing; lack of coordination &
funding for programs that promote mobility; inadequate fair housing enforcement & education to
address discrimination & barriers that limit housing access; too few legislative solutions to overcome
impediments; lack of collaboration among governmental entities, zoning regulations that prohibit
affordable and multi-family housing and/or make the creation of those units prohibitively expensive;
lack of data to determine if entities receiving Federal financing are meeting their goals to affirmatively
further fair housing. It adds the following components at the more macro level: lack of affordable
housing in a variety of locations and predatory lending, redlining and other housing discriminatory
practices, especially against persons of color. At the housing provider level, landlords that refuse to
make modifications or reasonable accommodation, those who refuse to accept housing subsidies as a
source of rental payment, linguistic profiling, and rental discrimination against families with young
children due to presence or potential presence of lead-based paint hazards”, are all issues to be
addressed.
The Housing Partnership’s Zoning Sub-Committee has identified zoning related issues that are
problematic. Multi-family housing allowed by right and inclusionary zoning continues to be analyzed to
increase market rate affordable units.There are no other specific public policies under scrutiny at this
time but the City of Northampton will continue to do outreach and in the course of implementing the
recommendations in the Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing, be open to proactively address
specific policies that may be identified that need to be examined and changed.
Strategy to Remove or Ameliorate the Barriers to Affordable Housing
To promote racial and economic integration and affirmatively further fair housing, Northampton
should develop more affordable housing. According to a recent newspaper article, many current
residents and minorities who are interested in residing in Northampton are priced out. The overall
median rent price in Northampton is $1,400, which is higher than the Springfield metropolitan median
of $1,000.Northampton rents have been trending upward in the last 2-3 years. For example, last year
the rent for three-bedroom apartments increased from $1,250 to $1,350 in one year.
To increase housing opportunities for minority households and affirmatively further fair housing for
families with minor children, Northampton should create more three- and four-bedroom affordable
housing units. Only 16% of all rental housing units in Northampton have 3 or more bedrooms. Yet
these units are needed by families of color in Northampton, where over 40% of Black and Latino
households had 4 or more people living together. Over 34% of Asian family households had 4 or more
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people living together. In comparison, only 28% of White non-Latino households were made up of 4 or
more people.
There are also significant racial gaps in access to homeownership in Northampton. To address these
racial disparities in homeownership, Northampton must investigate best practices and provide options,
e.g. down payment assistance, to increase affordable homeownership opportunities.
Using the federal formula of affordability for rental housing (rent and utilities should be no more than
30% of a household’s income), an apartment for a household of 2 with the average gross household
income for Northampton ($54,953), can barely meet that threshold for an “affordable” two-bedroom
home, which by federal standards would cost $1,373 per month.
The issue of the fair market rent being so much lower than rental rates continues to be a huge barrier to
accessing affordable housing in Northampton. The Housing Partnership will address this in year one and
develop a strategy in subsequent years. The issue of unreported housing discrimination, related to
income source, need for reasonable accommodation, or presence of lead paint will also be investigated
and pursued.
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SP-60 Homelessness Strategy – 91.215(d)
Reaching out to homeless persons (especially unsheltered persons) and assessing their
individual needs
The City of Northampton works closely with Eliot Homeless Services based in Framingham that operates
locally through a statewide vendor contract from the Department of Mental Health. The PATH Program
(Project for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness) provides mental health assessment,
treatment, advocacy, benefit assistance, DMH referrals, housing assistance and other support services
to the adult homeless population. PATH provides street outreach clinicians in Westfield, Holyoke,
Greenfield, Pittsfield, Amherst and Northampton. Northampton’s outreach worker can often be found in
his “office” at Bruegger’s Bagels on Main Street, meeting with clients. He visits the Resource Center
(homeless drop- in site at 43 Center Street) regularly, participates in coordinated case management
meetings with Resource Center and shelter staff, facilitates groups 2-3 mornings a week through the fall
and winter that function as a “warming place” where housing and employment information is
disseminated, does one on one therapy and surveys camp locations to link the unsheltered with needed
resources.
Eliot CHS works closely with ServiceNet, SMOC and other housing and service providers via monthly
REACH meetings and has made progress formalizing the new HUD Centralized intake process to
prioritize the most vulnerable chronically homeless individuals. The two fulltime Eliot employees doing
outreach coverage for Hampshire County also network with the Northampton Police, the Department of
Mental Health and accept community calls to help find unsheltered individuals.
Although no CDBG funds are allocated, this street level engagement component is critical to our
homelessness strategy. With the gaining momentum of the VISPDAT (Vulnerability Index-Service
Prioritization Decision Assistance tool in both the Three County (Berkshire, Franklin and Hampshire) and
Springfield/Hampden County C0C’s, assessment, coordination and placement will become more efficient
in the very near future. Street outreach updates are provided by the PATH clinician at every monthly
Next Step Collaborative meeting.
The family homeless system is operated by the Commonwealth. The Department of Housing and
Community Development and Department of Transitional Assistance have their own intake and
assessment system. With no family homeless shelter programs in Northampton and no unsheltered
families identified through the local PIT, family referrals are made to the Center for Human
Development which administers programs throughout Hampshire and Hampden counties.
Hopefully, funds will be secured in the coming year to add a Youth Street Outreach component to our
local services continuum. There is a population of young adults that cycle through the City every
summer. The school McKinney Coordinator indicates a growing number of unaccompanied youth at the
high school, so there is a need for additional resources for youth services.
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Addressing the emergency and transitional housing needs of homeless persons
The City will continue to support the operations, with CDBG allocations and letters of support to other
funding sources, of the two emergency shelters for individuals operated by Service Net, Safe Passage
and Soldier On. There are 2 emergency shelters for the general individual population, an emergency
shelter for victims of domestice violence and 13 emergency beds at Soldier On for Veterans. With the
paradigm shift to a housing first model, there is no plan to increase the number of emergency shelter
beds. The Next Step Collaborative makes an assessment at the end of each summer based on the
numbers living outside, as to shelter bed capacity for the coming winter. With the overflow beds in
Easthampton and the winter shelter in Amherst, the majority of those seeking emergency shelter have
been able to be accommodated.
The Grove Street Inn has 4 transitional beds where guests in need of more time beyond the 60 days to
assemble resources can stay. Soldier On has 174 transitional beds for Veterans and Grace House has 14
units or 35 transitional beds for women in recovery and their children. Safe Passage has expressed the
need for transitional housing units for their families. There are some providers who support the
transitional housing unit type, despite HUD's push to convert them to permanent supported units. The
defined time period of 24 months works as a parameter for clients to achieve certain milestones and
develop skill sets necessary to maintain permanent units. With the exception of Safe Passage, the City
has no plans to increase the number of transitional housing units.
Helping homeless persons (especially chronically homeless individuals and families, families
with children, veterans and their families, and unaccompanied youth) make the transition to
permanent housing and independent living, including shortening the period of time that
individuals and families experience homelessness, facilitating access for homeless individuals
and families to affordable housing units, and preventing individuals and families who were
recently homeless from becoming homeless again.
The Northampton Housing Partnership worked in conjunction with ServiceNet, Inc. to make a request to
the Community Preservation Committee for funds for first, last months rent and security deposits for
homeless people to access housing. Most landlords require all three which makes for a large sum of
money for someone to accumulate in order to rent an apartment. The local providers assemble and
identify clients most ready to access housing. If possible, repayments are made to the fund when people
are stable in their housing, to keep dollars available for the next person. Time periods for homelessness
are largely dependent on available resources for referral. The CoC HMIS Administrator reports average
lengths of stays as follows: for families = 84 days; for individuals 104 days; for the chronically homeless
500 days, for Veterans = 104 days and 104 days for persons with HIV/AIDS.
The SRO Outreach Coordinator, Eliot Services, the Community Housing Support Services Coordinator,
Resident Services Coordinators and Department of Mental Health Case Managers all assist the formerly
homeless with what they need to remain stable in their housing. Activities could include income
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maximization, community meal and food pantry access to ameliorate food insecurity and leave more of
their income for housing costs, nutitional support to be physically healthy, referrals to medical
treatment, provision of transportation to appointments and food sites, information dissemination on
landlord tenant mediation to resolve conflicts that put housing at risk, intervention from the Tenancy
Preservation Program when mental health challenges manifest in hoarding situations that put housing
at risk, etc. The provider community benefits from a new tool called the HOT, developed by the Data
Coordinator for the Network to End Homelessness which identifies vacant beds in the Continuum, so no
time is lost making referrals.
Help low-income individuals and families avoid becoming homeless, especially extremely
low-income individuals and families who are likely to become homeless after being
discharged from a publicly funded institution or system of care, or who are receiving
assistance from public and private agencies that address housing, health, social services,
employment, education or youth needs
There are several entities working on homelessness prevention. They are: Community Legal Aid working
with families in the court system with eviction notices,the SRO Outreach Coordinator, the Tenancy
Preservation Program, Highland Valley Elder Services/Protective Services, the Community Housing
Support Services Coordinator, the Center for Human Development working with families and FOR
Families, working with HAPHousing doing case management for families in hotels/motels. All those
efforts include case management focused on preserving existing tenancies, as it is more humane and
cost efficient than serving people in shelter. The CoC works on protocol planning with publicly funded
systems and institutions, all of which have State policies prohibiting them from discharging people into
homelessness.
The local hospital has a good working relationship with area shelters, the Department of Mental Health
is a present community partner and collaborator on housing placements and case management, the
Department of Children and Families increased their age limit for services to youth to 21, to serve those
lacking life skills to live independently, and the Reintegration Program at the Hampshire County house of
Corrections holds a monthly roundtable with area providers to avoid discharges into homelessness.
These efforts are not always successful, due to the lack of options for referrals, but the structure is in
place to make the best use of what is available.
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SP-65 Lead based paint Hazards – 91.215(i)
Actions to address LBP hazards and increase access to housing without LBP hazards
Through consultations with the Board of Health associated with the formulation of this plan and the
recommendations of the Impediments to Fair Housing Analysis, the Northampton Housing Partnership
has pledged to investigate this issue further. The providers working with families in the court system do
not see evidence of the nexus between this issue and fair housing, per say. As stated earlier, the CLPP
rates are not showing we have a poisoning issue. What we do not know is, are their landlords in the
community who are refusing to rent to families because they think they may have lead paint on the
premises and due to their reluctance to face the abatement process, just say no. With 63% of all housing
units in the community having been built prior to 1960, there must be many homes with remnants of
lead based paint. The Housing Partnership will continue to send out a letter under the Mayor's signature
in the annual census request to multi family property owners with information on abatement resources.
If the State Get the Lead Out Program has funds, that information will be disseminated. The NHP has
been reluctant to hold informational workshops on abatement with no resources to offer. Landlords do
not want to come forward, as it is a public acknowledgement that they may need to address the issue in
their units. The Board of Health has agreed to collect data on abatement certifications moving forward.
The information they have now is in a card file, so it cannot be sorted. An electronic data base will be
used to collect only that data seperately, in the future.
How are the actions listed above related to the extent of lead poisoning and hazards?
Current personnel in the Board of Health report they cannot give accurate data on the numbers of units
in the community where lead paint abatement has occurred. They will track this moving forward.
Ed Smith, the Health Inspector says they are always contacted by doctor's offices if a child tests above
minimum lead standards during pediatric visits; he says he would have expected an increase with
universal health care coverage but hasn't noticed one. Public housing and subsidized housing have been
abated to his knowledge. Private housing stock is where he says he needs to remember especially to
test; asking if there are children and how old is a line on the inspection forms so he says he would rarely
would miss that.
He occasionally get requests from concerned parents about flaking paint and their worries about lead
dangers; the most recent one the parents called in their last month of tenancy, they had been reluctant
to alarm the landlord. Unfortunately, typical of the fear involved with reporting and repercussions, or
possible denial of access to housing.
It is suspected, that due to the age of the housing stock, there remains lead paint in the community, but
poison incidence rates are non existent and renters don't always come forward when denied an
apartment by a landlord. It is difficult to get a handle on the universe of the problem, with no
complaints and no data. Work will continue during the term of this Conplan to do more research.
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How are the actions listed above integrated into housing policies and procedures?
Service providers are encouraged to inform their clients that anyone can call the Health and Building
Inspections Departments and ask for a Health Department housing inspection. Ed Smith does those and
he has a State Certification as a Lead Determinator and as a Construction Supervisor. He conducts lead
tests as part of housing inspections if appropriate). He has also been a registered Home Improvement
Contractor and has completed the Renovation, Repair and Painting Training that is required for
contractors who disturb lead paint surfaces during the course of their work. He brings that background
and perspective to the Northampton Health Housing inspections and it informs his inspections and
Orders to Correct that he writes. In that way, the City is actively working on lead paint issues, by
maintaining our mandated services at a higher than required level. He has offered to participate in any
workshop designed for homeowners, landlords and contractors.
The reason why we have not conducted such a workshop before is because there were no abatement
resources to offer. The State Get the Lead Out Program's funding allocations fluctuate greatly. We have
heard from the landlord community people would be reluctant to come out because they fear the issue,
the costs and the repercussions if they reveal themselves having a potential problem. It has been
difficult determining how to get the information out to the people that need it. Lead Paint abatement is
an area we could focus our new housing rehab program on for the first year as a trial to see if people
would come forward.
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SP-70 Anti-Poverty Strategy – 91.215(j)
Jurisdiction Goals, Programs and Policies for reducing the number of Poverty-Level Families
The goal of the City's anti-poverty strategy is to continue to fund projects that focus holistically on
economic empowerment for underserved families and individuals. For years, CDBG allocations have
been made to the Center for New Americans Career Pathways Program, The PassPort to Success Project
of The Literacy Project, Community Action's Youth Employment Readiness Project, the Valley
Community Development Corporation's Small Business Entreprenurial Assistance Program and provided
down payment assistance to First Time Homebuyers. City facilities are utilized by Community Action, the
regions CAP agency. The Vernon Street School houses the Fuel Assistance and Weatherization Programs,
as well as Head Start and other programs. The James House child care room is used by their Early Child
Intervention programs and home based child care providers. The City also supports a Living Wage
campaign that through the work of Community Legal Aid and volunteers, has secured commitments
from 42 local businesses to pay a living wage to their employees.
How are the Jurisdiction poverty reducing goals, programs, and policies coordinated with this
affordable housing plan
The two new developments proposed for Pleasant Street ( HAPHousing 72 units/48 affordable, Valley
CDC 55 units/all affordable) are being required by the City to provide on site support services. Funding
for Resident Service coordinators is included in both of their One Stop applications to the Department of
Housing and Community Development. Financial literacy workshops, one on one budget counseling (and
other supports that may be needed) will have a huge impact on housing stability, eviction and
homelessness prevention and higher success rates for tenant and landlord alike. Massachusetts has
lagged behind Connecticut in building line items for support services provision in the operating pro
formas for housing development. Permanent supported housing, we know is the key to stabilizing
individuals and families that face many challenges. Northampton is blessed to have an extensive and
caring support services community. Most of the services they provide to people that are housed are not
compensated for. It is time to change that. Securing financial resources from the Department of Housing
and Community Development for support services is imperative.
Homeless prevention and housing stabilization activities will continue to be funded to the extent CDBG
allocations allow (entitlement has been reduced 30% over the last 4-5 years). This year $16,000 had to
be cut from the $93,000 allocation. No one program receives more than $13,000. Some of the amounts
are so small the agencies use them merely to leverage other funds and to show City support for their
programming. Funding staff capacity for the two general population emergency shelters and the SRO
Outreach Project have been the core of the City's commitment for decades.
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SP-80 Monitoring – 91.230
Describe the standards and procedures that the jurisdiction will use to monitor activities
carried out in furtherance of the plan and will use to ensure long-term compliance with
requirements of the programs involved, including minority business outreach and the
comprehensive planning requirements
The monitoring process begins with the application for funds. CEDO staff review the applications for
accuracy, make a determination about whether the request addresses a high priority need; assesses
staffing capacity, milestones, performance measurements and availability and adequacy of the funds to
achieve the goals. If an applicant is selected to receive funds (upon recommendations by the Ad Hoc
Public Services Review Committee for public service requests, by the Northampton Housing Partnership
for housing related projects, to the Mayor for final approval) the contract is reviewed with the grantee
to insure they understand their responsibilities and the data required on the quarterly and final report
forms. When the quarterly reports are submitted, CEDO staff review them for accuracy and progress,
prior to processing the invoice. Data submitted and subsequently entered into IDIS provide an up to
date account of the numbers being served, the racial and ethnicity of those being served and if the
project is on track for successful completion. That data is also utilized for identification of high priority
needs and community planning purposes.
The CDBG Administrator conducts on site monitoring visits annually and utilizes HUD approved
monitoring forms. The monitoring visits are very interactive allowing for staff to update grantees about
other activities occurring in the City, other efforts to address trends and issues identified, possibilities
for collaborations among service providers and general moral support and appreciation for the work
being done in the community.
When working with City departments and outside organizations on non-public service projects, efforts
are undertaken to insure outreach to minority firms and workers.
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Expected Resources
AP-15 Expected Resources – 91.220(c)(1,2)
Introduction
The City of Northampton will use its entitlement funds to facilitate the implementation of priority projects as established in the Con Plan. City
departments and public service agencies utilize many other funding sources to operate programs and bring projects to fruition.
Anticipated Resources
Program Source
of
Funds
Uses of Funds Expected Amount Available Year 1 Expected
Amount
Available
Reminder
of ConPlan
$
Narrative Description
Annual
Allocation:
$
Program
Income:
$
Prior Year
Resources:
$
Total:
$
CDBG public -
federal
Acquisition
Admin and
Planning
Economic
Development
Housing
Public
Improvements
Public Services 602,342 10,000 485,074 1,097,416 3,249,368
CDBG funds will be used for public facility
projects; economic development; housing
programs/projects; demolition; public
service programs; and planning activities
and administration of the grant. Expected
remaining amount based on level funding;
$10,000 per year program income and
$200,000 carry-over annually
Continuum
of Care
public -
federal
Housing
1,280,377 0 0 1,280,377 5,121,508
Supportive Housing and Shelter Plus Care
programs. Expected remaining amount
based on level funding over the next four
years
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Program Source
of
Funds
Uses of Funds Expected Amount Available Year 1 Expected
Amount
Available
Reminder
of ConPlan
$
Narrative Description
Annual
Allocation:
$
Program
Income:
$
Prior Year
Resources:
$
Total:
$
Other public -
federal
Acquisition
Housing
Public
Improvements
1,746,200 0 0 1,746,200 4,800,000
Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds
for:Pulaski Park - $1,450,000 will leverage
state grant of $400,000 Conservation
Commission - $116,200 purchase of open
space parcel matched by $171,088 LAND
grant Grantham Group - $130,000 -
development of affordable assisted living
at Village Hill matched by $1,125,000 in
state and federal low income housing tax
credits Northampton Recreation
Department - $50,000 - playground at
Lampron Park and Florence fields
leverage by a state Our Common
Backyards grant
Other public -
federal
Housing
284,164 0 0 284,164 1,136,656
HOPWA funds for A Positive Place.
Expected remaining amount based on
level funding over the next four years
Table 57 - Expected Resources – Priority Table
Explain how federal funds will leverage those additional resources (private, state and local funds), including a description of how
matching requirements will be satisfied
All City of Northampton CDBG funded projects require other funding sources in order to implement the project. Affordable housing applications
to State and Federal funding sources require evidence of a local match. CDBG and Community Preservation Act funds, in addition to Smith
College are used as local match sources. Public facilities often have City budgeted Capital Improvement Program funds and private fundraising
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dollars, such as the Forbes Library Elevator Accessibility project. Public infrastructure projects typically utilize State Chapter 90 funding and
other grant sources. Public service grants use a variety of other funding sources, such as FEMA, United Way and private fundraising. Some of the
CDBG public service grantee awards are so small ($3,500) that their real value is for leveraging other sources and to show endorsement from the
City of Northampton.
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If appropriate, describe publically owned land or property located within the jurisdiction that
may be used to address the needs identified in the plan
Currently, the Office of Planning and Sustainability is working on two parcels for affordable housing
development initiated by the City. The Oak Street is city owned. A tour and community session is
scheduled for May 12, 2015. The site has challenges, but might accommodate a duplex by Habitat for
Humanity. The other parcel on Cooke Avenue is privately owned but has no frontage. A comp permit is
required for any development. It abuts conservation land and could be a limited development and open
space project. An offer has been made by the City to the seller and is pending. CDBG funds are being set
aside for this project to be used for acquisition in partnership with other sources. Beyond these two
parcels, one other City owned parcel on Route 5 has been identified for possible development.
The Northampton Housing Authority still has 2 parcels deeded to them through the disposition of the
Northampton State Hospital property. Demolition of a farmhouse on Laurel Street occurred last year,
paving the way for homeownership units to be constructed there. No State funds for homeownership
projects have existed in the past several years. This year, they made some available. The other parcel on
Burts Pit Road is slated for development for clients of the Department of Developmental Services. CDBG
funding will be used to demolish the existing farmhouse on that parcel. The project has been designed
and permitted, but no State funding sources released as of yet.
Discussion
The two affordable housing projects will utilize close to 20 million dollars each of State funding sources
from the Department of Housing and Community Development's Low Income Housing Tax Credit
Program, the Affordable Housing Trust, the Housing Innovations Fund, the Facilities and Consolidation
Fund, and the Community Housing Program.
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Annual Goals and Objectives
AP-20 Annual Goals and Objectives
Goals Summary Information
Sort
Order
Goal Name Start
Year
End
Year
Category Geographic
Area
Needs Addressed Funding Goal Outcome Indicator
1 Homelessness
Prevention
2015 2019 Homeless
Non-Homeless Special
Needs
No
geographic
Priorities
Designated
Homelessness
Prevention
CDBG:
$15,500
HOPWA:
$132,000
Homelessness
Prevention: 215 Persons
Assisted
2 Support for Emergency
Shelter System
2015 2019 Homeless No
geographic
Priorities
Designated
Support for
Emergency Shelter
CDBG:
$23,000
Homeless Person
Overnight Shelter: 375
Persons Assisted
3 Rental Housing for
Families
2015 2019 Affordable Housing No
geographic
Priorities
Designated
Rental Housing for
Families
CDBG:
$300,000
Continuum
of Care:
$154,569
CPA:
$600,000
Rental units constructed:
127 Household Housing
Unit
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Sort
Order
Goal Name Start
Year
End
Year
Category Geographic
Area
Needs Addressed Funding Goal Outcome Indicator
4 Rental Housing for
Individuals
2015 2019 Affordable Housing No
geographic
Priorities
Designated
Rental Housing for
Individuals
CDBG:
$300,000
Continuum
of Care:
$805,669
CPA:
$600,000
Rental units constructed:
86 Household Housing
Unit
Housing for Homeless
added: 86 Household
Housing Unit
5 Preservation of Existing
Affordable Rental Stock
2015 2019 Affordable Housing No
geographic
Priorities
Designated
Preservation of
Existing Affordable
Rental Stock
CDBG:
$120,648
Continuum
of Care: $0
CPA: $0
ESG: $0
HOPWA: $0
Homelessness
Prevention: 1521 Persons
Assisted
6 Housing Rehabilitation 2015 2019 Affordable Housing No
geographic
Priorities
Designated
Housing
Rehabilitation
Resources
CDBG:
$160,000
Continuum
of Care: $0
CPA: $0
ESG: $0
HOPWA: $0
Homeowner Housing
Rehabilitated: 4
Household Housing Unit
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Sort
Order
Goal Name Start
Year
End
Year
Category Geographic
Area
Needs Addressed Funding Goal Outcome Indicator
7 Affordable
Homeownership for
Families
2015 2019 Affordable Housing No
geographic
Priorities
Designated
Affordable
Homeownership
for Families
CDBG:
$29,000
Public service activities
other than
Low/Moderate Income
Housing Benefit: 45
Persons Assisted
Direct Financial
Assistance to
Homebuyers: 3
Households Assisted
8 Housing for At-Risk and
Special Needs
Populations
2015 2019 Affordable Housing No
geographic
Priorities
Designated
Housing for At -
Risk & Special
Needs Populations
CDBG:
$300,000
Continuum
of Care:
$874,517
Housing for Homeless
added: 66 Household
Housing Unit
Housing for People with
HIV/AIDS added: 23
Household Housing Unit
9 Economic
Development/Income
Maximization
2015 2019 Economic
Development/Income
Maximization
No
geographic
Priorities
Designated
Economic
Development
CDBG:
$15,500
Public service activities
other than
Low/Moderate Income
Housing Benefit: 30
Persons Assisted
Jobs created/retained: 3
Jobs
Businesses assisted: 10
Businesses Assisted
10 Housing Support
Services
2015 2019 Affordable Housing No
geographic
Priorities
Designated
Housing Support
Services
CDBG:
$10,000
CPA:
$65,000
Homelessness
Prevention: 145 Persons
Assisted
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Sort
Order
Goal Name Start
Year
End
Year
Category Geographic
Area
Needs Addressed Funding Goal Outcome Indicator
11 Addressing Basic Needs 2015 2019 Non-Housing
Community
Development
No
geographic
Priorities
Designated
Addressing Basic
Needs
CDBG:
$39,000
Public service activities
other than
Low/Moderate Income
Housing Benefit: 1225
Persons Assisted
12 Elimination of Slums
and Blight
2015 2016 Elimination of Slums
and Blight
No
geographic
Priorities
Designated
Elimination of
Slums and Blight
CDBG:
$45,000
Buildings Demolished: 1
Buildings
13 Improvement of Public
Facilities
2015 2016 Non-Housing
Community
Development
No
geographic
Priorities
Designated
Public Facilities CDBG:
$50,000
Continuum
of Care: $0
CPA: $0
ESG: $0
HOPWA: $0
Public Facility or
Infrastructure Activities
other than
Low/Moderate Income
Housing Benefit: 300
Persons Assisted
14 Improvement of Public
Infrastructure
2015 2019 Non-Housing
Community
Development
No
geographic
Priorities
Designated
Public
Infrastructure
CDBG:
$45,000
Public Facility or
Infrastructure Activities
for Low/Moderate
Income Housing Benefit:
200 Households Assisted
Table 58 – Goals Summary
Goal Descriptions
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1 Goal Name Homelessness Prevention
Goal
Description
The City will allocate CDBG funds to Community Legal Aid ($5,500), the SRO Outreach Project ($10,000) to work with
residents at risk of homelessness to stabilize their housing. CPC funds will be utilized for the Community Housing Support
Services Project to work with at risk families and the HOPWA award to A Positive Place will work to prevent homelessness
for people living with HIV/Aids.
2 Goal Name Support for Emergency Shelter System
Goal
Description
The City will allocate CDBG funds to the Hampshire Inter-Faith Winter Shelter ($11,000) and the Grove Street Inn Homeless
Shelter for Individuals ($13,000).
3 Goal Name Rental Housing for Families
Goal
Description
CDBG allocations will be made to the Valley CDC for the Lumberyard Project. It will provide 55 units ranging from one
bedroom to three bedroom units, all of which could accommodate family households. A CDBG allocation will also be made
to the 129 Pleasant Street Northampton Lodging development which will be 72 units of rental housing, in studios and one
bedroom units. The CoC will garner McKinney funding for the Paradise Pond Apartments and A Positive Place, both rental
unit programs for families.
4 Goal Name Rental Housing for Individuals
Goal
Description
The CDBG allocation listed in the rental housing for families, is repeated here. 14 of the 55 units at the Lumberyard are one
bedroom units, which could accommodate individual households. It is possible that the 72 total units, 48 affordable at 129
Pleasant Street could all be individual households, as the total inventory is comprised of studio and one bedroom units. The
CoC has permanent supported housing units across the three counties, but 14 are based in Northampton at this point in
time.
5 Goal Name Preservation of Existing Affordable Rental Stock
Goal
Description
Although no dollars will be expended on a project, staff time included in the CDBG Planning and administration budget line
item will be spent monitoring the 1,521 units on the Subsidized Housing Inventory to insure none are lost to the
community.
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6 Goal Name Housing Rehabilitation
Goal
Description
7 Goal Name Affordable Homeownership for Families
Goal
Description
The CDC's First Time Homebuyer workshops help to educate and qualify households for homeownership opportunities. 45
households will be served and three down payment assistance grants will be utilized to facilitate home purchases in
Northampton.
8 Goal Name Housing for At-Risk and Special Needs Populations
Goal
Description
The CDBG allocations to the Valley CDC and HAPHousing new projects on Pleasant Street are counted with this goal too, as
the units being created will be available to homeless, formerly homeless and special needs populations.
9 Goal Name Economic Development/Income Maximization
Goal
Description
CDBG allocations will be made to the Valley CDC's Small Business Assistance Program and Community Actions Youth
Employment Readiness Program.
10 Goal Name Housing Support Services
Goal
Description
CDBG funding will be allocated to the SRO Outreach Project ($10,000) and the Community Preservation Committee will
allocate an annual amount of $65,000 to the Community Housing Support Services Project to support people whose housing
is at risk.
11 Goal Name Addressing Basic Needs
Goal
Description
CDBG allocations will be made to the MANNA Soup Kitchen ($3,000), the Northampton Survival Center ($9,000) and the two
emergency shelters ($23,000), as well as to Highland Valley Elder Services ($4,000), to address shelter and food priorities for
households with low and moderate incomes.
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12 Goal Name Elimination of Slums and Blight
Goal
Description
The farmhouse on Burts Pit Road on a parcel deeded to the Northampton Housing Authority through the disposition of
State Hospital property will be demolished to make way for future affordable housing development. The project was
designed and permitted to accommodate 10 clients of the Department of Developmental Services, but no State funding has
been allocated to date.
13 Goal Name Improvement of Public Facilities
Goal
Description
$30,000 of CDBG funds will be allocated to purchase playground equipment to be installed at the Jackson Street School. The
equipment purchased will be suitable for use by children with physical disabilities. The Department of Public Works will
utilize $20,000 to install audio signalization at two crosswalks, one entering the downtown and one adjacent to the Senior
Center, to aid people with visual impairments.
14 Goal Name Improvement of Public Infrastructure
Goal
Description
$45,000 of CDBG funds has been allocated to construct a sidewalk at the River Run Condominium complex to safely connect
residents to nearby services.
Consolidated Plan NORTHAMPTON 170
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015)
4/12/2020 City of Northampton Mail - legal ad proof
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ik=b844d309b5&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f%3A1622646156842193657&simpl=msg-f%3A16226461568…1/2
Wayne Feiden <wfeiden@northamptonma.gov>
legal ad proof
1 message
legals@gazettenet.com <legals@gazettenet.com> Mon, Jan 14, 2019 at 9:27 AM
To: wfeiden@northamptonma.gov
Advertising Invoice
NORTHAMPTON PLANNING & SUSTAINAB
210 MAIN ST # 11
NORTHAMPTON, MA 01060
Cust#:22276
Ad#:23252
Phone#:413-587-4900
Date:01/14/2019
Salesperson: DANE KUTTLER Classification: Legals Ad Size: 1.0 x 1.30
Advertisement Information:
Description Start Stop Ins. Cost/Day Total
Daily Hampshire Gazette 01/28/2019 02/04/2019 2 51.83 103.66
Payment Information:
Date:Order# Type
01/14/2019 23252 BILLED ACCOUNT
Total Amount: 103.66
Tax:0.00
Amount Due: 103.66
- Thank you for your business!
Ad Copy
1/1/2019 SPR Central Register Real Property Submit Confirmation
http://www.sec.state.ma.us/sprpublicforms/RPSubmitConfirmation.aspx?ID=16783 1/1
Real property submission confirmation
The following Real Property submission was successfullyreceived. Planned date of publish is 1/9/2019
Awarding Agency
Agency Name
and Address:
City of Northampton 210 Main St, Planning & Sustainability
Northampton, MA 01060
Project Number:
Proposal
Deadline Date:
02/13/2019 Time:1:00 PM
Contact Information
Name:Wayne Feiden
Phone:413-587-1265 Fax
Email Address:wfeiden@northamptonma.gov
Notify email address listed when final publish date assigned.
Contract Information
Transaction
Terms:
Acquisition: Not Chosen Disposition: Sale
Project:1.4± acres, comprised of the land described as “Lots 3, 4, 6, and 8”
on a survey prepared by David R. Enberg, Berkshire Design Heritage
Surveys dated June 9, 2017, entitled “Approval Not Required Plan of
Land Located in Northampton, Massachusetts, Prepared for The City
of Northampton” and recorded in the Hampshire Registry of Deeds at
Plan Book 239, Page 79.
Estimated
Value, Source of
Valuation
$200,000 by Northampton Assessors if unrestricted by need for
permits and affordable housing.
Additional
Information
This page can be printed for your records.
William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Terms and Conditions
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