little rock choice neighborhood all-hands workshop little rock choice neighborhood a community /...
TRANSCRIPT
LIT TLE ROCK CHOICE NEIGHBORHOOD
ALL-HANDS WORKSHOP
LITTLE ROCK CHOICE NEIGHBORHOOD A Commun i ty / Pa r tne r Conversa t ion
M e t r o p o l i t a n H o u s i n g A l l i a n c e
Q u a d e l C o n s u l t i n g / T C GFe n n e l l P u r i f o yU r b a n C o l l a g e
D e c e m b e r 6 , 2 0 1 2T h u r s d a y , 6 : 3 0 p m – 8 : 3 0 p m
LIT TLE ROCK CHOICE NEIGHBORHOOD 2
Introduction
Metropolitan Housing AllianceCity Manager
LIT TLE ROCK CHOICE NEIGHBORHOOD 3
1.INFORM the community and the stakeholders about CN process
2.SHARE the summary of existing condition assessment and community needs based on data analysis
3.SEEK feedback on current issues and vision for the community
“All Hands” Goals
LIT TLE ROCK CHOICE NEIGHBORHOOD 4
Evening Agenda
The “Choice Neighborhood GPS”• Where we’ve been
– Why we’re doing this– Who is involved
• Where we are– Existing conditions analysis– Survey highlights
• Where we’re going– Your insights and help to
transform a distressed neighborhood to one that is strong, healthy, viable and safe
LIT TLE ROCK CHOICE NEIGHBORHOOD 5
Where We’ve BeenLatonya Wi l son , MHA
LIT TLE ROCK CHOICE NEIGHBORHOOD 6
What is Choice Neighborhood?“Choice Neighborhoods grants transform distressed neighborhoods and public and assisted projects into viable and sustainable mixed-income neighborhoods by linking housing improvements with appropriate services, schools, public assets, transportation, and access to jobs.”Grants
Planning Grants: comprehensive neighborhood revitalization strategy or Transformation Plan
Implementation Grants: gather and leverage resources from public and private agencies to support the financial sustainability and implementation of the Transformation Plan
CN Overview
LIT TLE ROCK CHOICE NEIGHBORHOOD 7
• Things are happening:
Promise Neighborhood
Neighborhood Stabilization
Sustainable Communities
Pulaski Empowerment Zone
• But, there are issues:
Affected by high crime
Physical distressed
Some areas are isolated
Vacancy rate 3.6 times higher than county
The Study Area: Why?
Promise Neighborho
od
Pulaski Empowerment
Zone
12th Street Corridor
Central Business District
Neighborhood Stabilization
Program (NSP) 2
LIT TLE ROCK CHOICE NEIGHBORHOOD 8
Promise vs. Choice
Central Little Rock Promise Neighborhood
Little Rock Choice Neighborhood
• U.S. Department of Education
• Grantee: University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR)
• Program: Improve the educational and developmental outcomes of children and youth
• Goals: Education – Cradle through College to Career
• Outcomes: Community Needs Assessment & Asset Mapping Report
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
• Grantee: Metropolitan Housing Alliance
• Program: Transform distressed neighborhoods through housing improvements with appropriate services, schools, public assets, transportation, and access to jobs
• Goals: People, Housing, Neighborhoods
• Outcomes: Neighborhood Transformation Plan
LIT TLE ROCK CHOICE NEIGHBORHOOD 9
Housing• Residents• City of Little Rock• Volunteers of
America• LR Landbank• LR Community and
Housing Advisory Board
Neighborhood• Residents• City of Little Rock• CATA• MetroPlan• Chamber of
Commerce• LR Police Department• ACHANGE• Downtown
Partnerships• Pulaski County EZ• Audubon
People - Education
• Residents• LR School District• Promise
Neighborhood Team• UALR• New Futures for
Youth
People - CSS• Residents• AR Dept. of Health• AR Children’s
Hospital• Central AR Library
System• HIPPY• LR Community
Mental Health• Stevens Community
Center• LR Workforce
Investment Board
Project Organization
Choice Community Council (CCC)
MHA Executive DirectorMHA CN Coordinator
Working Group Chairs
ResourcesQuadel / TCG (Planning
Coordinator)Fennel PurifoyUrban Collage
EvaluationHunter Bacot, Institute of Government, UALR
LIT TLE ROCK CHOICE NEIGHBORHOOD 10
• CCC Meeting (March, 2012): Kick-off / organizational meeting in
advance of HUD visit
• Resident Meeting (April, 2012): Included in HUD site visit agenda
• CCC Meeting (August, 2012):
Update on CN progress, challenges and future steps
Quotes from the meetings
• Neighborhood Association Meetings:
Pine to Woodrow Forest Hills Love Neighborhood Stephens Area Faith Elm Street Sunset Terrace Wright Avenue
Stakeholder Engagement
LIT TLE ROCK CHOICE NEIGHBORHOOD 11
Resident ResponsesConcerns• Safety for children- bus routes,
bullying• Crime (drugs, robbery)• Lack of parental involvement• Transportation • Quality of education/ pace of learning• Need more tutoring• Church/ community support• Too many liquor stores• Increase of home owner’s insurance
rates• Abandon Housing• Violence• Prostitution
Suggested Solutions• Alcohol & Liquor Store Ordinances• Police Presence (slow response time)• Information sharing process/
Discriminated info/ Res.• Jobs• Strengthen youth programs/ trade
programs• Internal community
centers/offices/open space for teaching
• Put gym back in school (P.E.)• Community Enrichment classes• More after school programs• More accountability for organizations
in places• Sidewalk, street improvement, paved
alleys, street lights• Noise ordinance signs• Designated trash drives
LIT TLE ROCK CHOICE NEIGHBORHOOD 12
• Issues Quality of education / Pace of
learning Truancy Lack of kindergarten readiness Low 3rd grade reading scores High drop out rates
• Challenges Staff limitations Lack of tutoring Lack of (affordable) after
school programs Increasing parental
involvement in child(ren)’s education
Our Dialogue: Education
LIT TLE ROCK CHOICE NEIGHBORHOOD 13
• Issues Robbery, drug activity,
prostitution Increase in domestic violence Illegal dumping, loitering /
squatting Code Enforcement Issue
• Challenges Number of liquor stores Food Desert Medical Desert Underperforming schools
Our Dialogue: Safety
2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011*0
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
2023 2348 2256 18341422 1409 1488
1176
AGGRAVATED ASSAULT INCIDENTS BY YEAR
2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011*0
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
3000
3500
15921801 1842 2036
2898 2994 2977 2262
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE INCIDENTS BY YEAR
LIT TLE ROCK CHOICE NEIGHBORHOOD 14
Our Dialogue: Housing
• Issues Abandoned / deteriorated
homes Escalating need for
maintenance Lack of energy efficiency Need for weatherization Hard to obtain home owner’s
insurance
• Challenges Limited household budgets for
home improvements Lack of federal monies for
home improvement
LIT TLE ROCK CHOICE NEIGHBORHOOD 15
Key Concerns
• Education Makes schools more secure Reduce / eliminate truancy Improve educational quality
• Safety Many types of crime common More officers / quicker
response times
• Housing Addressing abandoned housing Providing maintenance support
LIT TLE ROCK CHOICE NEIGHBORHOOD 16
Recent Progress
• New Children’s Library Spring 2013 One of few in the nation
• 12th Street Police Substation Increased Safety Presence Mixed Use
• BCD Empowerment Center
Increased capacity to serve community
Residential Treatment Center
• UAMS Clinic Free medical service Specializes in treating
prevalent illnesses within community
LIT TLE ROCK CHOICE NEIGHBORHOOD 17
Where We AreMelodee Me l in , Quade l Consu l t ing
John Skach , U rban Co l lageTom Fenne l l , Fenne l l Pur i foy A rch i tec ts
LIT TLE ROCK CHOICE NEIGHBORHOOD 18
What Are The Components?• People – health and public safety; employment and training;
youth and senior services; education and training – cradle to career; high performing schools
• Housing – Energy efficient, sustainable, accessible, with internet connectivity; mixed income; physically and financially viable
• Neighborhoods – High quality parks and recreational facilities; effective public transit, walking and biking options to connect to work and/or local services; access to economic development and employment opportunities; shopping and neighborhood services; healthy foods.
CN Overview
LIT TLE ROCK CHOICE NEIGHBORHOOD 19
Typical Process
we are here
LIT TLE ROCK CHOICE NEIGHBORHOOD 20
• Create a Neighborhood Transformation PlanMHA will work collaboratively with its partners, CCC members and stakeholders to construct a Neighborhood Transformation Plan which will include Sunset Terrace, Elm Street Apartments, Central High and Stephens Neighborhoods. This plan is needed to apply for the Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant.
• Apply for implementation funds MHA will apply for a HUD CN Implementation Grant to transform and revitalize the CN community. Submission date: March 2013.Competition for these grants is intense
CN Outcomes
LIT TLE ROCK CHOICE NEIGHBORHOOD 21
• Sunset Terrace - Public housing
Building deficiencies – water leaks, cracked foundation, poor grading
Design deficiencies – unit size below avg. for new construction, inefficient use of space, units lack modern amenities
• Elm Street - Section 8
Building deficiencies – roof deck damage, outdated electrical system
Design deficiencies – single point entry to the building, lack of amenities
Sunset Terrace
Elm Street
Target Sites
LIT TLE ROCK CHOICE NEIGHBORHOOD 22
Survey Highlights: Elm Street
• 29 of 42 households responded• 18 have resided 5 years or less• 28 are employed• Transportation Mode: Walking (13), Biking (10), and Bus (8) -
are the primary means• 15 reported no trouble using public transportation but• 15 cited transportation as a barrier for persons with
disabilities• 12 reported transportation as a job barrier
LIT TLE ROCK CHOICE NEIGHBORHOOD 23
Survey Highlights: Elm Street
• Job related Training Needs: Small Business Start-up, Computer, Vocational & Job Readiness
• Neighborhood needs: Indoor & Outdoor Recreation & Parks• 21 Listed the need for Sidewalk, Paving and Curb repair• Doctor’s office, Library, and Laundromat • Public Safety: 14 feel unsafe walking through the area• Top Health needs: Dental & Eye Care Services• Outdoor facilities Needs: Basketball Court, Passive Park,
Landscaping, Community garden• A Gym was the top need followed by Parks, Restaurants,
Shopping, Computer Center, Banks
LIT TLE ROCK CHOICE NEIGHBORHOOD 24
Survey Highlights: Sunset Terrace• 29 of 73 households responded• 20 have resided 0-5 years• Health Care is the primary field of employment• Bus is the primary mode of transportation• Barriers to employment: Transportation, Lack of Training or
Education• Training Desired: GED Adult Education, Computer, Job
Readiness, Vocational Training, Small Business• Neighborhood Needs: Laundromat, Grocery Store, Doctor’s
Offices, Library, Drug Store, Restaurants
LIT TLE ROCK CHOICE NEIGHBORHOOD 25
Survey Highlights: Sunset Terrace• Barriers for Persons with Disabilities: Transportation, Living
Independently, Cost of Health Care and Prescription Drugs; Special Needs Assistance
• 25 were Somewhat Happy, Happy or Very Happy with the schools; 18 expressed school safety concerns
• 15-21 endorsed the need for youth programs including: Safe sex, job training, weekend programs, jobs programs and others
• Health Care: provided by Emergency Room and Primary Doctor
• Dental service, Nutrition, Exercise and Weight Loss were the top needs
• Neighborhood Needs: Sidewalk & Curb Repairs and Street Lighting. Computer Center, Gym, Grocery Stores, Child Care Centers
• 23 want to return to New Development replacing Sunset Terrace
LIT TLE ROCK CHOICE NEIGHBORHOOD 26
Housing Market• Background
CN area is a very low-income submarket with high demand for rent-subsidized housing units
58% of all renters and more than 53% of age 65+ renters in the CN area are cost burdened
• Family Rental General occupancy multifamily
rental communities currently exhibit high vacancies
High demand for rent-subsidized housing
• Senior Rental Age-restricted rental housing is
very limited and fully occupied Senior rental housing may be the
best opportunity for new development
LIT TLE ROCK CHOICE NEIGHBORHOOD 27
Housing Market: For Sale• Findings
The for-sale market is characterized by low home values and low-sales volume
No homebuilders are currently building in new single or multi-family subdivisions
The CN area’s low-density development pattern complicates designing a project that can have wider positive impacts
• Opportunities Any new for-sale development
should be single-family detached in keeping with the CN area
Vacant lots and homes in need of rehabilitation or demolition present the best targets for developing new for-sale housing
LIT TLE ROCK CHOICE NEIGHBORHOOD 28
Housing Market: Conclusions• Projects with greatest likelihood
of success over next 5 years: Rent subsidized senior community Replacement general occupancy
public housing, either on a multifamily site or scattered detached homes or duplexes
Scattered site for-sale project beginning with no more than a dozen units
LIT TLE ROCK CHOICE NEIGHBORHOOD 29
Social Profile
• Significant population changeLoss of 3,000 residents
from 2000 to 2010, current population 11,060
• Limited diversity90% African-American
• Fairly typical age profileBiggest age group: 31–45
35% population are children and seniors
26% under 18 (2,879)
11% over 65 (1,221)
• Aging populationDepopulation of younger
cohorts; seniors trending upward
Population DensityBrown – Higher densityBeige – Lower density
LIT TLE ROCK CHOICE NEIGHBORHOOD 30
Economic Profile
• Low household incomeMedian HH income is less
than $26k in the CN, compared to $47k in Pulaski
33% households live below poverty level (~$22K for a family of four)
• High unemploymentEntire area has 768 jobs,
4,599 employees mostly in health care, service, education
Only 57 employees live and work in the CN area
Unemployment rate is between 15% to 22%
Number of Jobs per HouseholdGrey areas – less than 1 job per HH
LIT TLE ROCK CHOICE NEIGHBORHOOD 31
Housing Condition• MethodologyWindshield survey of
residential buildings in four categories
Analysis based on the number of distressed buildings on a typical street block
• Findings8% area with serious
issues (5-7 buildings)15% area with major
issues (3-4 buildings)41% area with minor
issues (1-2 buildings)375 boarded up houses
(5% total parcels); most in distressed condition
• Areas of distress:Blocks around Central
HighStephens Neighborhood
LIT TLE ROCK CHOICE NEIGHBORHOOD 32
Vacant Lots• MethodologyAnalysis based on the
number of vacant lots on a typical street block
• Findings6% area with serious
vacancies (16-34 lots)16% area with major
vacancies (8-15 lots)29% area with minor
vacancies (4-7 lots)41% area with few
vacancies (0-3 lots)Current long-term
vacancy rate is 17.6
• Areas of high vacancyStephens Neighborhood
North of Central High
LIT TLE ROCK CHOICE NEIGHBORHOOD 33
Patterns of Disinvestment• Areas of vacant lots
and distressed buildings7% area with serious
issues21% area with major
issues 41% area with minor
issues22% area with no issues375 boarded up houses
(5% total parcels); most in distressed condition
• Low property values63% properties valued at
less than $50,00
• Foreclosures170 foreclosed properties
(2008-2009; blue stars)
• Crime144 violent crime
incidents per1,000 residents (2008-2010; circles)
LIT TLE ROCK CHOICE NEIGHBORHOOD 34
Neighborhood Assets
• General Retail (orange)Limited to 12th Street
and Asher Avenue corridors
• Civic / Community (blue)Scattered throughout
School, university, hospital,, child care, senior care, health facility, etc.
• Food Stores (magenta)Very limited;
underserved by restaurants, groceries, food markets, etc.
• Recreational Fourche Creek
watershed
Curran Conway Field / Park
• Blue stars indicate major assets
LIT TLE ROCK CHOICE NEIGHBORHOOD 35
Plan Opportunities
• Improve connectivityBetter connections to
Downtown, north of I-630 and west side
Improve pedestrian connections within the CN area
• Economic Development12th Street as a
walkable, “Complete Street” with retail, mixed-use, health and cultural anchors
Long-term industrial redevelopment along railroad, commercial redevelopment along Asher Avenue
• HousingLeverage MHA / partner
sitesLeverage NSP2 and land
bank resources
Low-Density
Mid-Density
High-Density
Historic District
Cultural AnchorMixed-use node
Commercial nodesHealth Anchor
Economic developmentResidential
development
LIT TLE ROCK CHOICE NEIGHBORHOOD 36
Housing Goals
• Replacement Housing 1 for 1 replacement
Existing Units:
Sunset Terrace 74 units
Elm Street 50 units
Total 124 units
Possibly strategies
1) Development of Land-Bank Units
2) Additional NSP Development
3) Equity Sharing Loan Program for Owner-Occupied Rehab
4) Additional Multi-family development
LIT TLE ROCK CHOICE NEIGHBORHOOD 37
Housing Goals
• Replacement Housing Possible Scenarios
1) 40-50 multi-family units Target elderly and persons
with disabilities
Veterans Home or Stephens Elementary Site
2) 56 SRO units Rehab existing Elm Street
Apartments with 2nd story addition
3) 34 in-fill family units Replace Sunset Family units
using cluster approach, locate closer to 12th street amenities
4) 72 new units 36 on vacant half of Elm St
site
36 on half of Sunset site
Veterans Home site redevelopment possibilities
LIT TLE ROCK CHOICE NEIGHBORHOOD 38
Housing Goals
• Replacement Housing and Redevelopments
Parks Playgrounds Healthy, fresh produce Physically active lifestyle Less emphasis on vehicular
transportation Community centers Closer access to everyday
amenities Afterschool activities Job training and
opportunities
LIT TLE ROCK CHOICE NEIGHBORHOOD 39
Housing Goals
• Replacement Housing Possible Scenario – Elm street SRO
site• Rehab existing SRO with additional
second story
• Cluster and scattered approach with additional multi and single family housing
• 50 SRO units, 33 multi-family units, and 5 single
LIT TLE ROCK CHOICE NEIGHBORHOOD 40
Where We’re HeadedNi t i Ga j j a r, U rban Co l lage
LIT TLE ROCK CHOICE NEIGHBORHOOD 41
Building from the Assets
LIT TLE ROCK CHOICE NEIGHBORHOOD 42
2013
What is your “New Year’s Resolution?”Participants will be given colorful ribbons to write their vision for the COMMUNITY / NEIGHBORHOOD
Write at least 3 RESOLUTIONS that could make a positive difference
2013
FIX MY HOUSE???
LEARN A SKILL???
LIT TLE ROCK CHOICE NEIGHBORHOOD 43
What are the challenges / issues? Write the overall neighborhood challenges and specific needs related to –EducationHealth & Wellness Economy / JobsCrime & SafetyHousingPublic Services / Transportation
LIT TLE ROCK CHOICE NEIGHBORHOOD 44
Issues Mapping
On a large map of the CN area, identify “hot spot” issues
Things we want to keep (NO CHANGE)
Things that need to go (CHANGE)