Fiscal Note
$121,000 in HOME match dollars is available to cover the costs for this project. The project will not impact State cost controls.
Title
Authorizing the provision of CD Office funds to assist Project Home Development Organization refinance a portion of its first mortgage on its Prairie Crossing location, as a way to stabilize their housing and contribute to the revitalization of the Allied neighborhood.
Body
AGENCY
Project Home was established in the mid-1970's to provide repair assistance to elderly residents of Madison, as one way to improve their quality of life at home. Its affiliate, Project Home Development Organization, was established in 2000 to serve as a community housing development organization, and to be the lead developer and general manager for the WHEDA-assisted, low-income housing tax credit project called Prairie Crossing.
PROJECT
In 2000, a private (tax credit) investor, the City and WHEDA provided financing to Project Home to help purchase six eight-unit buildings on Allied Drive, renovate them, and operate them as affordable rental housing. The project also relied on first mortgage financing. As the Allied neighborhood has struggled over the last several years, Project Home too has been challenged to decrease expenses and increase revenues while maintaining good tenant selection and property management standards. In December 2005, the Board of Director decided that it needed to lower its debt service costs and seek additional rental subsidies in order to maintain the project. Project Home proposed that the City and WHEDA provide some funds to refinance the first mortgage loan and lower its operating loss. Project Home has also sought and obtained a multi-year commitment from the tax credit investor to cover additional operating losses. In March 2006, the Council adopted resolution 03191 that authorized the provision of $244,000 in HOME match funds, an amount that was approximately 2/3 of the amount requested of the City. In January 2007, the CDA authorized the release of 20 place-based vouchers to help reduce tenant turnover.
ACTIONS
Whereas, the Community Development Block Grant Program, as amended, and its implementing regulations located at 24 CFR 570.200 ff. and 24 CFR 92.100 ff., permit the City of Madison to help community agencies which benefit lower income persons; and
Whereas, CDBG staff and the CDBG Commission have reviewed this proposal and find that it furthers the goals of the neighborhood and community development program expressed in the Five-Year Community and Neighborhood Development Plan, and would enhance activities expressed in the Mayor's Vision for Allied;
Now, therefore, be it resolved, that the Common Council approve the provision of funds for the following project, and authorize the Mayor and the City Clerk to enter into an agreement with the following agency for the designated activities:
Project Home or its related non-profit affiliate for up to $121,000 in HOME match funds toward refinancing of the first mortgage on the Prairie Crossing complex, contingent upon a final CDBG Commission subcommittee approval of a complete debt refinancing package.
Be it further resolved that the assistance be offered on terms adopted in the 2007-2008 CDBG Program Framework, such that the assistance to Project Home will be provided as a deferred payment loan with a pro-rated share of the appreciated value due on sale, or transfer of the property or change of use.
Note: The proposal describing the above project and the CDBG Commission recommendations are available on file in the Council Office and in the CD Office.