Explanation
BACKGROUND: This ordinance authorizes the appropriation and expenditure in an amount up to $2,000,000.00 of grant funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), through the HOME Investment Partnerships Program American Rescue Plan (HOME-ARP) and authorizes the Director of Development to execute a commitment letter, loan agreement, promissory note, mortgage, and restrictive covenant with Commons at Grant (TC2) Housing Limited Partnership for renovation of the Commons at Grant.
Total City funding for the project is $2,144,000.00. Of this amount $2,000,000.00 is found within this ordinance and establishes HOME -ARP funding for the Commons at Grant project. A subsequent ordinance will be put forth to City Council in an amount up to $144,000.00 for the remaining HOME-ARP funding of this project to provide supportive services for residents at this location over the course of four years.
The Commons at Grant was one of Ohio’s first permanent supportive housing projects located in downtown Columbus and National Church Residences will be resyndicating and renovating it to further their commitment in providing affordable housing. Since being built by National Church Residences in 2003, Commons at Grant has served individuals coming out of homelessness. This project helped to pioneer the concept of permanent supportive housing and is a testament to the commitment of providing shelter and care to vulnerable populations. Commons at Grant consists of one-hundred (100), studio units that are covered by a HAP contract through the Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) that will be renewed for a 20-year term. Out of the 100 units offered at Commons at Grant, a substantial twenty (20) percent allocation is specifically designated for Extremely Low-Income (ELI) residents. This deliberate measure ensures affordability for tenants with incomes at or below thirty (30) percent of the Area Median Income (AMI), fostering inclusivity and addressing the critical need for accessible housing. To further enhance accessibility, all units within the property will maintain access to a Project-Based Voucher from the Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority. This collaboration is instrumental in providing ongoing support and financial assistance, reinforcing the commitment to facilitating sustainable living environments for all residents.
Permanent supportive housing is housing with linkages to services that help residents successfully maintain housing and rebuild their lives. The target population for Commons at Grant is for individuals coming out of homelessness.
Commons at Grant offers a comprehensive suite of support services to its residents. A 24-hour front desk support system ensures immediate assistance, fostering a sense of security and community. Additionally, the inclusion of on-site medical care facilities underscores the commitment to promoting resident stability and holistic wellness, addressing both physical and mental health needs. The strategic location of Commons at Grant is a deliberate choice aimed at mitigating social isolation among residents. The location of Commons at Grant being in a central and accessible location within Columbus, facilitates community integration, encouraging residents to engage with surrounding resources, services, and the broader community. Commons at Grant benefits has a close proximity to vital amenities, fostering a well-rounded living environment for residents. Within a one-mile radius, residents have convenient access to essential services, including a public library, healthcare agencies, religious institutions, and public transportation. This thoughtful placement is meticulously designed to elevate the overall well-being and accessibility for individuals within the community, ensuring that their daily needs are met with convenience and efficiency.
This legislation represents appropriation for a part of the HOME-ARP Allocation Plan portion of the City’s 2021 HUD Annual Action Plan which was amended, per Ordinance 0459-2023.
Contract Compliance: the vendor number is 051981 and expires on 03/14/2027
Fiscal Impact: $2,000,000.00 is available from and within the HOME-ARP grant (G442101). The commitment of funds through this legislation is conditioned on compliance with HUD’s environmental review requirements. The funding from HOME-ARP Fund (2201) is only authorized if all HOME review and comment requirements have been met prior to any commitment of funds, as approved by the Responsible Entity Agency Official. An Authorization to Utilize Grant Funds will be received by the City from HUD in advance of the execution of documents for this project.
Title
This ordinance authorizes the appropriation and expenditure in an amount up to $2,000,000.00 of HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME-ARP) funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; authorizes the Director of the Department of Development to enter into a commitment letter, loan agreement, promissory note, mortgage, and restrictive covenant with Commons at Grant (TC2) Housing Limited Partnership in an amount up to $2,000,000.00 for the Commons at Grant project. ($2,000,000.00).
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WHEREAS, the City of Columbus is a participating jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; and
WHEREAS, the City of Columbus is the recipient of a one-time grant of $16,433,138.00 from the U.S. Department of Housing Urban Development (HUD) through the American Rescue Plan Act and the HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME-ARP) ; and
WHEREAS, the Columbus City Council has approved the amendment to the 2021 Action Plan, per Ordinance 0459-2023, as required by HUD for the authorization of the HOME-ARP Allocation Plan; and
WHEREAS, the appropriation and expenditure in an amount up to $2,000,000.00 is necessary for this project; and
WHEREAS, the Director of the Department desires to support the Commons at Grant project with HOME-ARP funds; and NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That from the unappropriated monies and from all monies estimated to come into said fund from any and all sources and unappropriated for any other purpose during the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025, in an amount up to $2,000,000.00 is appropriated in Fund 2201 (HOME-ARP), from Dept-Div 44-10 (Housing), G442101 (HOME-ARP), object class 05 (Other Expenses) per the account codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 2. That the expenditure in an amount up to $2,000,000.00, or so much thereof as may be needed, is hereby authorized in Fund 2201 (HOME-ARP), Dept-Div 4410 (Housing), G442101 (HOME-ARP), object class 05 (Other Expenses) per the account codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 3. That the Director of Development is hereby authorized to enter into a commitment letter, loan agreement, promissory note, mortgage, and restrictive covenant with Commons at Grant (TC2) Housing Limited Partnership for the Commons at Grant project in an amount up to $2,000,000.00.
SECTION 4. Funds are hereby deemed appropriated and expenditures and transfers authorized to carry out the purposes of this ordinance and the City Auditor shall establish such accounting codes as necessary.
SECTION 5. That the City Auditor is authorized to make any accounting changes to revise the funding source for all contracts or contract modifications associated with this ordinance.
SECTION 6. At the end of the grant period, any repayment of unencumbered balances required by the grantor is hereby authorized and any unused City match monies may be transferred back to the City fund from which they originated in accordance with all applicable grant agreements.
SECTION 7. The commitment of funds through this legislation is conditioned on compliance with HUD’s environmental review requirements. The funding from HOME Fund (2201) is only authorized if all HOME review and comment requirements have been met prior to any commitment of funds, as approved by the Responsible Entity Agency Official. An Authorization to Utilize Grant Funds will be received by the City from HUD in advance of the execution of documents for this project.
SECTION 8. That this ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.