R2002-108 ENDORSING THE SUBMISSION OF AN APPLICATION

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II. PROJECT DESCRIPTION ''� 1. NEAR NORTH REDEVELOPMENT AREA PROJECT PLAN BACKGROUND The City of Decatur submitted a Section 108 Application to the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in July, 1995 as a funding source for the "Longview Place Revitalization Plan". Most of the project area is contained in Census Tract 8, of which, according to 1990 census information, 82.37% of the persons met HUD's low-mod income guidelines. The Census Tract information for 2000 is not yet available. The original project has evolved into the Near North Redevelopment Area Project Plan. The overall plan for the area continues to provide for reduced population density as well as building density. It includes the construction of a new social service center/campus and a public school is planned nearby. The boundaries of the project now include Longview Public Housing owned by the Decatur Housing Authority.. NEAR NORTH CONSERVATION AREA In June, 2000, the City of Decatur designated the Near North Area as a Conservation Area in accordance with City Code Chapter 49.1 which defines a conservation area as one that is not yet blighted, yet susceptible to blight. Chapter 49.1, 1.(e) In order to promote and protect the health, safety, morals and welfare of the public it is necessary to provide for the eradication and elimination of blight or conservation areas and the construction of redevelopment projects and commercial projects in these areas. In order to receive a designation as a conservation area in the City of Decatur, the following conditions must be present: (a) 50% or more of the structures have an age of 35 years or more; and, (b) three (3) or more of the following blighting conditions: dilapidation; obsolescence; deterioration; illegal use of individual structures; presence of structures below minimum code standards; abandonment; excessive vacancies; overcrowding of structures and community facilities; lack of ventilation, light or sanitary facilities; inadequate utilities; excessive land coverage; deleterious land use or layout; depreciation of physical maintenance; lack of community planning; diversity of ownership of such land; or, tax or special assessment delinquencies on such land which exceed the fair value thereof. The presence of these conditions is detrimental to the public safety, health, morals or welfare and such an area may become a blight area. REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT PLAN HUD's Mission statement is to: Promote adequate and affordable housing, economic opportunity, and a suitable living environment free from discrimination. Proposed Section 108 Loan Application Page 2 06/11/02