R2002-108 ENDORSING THE SUBMISSION OF AN APPLICATION

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The City of Decatur's Near North Redevelopment Project Plan embraces this philosophy. In 1999 the Decatur Housing Authority applied for, and was granted, a HOPE VI Revitalization Grant in the amount of $34.8 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. These funds, combined with other public and private funding, will be used to transform the Near North neighborhood into a viable, sustainable, and economically integrated community. Funding sources include use of Low Income-Housing Tax Credits, developer equity, Decatur Housing Authority funds, City of Decatur funds, Decatur Public School District #61 funds and others to leverage private and other public resources for a total project cost in excess of $100 million. The revitalization plan is for new construction of mixed income housing. Phase I is for approximately 250 units with a contemplated mix of 1/3 public housing, 1/3 affordable housing and 1/3 market rate housing. Upon completion of the subsequent phases, the project is expected to provide approximately 670 units of new construction, with the targeted mix remaining 1/3 public housing, 1/3 affordable housing and 1/3 market rate housing. The plan includes a Town Center which will serve as the heart of the neighborhood, providing a place to gather for social and cultural activities. Elements of the Town Center will include: a bandstand/gazebo to accommodate concerts, shows, and other public gatherings; a Linear Park connecting Town Center with the Intergenerational Campus and points west; townhouses with � ground floor units that may be converted to retail; public art and informal seating areas will be provided throughout the area; public access ways through buildings to connect rear parking; a Town Center building to serve as a focal point; and, mixed-use building which will comprise ground floor retail and residential above. Guidelines will prohibit blank exterior walls on all sides of Town Center buildings including rear walls. The Redevelopment plan sets aside land for Linear Parks and Residential Parks. The Linear Parks will provide a programmatic and symbolic connection between the Near North neighborhood and points east and west, including Phoenix Park, the Boys Club, North Water Street and adjacent neighborhoods. The Residential Parks will be an informal gathering place for nearby residents and supports both active and passive recreation. Some Residential Parks will include new playgrounds that serve children living in the neighborhood. The Boulevard along Martin Luther King, Jr., Drive will have functional and symbolic significance as the connection linking the Near North neighborhood with downtown and points north. A wide public setback on both sides of the boulevard provides a landscaped area for promenading and helps to buffer residential units form the traffic along this busy street. Wider sidewalks will encourage walking and can strengthen a critical pedestrian connection to downtown. Gateways occur at key intersections along the edges of Near North and mark the prominent entry points into the neighborhood. Gateways are not literally gates; rather they announce to the visitor that he or she has entered a new neighborhood. Proposed Section 108 Loan Application Page 3 �6�11��2