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Summary of the Comments Received at the Neighborhood Open Houses
Housing/Neighborhood
There was much concern about the poor quality of rental units, making weatherization and home repair programs an important resource. There was also concern shared about vacant houses and absentee landlords, as some of these properties have become problems in different neighborhoods. Discussion also focused on deteriorating neighborhoods and the need to focus priorities and resources to prevent further decline.
Infrastructure/Public Facilities
There are some low and moderate income neighborhoods where sidewalks need to be a priority, as they are in poor condition. One comment specifically focused on the need for infrastructure improvements to be a higher priority. There was some discussion around infrastructure improvements, and how they contribute to the improvement of the community’s self-image. In addition, one of the neighborhood open houses was held in a community center where some capital improvements have been made, but the facility is in need of more assistance.
Economic Opportunity/Economic Development
Efforts to support economic opportunity are extremely important. Jobs are needed that pay a wage that will allow people to support their families. Job training programs are essential for basic job skills, as well as more advanced training.
Public Services
Public services and programs for youth and children are a high priority, especially after-school programming and affordable, quality day care, both traditional and non-traditional hours. Access to health care and dental services is also a challenge. Transportation to employment and to all services is a barrier to success and independence. Progress has been made over the past year in establishing homeless services, although the need is still much greater than available resources. There was also a concern expressed around the proposed casino, which may increase demand for public services.
The consultations with public and private agencies also generated good discussion around the issues mentioned above, with some specific comments shared about the need for more community data for program planning. Following each meeting, notes were prepared describing the conversation and results of the meeting. All meeting notes are on file and available for public review at the Office of Planning and Economic Development.
Staff from the Office of Planning and Economic Development also meets regularly with businesses and economic development professionals. Businesses are concerned with the following issues: High cost of doing business in New York State, energy (gas and electric), health insurance, workman's compensation, inability to find trained or appropriate employees, the negative effects of China as a competitor in the marketplace, struggle with accessing capital (small business), capital for growth (medium-sized businesses), and the need for micro-enterprise/entrepreneurial training.
The following comments were received during the First Public Hearing, City of Auburn Planning Board on November 8, ‘06:
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Mayor Lattimore and City Councilor Smith discussed their views on the Downtown Improvement Project, specifically around concerns with the design and the financing from the HUD Section 108 Program. They stated that the CDBG Reform Act of 2006, if passed, could affect the City’s ability to pay the debt service on the 108 loan.
Second Public Hearing, City of Auburn Council meeting on January 25, ‘07:
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Ray Bizzari, Executive Director of Cayuga Counseling Services, expressed support for the proposed CDBG budget as a whole, noting that the process for allocation of human services funding is a good process. Mr. Bizzari also specifically encouraged City Council to support the Downtown Improvement Project.
- Thomas Falicchio, Executive Director of Homsite Fund, Inc., noted that CDBG funds leverage other competitive programs for low and moderate income homeowners. Homsite brought in more funds for rehabilitation than another other agency in New York State. As 60% of homes in Auburn were built before 1939, any reduction in housing rehabilitation funding would be detrimental. Mr. Falicchio said that it is essential that the housing portion of the CDBG Program stay intact so that low and moderate income homeowners can continue to live in their properties, which is also good for property tax revenue.
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Barbara Bowen, Program Administrator for the Human Services Coalition, said that CDBG has benefited the community in assisting the Coalition with enhancing collaboration and coordination between agencies. The ten (10) not-for-profit agencies included in the human services budget provide important services. The other programs in the budget—housing, public improvements and economic development—provide a good balance. The community impact of the CDBG Program is more than just financial.
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Guy Cosentino, past Executive Director of Options for Independence, shared that CDBG leverages other funds, like the NYS Access to Home Program, which enhances the CDBG-funded Home Access Program (HAP) to allow for projects that require more extensive modifications. Mr. Cosentino, who is also a member of the Executive Committee for the Auburn/Cayuga County Homeless Task Force, noted that homelessness is a growing problem in the community. He thanked the City for its staff’s leadership on the task force.
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Mr. Cosentino also discussed the roll out of the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), which is being administered by Options. He also talked about the Economic Forecast luncheon, sponsored by the Cayuga County Chamber of Commerce, which had been held earlier that day. He encouraged the City to take leadership in moving forward the initiatives that were discussed.
Small Business Assistance Program
The City has successfully run the SBAP for over 16 years and the program often plays a catalyst role in the business community. Working cooperatively with local lending institutions, the SBAP provides gap financing as part of a comprehensive package for start-ups and expanding businesses and industries in the City. The SBAP provides a loan fund that utilizes revolving loan fund income as an ongoing funding source for businesses. The program will continue as a loan program offering small businesses and developers’ financial assistance at appropriate rates and terms. For more information on this program, please call (315) 255-4115.
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