Annual Goals and Objectives

AP-35 Projects[33]

Introduction

The following projects reflect goals and priorities outlined in the 2026-2030 Consolidated Plan for Public Services, Downtown Improvements/Economic Development, and Public Facilities.

Table 26 – Project Information

Describe the reasons for allocation priorities and any obstacles to addressing underserved needs

CD Department staff prioritize those allocations that address underserved needs. Projects are analyzed and chosen contingent upon meeting the overarching goals and objectives set in the Consolidated Plan. The Citizen Participation Process, department meetings, consultation with the CDBG Program Manager, and data collected during the Needs Assessment and Market Analysis are the basis of allocation priorities. LMI households, special needs populations, and those who are homeless/at risk of homelessness are disproportionately in need of CDBG activities, so projects supporting them are prioritized.

 There have been several issues when trying to address the underserved in the region, including lack of alternative funding sources, the high cost of land development and property, and municipal policies. The following projects offer faster solutions to improve the housing supply, support businesses, and serve LMI populations, because they have the capacity to deliver and have a history with the program.

Administration for the CDBG program requires up to a 20 percent portion of the total allocation. This portion covers the management and regulatory costs of the program.

AP-38 Project Summary

Project Summary Information

Public Services:

• Framingham Community Connections: delivers a summer work program that employs 30 teens (ages 14 to 17) who are from low- to moderate-income Framingham households.
• I Believe Academy: offers after-school basketball and math tutoring programs for children.
• MetroWest Mediation Services: provides conflict resolution and training to facilitate peaceful resolution of disputes for community members.
• Framingham Adult ESL Plus: Framingham Adult ESL Plus has free English-as-a-Second Language classes, training, and development for adults (ages 18 - 85) who are limited English speakers. The program is to facilitate their integration into the community.
• Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers (MAPS): serves mostly low-income residents transitioning Portuguese speakers so they become more self-sufficient.
• Literacy Unlimited: teaches basic reading, writing, and computational skills to illiterate and learning-disabled adults on a one-to-one basis and in groups.
• Circle of Hope: maintains a partnership with the Clinton House Family Shelter and Pearl Street Family Shelter to provide homeless individuals clothing and necessities in order to preserve and enhance overall health and personal dignity.
• Big Brothers Big Sisters: supports children in the community through individualized mentoring programs.

Public Facilities:

• MetroWest YMCA: is dedicated to providing programs and services that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.
• Advocates: provides comprehensive services for people facing developmental, mental health, or other life challenges

Economic Development/Downtown Improvements:

• Downtown Framingham, Inc.: the CDBG Technical Assistance Program targets the business district and surrounding residential neighborhoods, where 66 percent of residents have low or moderate incomes.
• Seabra Foods: the City has committed $100,000 a year to support the relocation of the Seabra Foods grocery store to Downtown Framingham. This relocation will better serve residents of this area. The City is currently working to apply for a Section 108 loan to help fund this project.

AP-50 Geographic Distribution[34]

Description of the geographic areas of the entitlement (including areas of low-income and minority concentration) where assistance will be directed

The City expends most CDBG funds in areas with highest concentrations LMI residents. See Map 5. Low- and Moderate-Income Households for an LMI population map by census tracts.

Geographic Distribution

Table 27 - Geographic Distribution

Rationale for the priorities for allocating investments geographically

The city will continue to direct federal resources, to the greatness extent possible, to areas with the greatest concentrations of low- and moderate-income residents. The basis for allocations of federal resources identified in this plan was predicated upon a comprehensive analysis, needs assessment and extensive public outreach further described in this document to identify priority categories and geographic preferences to meet the priority needs of the community.

Boundary Lines: Southeast Framingham Neighborhood 

North Boundary: Mass Bay Transit Authority (MBTA) Railroad Tracks

East Boundary: Natick/Framingham Line

Southeast Boundary: Sherborn Line

West/Southwest Boundary: Bishop/Blandin Avenue with Route 135/Waverly Street, New Haven/Hartford/New York Railroad track to Sherborn Line

Census Tracts and Blocks: 383102.1, 383102.2, 382101.1

Approximate concentration of low and moderate income: 80%

Needs: Neighborhood stabilization and housing improvement, improved landscaping and street scape, improved pedestrian/bicycle access, access to public assets, elementary school, access to financial, medical pharmacies and fresh and healthy foods, limited access to public transportation, employment opportunities, lack of wayfinding signage, handicapped accessible sidewalks, public services, improved streets and sidewalks, accessible sidewalks, storefront improvements, and affordable housing.

Major Assets: Major assets include Mary Dennison Park, Beaver Dam Brook, walkability to the Downtown and the commuter rail, and access to certain services for LMI, minority, ESL, and other underserved groups. The City can capitalize on what is in the area’s proximity and improve current programming in this respect.

Boundary Lines: Downtown Framingham district

• The area along Rte. 126 and Rte. 135 within Census Tracts 3833, 3834, 3831.02, and 3831.01

Approximate concentration of low and moderate income: 73%

Needs: Dilapidated and vacant storefronts, safety concerns, technical assistance for small businesses, employment opportunities, neighborhood stabilization and housing improvement, parking improvements, pedestrian bicycle access, public services, employment opportunities, affordable housing, lack of wayfinding signage, workforce development, and improved access for people with disabilities.

Major Assets: Major assets include access to public transportation, Memorial Hall, the Public Library, the Boys and Girls Club, the Police Station, and multi-cultural businesses. The City can capitalize on what is in the area’s proximity and improve current programming in this respect.

Characteristics: Rental housing is the most common housing type, with older units and a higher likelihood of units in disrepair due to higher turnover, absentee landlords, and lower tenant incomes. Older housing is at higher risk of lead-based paint. Physical deterioration, receivership properties, foreclosed properties, and vacancy are also more likely. Abandoned/blighted properties are due in large part to the difference between incomes and rent, as well as absentee landlords. The majority of these tracts have been targeted for economic revitalization efforts and have representative body to advocate for their needs. Many tracts are accessible to goods and services including new housing units, the commuter rail, and other major transportation routes. The tracts are near the two federal Opportunity Zones, the NRSA, and the Southeast Framingham neighborhood.

Boundary Lines: Low- and Moderate-Income Census Tracts (Greater than 51% low- and moderate-income)

CDBG Grantee information available from HUD stated that the City of Framingham as a whole is experiencing a 46.2 LMI percentage rate. HUD’s LMI Area Data based on 2016-2020 ACS estimates stated that following 17 Census block groups are greater than 51 percent LMI:

• Tract 3831.01 Block Group 1 – 75.5% LMI, Block Group 2 – 83.1% LMI
• Tract 3831.02 Block Group 1 – 76.4% LMI, Block Group 2 – 91.9% LMI
• Tract 3832 Block Group 1 – 91.9% LMI, Block Group 3 – 67.3% LMI
• Tract 3834.01 Block Group 1 – 76.8%
• Tract 3834.02 Block Group 1 – 56.9% LMI, Block Group 2 – 64.6% LMI,
• Tract 3835.01 Block Group 1 – 54.5% LMI, Block Group 2 – 78.0% LMI
• Tract 3835.02 Block Group 1 – 58.8% LMI, Block Group 3 – 66.2% LMI
• Tract 3836 Block Group 2 – 67.5% LMI
• Tract 3839.04 Block Group 3 – 52.4% LMI, Block Group 4 – 54.4% LMI
• Tract 3840.03 Block Group 3 – 67.9% LMI

Needs: Housing Rehabilitation, Public Facilities, Economic Development and Public Services.

Major Assets: Public Service activities for LMI housing benefit, business technical assistance façade treatment, infrastructure activities, housing rehabilitation, code enforcement, and foreclosed property care.

Characteristics: Rental housing is the most common housing type, with older units and a higher likelihood of units in disrepair due to higher turnover, absentee landlords, and lower tenant incomes. Older housing is at higher risk of lead-based paint. Overcrowding, physical deterioration, receivership properties, and foreclosed properties are also more likely. Abandoned/blighted properties are due in large part to the difference between incomes and costs of living/rent. The majority of these tracts have been targeted for economic revitalization efforts. Many tracts are within walking distance to the Downtown, the commuter rail, and or other major transportation routes. A portion of the tracts are within the two federal Opportunity Zones and are part of the NRSA.

Discussion

The City actively works to represent everyone equally, but designates these areas as geographic priorities because of their demographics and household traits. Each of these areas were consulted regularly throughout this Consolidated Plan and AAP process.

AP-85 Other Actions[35]

Introduction

The Annual Action Plan activities and goals coincide with the priorities identified within the Consolidated Plan. The activities selected for Year 1 funding are those projects that are ready to proceed, able to make immediate impact to low- and moderate-income persons. Eligible projects selected through the Planning process included investment in capital needs including public streetscape improvements, and public facilities. Eligible public service activities were selected through a formal solicitation process, which priorities program to best addressed identified needs.

The City of Framingham is working continuously to serve low- and moderate-income populations and develop strategies to address their needs. Common obstacles are funding, expenses associated with development, limited land, and legislation. These forces, and others, make it difficult to help residents most in need, revitalize the neighborhoods, and improve quality of life. Framingham continues to work toward its stated goals using strategies and projects outlined in this AAP. Additionally, the city is taking an intentional approach to alleviate climate change effects on Environment justice communities through the technical assistance received by the Enterprise Communities, the inclusion of public facility projects needing to think about the effects of their projects on EJ communities within FEMA's multiple hazard mitigation plan.  

Actions planned to address obstacles to meeting underserved needs

The greatest obstacle to addressing unmet need is the lack of resources. The City will seek to maximize the resources available in furtherance of the Year 1 activities.

Plans to address obstacles to meeting underserved needs include:

1. Encourage local housing providers to cross-refer and enroll their clients in self-improvement programs (education, employment, training and economic empowerment/development initiatives) by: Formulating immediate policy regarding CDBG assisted activities, giving preference to the enrollment of housing program clients (rental assistance recipient, transitional housing residents, shelter residents) in CDBG supported educational /training/employment generating activities.
2. Sustainability Coordinator and CD Coordinator continuously seeking environmentally friendly solutions in EJ neighborhoods.

Actions planned to foster and maintain affordable housing

The greatest obstacle to meeting Framingham's underserved housing needs continues to be the availability of developable land, money for creating new affordable housing for LMI households, lack of housing vouchers for households on fixed incomes. The ability to preserve and create housing to meet the need depends on available land and buildings, funding/financial resources, public awareness, political will, organizational resources, laws, regulations, policies, and programs. The City will continue to engage its experienced housing staff in addressing these barriers. The City will also continue to support the FHA and SMOC’s (the City’s Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO)) range of housing and supportive services for local clients where feasible, seeking their expertise in major housing matters. Framingham adheres to the recommendations in its Housing Plan and those of its Fair Housing Committee as well, using them as valuable resources in the face of affordable housing obstacles. With the enactment of the CPA in Framingham, the Community Preservation committee is creating a plan to maintain affordable housing. The State of MA has mandated multifamily, by-right zoning in all communities or surrounding communities with MBTA transportation service. Framingham is an MBTA community and is working towards compliance by the Dec. 31 deadline. The state also passed a new law mandating accessory dwelling units by-right in single-family zones in all communities. The deadline to pass new zoning is February 2025. The Housing Authority received HOME-ARP funds to assist with the ongoing Carlson Crossing project. This project will add 7 fully accessible ADA units as well as renovate 178 units. City has provided housing mitigation funds, FY 22 CDBG funds, and HOME funds to the project. The department is currently working on a Housing Plan which has not been updated since 2014.

Actions planned to reduce lead-based paint hazards

The Department of Planning and Community Development will continue to work with federal, state, and local agencies to integrate lead paint hazard reduction measures into housing policies and programs, including child welfare agencies. The Department fully implements de-leading procedures and protocols as required and directed by HUD.

Lead paint testing is conducted on each property built prior to 1978 with assistance of federal funds. Risk assessments are completed for all units receiving assistance through the CDBG and HOME programs. If there is a potential lead-based paint hazard, appropriate remedial action is taken as part of the homeowner rehabilitation work and conducted in accordance with federal regulations. A certified contractor is responsible for the remediation procedures. The Community Development office distributes the EPA/HUD “Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home” pamphlet and provides information to every rehabilitation loan recipient.

The City of Framingham conducts lead hazards assessments on all of the units funded by CDBG funds. All of the units rehabbed this year had some lead abatement work that needed to done. The CDP department adheres to state and federal lead laws during projects. The City follows these steps to remediate lead in local homes when their occupants are eligible for housing rehabilitation services: • Housing consultant reviews for the projected cost of rehabilitation work. • The consultants request lead testing if the projected cost is $5K or more for homes built before 1978. • If the home tests positive for lead contamination, lead paint containment, or full remediation occurs according to applicable laws. • The department or a partner funds all lead and housing rehabilitation work. For the past several years, the department has worked with a certified inspector, who conducts testing, risk assessment, and clearance. The department verifies the state certifications of all selected contractors. Homeowner beneficiaries of lead work receive pamphlets and flyers educating them about the process and the risks associated with lead. If remediation plus rehab costs exceed allowable cap for the rehabilitation program, the department works with the homeowner to apply to MassHousing’s Get the Lead Out Funds. The city drafted an application to apply for the lead hazard control grant. Additionally, the city is offering the MassHousing Get the Lead Out grant as part of its services to families that do not meet the income eligibility requirements for CDBG.

Actions planned to reduce the number of poverty-level families

The City is unceasingly trying to find practical ways for services and resources to help reverse the effects of poverty for families through:

1) Collaboration with public service providers through the MetroWest Housing Coalition and the Framingham Community Partners. Sharing and consolidating resources in several languages. 2) Advocate within city hall for the local service providers in an effort to provide more effective service. 3) Formulation and implementation of policy regrading preference to housing clients in CDBG funded public service activities. 4) Studying and devising policies contingent upon comprehensive service planning and maximizing cross enrollment of housing clients. 5) Zoning changes mandated by the state will allow for more low-income residents to find housing.

Actions planned to develop institutional structure

Framingham continues to work on the following to develop their institutional structure:

1. Incorporate citizen participation into departmental planning process;
2. Establish clear goals in contracts for public service agencies and review them closely at monitoring visits;
3. Collaborate on public education campaigns that raise awareness about important community concerns;
4. Continue all current programming and add new partnerships that enhance them;
5. Partner with organizations focusing on housing for low- and moderate-income households; and
6. Maintain staff involvement on local committees and boards.

Actions planned to enhance coordination between public and private housing and social service agencies

Enhanced collaboration between private and public housing and social service agencies will continue to be through identifying openings in CDBG-funded educational programs. A system of preferential enrollment is used in a portion of these slots for clients of rental assistance, emergency shelters, transitional housing and related affordable housing programs. Using this method, focus can be directed to maximizing enrollments. The City maintains a policy requiring affordable housing developers to cross-refer and cross-enroll. The City has a policy to maintain 13% affordability, 3% above the state requirement of 10%. Developers are encouraged to keep this affordability rate. Convene providers to compile information on supportive services and the educational, training, and advancement components in public/private institutions; • Circulate this information to providers • Ensure that the MOU between homeless provider and City is being followed that states that the agency will provide case management and self-sufficiency services to clients using a Tenant Based Rental Assistance voucher • Providers of Affordable Rental Housing Assistance programs in Framingham, the Framingham Housing Authority (FHA) and the South Middlesex Opportunity Council (SMOC) operate familySelf-Sufficiency programs (FSS) • The Community Development program staff encourage all providers of CDBG supported services to inform their clients of available of FSS opportunities

Discussion

Framingham undertakes activities in coordination with other municipal policies, programs, and expenditures, particularly the federal HOME program. City staff work in tandem with citizens, other municipal departments, and the public and private sectors to reduce poverty, eliminate barriers to affordable housing, diminish LBP hazards, address obstacles to meet the underserved, enhance coordination, and enhance the institutional structure. The City coordinates federal and state funds for LMI individuals and forwards efforts to reduce the number of those in poverty by improving the overall quality of life through CDBG projects.

[33] 91.420, 91.220(d)

[34] 91.420, 91.220(f)

[35] 91.420, 91.220(k)