Annual Report April Improving the quality of life for a brighter future.

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1 Annual Report April 2003 Improving the quality of life for a brighter future.

2 One year ago, the City Council established a list of goals and priorities regarding the future of our community. One important goal was to strengthen neighborhoods and eliminate blighting influences. After establishing a seven-point plan to 'revitalize Port Huron,' the City sought public and private partners to implement the plan. In July 2002, it was announced that Citizens First Savings Bank was committing $2.5 million and dedicated personnel to providing non-traditional mortgages and down payment assistance to first-time home owners, along with grant funds to make home repairs. This unprecedented commitment became the catapult for the success of the initiative. Soon after, several non-profit organizations eagerly offered their services. In less than one year, the "Revitalizing Port Huron" campaign has made an impact on many neighborhoods. The variety of services, programs, and resources available are due to these strong partnerships and the high-level of cooperation and dedication that so many agencies within our community provide. So much has been accomplished and so much more can and will be done. An open invitation to participate is extended to all individuals or agencies that share in the goal of improving and "Revitalizing Port Huron." Thomas J. Hutka City Manager Kimberly A. Harmer Planning Director Maritime Capital of the Great Lakes

3 Seven-Point Action Plan "Revitalizing Port Huron" is about programs, people, and partnerships working together to improve our City. "Revitalizing Port Huron" takes a comprehensive approach to our neighborhoods and our community in order to identify needs and opportunities to encourage pride and reinvestment in the City. Last May, the City of Port Huron established a seven-point action plan to guide the community in this effort. Maritime Capital of the Great Lakes

4 Working Together The City of Port Huron is extremely grateful for the following partnerships that have been strengthened or developed during the past year in order to provide coordinated services and improvements to our community and its residents: City of Port Huron Citizens First Savings Bank Port Huron Neighborhood Housing Corporation (Bank One, Citizens First Savings Bank, City of Port Huron, SEMCO, Standard Federal) Economic Opportunity Committee Community Foundation of St. Clair County St. Clair County Council on Aging Blue Water Habitat for Humanity Acheson Ventures A special thank you to our additional corporate sponsors: First Preferred Mortgage Company The Home Depot Gill-Roy s Hardware Lowes Home Improvement JoAnn Wine and Associates Sherwin Williams Mortimer Lumber Port Huron Paint Company Port Huron Building Supply

5 Progress and Highlights During the past year, the "Revitalizing Port Huron" campaign has begun to make a difference in several important areas, such as: Neighborhood and Housing Conditions, Home Ownership Opportunities, Infrastructure, and the Development of Partnerships and Resources. Neighborhood and Housing Conditions ACTION EXPENDITURE BENEFIT Neighborhood Facade Grants $ 115, Homes Exterior Paint Programs $ 40, Homes Home Repairs/Renovations City of Port Huron: $200,000 Citizens First Savings Bank: $125,000 $ 325, Homes Demolition and Clearance $ 3,650 3 Structures Demolition of Code Cases $ 14,000 3 Structures Renovation of Code Cases Private Funds 8 Homes Home Ownership Opportunities Down Payment Assistance Grants City of Port Huron: $108,435 Citizens First Savings Bank: $ 12,048 $ 120, Buyers Non-Traditional Mortgages Citizens First Savings Bank $ 522,940 8 Buyers Renaissance South III Unknown 5 Homes 16 Lots PHNHC Renovated Homes Resold $ 360,000 6 Homes Infrastructure Street Improvements $ 7,000, Miles Sidewalks and Yard Lights $ 56, Homes Pedestrian Lighting $ 60,000 Six Block

6 Neighborhood and Housing Conditions Historic Districts Neighborhoods, such as Olde Town, are participating in special programs that provide Facade Grants to homeowners to assist with the costs of renovating the exterior of their home in accordance with historic guidelines. The recent formation of the Olde Town area as a Historic District is a wonderful example of changes in our neighborhoods. The creation of the historic district ensures the preservation of the architectural character and value of the homes, and provides tax incentives and educational opportunities for property owners who are dedicated to sustaining the future of a rich and vibrant past. Neighborhood Preservation Program Under the Neighborhood Preservation Program, 23 grants in the amount of $5,000 each have been awarded to property owners within the Olde Town area during the past four months. The grant funds, combined with other financial assistance, allow for the exterior restoration of the homes. Olde Town has formed a Neighborhood Association which encourages old fashioned neighborhood pride and commitment. Special events such as the Historic Home Tour, holiday and social events, neighborhood landscaping, and an informational website are recent achievements.

7 Neighborhood and Housing Conditions (Continued) Paint Incentive Program Through the Paint Incentive Program, 17 homes were painted last summer. Instead of receiving a citation under the blight ordinance, homeowners were sent vouchers for free paint. Two additional cases are being pursued through the legal system to ensure compliance. Seven additional homes occupied by low-income residents were painted with free paint and discounted supplies. Materials were provided by local merchants participating in the "Revitalizing Port Huron" efforts. Twenty-five notices were sent out last month to encourage property owners to paint their homes. Special incentives are being offered such as free paint. Demolitions Three deteriorated and dangerous garages were torn down with grant funds available to low-income property owners in order to eliminate unsafe conditions. Three vacant and abandoned housing structures were demolished, as a last resort, to eliminate neighborhood eyesores and remove dangerous conditions.

8 Neighborhood and Housing Conditions (Continued) Grants During the past few months, in partnership with Citizens First Savings Bank, 55 homes occupied by low- or moderate-income families have been renovated and brought up to code. Grants of up to $10,000 were provided for exterior work such as vinyl siding, new roofs, and windows, as well as interior repairs such as heating systems, electrical repairs, and plumbing upgrades. BEFORE AFTER Home Improvement Contest Winner Five homeowners received prizes and had a tree planted in their front yards for participating in the first "Home Improvement Contest." Building permit fees were waived and local businesses donated prizes. Local lenders offered specials on home improvement loans and waived closing costs or discounted refinancing charges.

9 Neighborhood and Housing Conditions (Continued) Walkabout Program Forty-four sidewalks were replaced or newly installed with grant funds provided to eligible property owners throughout the City's neighborhoods. In addition, 23 yard lights were installed at no charge to the property owner as a popular effort to enhance pedestrian traffic within our neighborhoods. Blight Ordinance The City continues to aggressively enforce the blight ordinance through public awareness and grant assistance to encourage compliance. Three-hundred-thirty (330) vehicles were tagged by the blight inspector this year, 75 vehicles were towed away, and yard conditions were cleaned. During the month of May, the City will continue to promote neighborhood awareness of blight conditions and provide incentives for organized neighborhood clean-up efforts. Adopt-A-Block Program Last fall, the Adopt-A-Block Program hosted a neighborhood clean-up event in Olde Town. Residents, along with volunteers from service clubs and local churches, took time out on a Saturday to clean out their neighborhood. Volunteers raked yards, cleaned out garages and cleared off front porches. Specially arranged trash pick-up that same afternoon ensured prompt removal of the debris. Refreshments were provided and the neighbors were encouraged to meet and mingle. More than 27,760 pounds of trash, 30 tires, and four truck loads of appliances were removed on that one morning!!

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11 Renaissance South Phase 3 Not only is "Revitalizing Port Huron" offering home ownership opportunities within established neighborhoods, but also within the development of new neighborhoods; Renaissance South is a recent example. Located on the City's south side, this area over the past several years has developed into a new subdivision of 72 homes. An additional 21 new homes are to be constructed within the next two years for a total of 93 new homes on the City's south side. Already, the PHNHC has two homes under construction. One is a barrier-free design that will further expand the housing opportunities in this area. The Economic Opportunity Committee (EOC) will also begin construction on three (3) homes during the spring months. Federal grant funds were used to cover the cost of construction for all five homes. Upon completion, the homes will be sold at or below market value with special financing available and down payment assistance. The proceeds from the sales will then allow for additional construction to take place. Sample of homes in Phases 1 & 2 Tot lot with playground and picnic area

12 24TH STREET ' ' ' 125' 125' ' 62 68' 68' 80' ' 99' 68' 68' 80' MOAK ' ' 99' 68' 68' 68' 68' 80' 70' 70' 80' ASHLAND 70' 143.9' ' 70' 80' 80' AVONDALE STREET Station Fire ' COURT 65' 80' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' 24' 64 Park 73.93' 84 60' ROW ' 143.9' 143.9' 143.9' ' 25.94' 30.51' 68' 68' 68' 45' 28.48' (60'ROW 33.5' PVMT) 96.39' 21.07' 1"=100' ' SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD 46.37' (60'ROW 33.5' PVMT) ' P O R T ' H UR ' SOLD 3131 O N ' ' Renaissance South Phase 3 Lots 62,70,76, & 81 sold to Port Huron Neighborhood Housing Corporation. Lots 82 & 84 sold to Economic Opportunity Committee. L I Z I N R E G

13 24TH STREET I RIVERTOWN GREEN APARTMENTS MOAK PHASE ASHLAND THREE AVONDALE STREET PA RKDALE LANE Fire Station THORNHILL STREET COURT PARK PARK MANUEL 58 PHASE ONE THORNHILL CT GRANT PLACE PHASE TWO NERN North A B 37 C K D 14 J H ELECTRIC AVENUE GRANT PLACE E F G Renaissance South (all phases) P O R T H UR O N LAKEWOOD AVE. ROSELAWN COURT

14 Home Ownership Partnerships Development of private and public partnerships have been essential to the success of promoting and providing home ownership opportunities to families. A vital partnership with Citizens First Savings Bank has resulted in $2,000,000 set-aside for special, non-conventional mortgage funds that are provided to first-time home buyers. This is in addition to the $125,000 in grant funds available for special down payment assistance. To date, eight families have been able to take advantage of these resources by purchasing their first home at a time when, traditionally, they would not have qualified for a mortgage. It is anticipated that an additional 25 families will be able to take advantage of the program. The City of Port Huron's Urban Pioneer Program has provided 19 down payment grants in the amount of $5,000 each to first-time home buyers as a means of promoting home ownership within the City limits. Citizens First Savings Bank and the City of Port Huron working side by side to create new opportunities for first-time home buyers! Proud first-time home buyers on the front porch of their new home.

15 Home Ownership (Continued) Port Huron Neighborhood Housing Corporation Port Huron Neighborhood Housing Corporation (PHNHC) is a non-profit organization and a partner in "Revitalizing Port Huron." Their mission is to provide home ownership opportunities to low- and moderate-income families. One way to accomplish this is by purchasing vacant, deteriorated houses within older neighborhoods, renovate the house, and then sell it to a first-time home buyer utilizing creative financing options such as donated closing costs and down payment assistance. Six houses have been renovated and made available to first-time buyers this year alone. In addition, five in-fill housing units will be constructed on vacant lots within established areas of the City. One recently renovated house is located at 929 Howard Street. This house had been vacant from some time and was an on-going concern of the adjacent property owners. Warm weather will bring a new family into the neighborhood, courtesy of the efforts of the Port Huron Neighborhood Housing Corporation and the "Revitalizing Port Huron" campaign. 929 Howard Street, before renovations, at the Revitalizing Port Huron kick off celebration 929 Howard Street After Renovations, WOW!

16 Infrastructure During the past year the City has undertaken several street improvement projects along with the continued commitment to eliminate combined water and sewer operations. As part of the effort to "Revitalize Port Huron," more than 10 miles of streets and curbs were replaced or repaved at the expense of more than seven million dollars. The Eleventh Street and the Peavey Street neighborhoods have benefitted from recent work that was paid for, in part, with federal grant funds under the "Revitalizing Port Huron" effort. New streets and curbs enhance the visual landscape. Period-style, pedestrian lighting has been installed along Court Street, Wall Street, and Union Street as part of the Neighborhood Preservation Program and additional light fixtures are anticipated. Street intersection lights were inventoried and replacements or new installations were completed as necessary, also using these federal grant funds. The City replaced street signs to carry on the Revitalizing Port Huron theme.

17 City of Port Huron Facts & Figures POPULATION STATISTICS 2000 CENSUS (unless otherwise noted) St. Clair County ,235 City of Port Huron Total Population... 32,338 Male... 15,379 Female... 16,959 Median Age years Total Number of Households... 12,961 Average Household Size Race White... 28,034 Black... 2,504 Hispanic (of any race)... 1,383 American Indian, Eskimo & Aleutian Persons Asian & Pacific Islanders Other Government Port Huron was incorporated as a city in It is a City Manager form of government with an elected council. The Mayor is selected from the Council. Port Huron is the county seat of St. Clair County and therefore, many public buildings and facilities are located here, such as the St. Clair County Administration building and court house, county jail, county library, federal building, Museum of Arts and History, and of course the Municipal Office Center (City Hall). Within the city limits, the City provides police and fire protection. Other services include curb service for trash and recyclable products. All buildings are connected with the public water and sewer system. The City is currently undergoing a major sewer separation project to provide even better service for the community.

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19 A Look Ahead......At New Initiatives "Revitalizing Port Huron" looks forward to working with local financial institutions in securing additional resources to offer nontraditional mortgages and home repair funds. Development of a volunteer corp that will match willing volunteers with property owners in need of special services to maintain their home and allow them to continue to live on their own. Identification and demolition of dangerous structures that have had a negative influence on the neighborhood. Proactive approach to the continued enforcement of the blight ordinance. Developing initiatives to provide transitional housing as another method to improve housing conditions, maintain residency and preserve neighborhoods.

20 A Continuing Effort "Revitalizing Port Huron" is an emerging program that has had many successes in the past few months. We look forward to strengthening our working relationship with current partners, and to adding new partners and new resources as we work toward our goal. If you share our common goal to 'Revitalize Port Huron' through the development of clean, safe, and attractive neighborhoods, please call (810) We welcome the support of individuals, service clubs, interest groups, and corporations.