Municipality of Norristown

2005 - 2009 Consolidated Plan

 

 

I. Summary of Consolidated Plan Development Process

The National Affordable Housing Act of 1990 mandates that every local jurisdiction and state receiving housing assistance directly under this Act and under the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program submit a Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy (CHAS) and a non housing community development plan to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.  The Consolidated Plan merges together required plans and application materials for several HUD programs.

 

The Consolidated Plan replaces several documents that had previously been submitted separately. These documents include the Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy (CHAS), the non-housing community development plan and the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Budget and Final Statement. This Plan will cover a five-year period beginning with 2005 and continuing through 2009 with a one-year Action Plan for FY 2005.  The Annual Action Plan will be prepared and publicized each year. This is the third consolidated plan submitted by the Municipality of Norristown.

 

This Consolidated Plan is unique for two reasons; 1) In July 2004 Norristown changed its name from the Borough of Norristown to Norristown Municipality and 2) This Plan will be the first plan to fully incorporate Census 2000 data.

 

Select text of this narrative will utilize the word ³Borough² to describe Norristown. ³Borough² will be used for reference in regards to previously approved plans.

A.        Lead Agency

The lead agency that is responsible for the development of the Plan is the Municipality of Norristownıs Department of Planning and Municipal Development. The same department administers the CDBG program and HOME program. In developing this document, the Norristown Department of Planning and Municipal Development has interacted with various Municipal departments, public agencies and citizens. The Municipality also used information from its approved 1992 - 1996 five year CHAS and 1999 ­ 2004 Consolidated Plan.

 

B.        Consultation and Coordination

The Consolidated Plan development process included receiving input from various public agencies, housing groups and private organizations through the year. These organizations include but are not limited to:

 

Accion Communal Latino Americana De Montgomery County (ACLAMO)

Big Brothers Big Sisters

Community Action Development Commission (CADCOM)

Commonwealth Savings and Loan

Community Day Care Association, Inc.

Department of Community and Economic Development

Elmwood Park Zoo Board

Genesis Housing Corporation

George Washington Carver Community Center Board & Staff

Greater Norristown Corporation

Greater Norristown Society for the Arts

GVTMA

Habitat for Humanity

MBF Center

Montgomery County Department of Housing and Community Development

Montgomery County Housing Coalition

Montgomery County Continuum of Care

Montgomery County Housing Authority

Montgomery County Planning Commission

Montgomery County Redevelopment Authority

Norristown Initiative

Norristown Small Business Assistance Center

Norristown Town Watch

Opportunities Industrialization Center

Progressive Home Association

Senior Adult Activities Center

Wachovia Bank

Weed and Seed Initiative

 

II.        Citizen Participation

The Municipality of Norristown initiated a public participation process in the development of its plan for the next five years. The Municipality and the County of Montgomery created a pact that creates a mutual commitment between the Municipality and the County to revitalize and develop Norristown. The County funded the creation of a Community and Economic Development Strategy. The consulting firm of Abeles, Preiss, Phillips and Shapiro (hereafter referred to as the Consultant) was chosen through a competitive request for proposal process.

 

The foundation for the creation of the strategy was public participation. The consulting team was comprised of people with expertise in various areas including crime prevention, housing, neighborhood revitalization, riverfront development, commercial real estate development, urban design and Main Street development. The team hosted a three-day community gathering where Norristonians were given the opportunity to educate the Consultants about the issues in Norristown as they related to those specific topic areas. The community gathering ended in a community meeting that had an attendance of over 100 people where all of the ideas that were gathered from the public were integrated in presentation. The community voiced their support for the ideas that were presented at the meeting.

 

The results of the Consultants works became known as the Norristown Economic Revitalization Plan, as amended. This plan, along with the 2000 ­ 2004 Consolidated Plan, were the driving forces for economic and community development during five years. This Plan will continue to incorporate the findings of the Consultants. A copy of the Norristown Economic Revitalization Strategy and an update of program and projects outlined in it, are attached.

 

A.        Applicability and Adoption of the Citizen Participation Plan

 

(1) Each calendar year, a proposed schedule of CDBG Citizen Participation procedures is developed and made available.  Attached as appendix A, are the schedules for FY 2005 - 2009, as applicable.

 

(2) Encouragement of Citizen Participation

 

(i) The process of solicitation of project ideas continues year round and each years new Action Plan, ultimately reflects how the Municipality Citizens want their CDBG funds allocated. This also involves meetings with community group that have during the years, included: Genesis Housing Corporation, Greater Norristown Corporation, West Marshall Street Merchants Association, Agape Improvements Development Corporation, Norristown Preservation Society, Opportunities Industrialization Center, George Washington Carver Community Center, Town Watch groups, representatives of the County and Continuum of Care.

 

Substantial amendments to the Consolidated Plan are duly advertised and the public given opportunity to comment within 30 days of the notice.

 

(ii) The Municipality works closely with community groups that represent minority and non-English speaking persons, and these included. In addition, the Municipality also works with both the local Public Housing Authority, and various private housing advocacy groups to encourage the participation of the public housing residents.

 

(iii) Citizen Comments on the Citizen Participation Plan and Amendments

Throughout the year, the Municipality accepts comments and ideas as to what needs exist in the Municipality and how they can be alleviated. The Municipality has an open-ended policy of allowing for citizen participation because its Consolidated Plan is contingent on citizensı input. Any substantial amendment to the Municipalityıs Consolidated Plan allows the public a (30) thirty-day period to comment.

 

B.        Development of the Consolidated Plan

 

Since the initial development of the Municipalityıs five Year Consolidated Plan and subsequent years, the Municipality follows the same procedures in advertising the amount of assistance expected to be received, and the range of activities to be undertaken during the fiscal year in question, including the estimated amounts of low and moderate income benefits.

 


(1) Annually, the Municipality makes multiple copies of the Consolidated Plan available for review and comment. These copies are made available to the public at Municipal Hall and the Montgomery County Public library. Additionally, a summary of the proposed Consolidated Plan is published and also made available to the public. The 2005 - 2009 Consolidated Action Plan summary will also be made available on the Internet under Municipality of Norristown Consolidated Action Plan.

 

(2) The Municipal citizen review process for the final consolidated Action Plan for each  year, allows for two public hearings in addition to two regularly scheduled Municipal Council meetings which are open to the public and televised on a local public television network. Once the proposed CDBG budgets have been finalized and presented to the Municipal Council for a final vote, an ordinance is then passed which is also representative of the local citizen participation process. Any public comments are incorporated into the final document. These can be verbal, written or emailed to the Municipality for inclusion in the plan.          

                                        

 

C.        Amendments

 

Criteria for Amendment to the Consolidated Plan ­

The Municipalityıs substantial amendment or threshold in the use of CDBG funds from one eligible activity to another is $20,000. These amendments are duly advertised and the public has 30 days in which to comment prior to implementation of these changes. Comments if received are made a part of the Consolidated Plan, per Federal statute.

 

D.        Performance Reports

 

(1) Copies of the Performance and Evaluation Reports (CAPER) are made available to the public by printed notice and per the required public participation, for a period of not less than 15 days, prior to submission to HUD. Any public comments received within this period are incorporated into the applicable Performance report prior to submission.

 

(2) Comments received are considered and also attached to the CAPER.

 

E.        Public Hearings

 

(1) Public hearings are duly held as required with two hearings held towards the end of the outgoing year, in order to finalize and review the development of proposed activities, based on the Housing and Community Development needs of the community. In addition some of the public hearings and Council meetings may be televised on the local T.V network, thus allowing for increased participation in the whole process.

 

(2) At least two to three weeks advance notice is given to Citizens regarding each public hearing and this is done using a block advertisement that appears in the local newspaper. Sufficient information is made available as to what the subject of the hearing is so as to permit for informed participation.

 

(3) Public hearings are generally held at Norristown Municipal Hall, and if need be, at the Norristown Public Library. These are both convenient locations for potential and actual beneficiaries and both facilities accommodate persons with disabilities, per Federal ADA guidelines.

 

(4) Local organizations or non-profits that have services geared towards non-English speaking residents are continually made aware of public hearings especially in cases where a reasonable number of non-English persons are expected to attend. Examples of these organizations within the Municipality include ACLAMO. The Municipality in such cases utilizes the services of staff members that are fluent in the language.

 

F.        Meetings

 

Citizens are allowed reasonable and timely access to local meetings. Notices are advertised for from two to three weeks prior to meeting dates and meetings are scheduled for evening hours when residents would be most available.

 

G.        Availability to the Public

 

The Consolidated Plan as adopted including substantial amendments and the Performance and Evaluation Reports are made available to the public, by placing multiple copies at the local public library, and also at the Municipal Planning Department Offices. Summary copies of these are also made available, including being accessible on HUD's website under the heading of Municipality of Norristown Consolidated Action Plan Summary, and at www.norristown.org, in the near future.

 

H.        Access to Records

 

To permit citizen accessibility for review and comment, records of the Consolidated Action Plan and any other pertinent information is permanently maintained and made available to the Public in both the public library and also at Municipal Hall, Planning Department of Norristown. Summary copies may also be made available on the Internet on the HUD website.

 

I.         Technical Assistance

 

Technical assistance is available to Citizens and Organizations by the Municipal Planning Department Staff, and HUD if necessary. The Municipal Planning Department staff are available to citizens between the hours of 8:30a.m to 4:30p.m, Monday to Friday to provide any assistance that may be needed in the understanding of the national objectives of the CDBG program and any other technical support issues.

 

Citizens or organizations requiring technical assistance should contact the Planning Department office at Norristown Municipal Hall, 235 East Airy Street, Norristown, PA  19401; Phone (610) 270-0451.

 

J.         Complaints

 

The Jurisdiction accepts complaints in writing, in person and by phone, and these are promptly responded to in writing within a fifteen (15) day time frame by the Director and/or staff of the program.

 

Complaints in writing should be directed to the Planning Department, Municipal Hall 235 East Airy Street, Norristown, PA  19401. The complaint should contain the following information:

 

1.     Name and signature of the complainant, or organization, the name and signature of the officer of the organization responsible for the correspondence.

2.     Address to which the Municipal response should be mailed.

3.     Telephone number where the complainant or an individual knowledgeable about the subject matter of the complaint may be reached during business hours.

4.     Nature of the complaint including any relevant information or documentation.

5.     Recommendation concerning how the complainant desires to have the matter resolved.

 

K.        Use of the Citizen Participation Plan

 

The Municipality is committed to Citizen participation as the Consolidated Plan goals and the Performance and Evaluation Reports are contingent on the Citizen participation process.

 

L.        Jurisdiction Responsibility

 

The responsibility or authority of this jurisdiction for the development and execution of the Consolidated Plan are not restricted by the requirements for Citizen participation, but the process is fundamental to the overall development of the Municipal Consolidated Plan.

 

A public hearing was held on September 15, 2004 to allow citizens, public agencies and interested groups participation in the development of the Consolidated Plan. A second public hearing was conducted on November 17, 2004. The Municipal Council reviewed the budget at a committee meeting and voted on the budget during the regular Council meeting in December. The Municipality published the Consolidated Plan Summary on December 8, 2004.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

III.      Housing and Community Development Needs

A. Community Profile

Background and Trends

Norristown Municipality is the County seat of Montgomery County with an area of 3.52 square miles. It is fully developed with two large historic districts listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Historically, Norristown flourished as an industrial center when the Schuylkill Canal was opened in 1826 and the first passenger railroad was established in 1835. Norristown established strong economic and cultural ties with Philadelphia. Factories and mills sprang up along the Schuylkill River. Most of these industries and stores that opened to serve the Borough's growing population continued to prosper until after World War II, when Norristown began to lose residents and businesses to nearby suburbs. Ever since, the Borough's economic base and population have changed significantly. In the last two decades the Borough's main employers have become retail, health services, and manufacturing respectively. Norristownıs population has remained relatively stable over the last three Censuses. The table below demonstrates the total population change and population change by race from 1980 through 2000.

 

Table 1. Population by Race 1980 - 2000

 

1980 Census

1990 Census

2000 Census

Percent change 1980 - 2000

Total

34684

30749

31282

-9.81%

White

26332

21779

16992

-35.47%

Black

7841

8126

10887

38.85%

Hispanic

423

828

3282

675.89%

Asian

298

505

926

210.74%

All other

213

336

NA

NA

 

The Hispanic population rose 675.89% since 1980. The 2000 ­ 2004 Consolidated Plan (hereby referred to as ³Plan²) utilized 1999 Claritas Data. The Claritas Data reported 1414 Hispanics, a vast undercount from the 2000 Census findings.

 

Norristown strongly believes that the extreme changes in the ethnic population clearly demonstrate a need for a change in strategy. The enormous increase in the Hispanic population has created a need to further tailor strategies to address special needs unique to the population. In July of 2004, the local paper reported on a dwelling that was home to 27 Hispanics. Clearly overcrowding is taking place and must be addressed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

B. Housing Needs

i.          Market Conditions and Specific Housing Needs

a.   Rental Units

The 2000 Census stated that over half of the 12,029 housing units, 51.9% (6,243) housing units were defined as rentals. The Borough participated in the 1999 Census Local Update of Census Addresses (LUCA) program and found that the Census address list was missing over 700 rental units. The following table demonstrates the number of rental units per Census data:

 

Table 2. Number of rental units

 

1980 Census

1990 Census

2000 Census

Total units

12343

12187

12029

Rental

5479

5490

6243

 

There has been a marked increase in the number of rental units. In 1990 rental units were 45% of the total housing units. In 2000 rental units increased in number by 753 to a total of 52% of housing units.

 

In July of 2004, the Building and Code Department records indicated there were approximately 7,200 licensed apartment units. It is important to note that 330+ of these units are from the Regatta Homes, a high-income apartment complex. Additionally, when calculating the percentage of rental units, new home construction must be taken into consideration. On face value, the Building and Code Department records would indicate an approximate 63% rental rate based upon 12,343 total units. The total unit number should take into consideration new dwelling construction.

 

b.   Owner-Occupied Units

 

Table 3. Owner occupied units

 

1980 Census

1990 Census

2000 Census

Total units

12343

12187

12029

Owner -occupied

6864

6697

5789

 

From a height of 56% in 1980 to its currently low of 48%, Norristown is losing its homeowners. The loss of home ownership warrants attention. By comparison, Montgomery County has a 73.5% owner-occupied rate, 25.5% higher than Norristownıs current rate.

 

Owner and Rental units which cannot be rehabilitated are defined as: AAll units with severe structure and systems defects that do not meet Borough code and cannot be rehabilitated at a cost that does not exceed one and one half times the value of the property.@ About ten percent (10%) of the Owner and Renter occupied units and fifty percent (50%) of the Owner and Renter vacant units cannot be rehabilitated.

 

c. Substandard Units Suitable for Rehabilitation

It is estimated that ninety percent of all substandard occupied units, renter and owner are suitable for rehabilitation. ASuitable for rehabilitation@ is defined as units with structural and system defects that do not meet Borough code that can be rehabilitated at cost that does not exceed one and one half times the value of the property.  Fifty percent of all vacant units would also be suitable for rehabilitation. In the past 10 years, the Borough of Norristown and Montgomery Countyıs Housing Programs have significantly reduced the number of substandard units suitable for rehabilitation. The Stateıs HOME and TANF (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families) programs have provided additional funding. It was also estimated that lower income persons occupied fifty percent of the substandard units suitable for rehabilitation.

 

d.     Cost of Housing

 

Norristown has an abundance of affordable housing stock. The median value of a Montgomery County home in 2000 was $160,700. In 2000 the Norristown home price was $85,400.

 

Median housing values are available from 1960. The following table demonstrates the median housing value from 1960 to 2000 within Norristown.

 

Table 4. Median Housing Values

Year

1960

1970

1980

1990

2000

Value

$10,500

$12,900

$33,100

$80,600

$85,400

 

Using the NASA inflation calculator available at www.jsc.nasa.gov/bu2/inflateCPI.html, the median housing values can be recalculated into ³real dollars.² Simply stated, real dollars is what something is worth at another point of time and is based upon the rate of inflation as defined by the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

 

For example, the median value of a 1960 home of $10,500 would translate into a value of $66,391.50 in 2003. It is important to note that in the above example the start year is 1959 as that is when the census survey was completed. Recalculating the above table to demonstrate 2003 dollars will demonstrate the real cost of the median housing value over the last five decades.

 

Table 5. 2003 Real dollar median housing values

Year

1960

1970

1980

1990

2000

Value

$10,500

$12,900

$33,100

$80,600

$85,400

Real value

$66,392

$64,680

$83,875

$119,610

$94,281

 

Using the Table 5 a homebuyer who bought in the around the turn of the decade in 1980 and 1990 would have realized the greatest return of investment.

 

More importantly, the valuation further exacerbates the problems of lack of homeowners. The increase, coupled with the 2000 Census demonstrating that 55.6% of the residents are defined as low/mod, has made the dream of homeownership more difficult for Norristonians.

 

e. Housing Stock Available to Serve Persons with Disabilities and Persons with HIV/AIDS

 

Norristown has numerous facilities to serve those with disabilities. A listing of supportive housing facilities can be found in the inventory of non-homeless supportive services section of this plan.  The Borough currently does not have any facilities that have been specifically designated to house persons with HIV/AIDS. The County of Montgomery provides services for persons with AIDS through the Montgomery County AIDS Consortium. Keystone Home Health Services provides hospice and personal care for persons with AIDS.

 

f.    Lead-Based Paint Needs

In 1998, the Montgomery Department of Health Services screened 236 children with high levels of lead in their blood. Norristown has also tested and found exterior lead levels in a vacant Acquisition/Rehabilitation/Resale property. It is estimated 5000 of a total of 8000 housing units in the Borough were built prior to 1974 meaning that more than half of the  housing stock have the potential of containing lead-based paint hazards. Per census information, this renders half the Municipality's low/moderate income families as occupying units with lead-based paint hazards. Norristown will continue to monitor the Health Departments lead abatement activities and will also continue to adhere to the lead abatement requirements, in its housing programs which include the First Time Homebuyers program, owner occupied housing rehabilitation program and the Acquisition/rehab resale program.

 

g. Barriers to Affordable Housing

Norristown has a large stock of affordable housing. Norristown has experienced a large influx of Section 8 residents indicating that rents are affordable. Hence, the housing market conditions have not impeded the availability or production of affordable rental housing. As illustrated by the Table in the Appendix, the housing stock contains a sufficient number of sizable units suitable for occupancy by elderly families and disabled families.

 

The Zoning Ordinance is extremely accommodating in terms of its allowance for housing density especially when compared with the Ordinances of the suburban neighbors. The Zoning Ordinance permits semi-detached and attached dwellings in just about every residential zoning district.

 

h.   Fair Housing

In Norristownıs 1994 CHAS, it was established that one of the primary fair housing issues for the Borough is the rehabilitation of the housing stock occupied by very low and low income households. The Borough will continue to improve fair housing through its owner-occupied rehabilitation program and First Time Home Buyers Program. A secondary fair housing issue is the existence of panic selling and blockbusting in neighborhoods in the Borough, in addition to predatory lending. Many neighborhoods have entered a critical stage where there are as many as 8 to 10 homes for sale on a single block. The Borough has incorporated comments in the appendix, on the Norristown 2004 analysis of impediments to Fair Housing.

 

 i. Anti-poverty strategy

The heart of Norristown's anti-poverty strategy lies in the resurgence of its economy through business development and job training.  The Municipalityıs government has already committed funds to improve critical public spaces downtown and throughout Norristown.  Norristown has also actively sought and encouraged private renovations and new business start-ups.  A revitalized Municipality will mean capturing businesses and therefore reviving the economy and increasing employment opportunities for households who live in poverty.  The Municipality will also actively pursue channels for job training and other workforce development for Norristonians. The crux of this part of the antipoverty strategy is discussed in greater detail in the community development portion of this Consolidated Plan.

 

Providing a better opportunity for income is only half of the battle, however. Norristown will also continue to ensure affordable housing by continuing its owner-occupied, first-time homebuyerıs and acquisition/rehabilitation/resale programs. By increasing the skills of the workforce and reducing the cost of housing, the Municipality will reduce the number of families living in poverty.

 

j. Institutional Structure

The Department of Planning and Municipal Development will carry the prime responsibility for the implementation of the Consolidated Plan. However, it is expected that there will be continued support from partners in the next five years. Specifically Norristown will continue to enlist partners from private industry to begin the process of redevelopment of blighted areas. In addition, the Municipality anticipates that it will continue its collaborative relationship with the County and its agencies that are involved in community revitalization and economic development issues. These include the Montgomery County Redevelopment Authority, the Montgomery County Department of Commerce, and Montgomery County Housing Services.

 

 

 

k. Monitoring Plan

The Municipality of Norristown will conduct monitoring reviews to determine whether its programs are being carried out in accordance with its Consolidated Plan in the following manner. The reviews will be completed by the Department of Planning and Municipal Development as this department is responsible for the administration of grant funds.

 

(i)  Monitoring of Housing Programs:

 

1.   The Planning Department will continue to require and conduct a review of monthly reports submitted by the Housing Program consultant.

 

2.   The Planning Department will review and approve bills before payment on an ongoing basis.

 

3.   The Planning Department will meet and discuss figures and goals of the Program with the consultant on an ongoing basis.

 

4.   The Planning Department will conduct an annual assessment of the program's progress.

 

(ii) Monitoring of Community Development Programs:

 

1.   The Planning Department will review and approve bills before payment on an ongoing basis.

 

2.   The Planning Department will meet and discuss figures and goals of the programs with other Department Heads and Administration.

 

3.   The Planning Department will conduct an annual assessment of the program's progress.

 

(iii.) The Planning Department will also conduct annual reviews of the following  

programs administered by other agencies:

 

1.   Montgomery County MH/MR and Aging and Adult Services

 

2.   Montgomery County Community Action Development Commission (CADCOM)

 

3.     Montgomery County Housing Authority Section 8 Certificate, Section 8 Vouchers and Public Housing programs.

 

(iv) Norristown will also continue to monitor the work of the Montgomery County Housing Authority. The Municipality does not have any direct oversight of the Housing Authority. The Montgomery County Commissioners appoint the Housing Authorityıs board. All of the internal procedures of the Housing Authority, such as procurement, hiring and contracting are handled solely by the Housing Authority and its Board. The Authority does submit its applications for funds for the Municipalityıs review and support. It also provides the Borough with copies of its annual CGP reports. Because the Housing Authority is divesting itself of public housing in the Municipality, there are no public housing resident initiatives for the Municipality to get involved in.

 

With the County lending its organizational and financial resources to Norristown, there is good reason to believe that significant progress will be made. There still is a niche that needs be filled by Community Development Corporations (CDCıs). At the most basic level, there is still a gap between the Municipality/County government and the local neighborhoods.  A CDC is needed to fill that gap.

 

ii.     Housing Needs for the Next 5 Years

 

Norristown prepared and submitted a Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy in 1994. This data was updated after the 2000 Census to reflect the changing trends in housing needs and income levels in Norristown. The table serves as the basis for the forecasted needs in the borough over the next five years.

 

Extremely Low Income:

According to the CHAS table, the extremely low-income renter households have the most significant need for housing assistance when compared with other low income and moderate-income families and households. The need is most severe in the large related and small-related households, with 93% and 100% of those households being classified as having housing problems, respectively. The renter households have more need for housing assistance than do the owner households. However, the elderly owner households have greater need than do the elderly renter households.

 

Low Income:

The other low income large related and elderly one and two member renter households have the most significant need for housing assistance. All other owners have a greater need than do owners who are elderly. All other renter households have an even greater need.

 

Moderate Income:

The moderate-income households have significantly lower housing needs when compared with the extremely low income and other low-income households. All other owners have the most need for assistance in this category. In discussing housing assistance needs of low and moderate-income households, it is necessary to focus on the groups that have significant representation. The two most significant minority groups in Norristown are African Americans (36.7 %) and Hispanics (10%).

 

 

 

 

 

iii.        Priority Housing Needs

 

Norristown's most significant current need is to increase homeownership. As demonstrated elsewhere in this plan, the level of homeownership has steadily declined. Priority will be given to programs that promote homeownership.

 

A secondary priority need is to rehabilitate owner-occupied substandard housing occupied by the extremely low income and other low-income households.  It is estimated that low-income households occupy fifty percent (50%) of the substandard units suitable for rehabilitation.  Norristown is fully developed with little or no land available for new affordable residential construction.  In order to preserve its affordable housing stock, Norristown has and will continue to rehabilitate and avoid demolition of standard and substandard units suitable for rehabilitation.  Norristown will also increase its affordable housing stock by rehabilitating vacant units suitable for rehabilitation and selling them to low to moderate-income families.

 

A third need is the rehabilitation of rental housing. Norristown is committed to stepping up code enforcement efforts on rental properties. At the same time, the Borough will continue to encourage other agencies, such as Montgomery County Housing Services, to continue their efforts to fund the rehabilitation of rental properties.

 

C.            Public Housing Needs

 

i.               Public housing