DHCD/HOUSING AUTHORITY/REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY BULLETIN

DHCD/RDA/HA Bulletin – August 24, 2018

Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD)

Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice

Every 5 years, the Prince George’s County Department of Housing and Community Development updates its “Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice” (AI) for submission to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Fair housing choice means “the ability of persons of similar income levels regardless of race, color, religion, sex or national origin to have available to them the same housing choices.” Impediments to such housing choices are any actions, omissions, or decisions taken because of race, color, religion, sex or national origin which restrict housing choices or the availability of housing choices. Handicap and familial status are included.

HUD directs participants in certain HUD programs, such as Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), to affirmatively further fair housing by undertaking an analysis of impediments. The approach requires program participants, based on general guidance from HUD, to identify impediments to fair housing choice within their jurisdiction, plan, and take appropriate actions to overcome the effects of any impediments, and maintain records of such efforts. For instance, the analysis provides insight of where there are concentrations of poverty and race. If such is found, the County has to work toward devising ways to remove any impediments to fair housing.

The County’s Comprehensive Housing Strategy (CHS) will examine some housing impediments in its research and analysis, but the CHS cannot replace the AI preparation and submission. DHCD anticipates completion of the AI Update by Spring 2019.

Redevelopment Authority (RDA)

The Glenarden Apartments Redevelopment Project has been Re-named to Glenarden Hills

Last year, the Glenarden Redevelopment Project got underway with Phase One of a four phase design. Renamed Glenarden Hills, Phase One is the first phase of the master-planned redevelopment of the former Glenarden Apartments. Phase One will include 114 apartment units with 46 affordable age-restricted senior units, 68 affordable and market rate units and a 5,700 square foot Community Clubhouse.

The overall redevelopment of this 27-acre site will accomplish the complete transformation of a formerly vacant property into a vibrant new neighborhood of over 430 rental apartments and homes, both affordable and market-rate, along with an attractive blend of townhouse-style buildings and a larger 4-story building housing the senior apartments.

For information on the Glenarden Hills project, please visit the website: www.GlenardenHills.com

Housing Authority (HA)

Are You Eligible for the Housing Choice Voucher Homeownership Program?

The Housing Choice Voucher Homeownership Program (HCVHP) uses a voucher subsidy that once helped families pay rent to a landlord to now be used to help first-time homeowners to purchase their own home. Interested persons must be a current participant of the Housing Choice Voucher Program and in good standing.

Eligibility requirements include:

• Client must be a first time homebuyer not having owned a home during the last 3 years.
• Client must have a good rental payment history.
• Client must have had a consistent employment history during the last 2 years. *
• Client must have a minimum annual income of $30K. *
• Client must have a minimum credit score of 620.

*There is no employment/income requirement for the disabled/elderly population.

For more information, contact: Ms. Carolyn Floyd, Homeownership Specialist, CEFloyd@co.pg.md.us or call (301) 883-5485.

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