Click here for information on the Community Development PY 2008 Action Plan Amendment - CDBG Recovery (CDBG-R) Program Allocation (Requires free Adobe Acrobat Reader to view)

The Department of Community Development administers the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnership Programs. These federal grants funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) assist local governments in their efforts to provide community and economic development initiatives. Activities funded with CDBG funds must meet eligibility criteria and comply with at least one of the three (3) following National Objectives:

• Benefit low and moderate income persons
  
• Aid in the elimination of slum and blight; and
  
• Meet an urgent need
  

Through the HOME Investment Partnership program (HOME), HUD allocates funds by formula to eligible states and local governments. The purpose of the program is to strengthen public-private partnerships and to expand the supply of decent, safe, sanitary, and affordable housing for low- and very low-income families.

The Department of Community Development also oversees the operation and service delivery systems of three (3) community resource centers. The resource centers are the Arthur P. Clay center, 200 Decatur St., the Hispanic resource center, 4312 Florida Ave., and the Martin Luther King Resource Center, 1042 31st Street. Each center provides a varied group of services to youth, elderly, and non-English speaking citizens. Programs and services offered include free electronic income tax filing, Housing & utility Assistance, First-time homebuyers training classes, GED and English as a second language (ESL) classes in collaboration with the Jefferson Parish School System (JPSS), and an after-school tutoring and homework assistance program . Monthly, special guest speakers from law enforcement, health and social services and legal aid conduct informative workshops and helpful consumer information classes.

The City of Kenner is a recipient of CDBG entitlement funds. We also receive HOME funds through our participation in the Jefferson Parish HOME Consortium. The following is a description of housing, community improvement and social services offered by the Department of Community Development.

Proposed LRA Recovery Projects for the City of Kenner (CDBG Funds)

1. Improvements to Lift Station #4106 (10th and Maria) which include installation of a 135 KW generator, three (3) new flood suction pumps with a new control panel, piping and electrical service. The project will also involve rehabilitating the concrete wet well and installing a corrosion resistant liner to increase the useful life of the structure, and adding a valve on the existing effluent gravity line to prevent back flow into the wet well. The cost of the project is estimated at $587,350 of which $500,000 will be funded with CDBG grants and the remaining $87,350 will be paid for by the City of Kenner.

2. Improvements to Lift Station #4100 (24th and Delaware) which include installing new pumping equipment and associated controls, piping, electrical work and rehabilitating the concrete well. An emergency portable 350kW generator with automatic transfer switch and diesel fuel tank will provide emergency backup power during outages. The automatic transfer switch will automatically transfer to generator power during outage without any personnel required on-site. The project is estimated to cost $1,912,000, which will be paid for with CDBG grant funds.

3. Improvements to Lift Station #4211 (39th and California) which includes installing new submersible lift station and associated controls, piping, electrical work and constructing a new 18-inch discharge force main 2200 linear feet (lf) running from lift station 4211 to transfer station at Chateau Country Club by Duncan Canal. An emergency portable 250 kW generator will be provided. The estimated cost is $775,000, which will be paid with CDBG grant funds.

I. HOUSING IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMS

One of the primary objectives of the CDBG program is the preservation of existing housing stock. During the 2005-06 fiscal year the City of Kenner housing programs were severely impacted by the effects of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita which devastated the metropolitan New Orleans and Gulf Coast areas. Sub- recipients and contractors alike were affected by this storm, resulting in a record low number of owner-occupied homes assisted this year. This devastation to our community has also affected the supply of affordable housing in the area. The loss of the Redwood Apartments complex greatly reduced the number of affordable housing units available within the City of Kenner.

The HOME Program was created under Title II (the HOME Investment Partnerships Act) of the National Affordable Housing Act of 1990. The HOME Program permits the use of funds for housing rehabilitation and first-time home buyers' assistance. A local 25% match is required of the City toward all HOME funded projects.

First-time Homebuyers Assistance Click here

The City of Kenner provides CDBG and HOME program funding received from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) to assist first-time homebuyers with purchasing their home.

1. First-time Homebuyers Training
   
   This program has been offered by the City of Kenner to residents desiring to become homeowners since 1999. Through a 4-6 week training program provided by P.O.S.E. (People's Organization for Social Equality, Inc.), a HUD certified housing training provider, participants are taught the fundamentals of buying a home. A financial fitness course is also taught to determine participants' financial ability and suitability to become a homeowner. Credit reports are reviewed and consumer credit counseling, family budgeting instruction, etc. is provided. Interested citizens can contact P.O.S.E. at (504) 468-2063 or posehome@bellsouth.net. Classes are held monthly at the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Resource Center located at 1042 31st Street. Jefferson Community Action (JEFFCAP) provides classes at the Dorothy Watson Center located at 1300 Myrtle Street in Metairie. Please contact them at (504) 736-6480. Additionally, for non-English speaking residents, Sulli Educational Services offers a first-time homebuyer's training class in both English and Spanish. Please contact Conchitta Sulli for classes at (504) 464-6224 or sullieducationalservices@conchittasulli.net. Click here for class schedules (Summer 2009)
   
   
2. Homeowner's Assistance Program
   
   Upon graduation, eligible participants qualify to receive down payment and closing cost assistance of up to $10,000.00 towards the purchase of their first-single family home, and up to $40,000.00 in the form of a deferred mortgage to buy down the mortgage.

   Assistance toward closing costs and/or down payment requirements up to $10,000.00 is provided to eligible first-time homebuyers of single family properties.

   The property must be intended for use as the principal residence of the applicant and cannot house any commercial activity or rental units. Following an inspection, the property must be determined to meet local code and HUD Section 8 Housing Quality Standards.

II. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS

Capitol improvements are those projects funded to provide parks and recreation, public infrastructure, public facilities, public services, and economic development. These projects are located within defined "target areas" which are areas where 51% or more households are of low to moderate income as defined by HUD regulations. The attached map of the City of Kenner denotes current target areas.

Many capital improvement projects are addressed in phases and can span several fiscal years; i.e. drainage improvements. Recent projects include the following:

1. A. P. CLAY RESOURCE CENTER SPLASH PARK

   This project constructed the city's first Splash Park. The park consists of colorful interactive spray fountains, including two red cannons and a large tumble bucket fountain with five water buckets in multiple colors. Movement activated foam geysers, a yellow crossbar shower fountain, and numerous upstream jets, all on a spray pad with a blue ripple motif are guaranteed to please youngsters and provide cool and exciting water play time. The park plans also include a decorative chain link fence, a decorative wrought-iron entrance gateway, picnic tables, and shade cloth sun shelters. The project was completed December, 2007.

2. MODIFICATIONS TO THE MARTIN L. KING RESOURCE CENTER

   This project addressed additional improvements needed at the Resource center. The scope of work included the expansion of a rear parking lot, striping, and additional lighting. Continued improvements are under design for the center which will include a rear fence enclosure, improved lighting, a marquis outdoor sign, portable PA system, and an icemaker. The computer center is consistently being upgraded with new computer and monitors.

III. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITY

1. Louisiana Enterprise Zone Program

   The department works in cooperation with the Jefferson Economic Development Commission (JEDCO) in administering the Louisiana State Enterprise Zone program. Due to Hurricane Katrina and Rita, no companies received Council endorsement last year.

IV. SOCIAL PROGRAMS

1. Youth Drug Prevention

   The "Youth Drug and Teenage Pregnancy Prevention Program" was held during the 2005-06 program year at 2751 Gadsden Street. Our program sponsor was the City of Refuge, Inc. Approximately 82 underprivileged children in grades kindergarten through eighth grade attended a 6 week summer camp. The activities included lectures and visits from substance abuse counselors, police officers, social service agencies, business and community leaders. Sessions explored self-help concepts, conflict resolution skill, mentorship, drug prevention, teen parenting, some educational components and weekly field trips. Program participants were given the tools to develop a good self-image, determine the difference between right and wrong, and re-enforce academic skills that were learned in school. The camp day was inter-mingled with value components (learning skills and principles) along with math, reading and language arts, arts and crafts, music and outdoor fun activities.

   The summer camp 2007 is currently being sponsored by New Hope CDC. For information and camp schedule and registration contact New Hope CDC at 468-9354.

   Homeless Prevention

   Applications are currently being accepted for the 2010 Housing & Utility Assistance Program.

   The housing & utility assistance program is made possible by federal and state grants awarded to the City of Kenner from the Department of Housing & Urban Development and the State of Louisiana Office of Community Services. This program designed to prevent homelessness in our City and assist income eligible residents facing eviction. Financial assistance is available to help you pay your rent and utilities bills which you are financially unable to do.

   To be considered for assistance, you must not have received any prior financial assistance for housing from the City of Kenner Community Development department during the past 12 months, nor any other social service agency including Jeff Cap (Dorothy B. Watson Center), Associated Catholic Charities, etc.

   Counseling services are provided and referrals to other agencies are made for families when extended supportive services are required. Eligible applicants must be able to pay 25% of the amount past due on their rent. No assistance is available for mortgage payments. This program is designed to assist low-income families living in rental housing; therefore, those households who are currently recipients of any type of rent subsidy program (Section 8, DeHAP, etc.) are not eligible.

   For an application, click here or call or stop by the Martin Luther King resource center at 1042 31st (504) 466-0697 or the Hispanic Resource Center, 4312 Florida Ave. (504) 469-2570.

2. Youth After School Program

   The after school program, dubbed "Operation Too Smart" has been sponsored by the City of Kenner for the past 6 years. This program was designed as a safe-haven to improve the youths' learning ability and to keep them off the streets. "Operation Too Smart" assist youth ages 8-17 with educational services and leadership training. Our goal is to empower our youth to become effective and productive citizens at home, school, and in their communities. It is administered by the City of Kenner Community Development department in collaboration with "CADA" the Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse for Greater New Orleans.

   Operation Too Smart provides assistance with homework, computer training, and life skills training, i.e. violence prevention, drug prevention, and exposure to alternative activities. Our program design fosters personal development to promote a sense of self-confidence in one's abilities and self-regulation of one's behavior.

   Certified teachers and teacher's aids are employed to assist program participants in Reading, Math, English, Social studies and preparation for the LEAP exam.

   The Drug Prevention Education component is provided by cada staff. Weekly program participants are provided information to equip them with the necessary skills to reduce the risk for self-destructive behavior and teach them the dangers of drugs & alcohol use, as well as ways to resist peer pressure.

   Operation Too Smart will follow the calendar of the Jefferson Parish School System, i.e. when school is closed, the program will not be offered. Visit http://www.jppss.k12.la.us/ to view the school year calendar.

   Registration and Enrollment

   The program is offered Monday - Thursday, 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m., at the 5 locations listed above in the City of Kenner. Program registration begins August 6, 2007 and the program start-up date is Monday, September 10, 2007. For additional information, please click the following links:

   Operation Too Smart Program Description
   Operation Too Smart 2007-08 Enrollment Application

   To enroll in the program, the following is required:

   • A completed enrollment form
   • Be between the ages of 8 and 17 years old
   • Proof of Kenner residency (Utility bill, lease, etc.)
   • Copy of students' birth certificate
   • Copy of parent/guardian driver's license
   • Copy of last report card

   Individual files for each participant will be created and kept on hand at each program location in a secure and confidential location. Files should contain all required enrollment documents, a completed medical/emergency form, and a signed copy of the "Acknowledgement of House Rules". Parents are required to meet with a program administrator to discuss program guidelines and sign the acknowledgement form. Program staff is required to go over program House rules with all parents/guardians. Parents and students must sign an "Acknowledgement of House Rules" statement. Additionally, an Emergency/Medical Information sheet must be completed.