The 2017 Emerging Leaders in Architecture class will be focusing their work this year in the Melrose-Orange area of Roanoke, Virginia. While the scope of work is still to be determined, this area has been identified as a target area where entitlement funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) could be used. The City of Roanoke can use these annual funds to address any of three national objectives of HUD; benefiting persons of low to moderate income, eliminating slums and blighting influences, and urgent needs. Creation and preservation of affordable housing is also a goal of HUD that directs how these funds can be spent. Approximately $2.0 million in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Home Investment Partnerships (HOME) funds are received from HUD each year to meet these objectives.
Annually, the City of Roanoke targets at least 51% of these funds into neighborhoods or blocks that qualify as having a majority of its residents as low to moderate income under HUD definitions. Generally, the city spends between 4 – 6 years in each target area. Previous target areas assisted include West End, Hurt Park, Gainsboro, and Southeast.
A map of the Melrose-Orange target area showing neighborhood institutions is shown below. The intent of targeting an area for the multi-year commitment of HUD funds is to encourage private investment and improve the sustainability of neighborhoods.
Residents, business owners, and other stakeholders meet bi-monthly at Goodwill of the Valleys jobs campus on Melrose Avenue to provide input and to learn about activities in MOTA. The public is invited to attend these meetings.
The ELA class will attend a kick-off meeting on Friday, Mar. 17 where they will hear from City leaders, neighborhood representatives, and community members as well as touring the area.
Stay tuned for updates on the progress of this project.