City Government - Development

You have reached the Office of Development of the City of Canton, Ohio.  This cabinet-level office, led by Development Director Fonda Williams, is responsible for overseeing Economic, Community (Housing), Planning, and Youth Development of the city. 

The Office of Development is responsible for the following functions:
(If linked, click the name of each department to be taken to its page)

• Economic/Business Development
  
• Community/Housing Development
• Planning
• Youth Development
  

To contact the Office of Development and/or the Development Director, please use the information listed to your right.

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CANTON NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION STRATEGY AREA PROGRAM
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)

Notice is hereby given that the City of Canton is requesting applications/proposals in conjunction with the Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Area Program (NRSA).  The NRSA program is funded by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, as part of Canton’s Community Development Block Grant Program.  Applicants/proposers may be a private non-profit agency, a for-profit developer, or a commercial property owner / business.

Applications for the following activities will be considered: 

• Helping our Heroes Veteran Home Repair Project
• Safe Places Recreation Facility Improvements
• Canton Cares Complete Neighborhood Residential Repair Program
• Complete Neighborhood Business Façade Improvement Program
• Safe Spaces Neighborhood Clean-up Program
• Safe Summer Youth Employment Program
• Safe Sidewalk Program

Proposals must include:

1. A detailed program description, including how you intend to proceed with this type of activity;
2. Project timeline, including length of time for each element of the program;
3. Project line item budget,  including all costs to operate this program and how these costs will be used; include dollars that will be leveraged and the source of these dollars;
4. Number of properties to be undertaken for rehab projects;
5. Number of jobs for youth programs and the type of jobs to be provided;
6. Neighborhood boundaries for clean ups;
7. Business address, type of repairs, age of building, etc. for Façade Program;
8. Name, address, and phone number of the contact person;
9. Listing of key personnel to complete project, including resumes;
10. A listing of at least three (3) professional references;
11. A narrative describing how the applicant meets the Development Partner Minimum Qualifications, including the agency’s experience in undertaking similar projects.

Successful applicant(s) will be determined by the scope and capacity of the agency to conform to the requirements of the NRSA program and the City of Canton’s determination of the agency’s capability of providing the best service for qualified clientele, the agency’s past performance, and overall project cost.  Successful applicant(s) will enter into a contract agreement with the City of Canton.  All NRSA Program Funds will be committed by July 1, 2013, and all project activities must be completed by October 15, 2013.  

All respondents are expected to familiarize themselves with the CDBG regulations and NRSA program and to follow the requirements contained in it.  The City of Canton reserves the right to review employee qualifications of the agency(s) who will be undertaking the proposed project(s). The City of Canton reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to waive any informalities or irregularities in applications/proposals received.  The City will determine maximum grant and loan amounts and the number of grants that will be awarded.

Click here for the Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Area Request for Proposals.

Click here to view the Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Area Plan.

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CANTON NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION STRATEGY AREA PROGRAM
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ)

Notice is hereby given that the City of Canton is seeking qualified community based development organizations, non-profit community groups, contractors, and developers to provide services to the City as part of its Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Area Program (NRSA).

The City of Canton is seeking organizations to complete one or more of the following activities:  the rehabilitation of single family residential dwellings for eligible homeowners; summer youth employment programs, including the hiring, scheduling, equipping, transporting, managing and paying  the youth workers; neighborhood clean-up programs, including organizing the pick-up, and disposal of trash and debris, neighborhood safety improvements including sidewalks and street lighting; and operation/management of neighborhood recreational facilities.  All selected agencies will be paid on a reimbursement basis.  Developers, not-for-profit community groups, and Community Based Development Organizations are eligible to apply for contracting roles and financing.   Applicants must demonstrate that they have appropriate experience and sufficient financial capacity to execute such projects. 

Successful respondents to this RFQ will be eligible to apply for contracting roles and funding for specified activities approved under the City’s Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Area Program.

Notice of qualification under this RFQ does not guarantee funding.  Under a separate Request for Proposals (RFP), the City of Canton is accepting proposals for NRSA project activities.  Each specific contract activity or project will be accepted based on its merit and conformity with NRSA regulations.  The City also reserves the right to negotiate the scope of work and funding terms in order to best serve the interests of the City of Canton in carrying out NRSA program activities.

All RFQ applications should be submitted to the City of Canton no later than May 28, 2013. 

Click here for the Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Area Request for Qualifications

Click here to view the Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Area Plan.

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Grant Application Meeting Notification

The City of Canton is applying for a $200,000 grant from the Clean Ohio Assistance Fund for a Phase II Environmental Assessment of the Former Republic Technologies, Inc. Facilities property located at 1575 Trump Ave. NE, Canton, Oh 44705. The application is available for review at the Madge Youtz Branch Library, located at 2921 Mahoning Rd. NE Canton Oh 44705 until July 3, 2013. A public meeting to discuss and solicit comments to the grant application will be held on July 3, 2013 at 10:00 AM at the Madge Youtz Branch Library located at 2921 Mahoning Rd. NE Canton Oh 44705. Application information is also available online at www.cantonohio.gov. Any questions may be referred to Rafael Rodriguez at 330-438-4129.

Click Here to see the Project Summary.

Click Here to see the Identified Areas.

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Department of Development Proposed 2013 Annual Action Plan

Click here to view the proposed 2013 Annual Action Plan.

CITIZENS INPUT PUBLIC HEARING
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2012, 5:30 P.M.
CANTON CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
218 CLEVELAND AVE S.W.
CANTON, OHIO 44702

Annual Action Plan Summary

The Annual Action Plan is a consolidation of various HUD Programs, including the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program, the Emergency Solutions Grant (HESG) Program, and the HOME Program.  The City of Canton receives funding directly from HUD. 

As an entitlement community, the City of Canton is responsible for the preparation of a local strategic plan for community development, as well as an Annual Action Plan that describes the housing and community development activities to be carried out with the City's CDBG, ESG, and HOME funding resources.

The City of Canton's Community Development Annual Action Plan describes the City's priority community development needs eligible for assistance under the CDBG, ESG and HOME Programs, including an assessment of housing, homeless, public facilities, infrastructure improvements, public services, accessibility, historic preservation, economic development, and planning needs.  The Plan will state the City's 2013 community development objectives that have been developed to address the national goals of the CDBG, ESG and HOME Programs, which include:

1.    The provision of decent housing that is affordable to low and very low income households.

2.    The provision of a suitable living environment, improving the safety and livability of neighborhoods, increasing access to quality facilities and services, improving housing opportunities, and revitalizing deteriorated neighborhoods.

3.    The expansion of economic opportunities, creating jobs that promote long term economic and social viability and that are accessible to low and very low income persons.

Public Hearing

The City of Canton will hold a Public Hearing on its FY 2013 Community Development Annual Action Plan on Wednesday, October 24, 2012, at 5:30 P.M., Canton City Council Chambers, 218 Cleveland Ave S.W., Canton, Ohio 44702.  The purpose of this hearing will be to obtain citizen input and comments on the City’s FY 2013 Annual Action Plan and Budget. 

Citizen Comment Period

The City of Canton will receive comments on the Plan and FY 2013 CDBG, ESG and HOME Budget for a period of 30 days.  Comments received after November 15, 2012 cannot be considered.  Comments on the Plan and Budget should be directed to:

City of Canton Department of Development
5th Floor, City Hall
218 Cleveland Ave SW
Canton, Ohio 44702
Telephone:  330-489-3245
Fax:   330-580-2070

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Department of Development Amendment to 2012 Annual Action Plan

The Department of Development has submitted to HUD an amendment to the 2012 Annual Action Plan.  To view the amended plan, click here. 

Comments may be sent to:
Fonda Williams
Director of  Development
5^th Floor City Hall
218 Cleveland Ave SW
Canton Ohio 44702

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Department of Development Notice of

 Safe Neighborhood Partnership Grant Awards

The Department of Development and Canton Police Department have made awards for the Safe Neighborhood Partnership Grant Program. 

Click here to view all awards.

 

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Department of Development Change to CDBG-R Substantial Amendment

The Department of Development is proposing changes to the CDBG-R Substantial Amendment.

Click here to view the proposed amendment.

Comments may be sent to:
Fonda Williams
Director of  Development
5^th Floor City Hall
218 Cleveland Ave SW
Canton Ohio 44702

 

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Department of Development Notice of Funding Availability of Funding

Application for Safe Neighborhood Partnership Grant Program

The Department of Development has released the application for the Safe Neighborhood Partnership Grant Program, available by clicking here.

The objective of the Safe Neighborhood Partnership Grant Program is to encourage official neighborhood associations to identify projects that will enhance safety, improve security, and address crime prevention in neighborhoods throughout Canton.  The program is also intended to bring people together within their neighborhoods, provide creative solutions to enhance safety, and improve the quality of life for families.

Eligible projects will be those that are determined to improve the overall safety of Canton neighborhoods.  Only tangible enhancement projects will be considered for funding.  Examples of eligible projects may include but are not limited to:

• Neighborhood Police Patrols
• Cameras
• Public Safety Initiatives (i.e. Neighborhood Watch groups)
• After School Educational Programs (i.e. Gang Awareness)
• Elimination of Slum and Blight (i.e. graffiti removal, demolition, clean ups)
• Major Communication/Media Resources (i.e. neighborhood association website)
• Safety Training (i.e. self-defense classes, fire safety training, flashlights, fire alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, first aid kits, 911-only cell phones for seniors)
• Youth Safety (i.e. bike locks, helmets, cyclist vests)

Applications are due to the Department of Development by 1:00 on May 31, 2012.

Applications are available at the Department of Development and are available for download by clicking here.

 

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“Requests for Proposals” (RFP’s) for Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) funds released.

All interested parties must submit the enclosed RFP to the City no later than­ 12:00 noon May 9, 2012.  The total amount of grant funds available is $71,350 for HESG FY2011 Phase II / $226,606 for HESG FY2012.

Click here to download the application.

Click here to download ESG record keeping requirements.

Canton’s Priority for FY2011 Phase II

1.     Homeless Management Information System (HMIS)

2.     Homeless Prevention

3.     Administration

Total 2011 HESG funding $71,350

Canton’s Priority for FY2012

1.     HMIS

2.     Homeless Prevention

3.     Administration

4.     Essential Services

5.     Operating Costs

6.     Renovation

Total 2012 HESG funding $226,606

Mandatory Criteria for Funding

#         Must have an immediate need for funds, as 50% of 2011 funds must be expended within 6 months of the execution of the contract and remaining funds must be expended by March 31, 2013.  2012 funds must be expended by December 31, 2013.

#         All expenditures must meet these deadlines or will be withdrawn

#         Must have a current 501(c)(3) designation from the Internal Revenue Service

#         Must have a Letter of Good Standing from the State of Ohio for 2011

#         Must be an active participant in the Stark County Homeless Collaborative

#         Shelters must be located in the City of Canton and serve Canton residents

#         Must agree to be subject to all HUD required reporting and monitoring requirements

#         Attendance or participation in worship of any kind may not be used as part of the criteria for participation in the shelter or services provided

#     Must agree to provide demographic date prior to receipt of reimbursement

Applications that do not meet the above minimum criteria will not be considered for funding

Applications will be scored based on established criteria and awards will be made to those with the highest scores.

Sealed applications must be received no later than May 2, 2012 and awards will be made on or before May 15, 2012 with all contracts being delivered no later than June 15, 2012.

Click here to download application.

Click here to download record keeping requirements.

Please direct any questions to Renee Biggums at 330-438-4117.

 

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Department of Development Notice of Funding Availability of Funding

Guidelines for Safe Neighborhood Partnership Grant Program

The Department of Development has released guidelines for the Safe Neighborhood Partnership Grant Program, available by clicking here.

The objective of the Safe Neighborhood Partnership Grant Program is to encourage official neighborhood associations to identify projects that will enhance safety, improve security, and address crime prevention in neighborhoods throughout Canton.  The program is also intended to bring people together within their neighborhoods, provide creative solutions to enhance safety, and improve the quality of life for families.

Eligible projects will be those that are determined to improve the overall safety of Canton neighborhoods.  Only tangible enhancement projects will be considered for funding.  Examples of eligible projects may include but are not limited to:

• Neighborhood Police Patrols
• Cameras
• Public Safety Initiatives (i.e. Neighborhood Watch groups)
• After School Educational Programs (i.e. Gang Awareness)
• Elimination of Slum and Blight (i.e. graffiti removal, demolition, clean ups)
• Major Communication/Media Resources (i.e. neighborhood association website)
• Safety Training (i.e. self-defense classes, fire safety training, flashlights, fire alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, first aid kits, 911-only cell phones for seniors)
• Youth Safety (i.e. bike locks, helmets, cyclist vests)

Applications will be made available online or at the Department of Development on May 1, 2012.

Click here to download the full Notice of Availability of Funding.

 

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City of Canton FY 2011 and FY 2012 Annual Action Plan

Emergency Solutions Grant Substantial Amendment

The City of Canton Department of Development (DOD), has prepared a draft substantial amendment to the 2011 and 2012 City of Canton Consolidated Plan, One Year Action Plan for the City of Canton’s Emergency Solutions Grant program.

Announcements regarding the public hearing and public comment period were published in the Canton Repository on April 13, 2012.  The public comment period will be April 13, 2012 through April 30, 2012.
A copy of the Substantial Amendment is on file for public review in the Department of Development,  5th Floor, City Hall.  It may be reviewed Monday through Friday between the hours of 8 am to 4 pm.  Any comments received will be taken under advisement. 

Canton City Council will take final action on the proposal after April 27, 2012.

In accordance with the requirements of 24CFR Part 91, as amended by the Interim Rule, the City of Canton has consulted with the Stark County Homeless Council to discuss the 2011 Phase II allocation and 2012 allocation.

Canton’s Priority for 2011 Phase II
1.    Homeless Management Information System (HMIS)
2.    Homeless Prevention
3.    Administration
Total 2011 ESG funding $71,350

Canton’s Priority for FY2012
        1.    Homeless Prevention
        2.    Renovation
        3.    Essential Services
        4.    Operating Costs
        5.    HMIS
        6.    Administration
Total 2012 HESG funding $226,606

Homeless Prevention Services are available only to persons below 30% area median income  who are at imminent risk of becoming homeless

Click here to view the Emergency Solutions Grant substantial amendment.

Comments may be sent to:
Fonda Williams
Director of  Development
5^th Floor City Hall
218 Cleveland Ave SW
Canton Ohio 44702

 

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Department of Development HOME RFP Awards

The Department of Development has awarded HOME funds to two projects based on the recent Request for Proposals:

Habitat for Humanity: $204,000 for new construction of six single-family units. 

Freed Housing Corporation: $186,000 for Phase I of new construction of six single-family units to house veterans and their families.

 

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2011 CAPER

The Department of Development has submitted the 2011 CAPER annual report to the Department of Housing and Urban Development. 

Click here to view the 2011 CAPER.

Comments may be sent to:
Fonda Williams
Director of  Development
5^th Floor City Hall
218 Cleveland Ave SW
Canton Ohio 44702

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City of Canton Department of Development draft HOME Policy Manual

The City of Canton Department of Development has submitted a draft HOME Policy Manual to the Department of Housing and Urban Development.  To view the draft manual, click on the links below:

Click here to view the draft HOME Policy Manual Table of Contents

Click here to view the draft HOME Policy Manual

Click here to view the Residential Rehabilitation Standards

Comments may be sent to:
Fonda Williams
Director of Community Development and Planning
5^th Floor City Hall
218 Cleveland Ave SW
Canton Ohio 44702

 

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2012 Annual Action Plan

The Department of Development has submitted its 2012 Annual Action Plan to the Department of Housing and Urban Development.  Click here to view the plan.

Comments may be sent to:
Fonda Williams
Director of Community Development and Planning
5^th Floor City Hall
218 Cleveland Ave SW
Canton Ohio 44702

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PUBLIC NOTICE

In 2010, the City of Canton (City) requested and received a Release of Funds (ROF) from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).  The request and release were the result of a Tier One Environmental Impact Study (EIS) for the use of HUD funds for various projects including Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) activities, HOME projects, and the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP).  That EIS announced there were no significant impacts occurring as a result of the various projected activities and programs.

CONTINUATION OF PROGRAMS

Now the City desires to continue the use of HOME funds with the construction of new homes in the Georgeview Estates allotment.  The project consists of six (6) new homes which will be constructed with "green" standards and have a projected total cost of $810,000.

FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT

The City has determined this project will not have detrimental impact on the surrounding area nor the City as a whole.  This was determined after conducting a Tier Two review of the site and project.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

The Tier Two report is available for review in the Department of Planning, 5th Floor, Canton City Hall, 218 Cleveland Avenue SW between the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM Monday through Friday until November 30, 2011. Persons with comments may submit them to the same location and those comments will be made a part of the environmental review and if warranted, acted upon accordingly.

This is being done in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and other HUD guidelines.

The City certifies to HUD that William J. Healy II as Mayor consents to accept the jurisdiction of the Federal Courts if would be brought to enforce redponsibilities in relation to the environmental review process and said responsibilities have been satisfied.

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GLOBAL CALL CENTER APPLICATION

The Department of Economic Development is currently working with a global call center looking for potential employees in the city.  If you are interested, fill out the application found here and send to:

The Employment Source
Attn: JoAnn Breedlove
822 30th NW
Canton, OH    44709

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Public Review/Comment Solicitation
NSP 3 Substantial Amendment