Proposed (CDBG) Program - 2021-2022 Action Plan - Town of Normal
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Community Development Block Grant
(CDBG) Program
Proposed
2021-2022 Action Plan
(April 1, 2021 through March 31, 2022)
Year 2 of the 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan
(April 1, 2020 through March 31, 2025)
Program Year 2021-2022 Action Plan
Table of Contents
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1
AP-05 Executive Summary – 24 CFR 91.220(c), 91.220 (b)
THE PROCESS 5
PR-05 Lead and Responsible Agencies – 91.200 (b)
AP-10 Consultation – 91.100, 91.200 (b), 91.215(I)
AP-12 Participation – 91.105, 91.200(c)
EXPECTED RESOURCES 14
AP-15 Expected Resources – 91.220(c) (1, 2)
ANNUAL GOALS AND OBJECTIVES 19
AP-20 Annual Goals and Objectives – 91.420, 91.220(c)(3) & (e)
PROJECTS 26
AP-35 Projects – 91.220(d)
AP-38 Projects Summary
AP-50 Geographic Distribution
AFFORDABLE HOUSING 39
AP-50 Affordable Housing – 91.220(g)
AP-60 Public Housing – 91.220(h)
AP-65 Homeless and Other Special Needs Activities – 91.220(i)
AP-75 Barriers to Affordable Housing – 91.220(j)
AP-85 Other Actions – 91.220(k)
SPECIAL PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS 52
AP-90 Program Specific Requirements – 91.220(I) (1,2,4)
Appendix
Citizen Participation Plan
Executive Summary
AP-05 Executive Summary - 24 CFR 91.200(c), 91.220(b)
1. Introduction
The Town of Normal is an Entitlement Community that receives funds from the United States
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to invest in local solutions to address housing
and community development needs. The Town receives funds from HUD exclusively through the
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program. The primary objective of the CDBG program is to
develop viable communities through the provision of decent housing, a suitable living environment, and
expanded economic opportunities.
The Town of Normal is pleased to present an Executive Summary of its annual action plan for Program
Year 2021-2022, running from April 1, 2021 through March 31, 2022. This Action Plan serves several
functions:
1. Utilizing data and community input, the plan prioritizes housing and community needs,
delineates a one-year strategy for addressing those needs, and establishes performance
measures by which the progress can be assessed in relation to the Town’s current five-year
Consolidated Plan (2020-2024).
2. The plan describes recommendations for specific projects and services to address housing,
community development, and the support of vital public services that were identified through a
public participation process (e.g. a public hearing, comment period, and Town Council review), a
community needs assessment conducted as part of the 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan, and
consultation with municipal staff, community groups, and our regional Metropolitan Planning
Organization.
3. The plan outlines activities that will be funded through the utilization of Community
Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and
Urban Development.
The Town’s 2021-2022 Action Plan has been prepared in accordance with guidance provided by the U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Annual Action Plan 1
2021
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
2. Summarize the objectives and outcomes identified in the Plan
This could be a restatement of items or a table listed elsewhere in the plan or a reference to another
location. It may also contain any essential items from the housing and homeless needs assessment, the
housing market analysis or the strategic plan.
The 2021-2022 Action Plan includes the goals and objectives detailed in sections AP-20, AP-35, and AP-
38. In summary, all objectives address community needs related to fostering affordable
homeownership, strengthening neighborhoods, and aiding the work of public service agencies operating
in Normal. Additionally, the Town again proposes distributing funds to the McLean County Regional
Planning Commission for its continued work on regional housing initiatives and its leadership of the
McLean County Regional Housing Advisory Committee.
Specific to the pandemic, the 2021-2022 Action Plan outlines the Town's plans to continue the operation
of the COVID-19-Related Housing Assistance Program, in partnership with Mid Central Community
Action, through the use of the remaining balance of the Town's two 2020-2021 CDBG-CV (Coronavirus)
allocations. As the pandemic will assuredly come to an end in the near future, the Town will continue to
monitor the community's needs and respond in ways that help address both health and housing-related
recovery efforts.
3. Evaluation of past performance
The first year of the Town's 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan, Program Year 2020-2021 (April 1, 2020
through March 31, 2021), was a challenging one due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but productive all the
same. Even in a year of social distancing and other critical health and safety protocols, the majority of
the programs and activities planned for the year were able to be carried out.
Of particular note, The Town was able to provide 5 low- to moderate-income individuals or families with
$15,000 in down payment assistance grants for the purchase of homes in Normal. Additionally, in its
first year with housing rehabilitation as a priority need in the Consolidated Plan, the Town was able to
assist three households in the rehabilitation and/or accessibility improvement of their homes through
partnerships with Habitat for Humanity of McLean County's A Brush with Kindness Program and exterior
accessibility ramp construction projects carried out by the local chapter of AMBUCS. The Town had
anticipated launching its internally administered, CDBG-funded Household Emergency Assistance
Program in Program Year 2020-2021, but the need for staff to focus time and energy on the creation of
its CDBG-CV-funded COVID-19-Related Housing Assistance Program meant that the program's launch
had to be put on hold for the year. Thankfully, the Town's partnerships with Cornbelt AMBUCS and
Habitat for Humanity of McLean County allowed those in need of housing rehabilitation and/or
accessibility improvements to still obtain assistance.
Annual Action Plan 2
2021
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
The Town also carried out a number of public facilities and infrastructure improvement activities in
Program Year 2020-2021 that served to meet the goals and priorities of previous (2015-2019) and
current (2020-2024) consolidated plans. Using the last of Program Year 2019-2020's funds for street
resurfacing and public sewer linings, four streets and one section of sanitary sewer were improved,
benefitting the 4,225 residents of the two low- to moderate-income block groups that surrounded them.
Additionally, with a combination of roughly $160,700 in funds from program years 2018-2019, 2019-
2020, and 2020-2021, the Town was able to work toward the chief infrastructure-related goal of the
2020-2024 Consolidated Plan of improving public sidewalks and ADA ramps in low- to moderate-income
neighborhoods. The exact number of persons benefitted, and sections completed will be reported later
in 2021 as part of the Town's Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER) for Program
Year 2020-2021.
The Town was also able to continue its support of valued public services, each one serving particularly
important populations and needs in light of the pandemic. Operating under the federal 15% of available
funding cap on Public Services, the Town supported youth education and family activities at the Unity
Community Center in Program Year 2020-2021, benefitting 48 youth participants in its afterschool
programming, which continued virtually and in-person over the course of the year. Also under the Public
Services cap, the Town continued its support of PATH (Providing Access to Help) and it's Homeless
Outreach Services Program, which assisted persons currently homeless, or at risk of being so, to get
short-term lodging, food, and travel assistance during one of the most difficult periods ever for housing
insecurity. Finally, as part of the Town's general program administration budget, the Town provided
funding to Prairie State Legal Services for the creation and operation of a fair housing legal assistance
program. 2020-2021 was the first program year the Town had funded this kind of partnership with
Prairie State Legal Services, and it came at a time when educating residents of their legal rights and
providing guidance on state and national eviction moratoria had never been so essential to the work of
Town staff and the well-being of the public.
In direct response to the pandemic, the Town undertook two main efforts to combat COVID-19’s effects
on housing and youth activities. First, the Town reallocated $15,000 from the program administration
budget to fund the COVID-19-Related In-Home Education Assistance Program. This activity provided
funding for the creation of reading bags and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and
Mathematics) packets in the summer months. These packets were distributed in cooperation with
McLean County Unit District No. 5 at its annual backpack giveaway event for low- and moderate-income
youth and families in August 2020.
Finally, utilizing CDBG-CV (Coronavirus) funds provided by HUD through the Coronavirus Aid, Recovery,
and Economic Security (CARES) Act, the Town partnered with Mid Central Community Action in the
creation of the Town’s COVID-19-Related Housing Assistance Program. This program was launched in
September 2020 after months of consulting with local service providers, various units of local
government, and non-profits on the greatest pandemic-related needs facing Bloomington-Normal
residents. This program assists households (renters and homeowners) in paying rent/mortgage and/or
Annual Action Plan 3
2021
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
utility arrears that resulted from job or income loss due to the pandemic. Through the close of the 2020-
2021 Program Year on March 31, 2021, this program was able to provide just shy of $120,000 to 76
Normal households in need of help. The remaining balance of CDBG-CV funds budgeted for this program
and its administration ($453,861) are being carried forward into Program Year 2021-2022 to serve this
continuing and, unfortunately, growing need.
4. Summary of Citizen Participation Process and consultation process
See the table in Section AP-12 Participation and refer to the attached Citizen Participation Plan.
5. Summary of public comments
This section will be updated after the 2021-2022 Action Plan’s April 15, 2021 virtual public hearing and
30-day public comment period (April 1, 2021 through April 30, 2021) have taken place.
6. Summary of comments or views not accepted and the reasons for not accepting them
This section will be updated after the 2021-2022 Action Plan’s April 15, 2021 virtual public hearing and
30-day public comment period (April 1, 2021 through April 30, 2021) have taken place.
7. Summary
The 2021-2022 Action Plan seeks to further the goals set forth in Town's 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan
and to address the impacts of the present pandemic on local housing security. The Town continues to
focus on improving infrastructure and public facilities in low- to moderate-income neighborhoods,
fostering homeownership through the administration of the down payment assistance program, and
continuing valuable partnerships with local public service providers offering youth learning and family
activities, homeless outreach services, and fair housing legal assistance.
The Town of Normal remains determined to deliver high-quality and efficient services for the duration of
the 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan and beyond.
Annual Action Plan 4
2021
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)PR-05 Lead & Responsible Agencies – 91.200(b)
1. Agency/entity responsible for preparing/administering the Consolidated Plan
Describe the agency/entity responsible for preparing the Consolidated Plan and those responsible for administration of each grant
program and funding source.
Agency Role Name Department/Agency
CDBG Administrator NORMAL Planning Department
Table 1 – Responsible Agencies
Narrative (optional)
The Town of Normal’s Planning Department is charged with the administration of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. Planning
Department staff prepare all plans and reports, provide financial oversight alongside Finance Department staff, and monitor program
compliance and subrecipient activities. In an effort to look at housing and community development issues on a more regional level, the Town
partnered with the City of Bloomington and the McLean County Regional Planning Commission (MCRPC) in the development of its current 5-year
strategic plan for CDBG activities, the 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan. All three agencies are members of the Regional Housing Staff Advisory
Committee, which also includes representatives from the Behavioral Health Coordinating Council (BHCC), Providing Access to Help (PATH), and
the Bloomington Housing Authority (BHA). The McLean County Regional Planning Commission served as the lead agency for the consolidated
plan process, providing a wealth of knowledge during its community engagement and data analysis processes.
The 2021-2022 Action Plan was developed by Town of Normal staff with the goals and objectives of the 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan front of
mind.
Annual Action Plan 5
2021
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)Consolidated Plan Public Contact Information
Questions concerning the 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan may be directed to:
Taylor Long, Associate Planner
Town of Normal
11 Uptown Circle
Normal, IL 61761
Office: (309) 454-9642
Email: tlong@normal.org
Annual Action Plan 6
2021
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)AP-10 Consultation – 91.100, 91.200(b), 91.215(l)
1. Introduction
Provide a concise summary of the jurisdiction’s activities to enhance coordination between public and assisted housing providers
and private and governmental health, mental health and service agencies (91.215(l))
Town Staff members serves on the Regional Housing Staff Advisory Committee and Affordable/Supportive Housing Committee which
bring together housing and service providers throughout the region to discuss housing concerns and solutions for special
populations.
Describe coordination with the Continuum of Care and efforts to address the needs of homeless persons (particularly chronically
homeless individuals and families, families with children, veterans, and unaccompanied youth) and persons at risk of
homelessness.
The Town of Normal partners with the PATH Crisis Center, which serves as the lead agency for the Central Illinois Continuum of Care
(CICoC). PATH holds monthly McLean County CoC meetings that encourage other important stakeholders in the community to
discuss ways to assist those at risk of or experiencing homelessness. A variety of sub-committees on veteran homelessness, youth
homelessness, HMIS data quality and System Performance Measures, operate to improve the CoC system.
PATH also assists the Town with efforts on the Consolidated Plan. As the HMIS Lead, PATH provides data regarding the nature and
scope of homelessness in the region.
With CDBG funds from both the Town and City of Bloomington, PATH is also able to assist with outreach efforts as well as provide
direct financial assistance to people experiencing homelessness. PATH works with people to stabilize their living situation with a
deposit or first month’s rent. CDBG funds from the City of Bloomington allows Recycling Furniture for Families to have another part-
time truck driver to pack up furniture and deliver to formerly homeless families who have become housed.
Annual Action Plan 7
2021
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)Through its Homeless Outreach Services Program with Normal, PATH reaches out to individuals and families experiencing
homelessness. Through referrals from police departments, hospitals, social service agencies, churches, and truck stops, the outreach
worker makes the initial contact and begins the process of assessing the needs of the client(s).
The first place most people go after leaving street living are the local emergency shelters, which offer food, showers, clothing, and
case management, among other services. The Salvation Army-Safe Harbor provides shelter for adult women and men. Home Sweet
Home Ministries is the only family shelter in the county and will take individual men, women, and families with dependent children.
The Crisis Nursery, a part of Children’s Home & Aid, provides emergency shelter to children from birth through six years of age.
Project Oz specializes in assisting youth who are experiencing homelessness and is able to provide immediate shelter to youth ages
10-22.
For families with children, outreach and case managers will refer them to the McKinney Vento Homeless Liaisons in the local school
district. This ensures children get to school, have adequate supplies, and have additional support while experiencing homelessness.
Veterans who are experiencing homelessness are referred to an array of agencies that collaborate: Salvation Army SSVF, the Veteran
Assistance Commission, Veterans Health Administration, PATH’s We Are Building Lives, and the Illinois Department of Employment
Security’s Disabled Veterans Outreach. From their efforts, as of March 2019, the CoC has effectively ended Veteran homelessness in
McLean County.
Through Coordinated Entry, PATH coordinates referrals to agencies that provide housing from the CoC’s prioritization list. Those
assessed as most vulnerable are selected first for housing referrals that open up in the CoC.
The Coordinated Entry process also uses PATH’s 211 Call Center, a 24/7 information and referral system that assesses the needs of
callers and refers them to available community resources. The CoC is able to provide information to those who are at risk of
homelessness across 44 counties, 9 of which are in the CICoC. Callers in McLean County who are at risk of homelessness are also
referred to the Homeless Services Outreach Program at PATH for additional assistance. Outside of McLean County, they are referred
to their local homeless services program.
Annual Action Plan 8
2021
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)Describe consultation with the Continuum(s) of Care that serves the jurisdiction's area in determining how to allocate ESG funds,
develop performance standards for and evaluate outcomes of projects and activities assisted by ESG funds, and develop funding,
policies and procedures for the operation and administration of HMIS
The Emergency Services Grant (ESG) office charges the CoC with setting priorities for funding and provides planning guidance for the
regional applications. The CoC consults with ESG recipients to ensure that all applications are in alignment with funding
requirements. ESG recipients submit the application to the CoC for approval. The CoC evaluates the merit of each proposal based on
a preference for rapid re-housing, past performance and relevance to the overall goals of the CoC strategic plan. Underperforming
organizations will not receive a recommendation from the CoC for funding.
Once funding is successfully achieved, the recipients' performances are supervised through the project monitoring process, during
which each recipient's progress towards goals are evaluated. Each project's financial documentation is examined to ensure all
expenses are eligible and in line with the approved budget. Programmatic documentation is also examined to ensure compliance
with those guidelines. If a compliance issue is discovered during monitoring, the CoC Board will discuss the issue with the recipient.
A plan for corrective action is put in place and reviewed frequently to ensure progress towards compliance.
The Town of Normal does not receive ESG funds directly.
2. Describe Agencies, groups, organizations and others who participated in the process and describe the jurisdiction’s
consultations with housing, social service agencies and other entities
This section and the table below will be updated after the 2021-2022 Action Plan’s April 15, 2021 virtual public hearing and 30-day
public comment period (April 1, 2021 through April 30, 2021) have taken place.
Annual Action Plan 9
2021
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)Table 2 – Agencies, groups, organizations who participated
1 Agency/Group/Organization PATH, Inc.
Agency/Group/Organization Type Services-Elderly Persons
Services-Persons with Disabilities
Services-Homeless
Services-Health
Services-Education
Continuum of Care
Briefly describe how the Agency/Group/Organization PATH, Inc. was consulted for data on homeless needs and services in the Town
was consulted. What are the anticipated outcomes of of Normal and nearby City of Bloomington. PATH provides a network of
the consultation or areas for improved coordination? resources for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, the homeless, and those
at-risk or suicidal. PATH was consulted to understand the existing network they
provide and to understand their abilities in performing outreach to potential
homeless individuals who find themselves without lodging or transportation in
the Town of Normal.
2 Agency/Group/Organization UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS EXTENSION
Agency/Group/Organization Type Services-Children
Services-Education
Briefly describe how the Agency/Group/Organization The University of Illinois-Extension was consulted for their expertise related to
was consulted. What are the anticipated outcomes of the Unity Community Center. The Center provides educational service to at-risk
the consultation or areas for improved coordination? and low- to moderate-income youth in the community. Consultation was
needed to understand the demand for youth educational services, cost of
providing services, and need for other economic development activities in the
nearby area and within the center. Through the consultation the Town of
Normal anticipates helping to better service the needs of at-risk or low- to
moderate-income youth and their families.
Agency/Group/Organization McLean County Regional Planning Commission
Annual Action Plan 10
2021
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)3 Agency/Group/Organization Type Other government - County
Planning organization
Briefly describe how the Agency/Group/Organization The McLean County Regional Planning Commission (MCRPC) is heavily involved
was consulted. What are the anticipated outcomes of with the Town’s CDBG Program through their administration of the Regional
the consultation or areas for improved coordination? Housing Committee and having served as the lead organization in the drafting of
the Town’s 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan
Identify any Agency Types not consulted and provide rationale for not consulting
N/A
Annual Action Plan 11
2021
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)Other local/regional/state/federal planning efforts considered when preparing the Plan
Name of Plan Lead Organization How do the goals of your Strategic Plan overlap with the goals of each
plan?
Continuum of Care PATH The Continuum of Care works to support homeless individuals work toward
self-sufficiency. These goals closely align with those of the Town’s 2020-
2024 Consolidated Plan.
BN Home Regional Housing McLean County Regional BN Home touches on all aspects of housing in McLean County with special
Study Planning Commission emphasis on affordable and special needs housing, as well as non-housing
community development.
Town of Normal 2040 Town of Normal The Comprehensive Plan focuses on housing, economic development, land
Comprehensive Plan use, transportation, health, community facilities, services, and other related
topics.
McLean County McLean County Health The Community Health Needs Assessment discusses sets the public health
Community Health Needs Department priorities for the County, with special focus on special needs populations.
Assessment
Regional Transportation McLean County Regional Planned infrastructure projects identified in the TIP are informative to
Improvement Plan (TIP) Planning Commission planning for determining funding priorities through CDBG.
BN Advantage Economic Various The goal of the Strategy is to advance the Bloomington-Normal Metro
Development Strategy Region's community and economic growth and vitality by sustaining the
region's superior quality of life and diversifying its economy. Strategies
presented align closely with non-housing community development.
Table 3 – Other local / regional / federal planning efforts
Narrative (optional)
None.
Annual Action Plan 12
2021
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)AP-12 Participation – 91.105, 91.200(c)
1. Summary of citizen participation process/Efforts made to broaden citizen participation
Summarize citizen participation process and how it impacted goal-setting
The Town of Normal undertakes a comprehensive process for civic engagement and public participation in accordance with its Citizen
Participation Plan.
The draft 2021-2022 Action Plan was made available for public review and comment in hard copy at the Town Clerk's Office, Normal Public
Library, and on the Town of Normal’s website.
This section and the table below will be updated after the completion of the 30-day comment period, beginning on Thursday, April 1, 2021 and
ending on Friday, April 30, 2021, and after the virtual public hearing scheduled for Thursday, April 15, 2021 from 6 to 7 p.m., which will take
place over Zoom and on the Town's YouTube page due to the pandemic.
Citizen Participation Outreach
Sort Order Mode of Outreach Target of Outreach Summary of Summary of Summary of comments URL (If
response/attendance comments received not accepted applicable)
and reasons
Table 4 – Citizen Participation Outreach
Annual Action Plan 13
2021
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)Expected Resources
AP-15 Expected Resources – 91.220(c)(1,2)
Introduction
The Town anticipates CDBG entitlement grants will remain relatively consistent over the course of the five-year strategic plan. However, the
Town is aware that entitlement grants are subject to funding decisions of the federal government and, thus, may fluctuate. The Town will
appropriately expand or contract services offered using CDBG funds in accordance with the increase or decrease of entitlement funds awarded.
The Town anticipates annual allocations in the amount of approximately $396,000 — which is $1,980,000 over the duration of the 2020-2024
Consolidated Plan. The Town also anticipates approximately $10,000 in program income over the course of the five years, $2,000 each year.
For Program Year 2021-2022, the Town’s CDBG allocation is $441,690. Additionally, the Town is carrying over $297,890 in prior program year
funds.
CDBG-CV funding was not an anticipated resource during the original consolidated planning process. However, following the passage of the
CARES Act in March 2020, the Town received two special CDBG-CV (Coronavirus) allocations totaling $581,426 to prevent, prepare for, and
respond to the coronavirus crisis in the community. Due to the temporary nature of COVID-19, the Town does not anticipate receiving additional
CDBG-CV funding annually over the course of the five-year strategic plan. The amount of CDBG-CV funding amount remaining at the start of
Annual Action Plan 14
2021
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)Program Year 2021-2022 is $453,861.
Anticipated Resources
Program Source Uses of Funds Expected Amount Available Year 1 Expected Narrative Description
of Annual Program Prior Year Total: Amount
Funds Allocation: Income: Resources: $ Available
$ $ $ Remainder
of ConPlan
$
CDBG public - Acquisition The Town anticipates that funding will
federal Admin and remain relatively consistent with prior year
Planning entitlement grants at a level of
Economic approximately $396,000 per year. The
Development Town also notes that funds will be used for
Housing program administration to carry out the
Public goals and projects included in the
Improvements Consolidated Plan and all subsequent
Public Services 441,690 2,000 297,890 741,580 1,188,000 Action Plans.
Annual Action Plan 15
2021
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)Program Source Uses of Funds Expected Amount Available Year 1 Expected Narrative Description
of Annual Program Prior Year Total: Amount
Funds Allocation: Income: Resources: $ Available
$ $ $ Remainder
of ConPlan
$
Other public - Admin and CDBG-CV funding was not an anticipated
federal Planning resource during the original consolidated
Economic planning process. However, following the
Development passage of the CARES Act in March 2020,
Housing the Town received two CDBG-CV
Public Services allocations totaling $581,426 to prevent,
prepare for, and respond to the
coronavirus crisis in the community. Due to
the temporary nature of the current
pandemic, the Town does not anticipate
receiving additional CDBG-CV funding
annually over the course of the five-year
453,861 0 0 453,861 0 strategic plan.
Table 5 - Expected Resources – Priority Table
Explain how federal funds will leverage those additional resources (private, state and local funds), including a description of how
matching requirements will be satisfied
Federal funds will be used to leverage private funds, particularly with respect to down payment assistance and homeowner
housing rehabilitation. The maximum grant amounts available to distribute to eligible low- to moderate-income participants in these programs
may be subject to change over the course of the Consolidated Plan according to market conditions and the availability of entitlement funds.
Through investment in the Unity Community Center, the Town will help leverage additional funds for the operation of this vital
neighborhood resource. Unity receives additional funds for operation, maintenance, and improvement from other public and private aid
organizations, which may include State Farm Insurance and University of Illinois Extension, among others. What’s more, McLean County Unit
Annual Action Plan 16
2021
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)School District #5 provides free school bus transportation for its students who take part in summer and after-school programs provided by the
Unity Community Center. Private, federal, state, and local funds are also utilized by PATH in the operation of its crisis center and the
administration of homeless outreach services and the Central Illinois Continuum of Care. Also, the Town’s current and proposed partnerships
with Habitat for Humanity of McLean County, AMBUCS, Prairie State Legal Services, and the Community Health Care Clinic exemplify
opportunities to maximize community resources and further the mission of each organization.
Additionally, on a regional level, the Town’s involvement and investment of federal funds toward the McLean County Regional
Planning Commission’s Regional Housing Advisory Committee helps fulfill the promises of the Fair Housing Act in Bloomington-Normal and
serves as the type of interjurisdictional partnership that the federal government emphasizes and encourages. Finally, most every public facility
or infrastructure project completed in the Town utilizes a variety of local and state funding sources. CDBG funds expended on capital projects in
the Town are routinely combined with State of Illinois Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) funds and local General Fund dollars.
At this time, all CDBG-CV funds are anticipated to be distributed to income-qualified persons and households impacted by COVID-19
through area service providers. Unlike the CDBG funds that the Town receives on an annual basis as an entitlement community, CDBG-CV funds
are not subject to HUD’s requirement that no more than 15% of an annual allocation be distributed to public service providers – the “Public
Services Cap.” With that limitation removed, the Town anticipates providing the majority, if not all these funds to those in need through
established, local service providers. These service providers manage a wide variety of funding sources and will be well-equipped to leverage such
funds effectively and appropriately.
Annual Action Plan 17
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OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)If appropriate, describe publicly owned land or property located within the jurisdiction that
may be used to address the needs identified in the plan
The Town’s Building Commissioner keeps an inventory of the homes and properties within the
Town that are either dilapidated or abandoned. The Town identifies the options available to rehabilitate
each property, typically through acquisition, demolition, and resale or donation. The Town intends
to continue purchasing blighted properties with CDBG funds as available and then donating the land
to Habitat for Humanity of McLean County for redevelopment as affordable housing. The acquisition of
the land and its donation to Habitat for Humanity help to address the affordable housing and demolition
of blighted structures priorities of this plan.
Discussion
None.
Annual Action Plan 18
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OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)Annual Goals and Objectives
AP-20 Annual Goals and Objectives
Goals Summary Information
Sort Goal Name Start End Category Geographic Needs Addressed Funding Goal Outcome Indicator
Order Year Year Area
1 Youth Education 2020 2024 Non-Housing Youth Services CDBG: Public service activities other
Activities Community $35,700 than Low/Moderate Income
Development Housing Benefit: 45 Persons
Assisted
2 Homeless Outreach 2020 2024 Homeless Homelessness CDBG: Public service activities other
and Prevention Outreach and $37,333 than Low/Moderate Income
Prevention Housing Benefit: 20 Persons
COVID-19 Assisted
Prevention,
Preparation, and
Response
3 Down Payment 2020 2024 Non-Housing Affordable CDBG: Direct Financial Assistance to
Assistance Community Homeownership $40,500 Homebuyers: 13 Households
Development Assisted
Annual Action Plan 19
2021
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)Sort Goal Name Start End Category Geographic Needs Addressed Funding Goal Outcome Indicator
Order Year Year Area
4 Anti-Housing 2020 2024 Non-Housing Housing CDBG: Other: 10 Other
Discrimination Community Discrimination $15,000
Development Services
Fair Housing COVID-19
Prevention,
Preparation, and
Response
5 Sidewalk & ADA 2020 2024 Non-Housing Public Facilities and CDBG: Public Facility or
Ramp Community Improvements $310,783 Infrastructure Activities
Improvements Development other than Low/Moderate
Income Housing Benefit:
5000 Persons Assisted
6 Acquisition and 2020 2024 Non-Housing Public Facilities and CDBG: Public Facility or
Clearance Activities Community Improvements $30,000 Infrastructure Activities
for Sidewalks Development other than Low/Moderate
Income Housing Benefit:
1000 Persons Assisted
7 Acquisition and 2020 2024 Affordable Housing Affordable Housing CDBG: Homeowner Housing Added:
Clearance Activities Development $25,000 1 Household Housing Unit
for Housing
8 Homeowner 2020 2024 Affordable Housing Homeowner Housing CDBG: Homeowner Housing
Housing Non-Housing Rehabilitation $80,000 Rehabilitated: 12 Household
Rehabilitation Community Housing Unit
Development
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OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)Sort Goal Name Start End Category Geographic Needs Addressed Funding Goal Outcome Indicator
Order Year Year Area
9 Public Facilities 2020 2024 Non-Housing Public Facilities and CDBG: Public Facility or
Improvements Community Improvements $110,000 Infrastructure Activities
Development other than Low/Moderate
Income Housing Benefit:
2715 Persons Assisted
10 COVID-19 2020 2024 Affordable Housing Homelessness CDBG-CV Public service activities for
Prevention, Non-Housing Outreach and Funding: Low/Moderate Income
Preparation, and Community Prevention $453,861 Housing Benefit: 200
Response Development COVID-19 Households Assisted
Prevention,
Preparation, and
Response
Annual Action Plan 21
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OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)Sort Goal Name Start End Category Geographic Needs Addressed Funding Goal Outcome Indicator
Order Year Year Area
11 Program 2020 2024 Program Homelessness CDBG:
Administration Administration, Outreach and $57,264
Planning, and Fair Prevention
Housing Activities Youth Services
Affordable
Homeownership
Public Facilities and
Improvements
Affordable Housing
Development
Housing
Discrimination
Services
Job Training and
Workforce
Development
Homeowner Housing
Rehabilitation
COVID-19
Prevention,
Preparation, and
Response
Table 6 – Goals Summary
Goal Descriptions
Annual Action Plan 22
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OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)1 Goal Name Youth Education Activities
Goal The Town will provide funding in support of the operation of the Unity Community Center and its afterschool youth and
Description family education activities. At least 45 extremely low- to moderate-income Normal youth will be assisted in Program Year
2021-2022.
2 Goal Name Homeless Outreach and Prevention
Goal The Town of Normal will provide funding in support of PATH's Homeless Outreach Services Program. The program will
Description aim to assist at least 20 at-risk or homeless individuals or families in Program Year 2021-2022.
3 Goal Name Down Payment Assistance
Goal The Town of Normal will provide continued funding to its Down Payment Assistance Program. Utilizing 2021-2022 funds
Description and those being carried over from 2019-2020, staff hopes to award at least thirteen grants to eligible low- to moderate-
income homebuyers in Program Year 2021-2022. As described elsewhere in the action plan, the maximum grant amount
to any approved homebuyer for this program is $3,000.
4 Goal Name Anti-Housing Discrimination
Goal The Town of Normal will provide a portion of its Program Administration funds to Prairie State Legal Services for the
Description continued operation of a fair housing program for Normal residents. The program aims to provide legal assistance to at
least 10 residents/households in Program Year 2021-2022.
5 Goal Name Sidewalk & ADA Ramp Improvements
Goal The Town of Normal will provide funding for the construction, replacement, and improvement of sidewalks and ADA
Description ramps in eligible low- to moderate-income neighborhoods of Normal. The exact locations of the sidewalk and ramps to
be addressed are not yet known, but Town staff expects to benefit at least 5,000 residents in Program Year 2021-2022.
Funding for this activity will include 2021-2022 funds and carried over funds from program years 2019-2020 and 2020-
2021.
Annual Action Plan 23
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OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)6 Goal Name Acquisition and Clearance Activities for Sidewalks
Goal The Town of Normal will carry over funding from Program Year 2020-2021 for the acquisition/clearance of property for
Description subsequent development as public rights-of-way for sidewalks and ADA ramps in low- to moderate-income
neighborhoods of Normal. The Town anticipates this activity benefiting at least 1,000 residents in Program Year 2021-
2022.
7 Goal Name Acquisition and Clearance Activities for Housing
Goal Utilizing carried over funding from Program Year 2017-2018, the Town anticipates acquiring at least one property for
Description subsequent development of affordable housing by Habitat for Humanity of McLean County. Funds may also go towards
necessary demolition or clearance activities on the site.
8 Goal Name Homeowner Housing Rehabilitation
Goal The Town will provide funding for the material costs associated with partnerships with Habitat for Humanity of McLean
Description County for its A Brush With Kindness Program, the construction of accessibility ramps for low- to moderate-income
homeowners by the local branch of AMBUCS, the administration of the Town of Normal's presently on-hold Homeowner
Emergency Repair and Accessibility Program. In Program Year 2021-2022, the Town will utilize 2021-2022 funds and
carried over funds from Program Year 2020-2021 and hopes to benefit 5 households through Habitat for Humanity of
McLean County's A Brush With Kindness Program, 3 households through the construction of accessibility ramps by the
local branch of AMBUCS, and 4 households through the Homeowner Emergency Repair and Accessibility Program, once
staff time and resources allow for this program's operation.
Annual Action Plan 24
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OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)9 Goal Name Public Facilities Improvements
Goal In Program Year 2021-2022, the Town of Normal intends to provide funding for the completion of two public facilities
Description improvement activities. One activity will provide funding for the replacement and/or improvement of old windows and
door openings at the Community Health Care Clinic, which provides comprehensive medical and dental services and
prescription medications to low- to moderate-income residents at no cost. The Community Health Care Clinic serves
hundreds of residents each year, thus this public facility's improvement is expected to benefit at least 805 residents. This
activity will be carried out with 2021-2022 funds.
The Town of Normal also intends to put funding toward the professional installation and short-term care of new trees in
the public right of way along Orlando Avenue. This activity will significantly improve a presently barren stretch of
sidewalk and roadway heavily used by public transit riders and residents of one of the most densely populated areas of
Normal. This activity is estimated to benefit 1,910 residents of the roadway's surrounding low- to moderate-income block
group. This activity will be funded with a combination of 2021-2022 funds and a portion of those carried over from
Program Year 2019-2020.
10 Goal Name COVID-19 Prevention, Preparation, and Response
Goal Using the remaining balance of the Town's 2020-2021 CDBG-CV allocations provided through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief,
Description and Economic Security (CARES) Act, the Town of Normal will continue funding its COVID-19-Related Housing Assistance
Program, or any other pandemic-related activity that should be determined to be a top, local priority in preventing,
preparing for, and responding to COVID-19.
11 Goal Name Program Administration
Goal The Town of Normal will continue to fund general program administration related to carrying out of the Town's CDBG-
Description funded activities for Program Year 2021-2022. This activity will be funded with 2021-2022 funds and carry over from
Program Year 2020-2021.
Annual Action Plan 25
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OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)Projects
AP-35 Projects – 91.220(d)
Introduction
The Town of Normal will fund projects to achieve the goals and objectives of the 2020-2024
Consolidated Plan and CDBG program, generally, that benefit low- to moderate-income residents,
prevent and eliminate slum and blight, and meet urgent needs of the community. The Town anticipates
providing CDBG funding for youth education activities and homeless outreach services as public services,
homeowner housing rehabilitation and accessibility improvements, down payment assistance, sidewalk
and ADA ramp construction, public facilities improvements, property acquisition and clearance
activities, and fair housing legal assistance.
With the remaining balance of the Town's 2020-2021 CDBG-CV (Coronavirus) allocations, Town staff and
its partners at Mid Central Community Action will continue to operate the COVID-19-Related Housing
Assistance Program. The Town will also continue to monitor and respond to other pandemic-related
needs that arise in the community over the course of the program year.
Projects
# Project Name
1 Unity - Youth Education Activities
2 PATH - Homeless Outreach Services
3 Down Payment Assistance
4 Sidewalk & ADA Ramp Construction
5 Public Facilities Improvements
6 Homeowner Housing Rehabilitation
7 Acquisition and Clearance for Housing
8 Acquisition and Clearance for Sidewalks
9 COVID-19 Prevention, Preparation, and Response
10 Program Administration
Table 7 - Project Information
Describe the reasons for allocation priorities and any obstacles to addressing underserved
needs
The priority needs and the associated goals identified in the 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan, and the 2021-
2022 Action Plan by extension, were determined based upon extensive public and stakeholder
discussion and consultation and Town of Normal staff's analysis. The Town has and will continue to take
into consideration the results of both citizen and stakeholder surveys, stakeholder and community focus
groups, conversations at public meetings and events, as well as data from outside organizations and
institutions. These needs are considered critical to the safety, well-being, and economic mobility of
Annual Action Plan 26
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OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)Normal residents. They were also developed in coordination with ongoing Town policies and initiatives
to help ensure that funding and Town efforts are maximized.
Annual Action Plan 27
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OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)AP-38 Project Summary
Project Summary Information
Table 8 – Project Summary
1 Project Name Unity - Youth Education Activities
Target Area
Goals Supported Youth Education Activities
Needs Addressed Youth Services
Funding CDBG: $35,700
Description The Town will provide funding and support for youth education and
family activities at the Unity Community Center. Support and funding
will go primarily toward rent costs for the space, but may also be put
toward utilities, staff salaries, and educational materials. This activity
will be funded with only Program Year 2021-2022 funds.
Target Date 3/31/2022
Estimate the number Support and funding for the Unity Community Center will benefit
and type of families approximately 45 low- to moderate-income youth. Families will
that will benefit from include extremely low-, low-, and moderate-income persons, as well as
the proposed activities families with female heads of household, and families whose primary
language spoken at home is not English.
Location Description The Unity Community Center is located at 632 Orlando Avenue,
Normal IL 61761.
Beneficiaries at the Unity Community Center may live anywhere in the
Town of Normal but must meet HUD’s low-to moderate-income
guidelines.
Planned Activities As a Public Service, the Town will provide funding and support for
youth education and family activities at the Unity Community Center,
operated by the University of Illinois Extension.
2 Project Name PATH - Homeless Outreach Services
Target Area
Goals Supported Homeless Outreach and Prevention
COVID-19 Prevention, Preparation, and Response
Annual Action Plan 28
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OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)Needs Addressed Homelessness Outreach and Prevention
COVID-19 Prevention, Preparation, and Response
Funding CDBG: $37,333
Description The Town will provide funding and support for homeless outreach
services provided by PATH, as a public service. CDBG-funded services
will support homeless individuals or residents facing the threat of
homelessness in Normal. Outreach services may include
transportation, temporary lodging, and referral to local shelters or
other organizations that can provide more permanent supportive
housing. This project is funded with $30,550 in Program Year 2021-
2022 funds and $6,783 in carried over Program Year 2020-2021 to
cover the final expenses from Quarter 4 of 2020-2021.
Target Date 3/31/2022
Estimate the number Homeless outreach services will be available to all individuals and
and type of families families in the Town of Normal, including those who are homeless or
that will benefit from facing the threat of becoming homeless. The Town anticipates
the proposed activities reaching approximately 20 individuals or families during Program Year
2021-2022.
Location Description PATH is located at 201 E Grove Street, Bloomington IL 61701.
Homeless outreach services will be available Town-wide to all
residents, temporary or otherwise.
Planned Activities Planned activities include outreach to those who are homeless or
facing the threat of homelessness, transportation assistance,
temporary lodging assistance, and referrals or case management to
connect individuals or families with shelters or organizations that can
provide or assist in finding more permanent supportive housing.
3 Project Name Down Payment Assistance
Target Area
Goals Supported Down Payment Assistance
Needs Addressed Affordable Homeownership
Funding CDBG: $40,500
Annual Action Plan 29
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OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)Description The Town of Normal will administer its down payment assistance
program to help eligible low- to moderate-income persons become
homeowners in Normal. The Town anticipates awarding at least 13
grants of up to $3,000 to be used exclusively toward covering the costs
of a low- to moderate-income recipient's down payment and closing
costs for a home in Normal in Program Year 2021-2022. This project is
funded with $21,000 in Program Year 2021-2022 funds and $19,500 in
Program Year 2019-2020 carryover funds.
Target Date 3/31/2022
Estimate the number Down payment assistance is available to all eligible low- to moderate-
and type of families income individuals or families looking to purchase a home in the Town
that will benefit from of Normal who meet some additional financial requirements. The
the proposed activities Town anticipates assisting up to 13 households with funds available in
Program Year 2021-2022.
Location Description Down payment assistance is available to any eligible low- to moderate-
income resident(s) wishing to purchase a home in the Town of Normal.
Planned Activities The down payment assistance program will award at least 13 max-
$3,000 grants to eligible low- to moderate-income residents looking to
purchase a home in the Town of Normal in Program Year 2021-2022.
4 Project Name Sidewalk & ADA Ramp Construction
Target Area
Goals Supported Sidewalk & ADA Ramp Improvements
Needs Addressed Public Facilities and Improvements
Funding CDBG: $ 310,783
Description The Town of Normal will provide funding for the construction,
replacement, and improvement of sidewalks and ADA ramps in eligible
low- to moderate-income neighborhoods of Normal. The exact
locations of the sidewalk and ramps to be addressed are not yet
known, but Town staff expects to benefit at least 5,000 residents in
Program Year 2021-2022. This project will be funded with $197,000 in
2021-2022 funds and approximately $113,781 in carryover funds from
program years 2019-2020 and 2020-2021.
Target Date 3/31/2022
Annual Action Plan 30
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OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)Estimate the number The Town anticipates benefiting approximately 5,000 low- to
and type of families moderate-income residents living in the affected areas. Although the
that will benefit from exact sidewalks being constructed in Program Year 2021-2022 have
the proposed activities not yet been determined, CDBG funds will only be used in low- to
moderate-income neighborhoods. Beneficiaries will include both
individuals and families.
Location Description Not yet known, but sidewalk and ramp improvements that utilize
CDBG funds will only take place in low- to moderate-income census
tracts and block groups.
Planned Activities Sidewalk and ADA ramp construction and associated improvements in
low- to moderate-income census tracts and block groups
5 Project Name Public Facilities Improvements
Target Area
Goals Supported Public Facilities Improvements
Needs Addressed Public Facilities and Improvements
Funding CDBG: $110,000
Description The Town of Normal will provide funding for the completion of two
public facilities improvements projects in Program Year 2021-20222.
One involves the replacement and/or improvement of old windows
and door openings at the Community Health Care Clinic and will be
funded with $80,000 in Program Year 2021-2022 funds. The second
involves the professional planting and short-term care of new trees in
the public right of way along Orlando Avenue. This tree planting
activity will be funded with a total of $30,000 - $14,176 in Program
Year 2021-2022 funds and $15,824 carried over from Program Year
2019-2020.
Target Date 3/31/2022
Estimate the number The improvement of the Community Health Care Clinic's windows and
and type of families door openings is expected to benefit 805 residents (the total number
that will benefit from of residents in the clinic's surrounding low- to moderate-income block
the proposed activities group). The tree planting activity along Orlando Avenue is estimated to
benefit at least the 1,910 residents of the roadway's surrounding low-
to moderate-income block group.
Annual Action Plan 31
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OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)Location Description Public facilities and infrastructure improvement projects are limited to
areas of the community considered to be located within low- to
moderate-income census tracts and block groups. Both the
Community Health Care Clinic and Orlando Avenue are located within
such income-qualified areas of Normal.
Planned Activities The Town of Normal will provide funding for the completion of two
public facilities improvements projects in Program Year 2021-20222.
One involves the replacement and/or improvement of old windows
and door openings at the Community Health Care Clinic, which
provides medical and dental services and prescription medications to
low- to moderate-income residents at no cost. The second involves the
professional planting and short-term care of new trees in the public
right of way along Orlando Avenue. This activity will significantly
improve a presently barren stretch of sidewalk and roadway heavily
used by public transit riders and residents of one of the most densely
populated areas of Normal.
6 Project Name Homeowner Housing Rehabilitation
Target Area
Goals Supported Homeowner Housing Rehabilitation
Needs Addressed Homeowner Housing Rehabilitation
Funding CDBG: $80,000
Description The Town will provide funding for the material costs associated with
partnerships with Habitat for Humanity of McLean County for its A
Brush With Kindness Program, the construction of accessibility ramps
for low- to moderate-income homeowners by the local chapter of
AMBUCS, the administration of the Town of Normal's presently on-
hold Homeowner Emergency Repair and Accessibility Program. These
three activities will be funded with $15,000 in Program Year 2021-2022
funds and $65,000 carried over from Program Year 2020-2021.
Target Date 3/31/2022
Estimate the number In Program Year 2021-2022, the Town hopes to benefit 5
and type of families households through Habitat for Humanity of McLean County's A
Brush With Kindness Program, 3 households through
that will benefit from
the construction of accessibility ramps by the local chapter of
the proposed activities
AMBUCS, and 4 households through the Homeowner Emergency
Repair and Accessibility Program, once staff time and resources
allow for this program's operation.
Annual Action Plan 32
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OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)Location Description Housing rehabilitation services are available to any eligible low- to
moderate-income resident of the Town of Normal.
Planned Activities Provide funding for the rehabilitation and improved accessibility of
existing housing for low- to moderate-income residents of Normal.
7 Project Name Acquisition and Clearance for Housing
Target Area
Goals Supported Acquisition and Clearance Activities for Housing
Needs Addressed Affordable Housing Development
Funding CDBG: $25,000
Description The Town of Normal intends acquire at least one property for
subsequent development as affordable housing by Habitat for
Humanity of McLean County. Such funds may also go towards any
necessary demolition or clearance activities. This project will be
funded with $25,000 in carryover funds from Program Year 2017-2018.
Target Date 3/31/2022
Estimate the number The Town anticipates adding at least one new unit of housing for a
and type of families low- to moderate-income individual or family as a result of this project.
that will benefit from
the proposed activities
Location Description Property acquisition or clearance activities related to the development
of affordable housing will only take place in census tracts and block
groups with a majority of residents considered to be of low- to
moderate-income.
Planned Activities Provide funding for the acquisition and clearing of property for
subsequent development as affordable housing.
8 Project Name Acquisition and Clearance for Sidewalks
Target Area
Goals Supported Sidewalk & ADA Ramp Improvements
Acquisition and Clearance Activities for Sidewalks
Needs Addressed Public Facilities and Improvements
Funding CDBG: $30,000
Annual Action Plan 33
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