Initial meeting of City staff to consider steps to identify potential next target areas identified in the public deliberation process from six candidates. This working group was made up of 15 representatives from various City departments using a whole of government approach. The work group looked at data from US Census Bureau and city GIS data on a number of factors to identify need and neighborhood stability.

Top 3 neighborhoods were identified from a ranking from the staff work group: Belmont/Fallon; Gilmer/Harrison; and Morningside/Kenwood

A citizen advisory panel was approved by the City Manager to work with the Planning, Building & Development Department staff to focus on the top 3 finalists. The advisory committee also toured the various neighborhoods and reviewed the data as provided by City staff.

City Council approves the recommendation from the citizen advisory committee to designate a portion of the Belmont/Fallon neighborhoods as the next target area for HUD funding beginning in 2021, with Gilmer/Harrison as the ensuing target area when BFTA was concluded.

A survey was conducted for residents, business owners, homeowners, tenants and many other stakeholders in the BFTA boundaries for their thoughts on how HUD funds should be directed for housing, neighborhood improvements, economic programs, and community public services should be prioritied. A total of 169 resonses were received.

City Council approved the 2020-2024 HUD 5 Year Consolidated Plan which would concentrate use of HUD funding for Community Development Block Grants and HOME Investment Partnership Grants into BFTA. Subsequent Annual Action Plans based on the 5 Year Consolidated Plan have been approved annually by City Council with 51% or more of non-administrative CDBG and HOME funds directed into Housing Development, Neighborhood Development, Economic Development and Public Services categories.

Monthly meetings with BFTA community "stakeholders" began in conjunction with the South East Action Forum to engage interested parties in the area and to have an open exchange of reporting from the city and feedback on items of neighborhood interest. The agenda for these monthly meetings are established by a BFTA Steering Committee, made up of city staff and representation from SEAF and other BFTA organizations with input from the SE community.

The first full year of BFTA targeted activity begins, with $1,628,750 designated for projects and activities including new homeownership, limited housing repairs, and major housing rehabilitation.

The City of Roanoke enters into an agreement with Habitat for Humanity to develop 18 new homeownership projects within BFTA and past HUD target areas utilizing over $2.9 million in funds from the US Treasury under the American Rescue Plan Act.

The 2022 HUD Annual Plan is approved by City Council that includes $1,536,971 in non-administrative funds in the CDBG and HOME programs for BFTA, including funds for a Residential Façade Program pilot project in BFTA and a Down Payment Assistance Program to provide assistance for first time income eligible home buyer in previously "redlined" census tracts, including BFTA.

Community Resources staff provides a 2 Year Progress Report and Future Efforts report at a monthly community meeting on activities to date in BFTA. The report looked at priorities identified in the Dec 2019 community survey for BFTA and what results have transpired since the FY 21-22 transition to the target area. As of Dec 2022, Habitat for Humanity had completed 6 new homeownership projects in BFTA, with 2 more to be completed under FY 21-22 agreement and 8 more under the FY 22-23 agreement and 2 units planned by Community Housing Partners under FY 22-23 programming funds.

The City of Roanoke has partnered with Freedom First Credit Union to pilot a Down Payment Assistance Program. If you’re in the market for a home in in this area, you may be eligible for Down Payment Assistance through our new program. The program is designed to provide financial support to those who may face
barriers to homeownership. By targeting properties in this specific neighborhood, we hope to promote equitable access to housing. So if you’re looking for a home in this area, be sure to check if you’re eligible for Down Payment Assistance and take advantage of this opportunity to own your own home.

The City submits the 2023 HUD Annual Plan to HUD as approved by City Council that includes $1,612,665 in CDBG and HOME funds for projects and activities targeting BFTA. These HUD funds are matched by $6,730,147 in other resources by partner agencies and non-federal funds from the city.

The City of Roanoke, in cooperation with RVTV, launches a series of videos to serve as an outreach and awareness project for BFTA. These weekly videos will highlight major activities in BFTA and will feature city staff, residents, and service providers in the community.

Renovation Alliance is now accepting applications for matching funds up to $8000 for Residential Facade improvements in the 600-1200 block of Jamison Avenue.

Contact Renovation Alliance at (540) 400-0959 or facade@renovateall.org for applications. There is no deadline to apply, but funds are limited so contact RA if interested in applying or learning more.

The City of Roanoke will be hosting a public input charrette regarding plans for streetscape improvements for 9th Street SE on Tuesday, Aug 29 from 6:30 – 8:00 PM at the Belmont Public Library.

Businesses, property owners, and interested parties are encouraged to attend to review drawings of potential improvements to 9th Street SE between Jamison Ave and Highland Ave, including public art, bus shelters, pedestrian safety features, commercial access, and other amenities.

All individuals interested in this project are encouraged to attend the event. It's a valuable opportunity to voice opinions, ask questions, and contribute ideas that can shape the development of 9th Street SE's streetscape improvements. This collaborative effort ensures that the final plans reflect the needs and preferences of the local community.

The meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. in the Belmont Library's Community Room, located at 1101 Morningside St. SE, Roanoke, VA 24013.

This meeting will include a review of completed projects in the Belmont-Fallon Target Area to date, along with an update from Homes for America on the Gateway Housing Project, and an introduction of the new Housing Programs and Policy Officer, Desi Wynter.
All residents and business owners in Southeast are welcome.