NIFA-Application Housing Study�' o Q
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NEBRASKA INVESTMENT FINANEE WHORHY®
1. APPLICANT INFORMATION:
Organization Name: Blair Planning Commission
Date of Application: July 11, 2014
Mailing Address: 218 So. 16 Street
City, State, Zip: Blair NE 68008 -1674
Person to Contact about this Application: Rodney Storm, City Administrator
Phone: (402 ) 426 -4191 Fax: (402) 426 -4195 Email: RodStorm(a,ci.blair.ne.us
2. APPLICANT CLASSIFICATION: (check one)
F❑ Nonprofit corporation ❑ Local Housing Authority
® Local or Regional planning commission ❑ Unit of Local Government
❑ Limited partnership, general partnership, corporation, proprietorship, and other business
organizations that have housing or economic development as part of their mission /
business. Please Specify One:
3• DESCRIPTION OF GRANT REQUEST:
Amount of grant request ($60,000 maximum): $21525
Amount of cash thatching funds (at least 50% of total project cost): $40125 Source: City of
Blair, Nebraska
Anticipated date of project completion: August, 2015
4. PROJECT INFORMATION:
Project location: Blair Nebraska
Project area: (check one)
❑ Neighborhood ❑ Region
2] Village / Town / City ❑ County
Beneficiaries: (Example: Chronically Mentally Ill Persons — please explain.)
N ebra sk a Fin
Ap pli ca tion for Housin Gr 1
The residents of Blair Nebraska
Please Attach a Separate Sheet of Paper and Address the Following:
a) Describe how the NIFA grant funds will be utilized.
b) Describe the nature and extent of the project, including a timeline for the implementation
of the project.
c) Describe the relevant characteristics of the target populations in the project area and how
they will be included in a public planning process.
d) Describe how the proposed project addresses needs that are not being met by other
existing programs or facilities in the project service area.
e) Describe how the proposed project is coordinated with other programs / organizations /
governmental entities and how it is consistent with other plans and activities in the project
area.
Additional Supporting Documentation:
1. Written evidence of commitment of 50% matching cash funds.
2. Three letters of support written expressly to support your project application, including
one letter of support from the local governing jurisdiction.
3. Track record of applicant's work in community or housing development.
4. Your organization's recent annual financial report (if applicable).
5. A list of your organization's Board of Directors (if applicable).
Instructions and Certification:
The undersigned applicant hereby makes application for Housing Study Grant Funding.
Applications must be submitted to NIFA no later than 5:00 p.m. on the published due date. The
original application package must have an original signature. Please submit the original and
two copies of the application. The application may be clipped or banded for delivery purposes
and should be tabbed. If the application is submitted via facsimile, an original and copies must
follow. The application must be filled out completely, with all questions and spaces completed.
The undersigned hereby certifies that the information set forth in this application and in any
exhibits in support thereof, is true, correct and complete. The undersigned understands that any
misrepresentation may result in the cancellation of any resources allocated or reserved. The
undersigned also agrees that NIFA may request additional information to evaluate this
application:
Q� 0,
0 icant Signature
t
Date
2
Please Attach a Separate Sheet of Paper and Address the Following:
a) Describe how the NIFA grant funds will be utilized.
b) Describe the nature and extent of the project, including a timeline for the implementation
of the project.
c) Describe the relevant characteristics of the target populations in the project area and how
they will be included in a public planning process.
d) Describe how the proposed project addresses needs that are not being met by other
existing programs or facilities in the project service area.
e) Describe how the proposed project is coordinated with other programs / organizations /
governmental entities and how it is consistent with other plans and activities in the project
area.
Additional Supporting Documentation:
1. written evidence of commitment of 50% matching cash funds.
2. Three letters of support written expressly to support your project application, including
one letter of support from the local governing jurisdiction.
3. Track record of applicant's work in community or housing development.
4. Your organization's recent annual financial report (if applicable).
5. A list of your organization's Board of Directors (if applicable).
Instructions and Certification:
The undersigned applicant hereby makes application for Housing Study Grant Funding.
Applications must be submitted to NIFA no later than 5:00 p.m. on the published due date. The
original application package must have an original signature. Please submit the original and
two copies of the application. The application may be clipped or banded for delivery purposes
and should be tabbed. If the application is submitted via facsimile, an original and copies must
follow. The application must be filled out completely, with all questions and spaces completed.
The undersigned hereby certifies that the information set forth in this application and in any
exhibits in support thereof, is true, correct and complete. The undersigned understands that any
misrepresentation may result in the cancellation of any resources allocated or reserved. The
undersigned also agrees that NIFA may request additional information to evaluate this
application:
Applicant Signature
-� - 2- - I q
Date
Blair, Nebraska
a. Describe how the NIFA grant will be utilized.
Requested NIFA monies, combined with local cash matching funds, will provide the necessary
financing to update the Comprehensive Development Plan for the city of Blair, Nebraska. The most
recent plan was prepared in 2005 and it remains on file at the Blair City Hall. Since that time much
has changed in Blair including the addition of several large - scale, value -added agricultural
businesses, loss of Dana College, population increases, tightening housing market, infrastructure
build -out, significant flood events, and annexation of land into the corporate limits.
The goal of this planning project will be to develop a Comprehensive Development Plan Update for
the city of Blair with a time horizon of 20 years. The update, which will contain a major housing
component, will guide land use development and public investment decisions to protect the natural
environment and enhance the quality of life for current and future Blair residents. Furthermore,
because the Comprehensive Plan will include a major housing component, the updated plan will
serve as a useful planning document which will help guide the Planning Commission to make sound
recommendations for housing developments and land use guidelines for wise investments into
public infrastructure improvements.
Through active citizen participation, the final plan will serve as a "blueprint" for community growth
and will work as a living and ever - changing document that represents the ideas and visions of Blair
residents.
b. Describe the nature and extent of the project, including a timeline for the implementation of the project.
All communities in Nebraska live in a changing social and economic environment. Within this
challenging framework a community must work particularly hard to remain prosperous and provide
opportunities for all residents. A comprehensive development plan for a community is an integral part
of this effort.
Through a comprehensive development plan residents of a community work together; building
consensus on common community goals and a vision of what they want their town to be. This long -
range plan presents the objectives and action steps necessary to help the community achieve these
NIFA Housing Study Grant Program Page 1
Application Narrative
Blair, Nebraska
goals through leadership development and capacity building. For this reason a comprehensive
development plan helps a community face the future with confidence, resolution and focus.
In Blair, a nine (9) member, mayor - appointed Planning Commission meets monthly to oversee the
physical development of the city and to make decisions on zoning issues. Unfortunately, the
planning commission makes development decisions based upon the 2005 Comprehensive Plan, a
document that reflects the goals and aspirations of a community nearly ten years ago.
The Blair Planning Commission recognizes the need to update the city's Comprehensive Plan. In
addition to the required elements set forth by State statutes (Public Facilities, Land Use, Annexation
Policies, Transportation Plan, and Energy Sustainability), the updated comprehensive development
plan will have a major housing component to provide guidance on residential development,
redevelopment, and rehabilitation of the existing housing stock,
To facilitate this planning process, the Blair Planning Commission used proper procurement
procedures (Request for Proposals and an interview process) to select a planning consultant to
update of the city's comprehensive plan. JEO Consulting Group, Inc. was ultimately selected by the
Blair planning commission /city council to lead this planning initiative.
JEO's scope of work includes the following services:
I. Project Kickoff
Process:
A) Establish the Planning Commission as the advisory committee. The committee will assist the
consultant team as a sounding board for the vision of the community and provide technical
or special direction to the process.
B) Develop a public participation plan with City staff, designated plan committee embers and
the City Council. (Option)Utilize MindMixer for 10 months to gather additional online input.
The team will also coordinate meeting schedules with the City's Parks and Trails Master Plan
consultant.
C) Develop a proposed meeting schedule.
D) Establish the base maps in ArcGIS format.
NIPA Housing Study Grant Program Page 2
Application Narrative
Blair, Nebraska
E) Conduct kick -off meeting to discuss project intent, roles of the team and establish a
schedule for the public input meetings selected by the City.
Outcome:
1. Understanding of the project and roles of the Plan Advisory Committee, Planning
Commission, City Staff and Consultant Team.
2. Public Participation Plan established.
3. Tentative meeting schedule.
II. Profile Blair
Process:
A) Survey existing land uses in Blair for the following use types.
B) Survey and evaluate existing and proposed City facilities and infrastructure, including:
i) Public works (including water, sanitary sewer, drainage and storm sewer, solid waste).
ii) Public safety (law enforcement, fire protection, emergency services).
iii) Parks and recreation.
iv) Public facilities.
C) Evaluate transportation facilities including:
i) Existing road systems and classifications.
ii) Public parking.
iii) Existing highway system.
iv) Available traffic count data.
v) Existing trails system (locally and regionally).
vi) Identification of the major corridors and the existing conditions.
vii) Identify any existing transit regional services.
Outcome:
1) Survey of land uses and facilities throughout Blair.
2) Document conditions by location and type of base maps.
3) Evaluation of existing community facilities and recommendations for future needs in 'Blair.
4) Completed mapping system as indicated.
NIFA Housing Study Grant Program Page 3
Application Narrative
Blair, Nebraska
III. Envision Blair
Process:
A) Conduct a Town Hall Meeting to gather preliminary input for the development of goals,
objectives, and policies.
B) Conduct focus group meetings with key staff, administration and elected officials,
community leaders, and other designated interest groups.
C) Host a two -.day Design Charrette and presentation,
D) Prepare a summary report of key issues and strategies for the City's Advisory Committee's
acceptance and modify as directed.
Outcome:
1) One Town Hall Meeting
2) Four focus group meetings.
3) Host a two -day Design Charrette
4) SWOT summary.
IV. Achieve Blair
Process:
A) Development of land use plan and urban design plan with maps addressing specific issues,
such as, but not limited to:
i) Development of policies and priority redevelopment areas.
ii) Residential development including specific density levels for key areas of Blair.
ill) Commercial and industrial development cores and nodes.
iv) Economic development and redevelopment sub areas.
v) Open spaces
vi) Historic preservation.
B) Develop new transportation plan based upon:
i) Public input collected during Envision Blair;
ii) The proposed south by -pass, and other plans being considered by the City, County, and
State;
ill) The City's concurrent Parks and Trails Master Plan.
iv) Observations of the planning team.
NiFA Housing Study Grant Program Page 4
Application Narrative
Blair, Nebraska
C) Coordination with the City's Consultant for the new Park and Trails Master Plan.
D) Provide technical assistance as to what changes should be added to the City's subdivision
and zoning regulations regarding storm water management.
Outcome:
1) band Use Plan.
2) Transportation Plan.
3) Historic Preservation Plan.
4) Economic Development Plan.
5) Storm Water Management Plan.
b) Housing Plan.
V. implement Blair
Process:
A) Update of the City's Goals and Policies
B) Identify key persons /groups in the community who will need to be involved in the
implementation of the Blair Comprehensive Development Plan.
C) Research and identify specific funding sources that can aid in the implementation of the
Blair Comprehensive Development Plan
D) Identify a set of tasks for the city to complete in the short, medium and longterm.
Outcome:
1) Goals and policies
2) An Action Plan for the implementation of this Comprehensive Plan and Urban Design Plan.
3) A set of funding sources to use to complete future city projects.
4) A maintenance schedule for keeping this plan up to date.
Timetable
The timetable for completing the project is August, 2015.
NIFA Housing Study Grant Program Page 5
Application Narrative
Blair, Nebraska
Detailed Budget Breakdown
Shown below is the team's cost breakdown for the Comprehensive and Urban Design Plan.
Phase
Fee
I. Project set -up and organization
$1,300
II. Profile Blair
$11,850
III. Envision Blair
$17,800
IV. Achieve Blair
$11,000
V. Vision Implementation Plan
$4,650
Mindmixer
$5,000
Project Management and QA /QC
$3,900
Final Document and Public Hearings
$5,2500
Total
$61,650`
* Total includes all contractual expenses related to staff, travel, printing of final deliverables, phone calls, sub - consultants, etc.
Funding Source Funding Breakdown Percentaize
Blair Planning Commission $40,125 65%
NIFA Housing Study Program $21,525 35%
Total $61,650 100%
c, Describe the relevant characteristics of the target populations in the project area and how they will
be included in a public planning process.
The targeted population for the Comprehensive Development Plan Update is the residents of Blair,
Nebraska and the two mile planning jurisdiction. Since the time of the last comprehensive plan
update (2005), Blair and its surrounding area has seen remarkable growth. In fact, the latest Census
estimate of Blair's population indicates a net increase of 6.4 %, which is in contrast to current
downward population trends in most rural communities.
Below are relevant characteristics of the Blair population based upon the 5 -Year Estimates from
American Community Survey:
NIFA Housing Study Grant Program Page 6
Application Narrative
Blair, Nebraska
Blair Population 2010 Census: 7,990 (2010)
Blair Population 2013 Estimate: 7,990
Blair Median Age: 36.0 years
Blair Poverty Rate: 11.0%
Median Household Income of Blair: $56,946
Median Housing Value in Blair: $144,800
Median Rent: $679
Total Housing Units in Blair: 3,351
Householders moved into unit after 2000: 62.4%
Housing Vacancy Rate in Blair: 12.4%
Percentage of Owner Occupied Housing in Blair: 70.4%
Percentage of Blair's Existing Housing Stock Built Before 1980: 62.2%
Percent of Renters that pay more than 30% of their household income on rent: 49.0%
Public involvement and participation will be the cornerstone of this planning process. Public
involvement will include a series of public discussions and informational meetings. A project
Steering Committee, which will be composed of representatives from the community, local
government, housing officials, special interest groups, and other officials, will be created to provide
guidance and input to the planning consultant. JEO anticipates a high degree of interaction with the
Steering Committee and other local stakeholders, civic organizations, and governmental agencies
throughout the planning initiative.
One such planning technique used by JEO to solicit public input will be a visioning and identity
exercises to provide stakeholders an opportunity to express their likes, dislikes, needs, and desires
regarding their community. JEO will use town hall meetings, focus groups sessions, open houses,
special interviews, and input opportunities using social media such as MindMixer to gather key data
about the community from a broader audience.
In addition to direct citizen input, the planning process will include focus groups with housing
stakeholders and those directly involved in providing housing services for special needs clientele
(elderly, physical disabilities, low- income). Example stakeholders may include officials from: city,
NIFA Housing Study Grant Program Page 7
Application Narrative
Blair, Nebraska
county, civic organizations, major employers, school district, religious groups, private developers,
and real estate professionals.
From these data a set of goals and objectives will be developed that specifically address the physical
development needs of Blair. These goals and objectives will become critical guideposts that will
help direct development decisions to ensure healthy, vibrant neighborhoods for years to come.
Specific policies will be developed for housing and neighborhoods. The evaluation of the existing
neighborhoods in Blair will help identify challenges to the neighborhood framework that, when
addressed, can help preserve strong communities and encourage reinvestment in neighborhoods
that need to be enhanced.
d. Describe how the proposed project addresses needs that are not being met by other existing
programs or facilities in the project service area.
Despite being a regional trade center, Blair faces challenges that are common to many Nebraska
communities: aging public infrastructure systems, budget constraints, levy lids, economic transition,
and changing demographic characteristics. Against this daunting backdrop the city of Blair has
decided to carefully examine the direction of its future so it can capitalize on recent economic
development successes. The city's response to these challenges will certainly have a long - lasting
impact on the viability of the community.
Blair has chosen to pursue a pro - active posture; so success will be measured by how well the city is
able to clarify strategic challenges, employ effective governance practices and mobilize limited
resources (both human and financial) for maximum public benefit. In an era of change and large -
scale capital investments, the city of Blair has worked particularly hard to convince existing residents
to "buy into" the long -term future of the community and build a positive self - image, which may in
turn, attract newer families to the area.
This ongoing commitment now calls for local leaders to look to the future and begin now to develop
a game plan for continued community prosperity and success. Charting a course fora better future
begins with a clear, well - defined community vision; a shared vision which residents can
enthusiastically embrace, support and rally around: a comprehensive development plan.
NIFA Housing Study Grant Program Page 8
Application Narrative
Blair, Nebraska
As mentioned, the City of Blair last updated its Comprehensive Plan in 2005. Since that time, the
city has experienced remarkable growth in terms of population, economic development, public
facilities, and housing. Below is a list of large scale activities that have occurred within the past ten
(10) years:
• The city of Blair, through the Blair Public Library Foundation, is embarking on the construction of
a new $5 million Public Library and Technology Center. The facility is currently in the design
phase and will be open to the public in 2015.
• The city is in the process of developing a Park Master Plan for its municipal park system. The
cost of the study is $40,000.
• In 2012, the Nebraska Department of Road began widening Nebraska Highway 133 from just
north of the city of Omaha, north 4.68 miles to approximately three miles north of the
Washington County line. This $23 million highway improvement project is the first of two to
widen Highway 133 from a rural, two lane highway to a four -lane, divided highway between
Omaha and Blair. The project will take two construction seasons to complete.
• In 2012, the city of Blair completed $8 million expansion of its water treatment plant to increase
the capacity of the plant from 15 million gallons per day (GPD) to 20 million GPD. The expansion
was necessary to provide Cargill and the Bio Campus with the ability to expand production.
Further expansions of the water plant are expected in the next five years to provide the
necessary capacity for the Campus to continue to grow.
• In 2012, Novozyemes opened its $200 million corn processing, ethanol production facility in
Blair. One hundred and twenty jobs were created in Blair as a result of this investment.
• Prior to the 2008 housing bubble, Blair was issuing building permits for an average of 40 to 50
new homes a year. Over the next three years, housing starts were stagnant. Housing starts
rebounded in 2012 when the city issued 17 building permits for new starts, 22 new start permits
in 2013, and so far 2014, the city has issued 19 new starts permits.
• In 2011 Walmart opened its first Supercenter in Blair, creating sales tax revenue for the city, and
approximately 80 new job opportunities for the region.
• The City's municipal electrical system is owned and operated by Omaha Public Power District
(OPPD). In 2010, OPPD installed a new substation to serve the rapidly developing industrial
areas of Blair. The scope of this project included 161kV steel structures and circuit switchers,
170kV switches and circuit breakers, bus work, grounding, conduit, and area lighting. The total
project cost is estimated at $349,000.00.
NIFA Housing study Grant Program Page 9
Application Narrative
Blair, Nebraska
• Due to an accreditation issue, Dana College closed its doors in Blair in 2010. This closure
resulted in the loss of approximately 600 students, 125 faculty members, and 50 employees.
According to the Blair Chamber of Commerce, the total economic impact of the college was $27
million per year.
• Since 2009, the city of Blair has annexed two major tracts of land into its corporate limits,
totaling ±75 acres. This annexation included a ±60 -acre parcel of industrial -zoned land in 2009
and a small, ±15 -acre tract of low- density residential land in 2011.
• The Memorial Community Hospital & Health System underwent a two phase capital
improvement project from 2007 to 2010, This project consists of a two -phase renovation and
additions. Phase 1 included a brand -new addition including diagnostics, emergency, lower level
meeting rooms, and inpatient nursing floor, Phase 2 consisted of renovating previous hospital
space for specialty clinics, surgery, peri- operative suite, and public dining. The combined
construction cost of these two phases totaled nearly $20 million.
• In 2007, the Blair Community Schools voters passed a $9 million bond to construct a new
elementary school in the city of Blair. Deerfield Primary is a 59,000 square foot facility that
serves 450 students in grades K -3. Kindergarten rooms also serve as the school's storm shelter
and have reinforced walls, concrete roofing, and metal doors within the wall system to cover the
windows. The school opened in 2009.
However, with all of the good things that all of these improvements have provided (increased tax
base, business recruitment and expansion, workforce development, housing starts), there are
inevitable drawbacks such as cost of utility services, need to replace aging public infrastructure,
inefficient transportation networks, housing availability, lack of land for housing development, and
construction limitations due to environmental concerns.
As Blair moves forward and looks to capitalize on its recent successes, it needs to have an updated
comprehensive plan to serve as a working document that is full of community vision, orderly growth
strategies, and action specific public investment strategies. The Blair Planning Commission is
currently making those development decisions based upon a plan that was designed to achieve a
vision nearly ten (10) years ago. This is an untenable situation for a community - like Blair - that
provides itself on being proactive.
NIFA Housing Study Grant Program Page 10
Application Narrative
Blair, Nebraska
The city of Blair has appropriated $40,125 in its fiscal year 2015 budget to help the planning
commission update the community's Comprehensive Development Plan. The Blair Planning
Commission is seeking an additional $21,525 in funds from the NIFA Housing Study Grant Program
so it can provide additional focus on the existing and future housing needs of the City.
The Blair Planning Commission has investigated other resources to leverage local monies, including
the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Planning Category through the Nebraska
Department of Economic Development. The city is not eligible for this funding since its low- and
moderate- income percentage (42.5 %) is beneath the 51% required to meet the CDBG National
Objective of LMI benefit.
e. Describe how the proposed project is coordinated with other programslorganizations /governmenta!
entities and how it is consistent with other plans and activities in the project area.
The Blair Comprehensive Plan will provide local decision- makers with a clear, concise, and usable
planning instrument to guide and coordinate the physical development /redevelopment of city over
the next 20 years. The elements of the proposed project will touch on factors that contribute to the
quality of life of for persons that live, work, visit, recreate and invest within the city. Such elements
to be analyzed in the plan include: public facilities, public service delivery, land use, housing,
annexation policies, transportation, sustainable energy, economic development, and park &
recreation facilities.
With the assistance of NIFA Housing Study Grant Program, the Blair Planning Commission will be
able to integrate additional housing data and community input into all of the plan's components by
developing a holistic document that sets policy and action steps to create greater housing choice for
the residents (current and future) of Blair.
Meaningful coordination with other programs /organizations /governmental entities will ensure that
the Blair Comprehensive Development Plan Update is internally consistent with existing Blight
Studies & Redevelopment Plans, Economic Development Plan, Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision
Regulations, and Public Infrastructure Plans, and consistent with regional and state plans (Papio-
NIFA Housing Study Grant Program Page 11
Application Narrative
Blair, Nebraska
Missouri River Natural Resources District's (PMNRD) Watershed Management Plan, Washington
County Comprehensive, PMNRD's Multi - Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan, State Comprehensive
Outdoor Recreation Plan, etc.).
Furthermore, JEO will coordinate and synthesize community input to outline a broad and consensus
"vision" for the city of Blair. This process will help identify what Blair is, what is the city about and
what gives it a sense of place, and how these identifications can be used to enhance future growth
and development. JEO will work closely with the Steering Committee and other government
officials on creating the historical story of how the city of Blair came to be and how it got where it is
today.
Working in partnership with JEO, the Blair Planning Commission intends to work diligently to
improve coordination with various stakeholders to ensure a livable community for the city's
residents for generations to come.
NIFA Housing Study Grant Program Page 12
Application Narrative
t
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July 27, 2014
Nebraska Investment Finance Authority
Attn: Elizabeth Fimbres, Program Manager
200 Commerce Court
1230 "0" Street
Lincoln, NE 68508 -1402
RE: Nebraska Investment Finance Authority
Housing Study Grant Program
Letter of Financial Commitment
Ms. Fimbres,
The City of Blair fully supports the Blair Planning Commission's request to the Nebraska Investment
Finance Authority (NIFA) for cost -share assistance to update the city's comprehensive development
plan, The city last updated its comprehensive plan in 2005 which means that the Blair Planning
Commission is making development decisions based upon a plan that was designed to achieve the vision
of a previous Blair generation.
The City of Blair has appropriated $40,125 in its fiscal year 2015 municipal budget for the purpose of
updating the comprehensive plan. To provide additional focus on the existing and future housing needs
of the community, the city has encouraged the planning commission to purse an additional $21,525
from the NIFA Housing Study Program.
Once complete, the Blair Comprehensive Development Plan will provide local decision- makers with a
clear, concise, and usable planning guide to coordinate the physical development and redevelopment of
the city and its neighborhoods over the next 20- years.
On behalf of the nearly 8,000 residents that call Blair home, I would like to thank you in advance for your
consideration of our Planning Commission's request for funding for the much needed update to the
comprehensive plan.
Sincerely,
a es Realph, Mayor
City of Blair, Nebraska
218 South 16th Street - Blair, Nebraska 68008 • 402 -426 -4191 - Fax 402 - 426 -4195 - E -mail cityofblair @cl.blaicne,us
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July 11, 2014
Nebraska Invest Finance Authority
Attn: Elizabeth Fimbres, Program Manager
200 Commerce Court
1230 "0"' Street
Lincoln, NE 68508 -1402
RE: Nebraska Investment Finance Authority
Housing Study Grant Program
Letter of Financial Commitment
Ms. Fimbres,
Via this letter, the Blair Planning Commission hereby pledges $40,125 in local cash match
towards the update of the Blair Comprehensive Development Plan. A major focus of this
update will be the existing and future housing needs of the community.
Matching funds has been appropriated to the Blair Planning Commission by the city of Blai in
their Fiscal Year 2014 municipal budget.
On behalf of the Blair Planning Commission, I would like to thank you for your consideration of
our request.
>/• I A V .
Robert Boettcher, Chairman
Ralston Planning Commission
ii = r-
218 South 16th Street • Blair, Nebraska 68008 • 402 - 426 -4191 • Fax 402- 426 -4195 • E -mail cityofbiair @ci,blalr,ne,us
MID AMERICA COMPLITER GORP
June 25, 201
iVehr s a Investment ent I'inan e Authorit
A.ttri; Elizabeth Firnbr s, Prograrni Manager
00 Commerce Court
1230 "0' Street
Lincoln, NE 68508 -1402
RE: Nebraska Investment Finance Authority
Housing Study Grant Program
`tvlsFimbr� , -
Mid America Computer Corporation (MAcC) would life to offer our support to the Blair Plannin
Cbrnrirission'5 Compr=ehensive plan update . w emphasis �n h�u�ing. _fit complete and current housing
study would increase the opportunities for hiring additional staff, and provide more housing choices for
our associates
e are a billing solutions company searing rural telecommunications companies throughout the Unite
.Mates.. MACC has almost 200 Woc.iate5 and we are currently recruiting information technology
workers, Having affordable housing in Blair is important to our recruitment efforts as the market for
rrdividuals with informa ti on technologyshills l very competitive. Having a good selec tion of affordable .
housing in Blair would certainly help sell our company an d community to potential employees, Updating
the Comprehensive Fl w ith a new focus on housing would hells achieve this goal:
l Al� supports and appreciates the planning cor nmission's involvement ire the outlook for future
growth. a a lso appreciate any consideration ,given to the Bl air P commission's update of the
C omprehensive Plan with a focus on housing. if there is anything tint i can helix with or answer along
the way, please contact me 4012 426 - 6222,
Sincerely,
Craig Arnan
President and CEO
Mid America Computer Corporation
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9301 Harney Street • Omaha • NF • 68102 . (402) 233 -7940
July 11, 2014
Nebraska Investment Finance Authority
Attn: Elizabeth Fimbres, Program Manager
200 Commerce Court
1230 "0" Street
Lincoln, NE 68508 -1402
RE: Nebraska Investment Finance Authority
Housing Study Grant Program
Letter of Financial Commitment
Ms. Fiznbres,
I would like to offer official support for the Blair Planning Commission's comprehensive
plan update with emphasis on housing. With assistance from NIFA, the Blair Planning
Commission will be able to integrate a detailed housing element into the city's long -range plan,
thereby creating a more holistic document that sets policy and action steps into motion to protect
the natural environment and enhance the duality of life enjoyed by Blair residents.
I have spent much of my professional career in the business community and working
directly with government officials, so I understand that a community must look to the future and
begin now to develop a game plan for community prosperity and success. Charting a course for
a better future begins with a clear, well - defined community vision; a shared vision which
residents can enthusiastically embrace, support, and rally around; a comprehensive development.
As the Executive Director, I understand that public /private partnerships are crucial to
creating greater housing choice for the residents (current and future) of Blair. Without
meaningful coordination between private developers, non- profit organizations, and government
agencies, the success of housing goals, objectives, and policies may not be fully realized.
Thank you in advance for your consideration of Blair Planning Commission's planning
application for NIFA assistance to update our comprehensive plan with an emphasis on housing.
Sincerely,
V
Sean M. Johnson, Executive Director
Gateway Development Corporation
June 11, 2014
Nebraska Investment Finance Authority
Attn: Elizabeth Fimbres, Program Manager
200 Commerce Court
1230 "n" Street
Lincoln, NE 68508 -1402
RE: Nebraska Investment Finance Authority
Housing Study Grant Program
Letter of Financial Commitment
Ms. Fimbres,
I would like to offer official support for the Blair Planning Commission's comprehensive plan update with
emphasis on housing. With assistance from NIFA, the Blair Planning Commission will be able to integrate a detailed
housing element into the city's long -range plan, thereby creating a more holistic document that sets policy and action
steps into motion to protect the natural environment and enhance the quality of life enjoyed by Blair residents.
I have spent much of my professional career in the business community and working directly with government
officials, so I understand that a community must look to the future and begin now to develop a game plan for
community prosperity and success. Charting a course for a better future begins with a clear, well- defined community
vision; a shared vision which residents can enthusiastically embrace, support, and rally around; a comprehensive
development.
Blair continues to attract new businesses, and have numerous companies that have to rely on the labor pool
from the Omaha Metro area to fill these jobs. It is important to our business community to have available affordable
housing for their employees that might choose live in Blair, where they work. I also believe that when the Highway 133
widening project is completed, this will also make Blair more attractive as a place to live, and have an easier commute
into Omaha to work.
As the Executive Director of the Chamber, I understand that public /private partnerships are crucial to creating
greater housing choice for the residents (current and future) of Blair. Without meaningful coordination between private
developers, non - profit organizations, and government agencies, the success of housing goals, objectives, and policies
may not be fully realized.
Thank you in advance for your consideration of Blair Planning Commission's planning application for NIFA
assistance to update our comprehensive plan with an emphasis on housing.
Sincerely,
Harriet Waite, Executive Director
Blair Chamber of Commerce
® ®®
BLAIR HOUSING AUT I Pe Christoffersen
F Executive Director
July 26, 2014
Nebraska Investment Finance Authority
Attn: Elizabeth Fimbres, Program Manager
200 Commerce Court
1230 "0" Street
Lincoln, NE 68508 -1402
RE: Nebraska Investment Finance Authority
Housing Study Grant Program
Letter of Financial Commitment
Ms. Fimbres,
The Blair Housing Authority (BHA) fully supports the Blair Planning Commission application to
the Nebraska Investment Finance Authority for cost - sharing assistance to update the city's
comprehensive development plan with an emphasis on housing. Such a long -range plan will
help not only to plan, guide and facilitate development /redevelopment within the community; it
will also quantify and qualify the ongoing housing needs of all Blair residents, including those
individuals and families served by the BHA.
BHA has been providing decent, safe, and affordable rental housing in Blair for low- income
families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities since 1969. BHA currently has 100 public
housing units - 83 apartments for the elderly, persons with disabilities, or single adults and 17
single family homes and duplexes for families.
The BHA looks forward to actively participating in the update to the city's comprehensive plan.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions at 402 - 426-4552.
Sincerely,
Peggy Christoffersen, Executive Director
Blair Housing Authority
758 South 16 Street • Blair, NE 68008 . Phone: 402.426.4552 - Fax: 402.426.4820
Email: peggy@blairhousing.com • Email: kim @blairhousing.com
Blair, Nebraska
■
Meetings:
Meeting • • "'
Kenneth Rhoades
Nate Dougherty
Don Hansen
Joe Peleska
Doug Cook
Robert Krogh
1 • Anderser
Robert •
NIFA Housing Study Program Page 1
Blair Planning Commission
Blair, Nebraska
Below is a non - exhaustive list of community and housing development projects undertaken by the city
of Blair and its civic organizations, since 2007. To one degree or another, the Blair Planning has been an
integral partner in each of these initiatives
• Economic development successes since 2007 have resulted in hundreds of millions of dollars in
private investments and creating hundreds of new job opportunities for area residents.
Recent economic development successes have further restricted the city's already tight housing and
labor market.
® The appearance of US Highway 77 corridor has been dramatically altered since 2007. Several
construction and demolition project have made the corridor more visually appealing to those that
work, live, visit, shop and recreate in Blair.
• Independent Technologies moved their headquarters to Blair
• Construction of a new $51VI Blair Public Library and Technology Center
• Development of a Park Master Plan for the city's municipal park system
• Little Blossom Daycare built a new $1M facility in the Deerfield subdivision
• Issuance of 58 new start permits for the construction of news housing units since 2012.
• Widening of Nebraska Highway 133 from a rural, two lane highway to a four -lane divided highway
between Omaha and Blair.
• Increased the capacity of the city's Water Treatment Plant from 15M gallons per day (GPD) to 20M
GPD.
• Novozyemes expanded its corn processing, ethanol production facility in Blair with a $200M
investment, creating 120 jobs.
• Walmart opened its first Supercenter in Blair.
• OPPD installed a new $349,000 substation to serve the city's rapidly growing industrial areas.
• Dana College closed its doors in 2010, resulting the loss of 500 students, 125 faculty members, 50
employees, and $27 million in total economic impact to the city and local businesses.
• The city has annexed ±75 acres into the corporate limits since 2009.
• Memorial Community Hospital & Health System in Blair completed a two phase, $20 million
rehabilitation and addition project between 2007 and 2010.
• Blair Community Schools recently opened Deerfield Primary School, a $9M, 59,000 square foot
facility that serves 450 students in grades K -3.
NIFA Housing Study Program Page 1
Additional Supporting Documentation
Blair, Nebraska
The Ralston Planning Commission's most recent annual financial report is not applicable.
NIFA Housing Study Program Page 1
Annual Financial Report
July 27, 2014
Nebraska Investment Finance Authority
Attn: Elizabeth Fimbres, Program Manager
200 Commerce Court
1230 "0" Street
Lincoln, NE 68508 -1402
RE: Nebraska Investment Finance Authority
Housing Study Grant Program
Ms. Fimbres,
Good Shepherd Lutheran Community would like to offer our support to the Blair Planning Commission's
Comprehensive Plan update with emphasis on housing. A complete and current housing study would
increase the opportunities for hiring additional staff and provide more housing choices of our staff.
Recently, we experienced a lack of good quality, affordable, inviting housing to attract employees to live
in Blair, NE. Without this attraction to the Blair community we have lost potential employees.
We support and appreciate the planning commission's involvement in the outlook for future growth.
We also appreciate any consideration given to the Blair Planning Commission's update of the
Comprehensive Plan with a focus on housing. If there is anything that I can help with or answer along
the way, please contact me at 402 - 426 -4663.
Sincerely,
/I
U,,,�, aa�
Arnie Clausen
CEO
2242 Wright street I Blair, Nebraska 68008 -1148 1 402.426,4663 1 Fax: 402°426.1988
NEBRASKA INVESTMENT FINANCE AUTHORITY®
August 15, 2014
REGULAR MAIL
Robert Boettcher
Blair Planning Commission
218S.16 th Street
Blair, NE 68008 -1674
Re: Housing Study Grant Funding - Letter Agreement
Amount of Grant Funding $21,525
Dear Mr. Boettcher,
This letter ( "Letter Agreement "), acknowledged by you below, will serve as the
agreement between the Nebraska Investment Finance Authority ( "NIFA ") and the Blair
Planning and Zoning Commission ( "Recipient ") with respect to the award by NIFA of
Housing Study Grant Funding in the amount set forth above (the "Award "). The Award
was made by NIFA pursuant to NIFA's Housing Study Grant Program. The award will
be used by Recipient to stimulate ideas for addressing the community's housing issues
and need or for a comprehensive plan encompassing land use, housing, utilities,
transportation, recreation, as well as community and /or economic development
opportunities. Any comprehensive plan should address and include recommendations for
public policy, socio- cultural, environmental, technological and economic elements for
the community.
On the basis described in this Letter Agreement, NIFA will advance funds to the
Recipient in accordance with the schedule attached hereto upon the satisfaction by
Recipient of the other conditions of this Letter Agreement.
Recipient shall proceed to commission the study in accordance with the terms and
conditions of Recipient's application submitted to NIFA requesting Housing Study Grant
Funding (the "Application "). Such Application is incorporated by reference and shall be a
part of this Letter Agreement. The Study shall also meet the terms and conditions, and
address those issues outlined in NIFA's Housing Study Grant Program.
1230 0 Street • Suite 200 . Lincoln, NE 68508 -1402 e (402) 434 -3900 • (800) 204 -NIFA • FAX: (402) 434 -3921 • www.nifa.org
August 15, 2014
Mr. Robert Boettcher
PAGE TWO
As a condition to receiving the Award, Recipient agrees that:
- at least quarterly, Recipient shall provide a written report to NIFA outlining
the progress with respect to its Study;
- on any report or other written or verbal communication published or released
with respect to the Study, Recipient shall acknowledge the Award made by
NIFA;
- NIFA shall be provided a copy of the final Study in digital format, if
available;
- the Study shall be completed within 18 months from the date of the award;
and,
- representatives from NIFA shall be invited to any presentation or ceremony
held upon completion of the Study.
If the foregoing terms are acceptable to you and reflect your understanding of our
agreement, please acknowledge this Letter Agreement below and return one of the
originals to my attention at the address above. NIFA looks forward to assisting
you in your efforts for comprehensive community planning.
NEBRASKA INVESTMENT FINANCE
SCHEDULE OF DISBURSEMENTS
Date
Action /Stage/Event
NIFA
Match
Disbursement
Upon completion of the study
$21,525
$40,125
and compliance with the terms
and conditions herein*
* Please submit a cover letter requesting payment and include copies of your consultant's
proposals and a final invoice.