Providing alternative housing types, such as ?live-work? units, is one way of capitalizing on the City?s urban character to attract new residents. [Loftworks in Goodrich-Kirtland Park neighborhood]

HOUSING

GOAL: Provide new and renovated housing that meets the needs and preferences of Clevelanders of all incomes, ages and lifestyles

Issues

After decades with virtually no significant housing development, Cleveland now leads the region in the creation of new housing. Hundreds of new single-family houses and townhouses are breathing new life into neighborhoods in every part of the City. Conversion of obsolete warehouses into upscale housing and “live-work” spaces has attracted thousands of new residents seeking uniquely urban living environments. At the same time, programs for affordable housing and supportive housing are creating housing opportunities for those whose needs are not served by the private market.

In the effort to meet its housing goals, the City must address issues as divergent as homelessness and suburban competition.  More specifically, among the housing issues facing Cleveland are the following.

• current housing choices that fail to fully meet the needs of individuals of all ages and incomes and ability levels
• inadequate supply of housing that can attract mobile individuals with many housing choices
• adapting housing incentives to changing market conditions
• homelessness and the associated needs for supportive services
• excessive numbers of dilapidated and abandoned residential buildings
• weak private market for housing rehabilitation even in neighborhoods where new housing is being developed
• obstacles to assembling sites for large-scale housing developments

Outstanding design and affordability do not have to be mutually exclusive goals in the development of new housing. [Arbor Park Village low-income housing development in the Central neighborhood]

Policies

1. Decent and Affordable Housing.  Give highest priority among the City’s housing initiatives to the provision of decent and affordable housing for all Clevelanders.
2. Alternative Housing.  Attract residents seeking an urban lifestyle by offering alternative housing types, including townhouses, condominiums, live-work spaces, and converted commercial, industrial and institutional buildings.
3. Competitive Places.  Create and preserve neighborhoods that are competitive urban places, characterized by mixed-use development, pedestrian-friendly design and transit access.
4. Housing Choice.  Provide a diversity of housing types in neighborhoods throughout the City, maximizing choices for residents of all economic and social circumstances.
5. Code Enforcement.  Target residential code enforcement in a manner that helps stabilize neighborhoods without causing undue hardships for low-income households.
6. Housing Incentives.  Ensure that financial incentives for housing development are the minimum necessary to be effective, and do not result in undue losses of revenue for city services or the public schools.
7. Rehabilitation.  Give priority to housing rehabilitation as the most effective means of making affordable housing available to the greatest number of residents.
8. Land Assembly.  Promote housing development through strategic, proactive land assembly.
9. Homelessness.  Address homelessness through a multi-faceted strategy that includes emergency shelters, permanent supportive housing, medical and social services, and job training.
10. Senior Housing.  Develop housing for senior citizens in proximity to shopping, medical facilities, social services, and public transportation.
11. Design.  Ensure that the design of new and renovated houses complements the character of the surrounding neighborhood, through a design review process that is effective, expeditious and equitable.
12. Neighborhood Plans.  Locate infill houses where neighborhood plans ensure a supportive environment for residential development.
13. Green Building.  Encourage use of “green building” techniques in new and renovated housing through code changes and financial incentives.