Appraisal:  A written opinion of the market value of a property prepared by trained professionals.  Two appraisals will be performed for buildings that are acquired by the City.  East Baltimore Development Inc.  (“EBDI”) will pay for the cost of a third appraisal at the request of the owner.
Back to top

Area Median Income (“AMI”):  A way of determining income eligibility for various housing programs.  AMI is calculated every year by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”) for every county and metropolitan area.  The 2003 Area Median Income in the Baltimore area for a family of four is $67,300.  Families with incomes below 80% of AMI, or $53,850, are categorized as being low-income by HUD and are eligible for special programs and benefits.
Back to top

Base Monthly Rent:  The base monthly rent for a current home is the lesser of: (1) the monthly rent and average monthly cost for utilities, or (2) thirty percent of the household’s income.
Back to top

Comparable Replacement Home (or Property):  One or more specific home(s) found by a Relocation Counselor that are similar in size, function and location to the house the family or individual is leaving.  These comparable homes are used to ensure that displaced persons actually have a place to move to.  They are also used to set a maximum limit on the replacement housing payment a displaced household may receive.  A displaced family or individual does not have to accept one of the comparable homes in order to receive benefits.  Each family or individual can conduct their own independent search for a new home with help from their Relocation Counselor.
Back to top

Condemnation:  If the value of a property to be acquired by the City is less than what is owed on the property (including the remaining mortgage, unpaid taxes, etc.), the City has the ability to condemn the property and take ownership.  The owner of the condemned property is paid Fair Market Value for the building and/or land.
Back to top

Displaced Person:  Any person or business (and their property) that moves to a new location because of federally assisted acquisition, demolition or rehabilitation activities.
Back to top

Displacement home:  The home from which a person must move in order that the home can be demolished.
Back to top

EBDI:  East Baltimore Development Inc.  (“EBDI”) is a not for profit organization established to manage the East Baltimore revitalization process.  EBDI’s Responsibilities include the relocation of displaced households, the provision of family advocacy services, the biotech business development, and the development of new mixed-income housing.  EBDI will also be involved in the strengthening of surrounding neighborhoods and the creation of economic development opportunities.
Back to top

Eminent Domain:  The right of a government to take private property for public use, in exchange for payment of fair market value.
Back to top

Entitlement Letter:  The notification sent by the Relocation Counselor after the initial relocation interview.  The letter describes the type and  maximum amount of benefits the displaced household will be eligible for.  The Relocation counselor will meet with the household to review the letter, discuss rehousing options, and answer any questions about how benefits are calculated.
Back to top

Fair Market Rent (“FMR”):  The rent rates by bedroom size published by the federal government.  These rent rates establish maximum, eligible rent levels allowed under the Section 8 voucher program.
Back to top

Fair Market Value (“FMV”):  The value of a property determined by an independent appraisal.  FMV is based on comparable sales in the area.  The City pays each property owner the FMV of the building and/or the land that the City acquires.
Back to top

Family Advocate:  Persons hired to work with each household before, during and after the relocation process.  The Family Advocate will be the first person the displaced household meets with when the acquisition and relocation process begins.  The Family Advocate will help each household receive the necessary services and supports they may need to make the transition to a new home and neighborhood as smooth as possible.
Back to top

Gross Annual Income:  The total income of the household from all sources, including income from assets such as stocks.  Annual income does not include income from:

• Employment of children under age 18
• Payments for care of foster children
• Lump-sum additions to assets such as inheritances, insurance payments, capital gains
• Income of a live-in aide
• Reimbursement from medical expenses
• Educational scholarships
• Special “hostile fire” pay to person serving in Armed Forces
• Amounts received under training programs funded by HUD: or
• Nonrecurring income like gifts.
  Back to top

Families or individuals will need to provide documents that verify the gross annual income calculations.  Annual income is used to calculate maximum replacement housing rental payments and to guide homeowners in how much they should spend on a new replacement home.
Back to top

Housing Authority of Baltimore City (“HABC”):  The City agency that oversees the public housing program and Section 8 vouchers.
Back to top

Housing and Community Development (“HCD”):  The City department that will be responsible for all acquisition activities in the East Baltimore core area.
Back to top

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”):  The federal agency that will monitor the compliance of the City of Baltimore with federal acquisition and relocation regulations.
Back to top

Inspection:  A Housing Inspector will inspect new replacement homes selected by families or individuals to assure their safety and structural condition, in accordance with Federal and local housing standards.  Inspections must be completed prior to finalizing any leases or purchases.
Back to top

Lease Agreement:  A written agreement between renter and landlord that permits a renter to live in a landlord-owned property in return for monthly rent payment.
Back to top

Lien:  A legal claim against a property that is used to secure a loan.  EBDI’s supplemental benefit for homeowners will include a lien that is forgiven (or gradually disappears) over a five year period.
Back to top

Low-income:  A family or individual whose income does not exceed 80 percent of the area median income, as determined by HUD, with adjustments for household size.
Back to top

Mortgage:  A loan to finance the purchase of real estate, usually with specified payment periods and interest rates.  The borrower gives the lender a lien on the property as collateral for the loan.
Back to top

Phases:  A time period of development that is determined by such factors as availability of resources, the nature of the physical improvements, and market conditions.  The East Baltimore Revitalization effort is now planned in three phases over a ten-year period.  Phase 1 begins in early 2004.
Back to top

Public Housing:  HABC will offer public housing to eligible, low-income households who are displaced in Phase 1.  Households who wish to live in public housing must apply to HABC, and, if accepted, pay 30% of their adjusted income for rent.
Back to top

Relocation:  The act of moving people and their belongings (whether residence or business) to new home or location.
Back to top

Relocation Counselor:  A trained representative of EBDI assigned to work with families or individuals to determine benefits, find a comparable house, process all necessary claim forms, and assist with other paperwork.  The counselor will assist with the entire relocation process, including providing transportation when needed or any other services as required.
Back to top

Replacement Housing Payment (RHP):  A payment made to relocated family or individual to cover any increase in housing costs for a new comparable home.  This payment is available to both renters and homeowners.  Persons who relocate to public housing or with a Section 8 voucher are not always eligible for an RHP because the voucher or public housing subsidy covers increased housing costs.  For those that elect not to move with a Section 8 voucher or to public housing, and who choose to take a cash payment, the RHP for a comparable home would be paid for a period of 42 months under URA guidelines, or 60 months if the relocated household is low-income (per 104(d)requirements).
Back to top

Resource Center:  The Center is located at 1731 E. Chase Street in East Baltimore. The Center houses all EBDI staff, Relocation Counselors, Family Advocates, and other service providers.  Educational classes, informational materials, housing search information, and other assistance will be available at this Center for all East Baltimore residents.
Back to top

Section 8 Voucher:  A Federal program that provides rental assistance to low-income families in the form of a voucher.  Families with a Section 8 voucher usually pay 30% of their adjusted monthly income towards rent, and HABC covers the difference between the family’s rent contribution and the full rent for the home.
Back to top

Section 104(d):  Section 104(d) of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 describes relocation assistance and relocation payments for low-income persons who are displaced by federally-assisted activities.  Section 104(d) benefits differ from URA benefits in eligibility requirements and the type of assistance provided.
Back to top

Settlement:  The finalizing of the sale of a property, as its title is transferred from the seller to the buyer.  It is also called ‘closing’.
Back to top

Supplemental Benefits:  Special benefits paid to displaced families or individuals of East Baltimore in addition to the URA/104(d) benefits provided by the government.  These supplemental benefits are being funded by the Annie E. Casey Foundation and Johns Hopkins.
Back to top

Title Report:  A legal document establishing evidence of ownership of a home or property.
Back to top

Total Tenant Payments (“TTP”):  The total amount an individual or family is expected to contribute to their housing costs (includes rent and utilities).  TTP is the greater of:  (a) 30% of adjusted monthly household income; (b) 10% of gross monthly income; or (c) welfare rent.
Back to top

Uniform Relocation Act (URA”):  The Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970, as amended (“URA”) protects all persons who are displaced by a federally assisted project, regardless of their income.  The URA requirements describe the types of relocation assistance that must be provided to persons who are displaced.
Back to top

Unit:  The dwelling or living quarters, such as an apartment or house, in which an individual or family lives.   Also referred to as a ‘home’.
Back to top

Utility Costs:  Expenses for heat, cooking, lighting, water and sewer, and air conditioning (if required by climatic conditions), associated with the reasonable occupancy of a dwelling.
Back to top