Urban Planning portfolio DAAP UC

01

Cincinnati Metropolitian Housing Authority

Common Tasks

Assist with research, analysis and development projects in the Cincinnati Area.

Summary

Appointed to lead the 2 million dollar Anderson development project.

Collaborated with co-workers on various projects like Bennett Point, Logan Commons, Riverview, etc by creating various maps and documents.

Applied and got chosen for an RFP for CMHA to work with LCMHA.

Attended The Department of Housing and Urban Development meetings. Learned how housing Choice Vouchers, LIHTC and Section 8 vouchers work.

Researched and applied to various grants (Langsman Grant). Worked on the West End Choice Neighborhoods project. Gained a firm understanding of Affordable housing.

Writing

Sample

Project Narrative

The Anderson Rehabilitation – 101HAH consists of 15 units across 10 buildings that are owned by CMHA. The buildings are situate d in Anderson Township, a suburban community with a median household income of $103,774, significantly higher than the citywide median income of $45,235. The current reside nts of the property represent a mix of individuals with extremely low income and those with low to moderate income. The majority of residents fall at or below 60% AMI. This proje ct aims to provide these residents with safe, comfortable, and affordable places to live by rehabilitating the building and addressing their various maintenance and repair need s.

These properties were acquired by CMHA to provide access to affordable housing in communities where it was not currently avail able. The demand for affordable housing is rapidly increasing while supply cannot meet the current needs so it is important to preserve the current supply of affordable housing. With the increased cost of construction and labor, it is also imperative that developers of affordable housing use creative solutions like the Economic development initiative to mai ntain our local supply of affordable housing. The EDI program gives CMHA the funding to continue to maintain much-needed affordable housing in Hamilton County without taking funding from the development of new affordable housing.

The Anderson Rehabilitation – 101HAH consists of 15 units across 10 buildings that are owned by CMHA. The buildings are situate d in Anderson Township, a suburban community with a median household income of 100,000, significant higher than the citywide median income of $45,235. The current residents of the property represent a mx of individuals with extremely low income and those with low to moderate income. The majority of residents fall at or below 60% AMI. This project ai ms to provide these residents with safe comfortable. And affordable=le places to live

All properties within 101HAH need rehabilitation:

Structural repairs: In addition to foundation and grading repairs, some buildings or units within 101HAH may require structural repairs due to wear and tear or damages caused by weathering. These repairs may include fixing cracks in walls, reinforcing or replacing beams/columns

HVAC Upgrades: While the HVAC equipment needs replacement, it’s also an opportunity to upgrade to newer, more efficient systems that will not only save money in the long run but also be more environmentally friendly

Water Systems: The plumbing system needs replacement, and upgrades may also be necessary to comply with modern standards and re gulations

Electrical Upgrades: The electrical systems may need to be upgraded to meet current building codes and safety standards. Upgrad es may include replacing outdated wiring, adding new outlets, or installing new lighting fixtures.

Exterior renovations: The roofing systems may need replacement or repair, and exterior painting or siding may need an update to improve curb appeal and attract future tenants

Landscaping: Driveways may need replacement or repair

Unit Improvements: Updating kitchens and bathrooms are in need, it can also improve the marketability of units. Renovations ma y include replacing countertops, cabinets, and appliances or installing new fixtures and finishes. The interior stairs and flooring also need repaired.

Nomadic Lifestyle

Ecovillage

Project Goal

The goal of the “Nomadic Lifestyle” is to allow for more opportunities for personal mobility and more opportunities with occupations.

Summary

The Urban Ecovillage incorporates the “Nomadic Lifestyle” by allowing for more freedom in everyday life. 1. Shared spaces would include common areas seen in a typical single-family home. 2. The village will focus on cultivating food, with a percentage of the crop to be donated to benefit those living in food deserts. 3. Residents will also have separate private living spaces. 4. The ecovillages will host free educational events for residents and the surrouding population.

Year:

Fall Semester, 2022

MADE WITH Sketchup

1 Community Spaces

Shared spaces would nclude common areas seen n a typical single family home a kitchen, lounge areas recreation spaces, etc

2 Food Production

The vi lage wi l focus on cult vating food with a percentage of the crop to be donated to benefit those in the city l v ng in food deserts.

3 Seperate Living Spaces

Res dents w ll also have seperate private iv ng spaces that wi l nclude bedrooms, bathrooms sma l flex spaces and a kitchen.

4 Education

The ecov llages w ll host free educationa events for residents and the surrounding population.

4

Bringing in Local Businesses

To identify an opportunity area in the Spring Grove neighborhood and develop a site plan to attract outside communities.

In Spring Grove Village there is a great amount of unused land as seen in the Google Earth image. In this town, they are lacking a great number of local businesses. The main objective of this plan is to create a space for a business to come in and thrive which was done by creating analysis maps of linkages and land use. By bringing in a local business Spring Grove will see more economic growth and attraction to live in or near the village.

Spring Grove Land Use

Spring Grove Linkage

Equity In Mill Creek

Project Goal

To identify areas within the Mill Creek corridor that are facing inequity and to propose a plan to give communities more access and mobility.

The Cincinnati Public Schools district is currently a low-performing school. This affects students by not being able to graduate on time or at all, causing students to lack in common core areas, affecting mental health, ending education early, and leaving them without skills to succeed in the workplace. A solution to help students’ outcomes would be the implementation of an area-focused vocational school. The vocational school will provide an equitable education while giving students district-based skills for direct employment. Districtbased skills would be skills directly related to the industry and environment around for example heavy equipment operators or environmental analyzers. The two largest strategies for implementation would be funding which can be from the creation of a tax levy and holding community partnerships. Once funding is secured a site will be chosen and the phasing process will begin.

MADE WITH Adobe Illustrator

Summer 2020 Year:

English Woods

Project Goal

To create a sustainable neighborhood for low - mediumincome residents.

Sammary

This plan features a large area of residential homes. These homes are single-family, duplex, and multi-family affordable housing. A new roadway will also be implemented to create more connectivity and accessibility throughout the neighborhood. Parking facilities for the Multi-Family homes will feature green spaces between them. A park will also be implemented into the neighborhood near the single-family homes and commercial strip.

Year:

Spring Semester, 2020

APPLIED SKILLS

ArcGis, Skechup, Adobe Illustrator

ArcGIS land analyses ran on English Woods to understand where development would work best.

Sketchup models showing a 3D view of the site plan.

Cross Sections illustrating the neighborhood.

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Illustrator

Acrylic on canvas

Hello, I'm Alexander Costa.

As an Urban Planning major, I am passionate about creating sustainable, livable, and equitable communities. Through my coursework, internships, and extracurricular activities, I have gained hands-on experience in a range of urban planning areas, including transportation, housing, land use, and environmental sustainability. I have honed my skills in data analysis, GIS mapping, and community engagement, and am eager to apply these skills to realworld projects that make a positive impact on people’s lives. I have currently Interned with the Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority for three semesters.

Alexander Costa

A Address: 5871 WHITEGATE COURT, MILFORD, OHIO 45150

P Phone: +1 513-226-0843