Users of the new online database will still need to be
aware of various limitations with the technology; there will
be occasions where the TEA cannot be designated with the
interactive data tool. The tool requires that an actual physical
address be entered, but many projects, for example, cover a
parcel of land that can only be described with boundaries,
while other projects may have a new address that has not
yet been established or is not recognizable. If users try to
circumvent this by inputting an identifiable address within
the project census tract, the TEA generated letter in turn
would only certify that particular address, and not the actual
location for the project.
Another limitation is an inherent problem with all address
finders—different census tract numbers can show up for the
same address, depending on which address finder is used. I
have found all too frequently instances where an odd address
will default to an even address in a different census tract, and
vice versa. I would advise that both users and GO-Biz staff
closely review all project addresses that fall near a census tract
border, to verify that the address is correctly placed in the
proper tract. If the data tool incorrectly identifies the tract
location, the resulting TEA letter would be incorrect and
could be challenged by USCIS.
“…it is always advisable to keep the TEA as
compact as possible in terms of both size
and shape, to limit any possible concerns
about excessive gerrymandering.”
In order to optimize the mapping data tool, it should not
be simply used in a random or haphazard manner; otherwise,
you may not be configuring the best possible TEA. The
mapping tool will accept any contiguous connection, so if
users search for any qualifying area with 12 or fewer tracts,
the results may be an irregularly shaped area or a larger F