Wooster holding public meetings on CDBG funding
A pair of public meetings will be held April 25 by the City of Wooster in Council Chambers of Wooster City Hall, 538 N. Market St., Wooster, about funding available under the federally funded Community Development Block Grant Small Cities Program.
The City of Wooster intends to apply to the Ohio Development Services Agency Office of Community Development for funding available under the CDBG program it administers. The first public hearing will be April 25 at 9 a.m. to inform citizens and organizations about the CDBG program, with details on eligible activities and program requirements.
The CDBG program can fund a range of activities including economic development projects, street and drainage improvements, downtown revitalization, demolition of unsafe structures, and the rehabilitation of housing and neighborhood facilities. Public services also may be supported.
Specific grant programs the city may apply for include (up to specified estimated amounts) the following: Allocation Grant ($150,000), Neighborhood Revitalization Grant ($750,000), Critical Infrastructure ($500,000), Economic Development Loan/Public Infrastructure Grant Program ($500,000 each), CDBG Economic and Community Development Grant ($250,000 each), Residential Public Infrastructure Grant ($750,000), and other potential opportunities.
A second public hearing will be held for each of the specific grant applications to be made later in May or after projects and funding amounts have been decided.
At 10 a.m. the second meeting will be held to identify needs and to prioritize possible public projects for future grant funding. CDBG-funded projects must be designed to meet national objectives primarily benefiting low- to moderate-income persons, aiding in the prevention and elimination of slums and blight, or meeting an urgent need of the community. Other funding sources may have other requirements.
The City of Wooster welcomes public comment and encourages anyone wishing to offer feedback, comments or ideas on public needs or city projects that could be assisted with grant funding to attend or share comments to Jonathan Millea, development coordinator, at 330-263-5250 or Jmillea@woosteroh.com. Letters should be addressed Economic Development, City of Wooster, 538 N. Market St., Wooster, OH 44691.
Special auxiliary aids for handicapped persons are available upon request. At least five days of notice are required prior to a meeting. Requests must be made to Amy Hamilton at 330-263-5242 during regular working hours.