Christine Fedora and Peter J. Miller, of the Westfield Community Development office. (Photo by Amy Porter)
WESTFIELD – Community Development Director Peter J. Miller shared the Annual Action Plan for the 2019 Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) at two public hearings this week. Miller also announced the application deadline of March 11 for 2019 CDBG grant funding.
The CDBG program, funded through the department of Housing and Urban Development, began 42 years ago and is focused on providing decent housing, suitable living environments and expanding economic development opportunities primarily for low and moderate income residents.
Eligible grants must meet one of three national objectives: Provide a benefit to low to moderate income persons, prevent or eliminate slums or blight, or meet an urgent community need.
Last year, Westfield received $372,000, which Miller said is still down from the high of $500,000 the city received in the ‘90’s. Funded projects included $170,000 for new sidewalks on one side of Washington St., which are in process, and $80,000 for the demolition of the former Soo’s restaurant at 340 Elm St. Miller said he hopes to fund sidewalks on the other side of Washington St. with this year’s grant, although he hasn’t yet heard from the city’s Engineering Dept. regarding their proposals.
$35,000 was given in economic development grants to small businesses, and $42,709 was funded for housing improvements to eligible homeowners.
Public services grants to local non-profits are capped annually at 15% of the total funding. Last year, eleven local agencies were granted $58,857. Funded projects including the Boys & Girls Club Kidscape, Kamp for Kids, HI SET GED preparation classes at DOMUS, Samaritan Inn, Westfield Food Pantry, Meals on Wheels, the Council on Aging’s Companionship Program, Westfield Soup Kitchen, YMCA transportation, YWCA’s New Beginnings, United Way Thrive Program and CHD’s Cancer House of Hope.
However, non-profit organizations with infrastructure needs may also apply under the public facilities category. Last year, the Westfield Athenaeum received $70,000 to renovate downstairs bathrooms for handicap accessibility. The Boys & Girls Club also received a grant of $35,000 to renovate its kitchen, which serves 500 meals a day to its clientele. With the grant, they were able to purchase a new walk-in freezer.
Miller said he hopes to see more grant proposals like these from agencies in need of facility upgrades whose clientele is more than 50% low to moderate income families. Questions regarding eligibility may be directed to the office of Community Development, Room 300 in City Hall (572-6246). Agencies and programs interested in applying may also attend a workshop on Feb. 6 at 10 a.m. at City Hall to hear more about the grants and get questions answered.
The deadline for applications is March 11. The plan year begins on July 1; however, Miller said that the last time there was a government shutdown, the start time was delayed until August. “It will throw off the available dates. We’ll plan as usual,” Miller said, adding that the program is dependent on congressional funding.
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