Community Development Block Grant Meeting | March 3, 2025
This meeting was to gather community feedback on how to allocate ~$300,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds over the next 5 years. A follow-up session is on March 7th 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM at the Barnstable Adult and Community Center.
The Town held a public hearing to gather community feedback on how to allocate approximately $300,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds over the next five years.
Watch the meeting. AI generated summary below. Corrections welcome; see contact page.
Key Points
- The CDBG funds are used to benefit low- and moderate-income persons, prevent slums and blight, address urgent community needs, create suitable living environments and affordable housing, and foster economic opportunities.
- In the past five years, funds were used for affordable housing rehabilitation, a winter community resource officer program, youth scholarships, a remote learning center, and a food pantry.
- Funds can be allocated across four categories: housing, public facilities/infrastructure, community services, and economic development. Public services are capped at 15% ($45,000), and program administration is capped at 20% ($60,000), leaving approximately $200,000 in unallocated funds.
- Community members are encouraged to provide feedback via an online survey (deadline: March 21st, 2025), email to the Planning Director (deadline: March 31st, 2025), or in-person at Town Hall.
- A follow-up public feedback session will be held on Friday, March 7th, from 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM at the Barnstable Adult and Community Center.
Highlights
- Public input is crucial in determining how the CDBG funds will be used.
- Several community members provided suggestions, including using unallocated funds for housing programs and exploring sewer hookup subsidies.
- Multiple avenues for providing feedback are available.