North East Borough Holding First Public Hearing for 2019 Community Block Grant

Notice of first public hearing North East Borough FY 2019 Community Development Block Grant program (CDBG) Notice is hereby given that the first of two required public hearings regarding North East Borough’s FY 2019 CDBG program will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, July 15, 2019 at the North East Borough Municipal Building, 31 West Main Street, North East, PA 16428.

Items to be discussed include a brief summary of the CDBG program, a review of the Borough’s current Three Year Plan, and discussion of community development and housing needs which could potentially be addressed with Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds.

The Borough is entitled to apply for and receive an annual allocation of CDBG funds from the PA DCED pursuant to PA Act 179 of 1984 and since 1985 has received nearly $3.6 million in CDBG funding. The PA DCED has informed the Borough that its FY 2019 allocation is $93,227 which is $1,922 or 2.11% more than last year’s grant of $91,305. The County on behalf of the Borough will submit an application requesting the funding to DCED by November 1, 2019.

CDBG funds can be used to undertake a wide range of “eligible” activities, including, but not limited to: water, sanitary sewer and storm sewer construction; street reconstruction; curb and sidewalk replacement; recreation/park improvements; handicapped accessibility improvements; single family/rental housing rehabilitation; first-time homebuyer assistance; fair housing activities; and administration/planning.

It is noted that North East Borough would be responsible for replacing all low and moderate income housing units that may be demolished or converted as a result of a CDBG funded activity. The Borough does not anticipate the demolition or conversion of any housing units.

Eligible activities must meet one of three National Objectives:

1. principally benefit low-to-moderate income persons
2. aid in the prevention or elimination of slums and blight
3. meet a need having a particular urgency

It is noted that the primary objective of the CDBG program is to “principally benefit low-to-moderate income persons” and at least 70% of the funds must be allocated for this purpose.

All interested persons are encouraged to attend the hearing. Those who are unable to attend but would like to comment may do so by contacting the Erie County Department of Planning (ECDP), 150 East Front Street, Suite 300, Erie, PA 16507 / e-mail: jberdis@eriecountypa.gov. Comments will be accepted until 9:00 AM the day of the hearing. The municipal building and meeting room where the hearing will be conducted is handicapped accessible. The Borough will make reasonable accommodation for any known disability that may interfere with a person’s ability to participate in this public hearing. Persons needing an accommodation should notify/contact Robin Steff, Assistant Borough Secretary at 725-8611 at least 48 hours prior to the hearing to discuss how the Borough may best accommodate their needs.

Borough Manager
Patrick Gehrlein