Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Planning & Development Services

 

TO:              David L. Corliss, City Manager

FROM:            Margene K. Swarts, Assistant Director, Planning and Development Services

CC:                  Scott McCullough, Director, Planning and Development Services

DATE:             May 19

RE:                  2008 CDBG-R Substantial Amendment

 

The Community Development Advisory Committee met on May 19, 2009 to discuss allocations regarding the 2008 CDBG-R Substantial Amendment to the City’s 2008 CDBG/HOME Consolidated Plan.  The total amount of funding available is $216,798. 

 

After deliberation, the CDAC made the following recommendations:  

 

Health Care Access, 330 Maine – Relocation from 1920 Moodie Road - $75,000

 

Lawrence Community Shelter, 1242 Massachusetts – Shelter Improvements:  Bathroom Upgrade, Sprinkler System Installation, Ramp Installation - $78,789

 

Tenants to Homeowners, Inc., 1601 Bullene Avenue – Community Green Space Project - $7,000

 

Women’s Transitional Care Services (Address Suppressed) – Shelter Repairs: Roof, Security System Upgrade, Storm Windows Installation, Fence, and Carpeting - $34,210

 

Community Development Division Administration (10% maximum) - $21,799

 

Total Funds Allocated - $216,798

     

Funding available under the recovery act has clear purposes – to stimulate the economy through measures that modernize the Nation’s infrastructure, improve energy efficiency, and expand educational opportunities and access to health care.  HUD strongly encouraged grantees to use CDBG-R funds for hard development costs associated with infrastructure activities that provide basic services to residents or activities that promote energy efficiency and conservation through rehabilitation or retro fitting of existing buildings.  The CDAC kept that in mind when determining the allocations, as well as incorporating consideration of the public perception of the intent of the Recovery Act in selecting projects for CDBG-R funding. 

 

Project funding is available from the 2008 CDBG-R (Recovery) Program fund and requires a Substantial Amendment to the 2008 Consolidated Plan Investment Summary.  A Substantial Amendment to the Consolidated Plan also allows for citizen input as well as publication of a notice regarding the proposed amendment.  The notice will be published Friday, May 22, 2009 and will begin the seven (7) day written comment period, which will end May 29, 2009.  This item will be on the City Commission agenda for approval on May 26, 2009, as it is due at the Kansas City HUD office by Friday, June 5, 2009.