Public comment sought on block grants

Jefferson City officials are inviting public comment on how to spend 2017 Community Development Block Grant funds.

Jayme Abbott, neighborhood services coordinator, said the city received $262,865 from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development meant to be spent on projects that benefit low-to-moderate-income individuals, remove slums and blight, or address an urgent threat and need.

The proposed plan will fund the following activities:

Homeowner rehabilitation and down-payment assistance affordable housing: $75,000.

Public facility & infrastructure improvements preserve and improve area neighborhoods; economic opportunities: $80,292.

Public supportive services for low-income and special needs: $25,000.

Demolition assistance, removal of slum and blight; economic opportunities: $30,000.

Administration and planning: $52,573.

A copy of the draft plan may be found at jeffersoncitymo.gov/government/redevelopment_and_grants.

Comments on the draft plan will be accepted through Oct. 28. Comments may be submitted in multiple ways:

Email comments to: [email protected] with subject line "CDBG 2017 Action Plan."

Mail comments to: Planning & Protective Services, RE: Draft CDBG 2017 Action Plan, 320 E. McCarty St., Jefferson City, Missouri 65101.

The plan will be presented to the Public Works & Planning Committee on Oct. 20 with a final presentation to the City Council on Nov. 7 for approval via resolution. It is anticipated the approved plan will be submitted to U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development on or around Nov. 15.