Town Board mulls block grant ideas

AMENIA — The Amenia Town Board considered its options for next year’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) at a public hearing held on Thursday, Sept. 6.

Funded by the federal government, the CDBG program is designed to assist with the development of projects that primarily benefit low and moderate-income residents. Amenia is a member of the 2019 CDBG Urban County Consortium, making it eligible for the grant dollars.

The county has a priority list for projects, which may include acquisition of real property; public facilities and improvements; clearance, rehabilitation and reconstruction of housing; removal of existing architectural barriers; public services; and economic development assistance.

The project must fulfill a plan priority such as economic development, public facilities and improvements, rental housing, owner-occupied housing and permanent or transitional housing for the homeless.

Municipalities must submit a letter of intent to determine their eligibility by Friday, Oct. 5, while all applications are due on Friday, Oct. 19. Activities under CDBG funding may not begin or incur costs prior to March 1, 2019, at the beginning of the program year.

The Amenia meeting included all board members in attendance along with Attorney to the Town Scott Volkman. While the board was required to hold a public  hearing to discuss the use of CDBG funds and allow the public an opportunity to comment, there were no community members in attendance.

Town Supervisor Victoria Perotti suggested that the board consider repairs to the sidewalks in front of the post office. 

Councilman Damien Gutierrez suggested improvements to park and recreation areas, such as the Wassaic Multiple Use Area. Perotti mentioned the board previously applied for grants to improve the park and recreation areas, but they were turned down since the area had flooded in 2007. However, she said the board could apply for a Greenway Grant in October and hire a contractor to see what could be done.

The board also discussed the benefits of developing a central water and wastewater system.

“I think it’d be great economic benefit to the hamlet,” Gutierrez said about developing a system in Wassaic.

Volkman said once the board has plans and cost estimates in place, it will be in a better position to apply for funding. He also said the board could potentially merge some of the grant projects together.

Returning to the subject of sidewalks, Councilwoman Vicki Doyle said the sidewalks are in deplorable condition as a result of being heavily used during community events. 

Perotti said the board had the option of completing the project in phases.

“So whatever we decide to do, we’ll have to do it as a resolution to apply at the next meeting,” Perotti said.

“We know there are improvements certainly to be made and we have a plan to develop,” Doyle said. “We’re close in getting some ideas, so that’s more than likely something we’ll get done in a year.”

Perotti said the board needs more information about developing a water and wastewater system as well as information on the extent of sidewalk repairs needed.

By 7:30 p.m., the public hearing was adjourned. Discussion about the 2019 CDBG will continue on Thursday, Sept. 20.