Fiscal Note
The Council approved the reservation of CDBG funds for high priority projects evolving from the South West Neighborhood Plan as part of the 2007 budget. CDBG funds are available per the 2007 operating budget, and a projected 'carry-over' resolution in January 2008.
Title
Approving the provision of $120,000 of CDBG dollars for improvement projects in the South West area neighborhoods as a way to implement a portion of the South West Neighborhood Plan and in a manner that will address City Community and Neighborhood Development Objectives.
Body
***
WHEREAS, the Common Council approved the CDBG Commission recommendation to select certain block groups in the south west area for the focus of a Planning Unit -staffed Concentration Neighborhood Plan in April 2006, and the steering committee has identified a series of higher priority projects for implementation to achieve the draft plan's objectives,
WHEREAS the CDBG Commission is eager to advance the projects in order to tap the emerging interest and sense of momentum evolving from the planning process, and the sense of urgency to address some of the area 's challenges,
WHEREAS the CDBG Commission and staff have reviewed these proposals and recommend their adoption in order to promote further progress with the soon-to-be-adopted neighborhood plan,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Common Council approve the provision of the amounts designated below for the particular projects, and authorize the Mayor and the City Clerk to enter into agreements with the indicated agencies (if needed) to implement the approved projects:
Goal: Improvement and security of public places, focal points, and residences:
Community Action Coalition: up to $20,000 for capital enhancements to Lucy Lincoln community gardens, and for the establishment of up to three new gardens in the area to serve as neighborhood focal points;
City Parks Division: up to $20,000 for capital improvements of Hammersley Park for improvement of safety, additional lighting, and creation of walking paths;
Project Home: up to $10,000 in low interest loans or grants for the properties of income eligible households, for security improvements that demonstrate a neighborhood benefit, such as exterior lighting, fencing, or landscaping.
Goal: Stabilization of neighborhood areas:
City CDBG Office: $70,000 for down payments loans to eligible homebuyers in the Betty 's Lane/Theresa Terrace area contingent on successful household completion of homebuyer's education training. If funds were not committed within the first 9 months of operations, then the target area would be expanded to the Russett /Balsam and Park Edge/Park Ridge areas.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Council amend the 2007 Park Division's capital budget to authorize the expenditure of the funds for the City project referenced above.