1995-03-06 - Laserfiche WebLink

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137 priority neighborhood projects were reviewed by the 10th and Page Street Task Force, and all were reviewed and recommended by the Planning Commission. The social programs include recommendations to fund the PVCC West Main Street Center, Clark School Science, Technology and Math Outreach Program, Opportunity Alternative Education Program, HiV Supportive Services Initiative, and MACAA: Camp Horizon (if the balance of funds is raised before the start of the program). The public hearing was opened. Mr. Jim Heiiman, Route I, Box 77, Community Relations Chair of the AIDS Support Group, requested Council's support of funding to initiate a new AIDS Support Group program to provide prevention services for low income, mainly African Americans. Mr. Heilman noted that a very high percentage of persons with HIV or AiDS are African- Americans. Mr. Heilman stated that the funding request was $25,000, and the Social Development Commission only recommended $14,475, but noted that the program will be tailored to match the funding available. Ms. Leslie Harris, 2307-F Peyton Drive, the Community Outreach Coordinator at the AIDS Support Group, explained that she provides street outreach regarding HIV and AIDS prevention and asked Council to support the HIV Supportive Services Initiative. Mr. George Loper, 1822 Yorktown Drive, speaking on behalf of the CDBG Task Force and Social Development Conunission, asked for Council support of the Consolidated Plan and the CDBG recommendations. Mr. Loper stated that there has been significant public participation in the Plan and in the CDBG recommendations, and the emphasis in the recommendations is on the importance of education and training. Mr. Loper noted that, as requested by Council, the Social Development Commission concentrated on recommending a few programs thought to have the most impact. Ms. Daugherty asked Mr. Loper to explain the rationale of declining funding, and Mr. Loper stated that the Social Development Commission has discussed how to assist agencies without having so many programs for which funding is not available. The Con:anission therefore felt that larger funding should be given to programs initially, with the understanding that in a f~w years funding would be found elsewhere for their continuation without using CDBG funding in the long-term, using CDBG funds as "seed" money rather than for ongoing operating costs. Mr. Loper stated that he felt the question of how long to use CDBG funds for operating funds was one for Council's consideration. As there were no further speakers the public hearing was closed. With regard to the Consolidated Plan, Ms. Slaughter asked that staff provide further information on what is the regional plan/vision, m~d how will the regional needs for housing be met through the Plan. Mr. Toscano recommended that the status of the housing consortium and regional housing issues be discussed when Council holds a work session on housing. Ms. Slaughter stated that she would like to discuss all funding available for housing at the work session. Responding to a question from Mr: Toscano, Mr. Huja stated that the City contracts with CHIP for homeowner rehabilitation using CDBG funds, with the understanding that funds are not transferred to CHiP until the project is completed. PUBLIC There were no matters by the public.