Durham Seeks Public's Help in Applying for 'Small Cities Program' Funding

DURHAM, CT — The Town of Durham is seeking the public's help in applying for funding under the 2017 Small Cities Program, officials announced.

To help with the application, the town will hold a public hearing on Monday, Feb. 27, at 6:30 p.m. in Durham Town Hall to discuss the program and obtain input from residents. Durham is planning to apply for $700,000 in funding under the program.

"The purpose of the public hearing is to obtain citizens’ views on the Town’s community development and housing needs and review and discuss specific project activities in the areas of housing, economic development or community facilities which could be a part of the Town’s Application for funding," wrote officials in a statement. "The hearing will also review and discuss the Town’s prior Small Cities projects including any currently open or underway."

According to information from the town's website:

Maximum award limits are $700,000 for Public Facilities, $700,000 for Public Housing Modernization of 25 units or less, or $800,000 for 26 units and over; $500,000 for Infrastructure; $400,000 for Housing Rehabilitation Program for single towns, $500,000 for two-town consortium, and $600,000 for three or more Towns; $25,000 for Planning Only Grants; $500,000 for Economic Development Activities, and $500,000 for Urgent Need.

Major activity categories are: Acquisition, Housing Rehabilitation, Public Housing Modernization, Community Facilities, Public Services, and Economic Development. Projects funded with CDBG allocations must meet at least one of three National Objectives: 1) benefit to low and moderate income persons, 2) elimination of slums and blight, or 3) meeting urgent community development needs. Only one (1) project Application may be submitted to DOH.

The Town is proposing to submit an Application under the Public Housing Modernization category for Mauro Meadows Phase II-Renovations and Improvements. The Town of Durham anticipates applying for up to the maximum grant amount of $700,000.

For those unable to attend the public hearing on the 27th, you can submit written comments to the Town of Durham, Office of the First Selectman, 30 Townhouse Rd., P.O. Box 428, Durham, CT 06422; or call First Selectman Laura Francis at 860-349-3625.

For more information, click here.

(Editor's Note: Patch is re-posting this story in case you missed it the first time around.)