City Officials Explore Ways To Use Low-Income Funding For Seniors Instead

PFLUGERVILLE, TX -- City Council members are staging a public hearing designed to gain public input on use of federal funds for senior-related services.

The first of two public hearings on the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program was on March 8. Residents have a second opportunity to hear of plans or provide input on April 12.

The hearing is scheduled to take place in the City Council Chambers, 100 East Main Street, Suite 500 with a scheduled 7 p.m. start time.

"The CDBG program provides annual grants on a formula basis to entitled communities to develop viable urban communities by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment, and by expanding economic opportunities, principally for low- and moderate-income persons," Mayor Jeff Coleman explained in a message to residents.

"The City of Pflugerville became an entitlement community in 2013 and is currently developing the first 5-year Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan," he continued. "The Consolidated Plan serves as the application to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for CDBG funding.

"The Consolidated Plan is designed to aid local jurisdictions in assessing their housing and community development needs and priorities. The priorities established by the Consolidated Plan are carried out through actions and activities each year as established in the Annual Action Plan. Potential activities, include but are not limited to, sidewalk installation or repair, streetlights, parks, parks improvements and recreation programs for low- to moderate-income citizens and/or areas."

Over the past year, city staff has been exploring ways of using the CDBG funds for senior-related projects, Coleman said. The proposed amendment is "...the first step in utilizing CDBG funds towards senior related activities and venues," he said.

The Amended 2014-2019 Consolidated Plan will be posted and available for public review and comment only through April 7 at a specially created portal that can be clicked here. The plan also is available for viewing at the libary located at 1008 W. Pfluger Street or at the Travis County Community Center located at 15822 Foothill Farms Loop.