Posted 12/30/2009
Notice of Public Hearing
Town of Amherst
2009 CDBG funds
The Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) has designated the Town of Amherst a Mini-Entitlement Community for the purpose of receiving Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. Amherst is eligible to receive a maximum of $750,000 in block grant funds for housing and community development and social service activities benefiting low-and moderate-income citizens. In accordance with DHCD regulations the Community Development Committee will hold a Public Hearing on January 21, 2009 at 6:30 PM, the Glass Room, Bangs Community Center, to inform the Amherst community of proposed activities to be included in the Town’s FY 09 Mini-Entitlement CDBG application.
The Town is proposing that the following activities may be included in the Amherst’s application for 2009 CDBG funds:
1. Architectural barrier removal project:
A. Modifications of sidewalks in several areas of Town to improve accessibility.
B. Other accessible modifications in the Pomeroy Lane Village Center.
C. Infrastructure improvements to Town-owned property on Olympia Drive to enable the property to be used for affordable housing.
D. Improvement of roads in census block groups in which at least 51% of households have incomes less than 80% of the area median income.
2. Social Services
A. Continuation of the Town’s childcare tuition assistance program. The Town is requesting citizens’ views on the effectiveness of this activity and suggestions on ways of improving this service.
B. Other social service activities that sustain and expand current Town funded social service activities.
E. General Administration and expenses.
Any person or organization wishing to be heard will be afforded an opportunity. Reasonable accommodations will be attempted upon written request to the Selectmen’s office two weeks prior to the meeting. Written comments may be submitted to the Community Services Department (community@amherstma.gov) or for more information or call (413) 259-3117.
The Town of Amherst encourages the involvement of minority business enterprises and women's business enterprises.
