By SUE SUCHYTA
Sunday Times Newspapers
MELVINDALE – City officials are hoping they will receive the maximum $35,000 available through a housing rehabilitation allocation of the Community Development Block Grant program.
With added estimated program revenue of $10,000, the city budget recommends $5,000 for demolition of dangerous vacant structures and $40,000 to rehabilitate code-deficient, owner-occupied homes of income-eligible families. Eligibility follows the guidelines of the Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency.
“With so many people hurting financially,” said Mark Kibby, former city administrator turned block grant consultant for the city, “this program will continue to serve as a great opportunity for them to make necessary repairs to their homes.”
The Wayne County Community Development Division has advised the city that it should receive a 2010 program year CDBG general activities allocation of $152,000.
The City Council adopted block grant-eligible activity objectives and allocations at its meeting Wednesday, with members Joe Alvarado, Sue Herman, John Rowe and Stacy Striz voting in favor; Jeffrey Bolton and Kalley Hess were absent.
A total of $84,000 was allocated for repayment on a senior citizen center bond will receive an ion, while $24,000 was earmarked for the repayment of principal and interest on the loan for a new fire truck.
Senior services coordinator and receptionist positions, along with miscellaneous senior service program expenses, will receive $29,000. The CDBG administration will receive a $15,200 allocation.
In other council news, Mayor Valerie Cadez thanked Kibby for his recent donation to prevent an electrical service shut-off for a distressed family within the city.