Title
Conduct the second of two required public hearings and consider approving a resolution regarding the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program proposed amendment to the 2014-2019 Consolidated Plan.
Summary
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. The City of Pflugerville became an entitlement community in 2013 and is currently developing the first 5-year Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan. 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.
In 2014, the 2014-2019 Consolidated Plan was approved and has been the guiding document for selection of projects related to CDBG. Over the past year staff has received feedback from the Council and the community regarding seniors and the ability to utilize CDBG funds towards senior related projects. The proposed amendment is the first step in utilizing CDBG funds towards senior related activities and venues.
As part of establishing the Consolidated Plan, HUD requires that the entitled community conduct two public hearings to receive input from the community regarding the Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan. The first public hearing was heald on March 8, 2016. This is the second of the two required public hearings. These forums provide citizens an opportunity to participate in an advisory role in the planning, implementation, and assessment of the programs and projects. Once the second public hearing is complete all comments received will be incorporated into the amended Consolidated Plan and submitted to HUD.
March 7, 2016 thru April 7, 2016, the Amended 2014-2019 Consolidated Plan was posted and available for public review and comment at:
1) Online at www.pflugervilletx.gov/communitydevelopment;
2) City of Pflugerville Public Library located at 1008 W. Pfluger Street; and
3) Travis County Community Center located at 15822 Foothill Farms Loop.
Since the first public hearing, staff has surveyed our senior population regarding future programs, activities and facilities related to seniors. To date the majority supported a senior bus and increased space for the senior center. Staff will continue to survey our senior population and incorporate those proposals within the Amended 2015 Action Plan and the 2016 Action Plan which are anticipated to be brought to Council beginning in May.
Prior City Council Action
On March 8, 2016 City Council held the first of the two required public hearings. At that meeting four residents spoke in support of utilizing CDBG funding towards senior related projects. At that time Council requested that staff survey the seniors in the community regarding projects and activities they would like to have funded. Staff has created and distributed the survey and will continue to gather that data and utilize those results when proposing activities for the Amended Program Year 2015 Action Plan as well as Program Year 2016 Action Plan projects.
Drafter
Emily M. Barron, AICP
Planning Director