Council pushes for urgent funding to combat blight

During a recent council meeting, discussions centered on the status and future of the blight elimination program, revealing significant concerns about funding and project management. Councilman Foot raised questions regarding the remaining funds in the blight elimination program, prompting a detailed response from city officials. It was reported that less than $40,000 remains in the fund, which originated from state dollars.

Further analysis indicated that approximately $300,000 of the budgeted funds were unencumbered, while the remainder was allocated to contracts with blight partners. Council members expressed a desire to engage these partners to better understand ongoing projects and explore potential requests for assistance, particularly regarding the demolition of abandoned commercial properties.

Councilman Banks emphasized the importance of addressing blight in commercial corridors, noting its direct impact on surrounding communities. He and other council members agreed on the necessity of prioritizing funding for the demolition of these properties, with Councilman Harley advocating for an increase in the budget to tackle the issue more effectively.

The council also discussed the potential for securing additional funding through grants, with a focus on Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) opportunities. Officials acknowledged that while some funds had already been allocated for blight elimination, further collaboration with community partners and state representatives would be essential in addressing the ongoing challenges posed by blighted properties.

As the state prepares for a subcommittee meeting later this month, council members are poised to advocate for increased funding and support for the blight elimination program, highlighting the urgent need for action in their communities.