The Town of Nashville opened a second public hearing on its intent to apply for a Community Development Block Grant Neighborhood Revitalization (CDBG-NR) housing rehabilitation and replacement program and affirmed plans to pursue the maximum grant amount of $950,000.

The hearing, led by a town staff member, outlined that the proposed program would serve 100% low- and moderate-income homeowners. Staff said the application is due in Raleigh on Oct. 29 and that the town selected a list of houses for the program based on income, owner-occupancy and severity of need. "This is the second of 2 public hearings that's required for the CDBG NR application, to notify the public of the intent to apply and the intent of our, proposed program," the staff member said.

The proposed target properties listed by staff were: 307 Battle Drive; 528 Indian Trail; 1020 Sunnyfield Road; 122 Circle Drive; 120 E. Sixth Street; 912 S. Brake Street; and 124 Circle Drive, all in Nashville. Staff said some addresses are alternates in case a primary property later fails eligibility screening during next year’s due diligence.

Councilman Taylor asked whether additional residents had inquired about the program. A staff member replied that one additional person had asked about the program and that staff would follow up with Braswell (Ben) to check that person’s eligibility. The staff member said no other applications or inquiries had been received and urged eligible residents to contact the town.

No formal vote on the grant application was recorded during the hearing portion in the transcript; the council did move, during the meeting, to open and then close the public hearing as part of the required process.

The town did not specify the timeline for awards, the exact scope of work on each home, or the income thresholds used for eligibility in the transcript. Staff said those details will be determined during the application and due-diligence process.

Residents who wish to be considered for the CDBG-NR program were instructed to contact town staff for further information and eligibility screening.