Lorain holds second public hearing on 2025–2029 consolidated plan, outlines $2.175 million spending priorities

City of Lorain staff presented the second public hearing on the draft 2025–2029 consolidated plan and the city’s 2025 action plan, outlining how the city would use anticipated federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME funds to serve low- and moderate-income residents.

Kushnard, a staff member with the Department of Building, Housing and Planning, told council and attendees the city received 129 unduplicated survey responses and held three in-person planning workshops at Lorain High School, the South Branch Library and the Main Branch Library to collect public input.

The consolidated-plan goals presented focus on preserving and expanding affordable housing, addressing homelessness, improving community and economic development assets, and increasing services for non‑homeless special needs and seniors. "We want to preserve the existing 3,000 affordable housing units within the City of Lorain," Kushnard said, and recommended partnering to "increase housing diversity" and promote infill development on vacant lots.

Staff reviewed specific objectives: continuing owner‑occupied repair programs and CDBG-funded housing efforts; pursuing demolition of blighted residential and commercial properties to stabilize neighborhoods; expanding homeless services through partner organizations; improving streetscapes, sidewalks and utility upgrades; and promoting programs that support aging in place such as…