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Residents and board members raise transparency questions after DuPont Foundation funding, CDC clarifies lot purchases
Summary
During public comment, a North Port Saint Joe CDC representative and board members discussed concerns about DuPont Foundation funding decisions and clarified that the CDC purchased three lots for housing with grant funds; speakers also raised concerns about cuts to summer youth programming.
A representative of the North Port Saint Joe CDC and several board members used public comment time to press for clarity about recent DuPont Foundation funding decisions and a CDC purchase of three lots for affordable housing.
The CDC representative said the organization applied through a competitive grant process and purchased three lots—two on C and one on E—at "around $46,000 each," not $25,000 as an earlier online appraisal view had suggested. "We applied for a grant, just like everybody else did," the CDC representative said. The speaker asked board members to check facts before making public statements about the CDC’s actions.
Board members and others raised broader concerns about transparency and community impact after speakers said DuPont Foundation shifted funding away from local summer workforce and youth programs run through CareerSource and other organizations. One board member said those cuts reduced program length for children over several years and that taking funds from other local programs can reduce services available to residents.
Speakers asked that DuPont Foundation representatives, who had been in discussion with CRA staff, come before the board to explain decisions and the source of funds. Daryl Starling, CRA director, said he had met with DuPont representatives and would facilitate follow-up; he also noted DuPont had not necessarily been present at the meeting staff expected.
The CDC representative reiterated that the CDC had not diverted funds from other programs and that the organization’s purchases and grant awards would be explained publicly if DuPont could provide further detail. The board did not take any formal action at the meeting; speakers requested follow-up and additional transparency from DuPont and from local program administrators.
