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Planning director: CDBG/HOME now administered by city; BRA reappointments and Sycamore Grove work to continue with ARPA funds
Summary
Planning Director Rob May said federal HOME and CDBG funds have returned to city control from the Brockton Redevelopment Authority; the BRA is being reconstituted and the Sycamore Grove park work will proceed in phases with ARPA funds.
Rob May, director of planning and economic development, told the finance committee Wednesday the city has resumed direct administration of federal HOME and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding previously run through the Brockton Redevelopment Authority (BRA), and he described staffing and project priorities.
May said the change brings grant-funded positions onto the city payroll (100% funded by HOME/CDBG) and streamlines decision-making and federal accountability. "Last year the city, rightfully took back control of its federal, community development block grant and home investment partnership funding that used to be, administered by the Brockton redevelopment authority," May said.
May and CFO Troy Clarkson also discussed the BRA’s reconstitution: the BRA has been operating with reduced membership and the mayor said two appointments were expected to be on the next council agenda to restore quorum and enable the authority to manage grants tied to two major development projects — the CSX yards (Trout Brook) and the Thatcher Street Convent.
On Sycamore Grove park, May said the city cannot proceed with the full original renovation scope now but has planning funds and a mayoral set‑aside for design and phased work. Doctor Clarkson said ARPA funds are available for design and engineering work and that encroachment and property‑boundary issues remain to be resolved; the city has until the end of calendar year 2026 to spend ARPA funds tied to such projects.
May also noted his office is managing planning projects across all wards and that a new lease/office selection for expanded planning staff will be on the council agenda pending approvals.
