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Public hearing on 2026 CDBG needs draws resident call to favor single‑family homeownership over dense multi‑units
Summary
At a required public hearing on the 2026 HUD Consolidated Plan, a resident urged the city to direct federal block‑grant funds toward homeownership and small units rather than dense multi‑unit developments, citing neighborhood concerns about safety and quality of life.
The Beloit City Council held a public hearing to solicit input for the 2026 annual action plan required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Bianca Gonzales, the city’s grants administrator, opened the hearing and explained that the comment will inform the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding priorities for 2026.
A longtime resident, Tricia Gostina, urged the council to prioritize homeownership and smaller housing units over dense multi‑unit complexes when allocating federal block grant funds. "I am totally against the money being used for multi units that are dense multi unit buildings," Gostina said, adding that she believes dense complexes contribute to drug problems, noise and unsafe conditions for children in some neighborhoods. She urged the council not to use CDBG funds for a proposed multi‑unit project at 1642 Sixth Street, saying neighborhood residents oppose that development and that many would move if it were built.
Gonzales told the council that HUD requires an annual opportunity for public comment on public housing, community development, homeless and housing needs and that the input will be incorporated in the city's 2026 annual action plan used to apply for CDBG funds.
No further speakers came forward during the hearing. Council closed the public hearing after the final call for comments. The city will incorporate public input, including the concerns voiced about dense multi‑unit projects, into its planning and the 2026 CDBG application process.
