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Council approves prioritized CDBG application for 2023–24 despite objections that town projects are missing
Summary
After a public hearing, the Town Council approved the prioritized list of projects for the town’s federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application for program years 2023 and 2024. Some councilors expressed concern that no town‑specific capital projects were on the list and one councilor opposed the resolution.
The Town Council on Wednesday approved the Town of Middletown’s prioritized list of projects for the 2023–2024 Community Development Block Grant program after a public hearing, though at least one councilor opposed the submission and others raised concerns that the slate included primarily regional service providers rather than town capital projects.
Bob Plaine of Church Community Housing, the town’s CDBG administrator, and town staff explained the state had solicited a consolidated application covering two program years and encouraged regional service providers to submit a single application through one participating town. Plaine said that service providers frequently serve Middletown residents even when their physical facilities are in neighboring towns.
Several councilors pressed staff to explain why no Middletown‑specific capital projects — such as sidewalks or senior‑center improvements — were on the application this year. Town staff said they had advertised the availability of funds but did not receive town project requests for inclusion this cycle; staff also noted that the grants are competitive and that project awards are typically administered to nonprofit service providers that operate regionally.
The prioritized list included five funding requests; one example noted in the packet was a small affordable housing proposal (Bloom Court). During the vote the council approved the resolution; the roll call recorded one councilor opposing the application.
Why it matters: CDBG awards can fund housing improvements, public services and small capital projects that principally benefit low‑ and moderate‑income residents. Councilors said they wanted more outreach in future cycles to identify Middletown‑specific projects and asked staff for a five‑year record of how CDBG funds were used to benefit the town.
Next steps: Staff said the application period closes May 20 and that the town must submit the prioritized list as part of the package. Council members asked staff to notify them earlier in next cycles so the council can consider and develop Middletown projects for competitive funding.
