KANKAKEE CITY — At the Nov. 3 Community Development Committee meeting, ECDA staff reported on housing programs, demolition work and a popular private security incentive that reimburses residents and businesses for exterior cameras and lighting.

Barbie Brewer Watson, ECDA staff, said the lead remediation program has 12 projects underway and that recent lead clearance test failures delayed completions. "We weren't able to clear out anything last month," she said, and added that even small missed dust at a threshold can require re-cleaning and retesting before residents can move back in.

Staff detailed other program counts: Healthy Homes recently cleared one case and has 14 in progress; the CDBG housing rehabilitation program has seven active projects; the MIRROR program has three projects currently underway; and demolition work has a permit ready and a contractor scheduled to begin work soon. For demolition staff noted a request from the property owner to attempt to preserve exterior signage, including a local "Rosie" sign, for historical purposes.

On the private security incentive program, Brewer Watson said the program is popular and the city comptroller reconciled additional funds. The local ECDA accounting showed a remaining balance of $1,033 before the additional city allocation; after the reconciliation staff expect roughly $8,000 to be available for further reimbursements. She described the reimbursement process as straightforward: applicants submit an application and purchase receipt, staff verify installation with a photograph during a site visit, and a check is issued to reimburse the eligible cost. "It's a pretty quick and painless program," Brewer Watson said.

Staff also noted that the 25/26 public service CDBG funds were received late this year but grant agreements have been distributed and signed; agencies that meet benchmarks can begin drawing funds. The 26/27 public service application cycle is expected to open around Thanksgiving and staff promised to circulate press releases to encourage applications.

Committee asked about privacy and data sharing related to the camera program. Brewer Watson said the city does not maintain a public registry of participating addresses; police access to private camera footage is described as an incident-based process that begins with officers knocking on a resident's door to request footage rather than routine statewide access via a centralized registry.

No new ordinances or budget changes were adopted during the report; staff will return with monthly updates.