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Mexico City opens public hearing on CDBG application to demolish Hardin Gym at Presser Performing Arts Center
Summary
City staff presented an application to seek Community Development Block Grant funds to demolish the deteriorated Hardin Gym, estimated at $72,430, and said the project would not displace residents; council later approved a resolution authorizing pursuit of the grant.
Mexico City council opened a public hearing June 24 to solicit citizen input on a proposed Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application that would fund demolition of the Hardin Gym, a deteriorated building owned by the Presser Performing Arts Center.
"The maximum grant amount is $500,000," Rita Jackson said while outlining eligible CDBG activities and the proposed project boundaries (Calhoun Street to the east, Jefferson Street to the west, Green Boulevard to the south and Seminary Street to the north). Jackson told the council the project would not displace residents and, if displacement occurred, the city would follow the Uniform Relocation and Real Property Acquisition Act of 1970 requirements.
Jackson reported an estimated total project cost of $72,430 and said the city proposes $5,000 in in‑kind labor; the application as described in the staff presentation listed a requested CDBG funding amount of $57,945. Presenters showed photos of the building and said past assessments by architects and contractors found rehabilitation cost‑prohibitive.
Councilmembers questioned whether the city has previously used CDBG funds on projects benefiting outside nonprofit organizations. Jackson and other staff responded that CDBG‑eligible activities can be submitted by the city or county on behalf of eligible entities and that state economic development staff had indicated the project is an appropriate CDBG candidate.
After public testimony and council discussion, a councilmember moved to close the hearing; the council closed the hearing and read bill number 2024‑29 into the record, a resolution stating the city’s intent to seek CDBG funding and authorizing the city manager to pursue related activities. The council recorded affirmative votes to pass the resolution.
The council did not provide additional detail in the meeting record on next steps for the application timeline; staff recommended proceeding with the advertised public hearing and the resolution authorizing pursuit of funds.
