Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Highland Park Revitalization topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council backs CDBG planning for Highland Park and approves playground contract
Summary
Council authorized application for a $100,000 CDBG planning grant to study housing-rehab eligibility in Highland Park and approved a $117,450 contract for playground equipment and basketball court refurbishment at Highland Park, both actions intended to address gentrification pressures and neighborhood needs.
The Williamsburg City Council voted to apply for a $100,000 Community Development Block Grant (planning grant) from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development to assess viability for a housing-rehabilitation grant in Highland Park. Planning staff (Miss Griffin) said Highland Park was selected after community outreach and that the planning grant would fund income-eligibility assessments, boundary selection and certified property inspections required by HUD and Davis-Bacon rules; the grant is competitive and any subsequent rehab funding would be a separate competitive request.
Staff laid out the outreach effort—three community meetings with attendance of roughly 28–30, then 14 and then seven participants—and described the eligibility threshold: at least 51% of owner-occupied properties within the chosen planning area must be low-to-moderate income for a HUD-funded rehab program. Council asked about timelines and potential matches; staff said the planning work would occur next year and that any full rehab program would likely be 2026–2027 if funding were secured.
Separately, Parks staff requested authorization to execute a contract with All Recreation for a new playground and modification of the basketball court at Highland Park, priced at $117,450 (budgeted in the CIP and procured under a state contract). Staff described community collaboration over two years on design and color choices, the need to replace obsolete playground components, and safety additions (a gate installed in 2023 after a near-miss). Council approved both actions unanimously.
Council members emphasized outreach and the need to publicize potential programs so eligible residents can apply. Staff identified that consultants and certified inspectors would be needed for planning and that the $100,000 planning grant would not cover staff time.
