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CDBG scoping hearing surfaces homelessness, behavioral health and controversy over Rogers Garage
Summary
At a public scoping hearing for the 2025 CDBG NOFA, residents pressed the council to prioritize housing, a behavioral‑health triage center and basic public facilities; several speakers urged removal of the private Rogers Garage project from the CDBG list until eligibility questions and environmental review are resolved.
City staff opened a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) scoping process and invited ideas for the 2025 NOFA. Director of Community Development David Loyot said the scoping list is a ‘wish list’ and clarified that Rogers Garage, while on the list, is not eligible for 2025 NOFA and would instead be considered later under program income after CEQA/NEPA review.
Public testimony dominated the hearing: dozens of residents urged priority funding for housing and homeless services, including multifamily rehabilitation at Arcata House/The Grove and support for emergency and crisis services. Connie Stewart (Cal Poly Humboldt / project lead) described a behavioral‑health triage center proposal, reporting $25 million in pledges so far and requesting city partnership to close a remaining funding gap.
Many speakers criticized ongoing sweeps of encampments at the '40' site, saying recent enforcement displaced residents without viable alternatives. Several callers and in‑person commenters described arrests and harm to people with disabilities; some speakers called for immediate city action to stop sweeps and increase shelter capacity.
Rogers Garage drew strong, repeated objections from members of the public who urged staff to remove the private development from the scoping list or defer any funding discussion. Staff answered that Rogers Garage is on the scoping list for transparency but is not recommended for 2025 NOFA due to eligibility and timing; the project may be considered under separate program‑income processes later.
What staff will do next: Loyot said the city will hold additional scoping sessions (Feb. 17 staff workshop; Feb. 18 council hearing) and will compile the suggestions into a recommended set of applications for the NOFA. Councilmembers and staff took public suggestions including multifamily rehab, planning for Little Lake with Cal Poly Humboldt, public benches/bathrooms/trash receptacles, and behavioral health facilities; staff recorded those items for follow‑up evaluation.
Why this matters: CDBG funding can be a key source of gap financing for affordable housing, economic development and public services. Residents argued the city should prioritize projects that directly address homelessness, mental‑health crisis care, and basic public infrastructure while ensuring eligibility and legal compliance for any private developments named on the scoping list.
