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Spencer holds first public hearing on $950,000 CDBG Neighborhood Revitalization grant request
Summary
Town staff opened a first public hearing on seeking $950,000 in CDBG Neighborhood Revitalization funding to continue a housing rehabilitation program for low‑ and moderate‑income households; the Historic Preservation Commission voiced support and the board closed the hearing, with a draft application to be presented at Tuesday’s regular meeting.
Town staff held the first of two public hearings on a proposed FY2025 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Neighborhood Revitalization application, seeking $950,000 to continue a housing rehabilitation program for low‑ and moderate‑income households in Spencer.
An unidentified staff member, speaking on behalf of Kyle Harris, told the board the funds would "allow us to continue our successful housing rehabilitation program and help additional families with urgent home repair needs." The staff presentation emphasized that CDBG funds are restricted to eligible activities that primarily serve low‑ and moderate‑income households and are intended to correct serious health, safety and structural deficiencies in older homes in Spencer.
Leslie Talbot, speaking for the Historic Preservation Commission, urged approval and described the program’s local importance. "The Historic Preservation Commission strongly supports this application," she said, adding that many homes in the town qualify as historic or vintage and that the grant "is gonna save at least 10 homes." Talbot also told the board the town has lost roughly 90 houses in the last 20 years because of age and the owners' inability to afford repairs.
Staff said this hearing was intended to gather community needs and that a draft application will be presented at the board’s regular meeting on Tuesday for additional public comment and feedback. The presenter invited members of the public to contact Kyle Harris or attend Tuesday’s meeting for more detailed questions.
The board closed the public hearing following public comment; the matter will reappear Tuesday with the draft application and any recommended edits from staff.
Next steps: staff will present the draft CDBG application at the regular meeting; the board will accept further public feedback and may act on the application at that meeting or a subsequent meeting.
