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Bishop Duncan tells commission CDBG application stalled for more than a year; staff pledges follow‑up
Summary
Bishop Duncan told the Sanford City Commission his Community Block Grant application submitted in 2023 was delayed and later rejected because staff determined his address is outside the city; he said repeated missed contacts and slow responses caused hardship for senior residents. City staff acknowledged an oversight and the mayor directed the city manager to follow up with the speaker.
Bishop Duncan addressed the Sanford City Commission during the Sept. 9 public comment period to describe a prolonged, unresolved Community Block Grant (CDBG) application for home repairs.
Duncan said he submitted an application in mid‑2023 and that staff inspected his property, but that subsequent communications were inconsistent. He said he was given and asked to sign documents that referenced different work (doors vs. windows), that staff later told him funds were not available for windows, and that he was informed only after more than a year that his address might not be located inside city limits. ‘‘This is over one year ago,’’ Duncan said, describing repeated efforts to contact staff and saying the process was ‘‘unacceptable’’ for senior residents who may have vision or mobility limitations.
Tony Ramondo of Development Services described the code‑enforcement history connected to a related item and confirmed the matter is scheduled for a magistrate hearing on Oct. 9, with potential fines if violations are not corrected. The mayor told Bishop Duncan the city manager, Mr. Bonaparte, would meet with him to review the case and requested staff follow up promptly.
City staff acknowledged there had been an oversight in the process and said they would work with Bishop Duncan to resolve the outstanding issues. Commissioners thanked staff for responsiveness in other matters and asked the manager to follow up directly.
