Newton Council votes to pursue CDBG neighborhood revitalization grant and schedules second hearing

The Newton City Council voted June 16 to pursue a federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Neighborhood Revitalization application for scattered‑site housing rehabilitation and scheduled the grant program's required second public hearing for its July 7 meeting.

Planning Director Randy Williams said the city is working with the Western Piedmont Council of Governments on the project. Laurie Powell, the city’s project administrator, told council members that North Carolina received roughly $10 million for the 2020 Neighborhood Revitalization Program and that the program’s maximum award is $750,000 per grantee for eligible activities carried out within a 30‑month period. Powell said the application is competitive and explained categories that may be requested, including infrastructure and public improvements supporting existing housing; single‑family and multi‑family rehabilitation; emergency repairs; public facilities serving limited clientele; and water and sewer connections for 100% low‑ and moderate‑income (LMI) beneficiaries.

Powell also said applications are submitted to the North Carolina Department of Commerce, Rural Economic Development Division, and that Western Piedmont will administer the program for the city if the grant is pursued. She noted a local match is not required but could strengthen an application. No members of the public spoke during the hearing.

By motion of Council Member Jerry Hodge, seconded by Council Member Beverly Danner, the council approved pursuing the CDBG application and set the required second public hearing for July 7, 2020. The next procedural step is the second hearing and the formal application submission by the July 27, 2020 deadline.