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Public hearing solicits CDBG project ideas including park overhaul and inclusive playground
Summary
At a Dec. 11 public hearing, residents proposed using Community Development Block Grant funds for a phased park overhaul, an all‑abilities playground, restroom renovations and baseball‑field repairs; staff noted CDBG could be used as match for state grants.
The Chair opened a public hearing Dec. 11 at 6:00 p.m. to gather proposals for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding and asked members of the public to present ideas.
Carrie urged the group to consider a comprehensive, phased overhaul of the town park, saying, “completely redo the park and have a phased project” and proposing to “rip all the old equipment out, get rid of the wood chips, have the rubber sponge pouring, and make it all abilities, all inclusive playground.” She also raised renovating public restrooms and repairing the baseball field — noting a dugout replacement and dented fencing as priorities.
A staff member told the meeting the town can use CDBG funds “as match money to go towards state grant[s],” a point participants said expands funding options for larger projects. The staff speaker added that some projects may require additional approvals and that a phased approach could help the town pursue complementary state grants.
Participants also discussed a local cemetery and whether pursuing historic‑site designation could unlock cemetery‑specific funding. One speaker said the designation process is “a little difficult” and would require hiring someone to document burials and conduct background research, which carries costs that could affect the town’s plans.
Procedurally, the Chair called for and recorded two motions related to the hearing schedule. The Chair announced a motion to open the 6:00 p.m. public hearing, which the Chair said had been moved by Kurt and seconded by Carrie; after a voice vote the Chair declared the hearing open. Later, the Chair announced a motion “to close our public hearing and open the second public hearing,” stating the motion was by Doug with a second by Kurt; the Chair took a voice vote, reported no opposition, and recessed the meeting until 6:30 p.m.
Next steps discussed include assembling a preferred project idea for formal consideration at a future regular session and exploring phased project plans to accommodate grants and required approvals. No formal funding decisions were made during the hearing; participants were asked to refine proposals for the next meeting.
