Town of Nashville approves $950,000 federal grant to replace dilapidated homes

The Town of Nashville on March 18 authorized execution of a $950,000 Community Development Block Grant agreement with the North Carolina Department of Commerce to replace dilapidated, owner-occupied housing.

Ben Jones, the consultant who helped write the grant, told council the town must complete several start-up documents and an environmental review before the state will issue what he described as "a release of funds." Jones said the town also must file a signatory card identifying officials who are authorized to sign requisitions for grant disbursements.

Randy, a town staff member, asked the council to act on four grant-related documents and noted, "the four documents there, you just need to act on them, get approval on them, and Lou has the actual signature cards." Council moved and approved authorization of the grant agreement and a companion resolution (identified in the meeting packet as Resolution 2006-9) designating signatories; the approval was by voice vote.

The grant is intended to replace roughly five to seven dwellings for low- and moderate-income owners, according to the presentation; the town must complete an environmental assessment and receive the state's release of funds before it may begin spending the award. The consultant said the town will procure administration to manage the grant and then proceed with design and demolition as required by federal and state rules.

Council did not record individual roll-call votes in the public transcript; approvals were taken by voice. The town will return to the council with administrative documents and required procurements as the grant moves into the implementation phase.