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Planning department outlines housing, CDBG and a $3.5M lead‑hazard grant heading to council
Summary
Planning Director Bolander told the Joplin City Council the department will return with zoning amendments, reported that $3 million in home‑purchase assistance helped 87 families, detailed rehab/demolition programs, and announced a $3.5 million lead hazard reduction grant with a four‑year timeline.
Director Bolander gave the City Council a fast overview of Planning & Neighborhood Services’ work, from zoning code amendments to federal grant programs, and flagged several items the department will return to council for formal action.
Bolander described the department’s three divisions — planning and development, community development, and building/neighborhood services — and said staff prepare rezonings, plats and code enforcement activities. He reported a rise in building permits (approaching 10,000 in the period discussed) and said neighborhood complaints have declined, in part due to more proactive neighborhood officers.
On housing programs, Bolander said the JHAP (home‑purchase assistance) program expended the full $3 million allocated and helped 87 families purchase homes, averaging roughly $35,000 per household for down‑payment and closing assistance. He reported 112 rehab program applications, 38 completed inspections, and nine completed rehabs to date, primarily addressing HVAC, roofs and exterior repairs.
Bolander said staff will bring minor amendments to the recently adopted form‑and‑function zoning code this year and reiterated that the consolidated plan — a five‑year document required to receive direct HUD funds — must be updated. He identified a $3.3 million CDBG proposal for Easttown stormwater, sanitary sewer, sidewalks and curb & gutter that will be part of the formal agenda and noted the funds were tied to disaster‑area requirements.
On lead hazards, Bolander announced the city received a $3.5 million lead hazard reduction grant with a four‑year completion window; staff are assembling the program and will return with details. He also described a vacant‑lot inventory and ongoing demolition programs (area‑benefit, not income‑based) funded through ARPA and other sources.
Bolander closed by outlining succession plans and cross‑training within his department to ensure continuity, thanking Joanne Bollington and other staff for their work. The informal session then concluded and the council prepared to begin its formal meeting.
