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Medina County commissioners allocate $315,000 in CDBG funds to sidewalks, accessibility and county home
Summary
At a May 11 special meeting, the Medina County Board of Commissioners agreed to allocate $99,000 to the Village of Lodi sidewalk project, $30,000 (including a 10% contingency) to Camp Paradise Society, and $186,000 to the Medina County Home. Two applications were removed and one was referred to the Land Bank.
Commissioner Colleen M. Swedyk and her fellow Medina County commissioners met May 11 to finalize distribution of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for the county’s 2026 cycle, agreeing by consensus to fund three projects from a $315,000 project pool.
Denise Testa, the county’s Director of Planning Services, told the board that 12 county applications were received (excluding the City of Wadsworth) and outlined two updates: the Majestic Equine Connections project estimate rose from $148,200 to $163,000, and the City of Wadsworth reclassified its ADA ramp and sidewalk installation as a “fully limited clientele” CDBG project, a designation Testa said makes it automatically approvable under program rules; Wadsworth’s $150,000 allocation remained unchanged and was affirmed.
Why it matters: the board must balance CDBG program limits — Testa said $315,000 was available for projects after a $35,000 administrative set-aside (approximately 7% of the $500,000 total), a three-project cap, and a $45,900 ceiling for public services — with requests from townships, nonprofits and county facilities.
What the board decided: the commissioners reached consensus on three allocations. The Village of Lodi sidewalk project received $99,000 after Commissioner Aaron M. Harrison recommended the project and his colleagues agreed. Camp Paradise Society’s request was increased from $27,000 to $30,000 to include a 10% contingency intended to cover volatile 2026 construction material pricing. The remaining $186,000 was allocated to the Medina County Home; commissioners noted the home’s full $235,000 cost will be met with additional county leverage funds so CDBG will not fully fund the project.
Applications removed or redirected: Liverpool Township’s $24,000 request for a comprehensive plan update was removed because it exceeds the $20,000 CDBG limit without a waiver; Testa said the township plans to pursue the Commissioners’ Comprehensive Plan grant and was advised to consider hiring an architect or engineer to strengthen a future application. United Way’s request for ongoing operations to expand 2-1-1 services was ruled ineligible because CDBG funds cannot pay for operating costs. Westfield Township’s demolition request was referred to the County Land Bank, and Testa said she had connected the township representative with Land Bank contact Brandon Gibson.
Discussion not funded this cycle: commissioners praised Habitat for Humanity’s home modification program for seniors and people with disabilities but ultimately declined its $15,000 request because selecting it would use one of the three project slots and limit distribution of remaining funds. The board noted Habitat’s work aligns with Land Bank efforts.
Next steps: Testa said a public notice must be published with at least a 10-day window before the board presents a resolution formalizing the allocations at the regular meeting on May 26, 2026. The special meeting adjourned at 10:18 a.m. after a motion to adjourn carried by roll call.
