Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Housing And Cdbg topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Public hearing on CDBG/HOME funding highlights infrastructure priorities and community concerns about affordable housing
Summary
During a public hearing April 4, 2022, Michelle Knight briefed Colleton County Council on CDBG and HOME program changes and last year’s priority list (infrastructure and public facilities ranked highest); a public commenter urged a clearer affordable‑housing plan for homeless and low‑income residents and staff said HUD ARPA amendments and a consultant are being procured to begin work.
At a public hearing on April 4, 2022, Michelle Knight presented Colleton County’s 2022 CDBG and HOME needs assessment and described recent program changes, including higher maximum grants for neighborhood water and sewer projects and increased allowances for special projects and streetscape grants. Council asked to receive the presentation slides and last year’s priority rankings before formally re‑ranking priorities.
Knight reviewed last year’s ranked priorities that county staff had previously recorded: (1) public facilities and infrastructure (landfill/recycling, boat landings, Walterboro and rural water and sewer projects, library and technology upgrades); (2) economic development (product development, infrastructure, rail/roads/water/sewer and airport improvements); (3) public safety (fire substations/training and sheriff substations); (4) roads, bridges and drainage; (5) recreation (trails, boat ramps, parks); (6) transportation (I‑95 Exit 62/McLeod Road improvements, sidewalks); (7) tourism and marketing (beautification, signage, advertising); and (8) housing (USC Salk student housing and affordable housing noted as examples).
During public comment, Stacey See of In His Name Colleton said the organization works daily with clients who need affordable housing and asked what the county’s plan is to address homelessness and low‑income housing needs. Michelle Knight responded that the county is preparing a substantial amendment to use HUD ARPA funds, that a consultant will be engaged to assist with the amendment process, and that staff plans meetings with In His Name Colleton to identify needs and potential collaboration.
Council members asked procedural questions about timing and eligibility—Knight said the Gadsden Loop project will not close until mid‑April and that the county likely would be eligible for the fall CDBG round. Council agreed to postpone formal ranking until members have had a chance to review staff materials and the presentation in detail.
No formal ranking action was taken at the April 4 meeting; staff will return with materials for council consideration.
