Public hearing held on CDBG Neighborhood Revitalization application; county lists 50–60 potential properties

Martin County held the first public hearing required for a Small Cities Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Neighborhood Revitalization application during its Sept. 12 meeting.

Project Administrator Mike Barnette of McDavid Associates outlined program purpose and eligibility, noting the state-administered grant (through the N.C. Department of Commerce and DEQ for infrastructure) focuses on activities that principally benefit low- and moderate-income residents. Barnette told commissioners the county had a “long list” of requests and estimated roughly 50–60 eligible properties for consideration.

Barnette said program priorities include housing rehabilitation for owner‑occupied, low‑to‑moderate-income households and related infrastructure work—streets, drainage, utilities and neighborhood facilities. He also explained that economic development grants under the broader CDBG program require job creation or retention metrics tied to LMI beneficiaries.

County Manager David Bone said no written or verbal comments had been received by the county at that point. Vice Chairman Tommy Bowen made the motion to close the hearing; the board had already scheduled a second required public hearing for Sept. 26 so the county could finalize application materials and submit an application after public participation requirements are met.

Why it matters: CDBG Neighborhood Revitalization grants can fund housing repairs and neighborhood infrastructure that affect low- and moderate-income residents; the county’s list and subsequent scoring will determine which projects are competitive for the program.

What’s next: A second public hearing was scheduled for Sept. 26, 2018; after that the county planned to finalize and submit the application.