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Black Mountain to seek HUD CDBG funds to restore Center for the Arts
Summary
The council approved submitting a HUD Community Development Block Grant application to restore the Black Mountain Center for the Arts, a package the presenter estimated could cost as much as $3.78 million and would cover elevator replacement, roof work and site drainage fixes.
Presenter (speaker 5) told the council the town plans to apply for a HUD Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery application to restore the Black Mountain Center for the Arts, describing a comprehensive scope that includes replacing the elevator, extensive roof repairs and work to prevent water intrusion to the main building and a pottery studio behind it.
The presenter said preliminary architecture estimates put the high-end project cost at $3,780,000 and that the figure is a top-end estimate produced to support application planning. Town staff (speaker 6) explained that the project’s competitiveness depends partly on whether the town uses townwide income data or conducts an opt‑in income study of the arts center’s participants. Staff noted the first funding round closes August 10 and that, without showing a lower‑income participant population, the project would be limited to an "urgent need" category that competes for roughly 25% of available funds.
Councilmember (speaker 3) moved to approve submission of the HUD CDBG Disaster Recovery application "as presented and recommended." Chair (speaker 1) put the motion to voice vote and the council recorded verbal approval; the transcript does not provide a roll‑call tally or list individual votes.
Why it matters: If funded, the grant would pay for building systems and site work intended to prevent recurring water damage and improve accessibility at a community arts facility. Staff said the application materials were being prepared now so the town could be eligible for the close of the first funding round while it decides whether to run a participant income study for later rounds.
What’s next: Staff said they will decide within a week whether to pursue the August 10 deadline using townwide income metrics or take more time to run an income survey of arts participants to improve competitiveness. If the application is awarded, the council will reconvene to accept or decline the award and decide next steps on construction and matching funds.
