Burden Council backs housing-study outreach and target-area canvass for CDBG eligibility

The Burden City Council on June 23 authorized outreach to households in a designated target area to assess eligibility for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) housing rehabilitation and weatherization programs.

Donna Jackson, who prepared the Burden Area Housing Study included in the meeting packet, asked the council for permission to visit households in the target area to determine income qualification and the rehabilitation needs residents report. Jackson said a public hearing will be required and asked that a notice be placed on utility bills and that an informational mailing go to affected residents.

Jackson told the council that the only potential cost to the city identified in the report would be an environmental review, which she said should be "no more than $4,000" and that she is willing to complete that review as a volunteer. City Clerk Julia Loving told the council the project was outlined in the packet materials and that the council's support would allow outreach to begin.

Mayor Lee Wingert and Council Members approved the request and expressed support for moving forward with notices and scheduling the required public hearing. The council did not commit city funding for construction or rehabilitation at this meeting; the action authorized staff and volunteer outreach to determine eligibility and scope.

Next steps: staff will arrange the notice on utility bills and prepare a public hearing; a public hearing date and any formal acceptance of CDBG funds or program participation will be set at a future meeting once household eligibility and program parameters are clarified.