Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Housing topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Public commenters urge CDBG be used for septic upgrades and heat-pump retrofits
Summary
During the public hearing on potential Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) applications, Erwin resident Bill Mattingly suggested using funds to upgrade septic systems and retrofit homes with electric heat pumps, arguing buildings are a primary source of greenhouse gases.
The Clerk opened and then closed a public hearing on June 22 about Steuben County’s community development needs and possible Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) applications for the 2026 program year. Multiple members of the public spoke; Bill Mattingly of Erwin suggested septic-system upgrades and climate-focused retrofits as eligible CDBG activities, noting building emissions and retrofit costs.
Mattingly told the Legislature that "Buildings are the number one source of greenhouse gases and one way to counteract that would be the installation of electric heat pumps," and said retrofitting homes would be expensive but appropriate for CDBG funding. The Legislature later adopted Resolution 141-26 authorizing the Planning Director to submit one or more CDBG applications and to sign them on behalf of the county.
Chair Fitzpatrick closed the hearing after public comment; no formal county commitment to particular projects was made at the hearing—the authorization lets the Planning Director pursue applications for eligible activities.
