by eila in Accessibility, City Finances, Civic Action, Civil and Human Rights, Economy & Poverty, Government Reform, Neighborhoods and Squares, Politics
Posted on May 4, 2009 at 2:29 pm
Last Modified on May 4, 2009 at 2:44 pm
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The City of Somerville, as an Entitlement Community, receives millions of Federal dollars from HUD each year from the Community Development Block Grant, Emergency Shelter Grant, and HOME programs. These monies must be spent on activities that primarily benefit low and moderate income Somerville residents in three areas:
Provide decent affordable housing;
Eliminate slums and blight;
Enhance economic and employment opportunities.
Because the City received an extra $772,044 from HUD this year (in addition to the $5,234,351 received earlier) as a result of the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act, Somervillans have an additional opportunity to submit comments (which are then included on these public documents) to the City’s draft plans. On May 14, which is the final day for submission, the Plans will be voted on by the Board of Alderpeople and sent off to HUD. If HUD receives no complaints, or other findings to cause deeper inspection of the City’s plans within 45 days, they are deemed acceptable.
The 2009/10 Plans are found on the City’s website at: http://www.somervillema.gov/Section.cfm?org=OSPCD&page=1309
Or you can click on these links:
2009-2010 Revised Plan (April 2009) DRAFT
2008-2009 Amendment (April 2009) DRAFT
The Mayor has signed the standard CDBG/HOME/ESG documents for the City, attesting that Somerville has developed these Action Plans so as to give maximal feasible priority to activities which benefit low or moderate income individuals and families, and/or aid in the elimination or prevention of areas of slum or blight. In addition, the Mayor attests that the City of Somerville takes affirmative steps to overcome discriminatory practices, and also takes steps to affirmatively overcome the effects of conditions that result in limiting the participation of individuals and families protected by antidiscrimination and Civil Rights laws.
I submitted comments with 4 ideas to address ongoing issues of inequitable distribution of municipal resources, assets and opportunities. I believe these Federal funds should and can be used to forthrightly evaluate programs and procedures, and to implement improvements to enable all Somerville residents to participate equally in city activities and programs- and also, to have equitable employment and housing opportunities. If you’d like to second that notion, that would be terrific!
Seize the opportunity, let your voice be heard! Submit your comments, by May 14, 2009 to: Monica Lamboy, Director of Somerville’s Office of Sponsored Programs and Community Development- MLamboy “at” somervillema “dot” gov
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How about a tax break to all the homeowners in the city. That would make all our housing more affordable.
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Additional information regarding the responsible use of all CDBG-R funds was published on May 4 and 5th, which allows for modification of certain timelines, requirements and regulatory waivers (in order to expedite the implementation of these additional ARRA funds). Specific requirements and obligations related to fair housing, nondiscrimination, labor standards, and the environment are not waived or altered.
For more information, check out:
1. the original Memorandum Ensuring Responsible Spending of Recovery Act Funds;
2. CDBG-R Notice of 5/4/09; and
3. HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan’s Letter of 5/5/09.
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How about tax breaks for the middle class for a change
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