The Newburgh City Council held and closed their second public hearing on Monday, September 25 for the Fiscal Year 2024 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Annual Action Plan (AAP). This was the second required public hearing for the City of Newburgh.

In a slide show presentation within city records, it notes city community development goals which include development without displacement, increase in outreach with the community and support a diverse community climate. As a reminder, the CDBG grant is administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). These funds are allocated based on a formula basis and with the city, they are required to prepare and submit a Consolidated Plan for how to use the funding. $830,000 has been proposed for allocation in the city’s CDBG plan.

Several programs proposed within the plan focusing on housing include an In Rem Property Program, Homeowner Repair Assistance Program, infrastructure improvements to sidewalks and public facilities, business assistance, neighborhood services and administrative positions. A breakdown of the budget for these items is available on the city website.

With the second public hearing concluded, a resolution will go before city council in November for approval to accept the FY2024 Annual Action Plan and thus the plan would be submitted to HUD. By the first or second quarter of 2024, the city would receive the annual CDBG allocations.

Gabrielle Burton-Hill commented, requesting that funds could be set aside for senior citizens who may have lost a partner. She also noted that in the East End Historic District, home improvements must be followed by the historic guidelines and home improvements are also expensive. Resident Jewel Martin criticized nonprofits in the city receiving funds without successful results and would rather funds be given to city departments such as the city police for programs such as Hope Not Handcuffs. They were the only two commentators that night on the CDBG grant funding.