PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The City of Pittsfield's Department of Community Development has released the draft Annual Action Plan outlining how federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds will be used to address housing and community development needs in Pittsfield for the 2024 fiscal year.

 

Community Development, in conjunction with the City Council's subcommittee on Community and Economic Development, will hold a public hearing on May 18 at 6 p.m. on its CDBG program budget and draft 2024 Annual Action Plan. The public hearing will be held at City Hall in the City Council Chambers.

 

The hearing is part of a 30-day public review process that is required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that provides an opportunity for public input on the draft plan. Through what HUD terms an entitlement grant, HUD provides the city with CDBG funding on an annual basis.

 

The draft FY 2024 Annual Action Plan proposed budget of $2.06 million consists of $1.2 million in estimated new CDBG funds and $340,000 in expected program income and reprogrammed funds as well as an estimated $470,567 in carryover funds.

 

The 30-day public review and comment period runs from Wednesday, April 26 through Thursday, May 25 at 4 p.m.

 

The Department of Community Development has proposed using CDBG money during the upcoming 2024 fiscal year for projects that include public facilities, removal of architectural barriers, public services, housing rehabilitation, economic development, clearance, planning activities, and administrative costs.

 

Beginning April 25, copies of the draft 2024 Annual Action Plan will be available for public review in the Community Development office, and a copy of the draft document will also be posted to the city's website at www.cityofpittsfield.org.

 

If residents are unable to attend the public hearing, they may submit their written comments to Community Development at any time during the 30-day comment period via email at njoyner@cityofpittsfield.org or by mail to the Department of Community Development, 70 Allen St., Room 205, Pittsfield, MA, 01201. Persons with special needs should contact Community Development at (413) 499-9368 or TTY 413-499-9340 prior to the public hearing and every effort will be made to accommodate their requests.