Pittsfield 2023 Annual Action Plan Public Session
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Department of Community Development is sponsoring a public hearing and input session at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 16, as part of the preparation of its 2023 Annual Action Plan.
The purpose of the public hearing is to obtain public comments and suggestions on how the city's federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds should be used to improve the quality of life in the community. Information gathered from these sessions will contribute to the preparation of the city's Annual Action Plan.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires that the city prepare an Annual Action Plan each year. Funded projects included in the plan are required to benefit low- and moderate-income residents, eliminate slums and blight, or address an urgent need.
This public hearing will be held remotely pursuant to Gov. Baker's June 16, 2021, Extension of Certain Pandemic-Inspired Provisions of the Open Meeting Law, MGL Chapter 30A, Section 18, and will be conducted exclusively via Zoom. A registration link can be obtained at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0tcuGtrD0sGdJOFt-E2TKNSrvTNSnbWoFy
Participants can also register for the session by contacting Justine Dodds, either via email jdodds@cityofpittsfield.org or by phone at 499-9358. For those who would like to participate in the session by telephone, please call 301-715-8592, enter the meeting ID, 890 5852 6636, press # enter passcode 388875. Press # again.
Those attending the public input session will be given the opportunity to speak about the community issues that are important to them, such as: housing rehabilitation and demolition of vacant buildings; public facilities and park improvements; economic development and job opportunities; and public or human services. The public hearing will be simultaneously conducted in both English and Spanish.
The Annual Action Plan will be available in draft form in mid-April for the public to review and comment. It will also undergo a formal adoption process, including a public hearing that will be advertised. The draft plan will also be available on the city's website during a 30-day public comment and review period in April.
After the public comment period, the draft Annual Action Plan will be completed by the middle of May; the final plan will be submitted to HUD shortly thereafter. Residents who are unable to attend the public input session, they are welcome to submit their comments to the Department of Community Development, City Hall, 70 Allen St., Room 205, Pittsfield, MA at 413-499-9358 or by TTY at 413-499-9340.
Comments can be emailed to jdodds@cityofpittsfield.org. Persons with special needs should contact the Pittsfield Department of Community Development and every effort will be made to accommodate their requests.
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