PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The city'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 2023 fiscal year.

 

The draft 2023 Annual Action Plan proposed budget of $2.04 million consists of $1.3 million in estimated new CDBG funds and $425,051 in expected program income and reprogrammed funds as well as an estimated $262,000 in carryover funds. 

 

Through what the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) terms an entitlement grant, HUD provides the city with Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding on an annual basis.

 

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

 

Copies of the draft 2023 Annual Action Plan are available for public review in the Community Development office, and a copy of the draft document is also available on the city's website at cityofpittsfield.org.

 

Community Development, in conjunction with the City Council's subcommittee on Community and Economic Development, will hold a public hearing at 6 p.m. May 12 on its CDBG program budget and draft 2023 Annual Action Plan. The public hearing will be held in Council Chambers at City Hall.

 

The hearing is part of a 30-day public review process required by HUD that provides an opportunity for public input on the draft plan.

 

The 30-day public review and comment period will begin Tuesday, April 26 and continue through 4 p.m. on Thursday, May 26.

 

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.