PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The City of Pittsfield's Department of Community Development is sponsoring a public hearing and input session on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. as part of the preparation of its Fiscal Year 2025 (PY24) Annual Action Plan. 

 

The input session will seek public comment regarding Access to Fair Housing and discrimination experienced by Pittsfield residents based upon race, income, disability, gender or any other protected class.

 

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. Those attending the public input sessions 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.

 

Comments regarding Access to Fair Housing will also be accepted to aid in the creation of an Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice as required by the federal Fair Housing Act.

 

The public hearing will be simultaneously conducted in English and Spanish.

 

The hearing and public input session will be held virtually via Zoom. Advance registration is required: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_WL7AURSDRlmk9ioK7DNPFQ

 

Participants can also register for the session by contacting Nate Joyner, Housing Program Manager, either via email at njoyner@cityofpittsfield.org or by phone at (413) 499-9358. For those who would like to participate by telephone, please call 301-715-8592, enter the meeting ID, 874 8860 1307, press # enter passcode. Press # again.

 

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 individuals with low and moderate-income, eliminate slums and blight, or address an urgent need.

 

The 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 on May 13, 2024, that will be advertised. The draft Annual Action Plan will also be available on the city's website during a 30- day public comment and review period from April 23, 2024 to May 23, 2024. After the public comment period, the draft plan will be completed by the middle of May and the final plan will be submitted to the City Council for adoption on May 21, 2024 and submitted to HUD shortly thereafter.

 

If residents are unable to attend the public input sessions, they are welcome to submit their comments in writing to the Department of Community Development, City Hall, 70 Allen St., Room 205, Pittsfield, MA; by phone at (413) 499-9358 or TTY at (413) 499-9340 and by email to njoyner@cityofpittsfield.org. Persons with special needs should contact the Department of Community Development and every effort will be made to accommodate their requests.