Public Hearing II
City of Wooster, Ohio - Community Development Block Grant, Targets of Opportunity Program (FY2016) - Downtown Buildings
August 15, 2016, 12 PM
Council Chambers
538 N. Market St
Wooster, Ohio 44691
A second public hearing to review the City of Wooster’s intention to apply for Federal funds from the State of Ohio’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Small Cities Program for FY 2016 will be held Monday, August 15th, 2016, at 12:00 PM in the City Council Chambers of Wooster City Hall, located at 538 N. Market Street Wooster, Ohio 44691. Specifically, the Ohio Development Services Agency makes funding available on a discretionary basis for the rehabilitation of damaged or abandoned downtown buildings on a discretionary basis. The federal grant funding is made available to political jurisdictions to incentivize local developers in rebuilding structures within Ohio’s downtowns.
Funds
The City of Wooster proposes to apply for and utilize the requested funds as follows:
CDBG Downtown Targets of Opportunity Grant
Activity 1: Funding for the Rehabilitation of 148 W. Liberty Street: $192,500.
Located within Wooster’s registered historic district, 148 W. Liberty Street has sat vacant for several years, incurring substantial damage as limited repairs were made to the point of condemnation. The proposed grant would be provided to the City of Wooster to administer for the direct benefit of the building’s new owners, Brian Polen and Tammy Polen, in matching a portion of the costs associated with the rehabilitation of the structure. The historic preservation work will be performed to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for rehabilitation and will provide a new and permanent home for Vertical Runner of Wooster. The building owners will be required to meet other federal funding requirements as well, including obtaining an environmental review and adhering to prevailing wage requirements. Due to its historical significance, exceptional impact to Downtown Wooster, and the commitments made by the developers, and with the support of Main Street Wooster, the City intends to make its application to the State of Ohio no earlier than 18 August 2016.
The proposed activities meets the National Objective of remediating of slum and blight through historic preservation. The City intends to apply for funding and submit a formal application to the Ohio Development Services Agency no earlier than 18 August of 2016. Citizens are encouraged to attend to express their views on the proposed activity for which the City is seeking funding. Staff will also answer any questions regarding funding opportunities made available through the CDBG Program.
Community Involvement
Special auxiliary aids for handicapped persons are available upon request. At least five (5) days' notice is required prior to a meeting. Requests must be made to Christa Sturgeon, 330.263.5242, during regular working hours at the same meeting address listed above. For additional information on the City of Wooster’s CDBG applications, please contact Jonathan Millea at 330.263.5250 or jmillea@woosteroh.com. Thank you!