CDBG Advisory Committee
| Member |
Year Appointed |
Term Expires |
| Mary Jane Laus, |
2006 |
2013 |
| Claude Tellier, Co-Chair |
2006 |
2013 |
| Jana McClure, Co-Chair |
2007 |
2015 |
| Nancy Gregg, Housing and Sheltering Com. Rep |
2010 |
2013 |
| Greg Schwartz |
2011 |
2014 |
| Ted Harvey |
2011 |
2014 |
*Appointed by the Select Board: 7 members / 3-year terms
Minutes & Agendas
Most Recent Agenda | All Agendas
Most Recent Minutes | All Minutes
News-Announcement of 2013 CDBG Application Process
CDBG Advisory Committee Recommendations for 2013
CDBG Public Hearing for NON-SOCIAL SERVICE Project Proposals--Thurs. Jan. 10, 2013 at 6:30 p.m. in the Large Activity Room of the Bangs Community Center (click here to view the public notice)
2013 NON-SOCIAL SERVICE Request for Proposals - Due Monday, January 7, 2013 by 3:00 p.m.
| 2013 Target Areas |
2013 Social Service Priorities |
| Town Center |
Homelessness and Sheltering |
| East Amherst Village Center |
Yout Development |
| North Amherst Village Center |
Adult Education and Job Training |
| |
Basic Human Services |
| |
Emergency and Preventive Services |
2013 CDBG Grant Cycle Announcement
2013 DRAFT Community Development Strategy-UPDATED August 17, 2012
2013 Application Timeline
| July |
Community input to help refine Community Development Strategy |
| July 18--Discuss Community Development Strategy with Planning Board |
| July 31--CDBG Advisory Committee Public Meeting |
| August |
August 9--Community Development Strategy public hearing and public meeting |
| August 17--RFP's solicited seeking project applications |
| September |
September 18--RFP's DUE |
| Tentative--September 25 Public Hearing for Proposals-6:30 p.m. Town Room, Town Hall |
| October |
CANCELLED: October 3--CDBG Advisory Committee Public Meeting |
| POSTPONED: October 24--CDBG Public Hearing to announce recommnedations |
| November |
Town staff and CDC to complete application |
| November 14--CDBG Advisory Committee Public Meeting |
| December |
December 20--CDBG Advisory Committee Public Meeting |
| January |
January 7: Non-social service proposals DUE by 3:00 p.m. |
| |
January 10: CDBG Advisory Committee Public Hearing to review non-social service proposals, and public meeting to rank all projects |
| February |
February 15: CDBG Applications DUE |
|
Introduction
|
The Town of Amherst is one of ten Mini Entitlement communities in Massachusetts that can apply to the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) for up to $900,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The funds are administered and distributed at the state level by DHCD within the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development (EOHED). As a Mini Entitlement community, Amherst has been designated by DHCD to receive an allocation of CDBG funds due to the community's "high statistical indication of need, poverty rate and size."
Each year, the Town must apply to receive those funds, and in accordance with HUD regulations, CDBG funds must be awarded primarily to projects, programs, and services that improve the lives of the Amherst's low- and moderate-income residents (defined as individuals or families whose annual income does not exceed 80% of the Area Median Income as determined by HUD), and be located in an identified neighborhood or target area. In addition, 20% of the funding must be for social service activities, 60% for non-social service activities and the remaining funds are for administrative purposes.
Application Process
As a Mini Entitlement community, Amherst must apply each year to DHCD to receive the funding. Applications are typically due in mid-December, with the public input process beginning in late July/early August. The CDBG Advisory Committee, with assistance from Town staff, oversees the public input process by holding public hearings (at least two) and public meetings so that Amherst residents and boards & committees have an opportunity discuss priorities and target areas. The CDBG Advisory Committee also solicits proposals from the community to help determine which projects receive funding. These proposals can be submitted by various parties, including but not limited to a single individual (i.e. a developer), a Town board / committee, or a non-profit organization. Those interested in making a funding request are encouraged to contact the CDBG Advisory Committee and Town staff.
During the application process, Amherst citizens have an opportunity to discuss the following components of the Town's application to DHCD:
- Community Development Strategy - Summarizes various planning documents used by the community and outlines a plan of action intended to accomplish specific community development goals that will have an impact on the overall community, especially low and moderate income residents.
- List of Priority Projects and Activities - A comprehensive list of town-wide projects, whether or not they are eligible CDBG activities, that the Town has identified with goals and timeline for completion.
- Map of Target Areas - Identifies areas in Town that are a priority to receive funding that are in accordance with the Community Development Strategy, list of priority projects and other planning reports.
- Project Proposals - Submitted to the CDBG Advisory Committee (by citizens, committees, organizations, etc.) at a public hearing to help determine which projects receive CDBG funds.
Project Proposal Submission Guidelines:
- Location of proposed project—is it in a Target Area or village center?
- A budget detailing the project, including total budget and all other sources of funding
- Feasibility of project—can the project be completed within the allotted time?
- A general description of the project
- Statement indicating how the project achieves national objectives (i.e. benefits the low-to-mod income population of Amherst) and the populations served.
- Impact of project on identified needs of community
- Demonstrate consistency with the Community Development Strategy
- Demonstrate consistency with Amherst's Master Plan
- Provide supporting document as necessary
- Demonstrate the support of other Amherst Town boards and committees with responsibility over relevant public interest.
Public Hearing Format - Procedure for Presenting Proposal to the Community Development Committee:
- All proposals must be written (Applicants are encouraged to meet with Town staff and the CDBG Advisory Committee prior to the public hearing to refine project proposals)
- Proposals must follow the submission guidelines and meet all criteria as stated in advance
- Presentation of proposals shall be no longer than 5-7 minutes
- Questions from the public will be heard only after all proposals are presented
Application Guidelines and Documents
DHCD Webpage