County staff propose funding 36 CDBG applications totaling $2.25M; projects include street, facility and ADA work

Northampton County staff presented the 2025 Community Development Block Grant application package to the Economic Development Committee on Aug. 7 and said the draft Annual Action Plan seeks $2,250,595 in CDBG funding and related HOME and ESG funds through the county’s consortium with the city of Easton.
Frank Brooks, administrator for the county’s Department of Community and Economic Development, told the committee the resolution before members would request HUD funding for $2,250,595 in CDBG funds; he also noted the county will receive HOME funds of $649,909.47 and Emergency Solutions Grant funds of $197,583 through the joint consortial arrangements with Easton.
Brooks summarized 36 applications (20 from the county, 16 from Easton) that county staff proposed to fund. He highlighted facility projects — facade repairs at the Hellertown senior center, an elevator at the Nazareth YMCA, ADA restroom improvements at a Bangor shelter — and infrastructure proposed in multiple boroughs and townships, including street improvements in Bangor Borough (North Main Street), East Bangor (Blaine Street), Lehman Township (Timberline Road) and Upper Mount Bethel Township (Jacoby Creek Road). Brooks also identified Wilson Borough park infrastructure and Walnut Park water-main replacement as proposed activities.
Brooks said the county’s CDBG projects focus on neighborhoods where the majority of residents meet HUD low- and moderate-income thresholds. He reported an outreach process that began in February, drew 150 workshop signups and brought five first-time applicants to the pool, and said staff had adjusted outreach after updated 2024 census numbers changed some income-area eligibility.
The committee did not record a formal vote on the Annual Action Plan during the meeting. Brooks said staff were seeking committee support to move the resolution forward for council consideration and eventual submission to HUD.