Seaford council green-lights participation in Sussex County CDBG application

Seaford’s mayor and council voted unanimously to authorize the city’s participation in a Sussex County application for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program.

At a public hearing, Mike Jones, Sussex County Director of Community Development and Housing, reviewed program rules and eligibility criteria and invited local input. Jones said typical eligible repairs include roofs, doors, windows, plumbing and heating, and stressed owner-occupancy and tax compliance as prerequisites. He told the council a single-person household can qualify up to $54,750 in annual income and a four-person household up to $78,150 under current income guidelines.

Jones explained how the county secures program funds and described local results: “Over the last 5 years, we applied for $625,000 for the state and city of Seaford and acquired $497,500,” helping about 24 households; he said Seaford currently has 17 homes on the program waiting list.

Jones also explained local lien practice for recipient properties: projects under $15,000 carry a five-year lien; projects over $15,000 carry a 10-year lien, and the lien balance is reduced over time if the owner remains in the home. After questions from council members and no public opposition, Councilman Holland moved to approve participation and to authorize the mayor to execute any necessary documents; Councilman Bradley seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

The council’s vote allows Seaford to be included in the county’s competitive application to HUD; staff said county and state review and HUD allocations will determine actual award amounts and project selection.