St. Bernard holds first public hearing on Hamilton County CDBG funding, eyes small-scale park and street projects

Jennifer V, a consultant with JMA Consultants, told the St. Bernard council that the Community Development Block Grant program administered by Hamilton County operates on three-year cycles and is intended primarily to benefit low- to moderate-income persons.

"This funding is typically for activities that benefit low to moderate income persons," Jennifer V said, adding that eligible projects include street improvements, park work, handicap-accessibility improvements and, in some cases, acquisition and demolition. She said previous cycles brought roughly $130,000 to St. Bernard and that one earlier cycle yielded about $150,000.

The consultant emphasized administrative constraints of federal funds and advised the village to plan projects that match likely award sizes or be prepared to supplement with local funds if the application requests more than the typical award. "If it's a project that's like $200,000 you would be willing to put in those additional funds," she said.

Council members asked whether multiple elements at a single park (for example, restrooms and a retaining wall at Vine Street Park) could be combined into one application. Jennifer V replied that the village can package elements into a single project or apply for two separate small projects, but with an expected award near $130,000 it is usually easier to focus on one principal scope or plan to add local funding if necessary.

She also reminded the council that the CDBG application process requires two public hearings; tonight was the first and the council will hold a second hearing at its next meeting on the 25th. She said the application deadline is April 30.

The discussion included mention of a larger proposed renovation for Lower Ross with a roughly $970,000 price tag that would likely exceed a single CDBG cycle and require separate planning and funding. Mayor Stel and council members indicated they will gather project ideas and town feedback ahead of the next hearing.

Next steps: the council closed the first hearing and will reconvene at its next regular meeting on the 25th to formulate its application priorities and, if desired, place an application for the upcoming cycle.