Borough holds public hearing on 2026 Community Development Block Grant allocation of about $370,000

The borough held a public hearing at the start of its April 9 meeting to gather community input on priorities for the 2026 Community Development Block Grant annual action plan.

Jessica Lurs, presenting virtually, described CDBG as a HUD‑administered program that typically funds housing rehabilitation, affordable‑housing activities, public‑facility improvements, blight remediation, code enforcement, economic development and eligible public services (with a cap on public‑service spending). She summarized priority goals from the borough’s 2025–2029 consolidated plan: increasing affordable housing options, remediating blight, improving public facilities, providing vital public services and enhancing economic development opportunities.

Lurs said the borough’s FY2026 CDBG allocation would be about $370,000 and reminded the council that at least 70% of allocations must benefit low‑to‑moderate‑income persons under HUD rules. She invited public comment on housing needs, populations to target, infrastructure gaps and workforce resources; no public commenters spoke during the hearing. Lurs said staff will develop proposed activities and return to council in May with a proposed annual action plan.

No formal decisions were made during the hearing; the session served to solicit community input and to inform the annual action plan drafting process.