Arnold moves closer to finalizing use of grant money

Arnold is another step closer to telling the state how it would like to spend nearly $300,000 in grant money.

City council held a second public hearing Tuesday to get comments and suggestions from citizens on how it should spend the federal Community Development Block Grant money it will receive through the state Department of Economic and Community Development.

The first hearing was held July 9.

The city is almost guaranteed to receive $298,504, community development and building code official Rick Rayburg said.

State officials have to sign off on how the money would be spent.

Council has identified four primary projects:

• About $115,000 to resurface the entire length of Freeport Road in the city;

• More than $48,000 for building demolition, which could be focused on an abandoned property at 1708 Fifth Ave.;

• $40,000 for firefighting equipment, including hoses;

• More than $16,000 for improvements at Roosevelt Park, including electrical work at the pavilion and amphitheater.

In addition, $25,000 would go toward repaying a loan dating from 2007-08. The original $330,000 loan, of which $160,000 to $180,000 remains to be paid, was used to acquire property in the 1300 block of Third Avenue and tear down buildings, Rayburg said.

The remaining amount, nearly $54,000, would go toward administration and planning costs.

The city will use $90,000 from its 2018 grant in addition to 2019 funds to resurface Freeport Road. That work is anticipated to be done next year.

Council will take a final vote to submit the application to the state when it meets at 7 p.m. Sept. 10 in the public safety building.

Rayburg said the city’s application is due by Nov. 2.

It would expect to get word on approval for the use of the money in early 2020.

Several residents again stressed the need for upgrades and improvements at Roosevelt Park. Some of the requested work may be considered general maintenance that the grant money can’t be used for, Rayburg said.

The city is limited to budgeting 30% of the funds for demolitions, including the loan payment. Rayburg said the city is allotting the most it can for demolitions.

A contractor started work on demolishing 10 blighted buildings this week, Rayburg said.

With no large road project expected after the Freeport Road resurfacing, Rayburg said the city could have more money for other uses next year.

“We have a limited amount of money,” he said. “We wish we had money to do everything.”

Council authorized completion of the final program application.

It will be available for public inspection from Sept. 3 to Sept. 10.