Service groups may get CDBG funds from village

The Milford Village Council at its Monday, Oct. 15 meeting tabled a resolution involving proposed 2013 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) allocations of $15,888.

CDBG grants are administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). They must fund activities to provide affordable housing, anti-poverty programs, and infrastructure development in low- to moderate-income areas of participating communities.

Out of the total funds allocated to the village for 2013, the village originally planned to have $8,000 go toward the removal of architectural barriers to handicap accessibility, while $4,688 would be used for Ride With Pride transportation services and $3,200 would go toward sidewalk projects.

However, village Clerk Deborah Frazer said the council asked to have the $4,688 for Ride With Pride split between two public service agencies.

No allocation was set for Huron Valley Youth Assistance, Meals on Wheels, or HAVEN (Help Against Violent Encounters Now), an organization providing services to domestic violence and sexual assault victims.

Last year, the village was allocated $15,706 in CDBG funding, with $2,355 going toward transportation services and $13,351 for installation of handicapped-accessible sidewalk ramps within mostly low- to moderate-income areas near the downtown area.

No more than 30 percent of CDBG funds can be pledged to public service-related programs.

The CDBG allocations will be brought up again at the council’s Monday, Nov. 5 meeting.