Ramps, sidewalks, HAVEN get Milford CDBG allocation

The Milford Village Council at its Monday, Nov. 5 meeting approved 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 will look to allocate $11,200 toward handicapped ramp construction and sidewalk placement.

The council also allocated $2,500 toward transportation for senior citizens and the disabled.

A $2,188 allocation was set for HAVEN (Help Against Violent Encounters Now), an organization providing services to domestic violence and sexual assault victims.

Back on Oct. 15, the council tabled a plan 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.

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.

Last month, the Milford Township Board of Trustees approved CDBG allocations totaling $17,637.

Township officials awarded $14,992 in 2012 CDBG funds toward upgrades at the Milford Senior Center, including the replacement of three furnaces and two air conditioning units.

The township also allocated $2,645 toward public services, specifically transportation.