Bradford City residents heard once again what kind of improvements will be possible, thanks to the 2018 Community Development Block Grant the city is getting.
The second of two public hearings on the city’s 2018 CDBG funding was held Tuesday evening prior to the regular city council meeting. Sara Andrews, executive director of the Office of Economic and Community Development, talked about how the grant will be used, as well as what projects are being considered under the city’s Three Year Plan.
The $296,249 CDBG allocation is $27,034 more than in 2017 — the first increase in several, according to Andrews.
Of that total, $33,000 will be used to demolish blighted properties; $195,000 to make Main Street streetscape improvements; $15,000 to be distributed as HOME funds to rehabilitate single family homes; and $53,249 to be used general administration.
Main Street streetscape improvements will include new curbs, sidewalks, ramps, light poles, traffic signals and decorative features, said Andrews. The project will cost the city roughly $4 million over the next two years.
Regarding single family housing, she said the city is now allowed to award funding on a city-wide basis rather than just targeted neighborhoods. However, there is currently a waiting list.
Andrews noted there have been more issues recently with applications, as many people apply who are not eligible because they owe utilities or taxes.
Under the Three Year Plan, Andrews mentioned projects such as housing rehabilitation, demolition of blighted properties, streetscape improvements in the downtown Historic District, the Second Ward Neighborhood Revitalization and improvements to Callahan Park.
Streetscape improvements in coming years won’t just be on Main Street; Andrews said side streets such as Pine, Congress, Chambers and Chestnut streets may also see improvements.
At Callahan Park, improvements could be made to the swimming pool, tennis courts, playground equipment and the bathhouse.
Parks director Chip Comilla said the pool is 75 years old and has been getting a facelift about every 25 years. It’s a little overdue right now for its third round of improvements, he indicated.
During the regular council meeting that followed the hearing, Councilman Brad Mangel gave an update on the pension plan.
The city is currently looking at a total obligation of $1,633,256, broken down as follows: police, $482,827; firefighters, $614,251; and non-uniform, $536,178.
To put the impact of that obligation into perspective, Mayor Tom Riel said, “The city takes in less than $3 million in property taxes.”
Mangel noted that employees who receive pensions are entitled to them.
Riel and Mangel talked about what would need to happen to lessen that burden on the city, which they said would be for the state legislature to make pension reforms for municipalities. However, even if state officials make changes now, it would be many years before the city would see a noticeable change.
Also at the meeting, council passed a resolution authorizing the purchase of self-contained breathing apparatuses (SCBA) for the fire department.
The cost of the 20 Scott Air-Pack X3 Pro 5500 devices and accessories will be $142,490, with $131,387 of that being paid for with grant money. A 5 percent local match of $6,569 was made, and the city will pay the remaining balance of $4,534.
