In response to HUD’s allocation of third tranche funding to the City through the CARES Act to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the coronavirus pandemic, the 12-member Community Development Citizen Advisory Committee (CDCAC) will present the following recommendations for a Substantial Amendment to the 2019 Annual Action Plan to facilitate the expenditure of CDBG-CV funding to the City Council on Tuesday, October 20, 2020. Following this presentation, the public comment period will be opened, culminating in a public hearing at the City Council Meeting on November 2, 2020.
Funding recommendations were informed by the CDCAC’s re-consideration of subgrantee applications submitted under the first tranche, and an evaluation of gaps in support for CDBG-CV funding priorities as adopted by City Council. Applicants were given the opportunity to update their requests to reflect any change to needs as the pandemic, and its impacts, have progressed.
Available CDBG-CV third tranche funding totals $358,743.
RECOMMENDED ACTIVITIES FOR 2019 PY SUBSTANTIAL AMENDMENT (CDBG-CV CARES ACT FUNDING – THIRD TRANCHE):
Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York – Homelessness Prevention Project – additional $15,000
Funding for a homelessness prevention program to provide free legal advice, referrals and representation to prevent unwarranted or illegal evictions related to the coronavirus pandemic of low-moderate income persons in Saratoga Springs.
This additional funding will bring the total award for this project to $46,400.
Saratoga Senior Center – Essential Services – additional $15,000
Funding to support response to increased demand for essential senior support services during the coronavirus pandemic.
This additional funding will bring the total award for this project to $30,109.
Salvation Army – Essential Services – additional $4,000
Funding to support coronavirus transmission prevention among the City’s street homeless population and increased food pantry and delivery services to those affected by the economic impacts of the pandemic.
This additional funding will bring the total award for this project to $10,000.
Mother Susan Anderson – Essential Services - $22,740
Funding to support the emergency shelter’s case manager position. The case manager works to find permanent housing for the women and children currently housed in the congregate shelter facility. The case manager also addresses food security and health needs of shelter residents.
Pitney Meadows Community Farm – Greenhouse - $10,000
Funding to support the purchase and installation of a greenhouse to facilitate the farm’s capacity to grow and supply fresh produce to local food banks, shelters, soup kitchens and non-profits year-round.
Community Development Department – COVID-19 Small Business Grant Program - $256,503
Funding to support the preservation of jobs available to or held by persons of low income, which would otherwise be lost due to the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Relief to small businesses through the provision of 25 – 51 grants of $5,000 - $10,000 in working capital facilitates this job-retention.
CDBG-CV Administration – additional $35,500
These funds finance the Community Development operating budget to cover the cost of payroll, fringe and program/office expenses.
This additional funding will bring the total allocation to $71,500.
Any comments on the proposed funding allocations should be directed to lindsey.connors@saratoga-springs.org.