Public Notice and Notice of Public Hearing - City to Apply for Community Development Block Grant

The City of Florence is eligible to apply for a 2020 Community Development Block Grant from the Business Oregon. Community Development Block Grant funds come from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The grants can be used for public facilities and housing improvements, primarily for persons with low and moderate incomes. Approximately $12 million will be awarded to Oregon non-metropolitan cities and counties in 2020. The maximum grant that a city or county can receive is $400,000 for owner-occupied housing rehabilitation.

The City of Florence is preparing an application for a 2020 Community Development Block Grant from the Business Oregon for the Regional Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program of Lane County, located in Florence Oregon for the purpose of owner-occupied housing rehabilitation. It is estimated that the proposed project will benefit at least 12 persons, of whom 100% will be low or moderate income.

A public hearing will be held by the City of Florence City Council at 5:30 p.m. on December 14, 2020 via the videoconference platform gotowebinar. The purpose of this hearing is for the city council to obtain citizen views and to respond to questions and comments about: community development and housing needs, especially the needs of low- and moderate-income persons, as well as other needs in the community that might be assisted with a Community Development Block Grant project; and the proposed project.

Written comments are also welcome and must be received by December 14, 2020 at 3:30 p.m. at 250 Hwy 101, Florence, OR 97439, or via email HERE. Both oral and written comments will be considered by the city council in deciding whether to apply.

The location of the hearing is accessible to persons with disabilities. Please contact Kelli Weese at 541-997-3437 if you will need any special accommodations to attend or participate in the meeting.

More information about Oregon Community Development Block Grants, the proposed project, and records about the City of Florence’s past use of Community Development Block Grant funds is available for public review upon request to Kelli Weese HERE or at 541-997-3437. Advance notice is requested. If special accommodations are needed, please notify Kelli Weese at 541-997-3437 so that appropriate assistance can be provided.

Permanent involuntary displacement of persons or businesses is not anticipated as a result from the proposed project. If displacement becomes necessary, alternatives will be examined to minimize the displacement and provide required/reasonable benefits to those displaced. Any low- and moderate-income housing that is demolished or converted to another use will be replaced.