Manatee County Seeking Input on Future of CDBG-Funded Projects

MANATEE COUNTY – Manatee County Neighborhood Services Department will host three focus group meetings next week to get input from non-profit agencies, faith-based organizations and developers on the County's  Consolidated Plan for 2012-2017.

The Consolidated Plan is the framework that will guide how Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) dollars are spent within eligible areas over the next five years. Last year Manatee County distributed $2.3 million in CDBG funds within the eligible areas of Manatee County.

The three meetings will be held at Manatee County Central Library, 1301 Barcarrota Blvd. W., Bradenton during the following dates and times:

•      Housing services groups are encouraged to attend the meeting on Thursday, Nov. 17 from 9:30 a.m. to noon.

•      Social services and faith-based groups are encouraged to attend the meeting on Thursday, Nov. 17 from 1:30 –  4 p.m.

•      Economic development and business groups are encouraged to attend the meeting on Friday, Nov. 18 from 9:30 a.m. to noon.

CDBG funds benefit mostly low-to-moderate individuals as determined by income or Census tract. The projects can include infrastructure, housing, parks, community centers and public services.

In years past, the grant has gone to pay for the Pride Park and Lincoln Splash Parks; the purchase and rehabilitation of the Bill Galvano One-Stop Resource Center; the new United Community Center near Norma Lloyd Park and the Kelly Brown Resource Center in Palmetto. Money received in past years has also been spent on road improvements, street lighting upgrades and new sidewalk and drainage projects within the CDBG eligible areas.

Another round of workshops will be held in January for the public to discuss more specifics on where CDBG funds should be spent in 2012.

To RSVP or to learn more about the workshops, please e-mail Linda Childs at linda.childs@mymanatee.org or call (941) 745-3719 for more information.  

For more information on Manatee County Government, visit online at www.mymanatee.org or call (941) 748-4501.