5/10/2005
Media Contact:
Justin Ohlemiller, [317] 327-6709 |
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City seeks citizen input to set community development priorities
Citizens will get their say in utilizing approx. $16.2 million in fed. funding
INDIANAPOLIS – The City of Indianapolis' Department of Metropolitan Development is seeking citizen input to establish community needs and priorities in order to develop the 2006 Annual Action Plan, a strategy that outlines the city's goals for utilizing the $16.2 million it expects to receive next year from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
The first two public sessions are scheduled for:
Tuesday, May 17, 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Location: Roberts Park United Methodist Church, 401 N. Delaware St.
Monday, May 23, Noon – 1:30 p.m.
Location: City-County Building - Room 107, 200 E. Washington St.
Each year, the city receives approximately $16 million in grant funding from HUD to construct and repair affordable housing, support emergency shelters and combat homelessness, promote economic development initiatives and provide youth programs and other supportive services to low-income households and individuals. In order to receive funding, municipalities must gather citizen input to help determine how these dollars should be spent.
"The funding the city receives from HUD plays an important role in expanding affordable housing opportunities, providing social services in neighborhoods and strengthening our economy," said Mayor Bart Peterson. "This community process will provide a wonderful forum for government and residents to work together to ensure this funding continues to meet our city's greatest needs and help us reach our goal of building a world-class city."
Community projects in which the city has utilized federal funding include:
- Fall Creek Place, a near northside neighborhood being revitalized through the creation of more than 350 new affordable and market rate homeownership opportunities;
- The redevelopment of Brokenburr Trail, a blighted southside rental complex that has been razed to make way for a new mixed-use, mixed-income development that will create 217 quality housing opportunities and approximately 10,000 square feet of retail space; and
- The Summer Youth Program Fund, a community partnership that funds a variety of summer recreational and educational activities for youth.
Along with these public meetings, the city also has made available neighborhood surveys so residents who cannot attend one of the forums can still participate in the community process. For information, residents can call 327-5899.
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