NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
The Portage County Board of Commissioners
449 South Meridian Street
Ravenna, Ohio 44266
Will hold a public hearing on May 28, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. at the Portage County Administration Building, 449 South Meridian Street, 7th Floor, Ravenna, Ohio.
The purpose of this hearing is to seek citizen input and discussion of the 2026 Community Development Program, Community Development Allocation Grant. Portage County will submit an application in the amount of $606,000 to the Ohio Development Services Agency, Office of Community Development on or before June 10, 2026, for the Community Development Allocation Grant.
2026 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ALLOCATION GRANT
The Community Development Allocation Grant covers Portage County Villages and Townships and the Cities of Aurora, Ravenna and Streetsboro and the activities within this program must primarily benefit low-moderate income (LMI) persons or aid in the elimination of slum and blight.
The proposed activities include:
Public Facilities ? Access Family Services ? The funds will be used to replace the aging roof and gutter system, fifteen aging windows and interior trim, and three exterior doors at the Skeels Mathews Community Center. The center is located at 4378 Skeels Street, Ravenna, OH. The Center provides essential services to residents including meals, senior activities and youth tutoring - $33,000 (CDBG) + $14,841.98 (Local) = $47,841.98
Ravenna Waterline Project ? The funds will be used to install a water line on Harding Avenue, east of SR 14 to Peck Road. The new line will provide an alternate route for water service to the east side of Ravenna, which is currently served by only one water line. The project will improve system reliability by allowing repairs and maintenance to be completed with service interruptions limited to a minimal number of customers. In addition, the project will eliminate dead-end lines serving customers on Highland and Ferndale, improving water quality and reducing the need for frequent hydrant flushing. $305,594 (CDBG) +$(312,398) (state/ local funds+ $617,992
Freedom Historical Society Museum ADA Chair lift- Freedom Historical Society Museum ADA Chair Lift ? The funds will be used for the purchase and installation of an ADA-compliant commercial chair lift at the Freedom Historical Society Museum, located at 7276 State Route 303, Freedom Township, Ohio. The ADA improvements will remove accessibility barriers and improve access to the historic structure for individuals with disabilities. $18,446 (CDBG)
Fair Housing - $10,000
Administration of the Grant - $88,960
City of Streetsboro
Public Service ? Senior Assistance Program ? Provide lawn mowing to benefit LMI residents in the City of Streetsboro - $100,000 (CDBG)
Infrastructure Activities ? Sidewalk Program ? Funds will be used for sidewalk installation from the City Center to Russell Drive to improve public safety and pedestrian connectivity. The project will primarily benefit low- and moderate-income (LMI) residents in the service area. City of Streetsboro CDBG Program ? $27,760 (CDBG)
Administration of the City of Streetsboro Projects - $22,240 (CDBG)
Total CDBG Allocation Grant - $606,000
This is the second public hearing for this grant, the first public hearing was held on April 16, 2026.
Local officials and interested citizens are encouraged to attend. For further information, please contact the Portage County Regional Planning Commission at (330) 297-3613 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Todd Peetz, Director
Portage County Regional Planning Commission
449 S. Meridian Street, 6th Floor
Ravenna, Ohio 44266
Published: May 16, 2026
May 16 2026
LWOO0520561
