Public hearing on CDBG funding for community development projects in Wooster.

PY 2026 COMBINED COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT SMALL CITIES PROGRAM
NOTICE of PUBLIC HEARING 1 of 2 Monday, March 16, 2026 - 6:00 PM
Council Chambers, Wooster City Hall,
538 N. Market St., Wooster, Oh 44691
The City of Wooster intends to apply to the Ohio Development Services Agency, Office of Community Infrastructure, for funding available under the federally funded Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Small Cities Program it administers. The City will conduct the first of two public hearings on Monday, March 16, 2026 at 6:00 pm in Council Chambers of Wooster City Hall at 538 N. Market St, Wooster Ohio 44691 to inform citizens and organizations about the CDBG program, with details on eligible activities and program requirements.
A second Public Hearing will be held for each of the specific grant applications to be made later in April, or later, after projects and funding amounts have been decided.
The CDBG program can fund a range of activities, including economic development projects; street and drainage improvements, downtown revitalization, demolition of unsafe structures, and the rehabilitation of housing and neighborhood facilities. Public services may also be supported.
The activities must be designed to meet National Objectives of primarily benefitting low-to-moderate income persons, aiding in the prevention and elimination of slums and blight, or meeting an urgent need of the community.
Specific grant programs the City may apply for include (up to specified estimated
amounts): Allocation grant ($150,000), Neighborhood Revitalization Grant ($750,000), Critical Infrastructure ($500,000), Economic Development Loan / Public Infrastructure Grant Program ($500,000 each), CDBG Fled Economic and Community Development Grant ($250,000 each), and Residential Public Infrastructure grant ($750,000), and other potential opportunities. Special auxiliary aids for handicapped persons are available upon request. At least five (5) days' notice is required prior to a meeting. Requests must be made to Amy Hamilton, 330-263-5242, during regular working hours. Questions and public comments on the CDBG program will also be accepted, up until the time of the public hearing on March 16, 2026, by correspondence or over the phone/voicemail to Jonathan Millea, 330-263-5250, jmillea@woosteroh.com, or at the address listed below: Economic Development, City of Wooster, 538 N. Market Street, Wooster Ohio 44691.
March 6 2026
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