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NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
AND REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR THE FY 2020 CDBG PROGRAM
BOROUGH OF TAMAQUA
AND COUNTY OF SCHUYLKILL CITIZEN PARTICIPATION PLAN

Notice is hereby given that Schuylkill County On Behalf Of Borough of Tamaqua will hold a public hearing on May 19, 2020 at 6:30 P.M. through the Zoom video conference system. The public can participate in the council meeting using a computer, tablet or smart phone with an internet connection at the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87675032534 and by entering Meeting ID: 876 7503 2534. Individuals who do not have internet access can participate by telephone by dialing 1-929-436-2866 and entering Meeting ID: 876 7503 2534#.

This meeting is accessible to persons with disabilities and/or persons with limited English proficiency. If you wish to attend and require special accommodations, please notify Gary Bender, Schuylkill County Administrator, 570-628-1222 or gbender@co.schuylkill.pa.us. TDD users 7-1-1 PA Telecommunications Relay Center.

The purpose of the hearing is to discuss the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program in general, the needs of the community that can be met with CDBG funding, and performance under the previously funded CDBG program years and the Three-Year Community Development Plan of the Borough. During the meeting the County’s Citizen Participation Plan will also be discussed.

Schuylkill County On Behalf Of Borough of Tamaqua anticipates an approximate allocation of $124,884 in FY 2020 CDBG funds from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. At least 70% of the funds must be used to benefit low- and moderate-income persons. The proposed activities must benefit at least 51% low-moderate income persons in the service area to qualify as an eligible project. The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) has announced the application submission deadline of October 28, 2020.

The following types of activities may be eligible for funding under the CDBG Program: water and sewer line replacement and improvements; housing rehabilitation; construction of affordable housing; construction/reconstruction of public/community facilities; recreational facilities; public services that are new or provide quantifiable increases in the delivery of services; street improvements; historic preservation; removal of architectural barriers; code enforcement; economic development; acquisition and relocation; clearance and demolition; and general administration, planning, audit if required, and preparation of the CDBG application.

If the Borough of Tamaqua would undertake activities that result in the displacement of families or individuals, then Schuylkill County’s policy for minimizing such displacement would be in effect. The Borough of Tamaqua is responsible for replacing all low- and moderate-income housing units that may be demolished or converted as a result of the use of CDBG funds.

All interested parties are invited to attend the public hearing and give oral testimony at the public hearing and/or present written comments concerning the needs of the community, proposed CDBG activities, the prior use of funds, as well as the CDBG program in general and the County’s Citizen Participation Plan. This plan will be presented to the Commissioners on May 20, 2020 for approval. Comments about the Borough activities may be submitted to the Schuylkill County Administrator, Court House, 401 N. 2nd St., Pottsville, PA 17901 or gbender@co.schuylkill.pa.us by August 13, 2020.

By order of Linda A. Deatrich, County Clerk