Rep. Sutton Announces Community Development Block Grants for Barberton and Cuyahoga Falls

WASHINGTON, DC – July 14, 2010 – (RealEstateRama) — Today, Rep. Betty Sutton (D-Ohio) announced that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has awarded Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) to the cities of Barberton and Cuyahoga Falls. The CDBG program provides annual grants to states and local units of government to develop viable urban communities.

“It is great news that the cities of Barberton and Cuyahoga Falls will be receiving this important funding,” said Rep. Sutton. “These Community Development Block Grants will help low-income families and small businesses, create affordable housing, make much-needed infrastructure improvements and promote neighborhood development.”

Since 1974, HUD’s CDBG Program has awarded approximately $132 billion to state and local governments for community development.

“This funding provides the building blocks needed to improve communities,” said HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan. “Now, more than ever, these grants promote neighborhood development, produce affordable housing and help extremely low-income persons find their place in their communities.”

In Cuyahoga Falls, A portion of the CDBG funds will be utilized for direct housing issues such as loans, matching grants, emergency improvements, down payment assistance and exterior improvements. Funding will also be used for infrastructure improvements in qualified areas and for economic development activities which include small business loans, property acquisitions and future planning efforts.

“These funds fill a much-needed void, particularly in today’s marketplace by assisting those in the community who need it most and improving the housing stock in various neighborhoods,” said Cuyahoga Falls Director of Development Susan Truby. “One exterior improvement on a home inspires others in the immediate area to make improvements as well. It certainly does have a spin-off effect.”

In Barberton, funding will be used for Fair Housing activities, downtown beautification, the Victim Assistance Program and other important areas.

“With our anticipated program income we will construct ADA ramps where needed and fund the Barberton Community Development Corporation with funds to provide gap financing to businesses in or relocating to Barberton,” said Barberton Planning Director Diane Sheridan.

“This is definitely good news for the city of Barberton,” said Barberton Mayor Robert Genet. “We have fared rather well (with our grant allocation), so that’s really good news for the city.”