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Manchester, Lakehurst To Net Block Grant Monies
TOMS RIVER - Federal money slated for housing rehabilitation, improvements to public facilities and public services will be making its way into Ocean County through the Community Development Block Grant Program.
A small amount of the monies to be distributed - about $70,000 all told - will go toward projects in Manchester and Lakehurst.
"The county is expecting about $4.4 million which will be distrib- uted to the participating municipalities in addition to some non-profit agencies," said Freeholder Gerry P. Little, who serves as liaison to the program. "This money helps support and maintain projects and programs that assist a cross-section of our population."
This year, the total amount of Community Development Block Grant funding anticipated is $1,435,524, which will be used to fund 22 municipal projects and 13 public service and regional nonprofit projects.
In addition, the county anticipated receiving about $1.3 million for a number of housing programs known as HOME funds, including its tenant based rental assistance program and its first time homebuyer program.
"These programs have made an important difference in the lives of our citizens," Little said. "They have helped keep a roof over the heads of people during difficult times and helped others purchase their first homes."
The Board of Chosen Freeholders has scheduled a hearing on the block grant recommendations for its May 2 meeting. The meeting begins at 4 p.m. in room 119 of the Ocean County Administration Building, Hooper Avenue.
The county received 36 applications requesting CDBG funding ,totaling almost $2 million.
"All the applications have merit," said Freeholder John P. Kelly. "We appreciate the time and effort of the steering committee and all those involved in the process."
"They have a difficult job because
the finding is finite," he said.
Once approved by the freeholders ,the recommendations are submitted
to the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development for approval. Funds would be available in July.
Brick, Toms River and Lakewood townships all receive individual CDBG allocations based on a HUD formula for towns having a population over 50,000 people.
Brick Township's allocation is expected to be $367,420; Toms River Township's allocation is expected to be $467,903; and Lakewood's is $804,777.
The three municipalities expect to use the money for housing rehabilitation programs, public services, program administration, public facilities and infrastructure development.
The projects expected to be funded are: handicapped curbs and sidewalks at Bay Avenue, Bay Head, $35,000; rehabilitation of a single residential unit, Beachwood, $50,000; roadway and drainage improvements, Berkeley Township, $35,000; handicapped sidewalks and curbs, Route 9, Eagleswood Township, $35,000; handicapped access to the municipal building, Harvey Cedars, $2,500; handicapped access to various municipal buildings, Island Heights, $35,000.
Also, handicapped sidewalks and curbs at various intersections, Jackson Township, $35,000; street improvements, Deerhead Drive, Lacey Township, $35,000; sidewalks and curbs at Elm Street, Lakehurst, $35,000; handicapped sidewalks and curbs at Bay Avenue, Lavallette, $30,000; handicapped access to various municipal buildings, Little Egg Harbor Township, $35,000; handicapped beach ramps at various street ends, Long Beach Township, $15,000; sidewalks at Route 530, Manchester Township, $35,000; and handicapped access at Barnegat Lane, Mantoloking, $15,600.
And, rehabilitation single residential unit, Ocean Township (Waretown), $30,000; handicapped access to boardwalk, Ocean Gate, $35,000; street improvements Sanborn Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach, $15,000; handicapped curbs and sidewalks along Beaver Dam Road, Point Pleasant, $35,000; handicapped access to beach boardwalk, Seaside Park, $15,000; lighting and parking lot improvements to Crabbe Road, South Toms River, $50,000; street improvements at various beach entrances, Surf City, $26,900; and handicapped curbs and sidewalks at Marine Street, Tuckerton, $15,000.
Also recommended for funding are: Ocean's Harbor House, $14,000; Providence House, $12,000; Interfaith Hospitality Network, $8,000; Hands for All, $20,000; Ocean County Hunger Relief, $5,000; Ocean Community Economic Action Now Inc., $12,000; Cerebral Palsy Association, $6,000; Foodbank of Monmouth and Ocean County, $15,000; and Contract of Ocean County, $10,000.
Long Beach Island Community Center, $58,000; Caregiver Volunteers of Central Jersey, $8,000; Stafford Township Municipal Transportation Services, $30,000; and Stafford Township Interfaith Health and Support Services, $6,000.
"These agencies provide a host of services to our children, our residents with special needs, those that are battered and abused, those in need of food and counseling," Little said. "This funding helps to make a difference in the lives of many individuals and families here in Ocean County."
The preceding story was a press release provided by the Ocean County Department of Public Affairs.
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