03/18/1981 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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e e e Mr. Lindberg stated that his sympathies lie with Mr. Obie's concerns regarding a neighborhood spending money for a project that perhaps would eventually need general fund moneys for maintenance and staffing. He feels that Community Development money should be used as "seed" or "stimulus" money with the neighbor- hood aware that they will need independent funding at the end of the three-year period. The function of the neighborhood center and the soap boxes is to create a neighborhood forum for residents to implement plans and voice their concerns. . Public hearing was opened. Karen Lansdowne, 10 Donovan Drive, said that since 1979 the Cal Young Neighbor- hood Association has been trying to apply for Community Development funds. The criteria is being misinterpreted. She feels that there is a prejudice on the part of the council against areas that are not targeted and do not, therefore, receive funding. The program is not fair to all of the areas in the city. Cal Young is the largest area but since their average income is higher than that of West University, they are not eligible to apply. They did submit a neighborhood need request to the Parks & Recreation Department, but they were not considered. The Cal Young Neighborhood has over 5,000 dwelling units (13,000 residents). By comparison, Whiteaker neighborhood contains 2,500 dwelling units, Jefferson contains 1,300, and West University contains 2,900 dwelling units. The total of all three of these neighborhoods is slightly more than the total number in the Cal Young Neighborhood. According to their interpretation, programs must give priority to the low-income residents, but they can approve any other community needs. She would like to see some of these funds used for acqusition of property such as streets and parks. She does not understand why the CDC has interpreted eligibility so narrowly. Although the funds have been used well, she does not approve of spending a large amount of money in neighborhoods serving a small number of people. This money could be used to buy Gillespie Butte. She agrees with councilors Lindberg and Obie. In Salem, the funds are distributed to all neighborhoods. She feels the needs of the whole city should be considered. Jonathon Stafford, 1060 Madison, stated that he is a member of the Community Development Committee and would be willing to answer questions. The committee has tried to keep the council informed. They have held public hearings and worked with the options to the best of their ability. They have worked with the cit i zens. There being no further testimony, public hearing was closed. Mr. Gleason stated that the Block Grant program is constantly evolving. The Salem program focused on urban renewal. Every Block Grant prog,ram mandates targeting. Ms. Hofmann stated that a 1977 memo from HUD indicated the mandate for targeting. HUD must also approve all programs. Mr. Gleason stated the reason for targeting is to create incentives for private investors. Although the council may feel all neighborhoods should be viewed as equal, the statutes prohibit thi s. Ms. Miller arrived at the meeting. MINUTES--Eugene City Council March 18, 1981 Page 5