Rochester Reporter

The City of Rochester is amending its 2017-18 Annual Action Plan in accordance with federal regulations at 24 CFR § 91.320 and the City's Citizen Participation Plan. This document guides the use of funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Community Development and Planning Program.

The Consolidated Planning process is a requirement for direct financial assistance under certain HUD formula grant programs, including the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, the HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) program, the Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) program, and the Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) program.

The proposed amendment involves changes to Project #7:

Original Content:

Project Name: Demolition-Commercial/Industrial

Description: Demolition of privately owned large vacant industrial/commercial buildings.

Amended Content:

Project Name: Demolition

Description: Demolition of privately owned large vacant industrial/commercial buildings as well as 1-4 unit residential buildings.

The rationale for this amendment is to ensure timely spending of grant funds before their expiration at the end of September 2024. The current scope does not have eligible industrial/commercial demolitions in the City’s demo pipeline, prompting an expansion to include 1-4 unit residential buildings which have a larger pipeline of eligible properties.

Public input is being solicited regarding this substantial amendment. The City encourages feedback particularly from low and moderate-income individuals who are intended primary beneficiaries of HUD's formula grant programs. Public comments can be submitted in writing or during a public hearing on Thursday, Sep. 19.

Written comments can be sent via:

Email: HUDFunding@CityofRochester.gov

US Mail: HUD Program Management, City Hall Room 224B, 30 Church Street, Rochester, NY 14614

A draft of the substantial amendment will be available for download or by request starting August 19 for a required 30-day public display and comment period at these locations:

City Hall: 30 Church St. (Rm. 224-B)

Northeast Neighborhood Service Center: 500 Norton Street

Northwest Neighborhood Service Center: 400 Dewey Ave

Southwest Neighborhood Service Center: 923 Genesee Street

Southeast Neighborhood Service Center: 320 N Goodman Street

City website: www.CityofRochester.gov/ConsolidatedPlan2020

Comments received during this period will be considered in preparing the final amended Annual Action Plans. A summary of accepted comments and those not accepted with reasons will be attached to the final amended plan for formal action by City Council and submission to HUD. Written comments must be received by no later than 7pm on Thursday, September 19 to be included in finalized documents for City Council approval.

A public hearing overseen by City Council will take place at 6pm on Thursday, September 19, prior to formal action by City Council on September 24. Information on participation can be found at https://www.cityofrochester.gov/publicmeetings/. The hearing will also be live-streamed at https://www.youtube.com/user/RochesterCityCouncil.

Formal action by City Council on this substantial amendment is anticipated on Tuesday September 24, followed by submission to HUD.