R2023-20 Resolution Approving Uses of Unallocated CDBG-CV Funds

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observations was, Decatur-Macon County has a significant shortage of childcare facilities, and this problem acts to depress the number of residents who can participate in the local workforce. The former Wee Folks building located on North Jasper street was formally a childcare facility that had to close during the peak of the coronavirus pandemic. This left a significant gap in the childcare ecosystem. City staff has identified an entity willing to re-start a childcare facility in the Wee Folks building if they do not have to service a mortgage on the building. This would be one of the few childcare facilities in the urban core. Also, in an effort to start implementing results from the Jasper Great Streets Great Neighborhoods project, staff is proposing a realignment of the site by creating and an interactive, and vibrant placemaking opportunity that the community has clearly outlined as a priority during the Great Streets Great Neighborhoods project. This will include an outdoor multi-use venue that can be used as a food truck court, neighborhood entertainment center, kid-friendly facilities, calming place that will allow individuals the opportunity to sit, drink a cup of coffee, enjoy free Wi-Fi services while reading a book or enjoying lunch during their lunch-hour. This could take place on the property south of the Wee Folks. The realignment of this entire area will ensure that the city is a partner in a catalyst project that includes the parcels west of Jasper and south of Condit, including the Boys and Girls Club facility, the former DMCOC building, and Hope Academy. Together they can be a neighborhood catalyst and a destination area near some of the most challenged neighborhoods in our community. 3. Additional Rent and Utility Assistance to Dove Inc.—In August 2021,the City Council approved an agreement with Dove Incorporated to provide rent and utility assistance to residents that were negatively affect by the pandemic utilizing COVID-19 related funds. The funds allocated to Dove have been utilized,but residents are still experiencing challenges relative to rent and utility assistance. Dove has expressed the need for additional funds to help keep residents in their homes by providing rent and utility relief. The CDBG-CV funds have the same restrictions as our annual CDBG allocation administered by HUD, but Dove,who has experience administering HUD funds, is confident they will be able to deploy as much as $250,000 by September 2023. 4. Old Kings Orchard (OKO) property repurposing and Urban AE catalyst proiect— Urban Agriculture coupled with work and life skills development is the theme of catalyst projects planned for the OKO neighborhood. The city has written a tentative partnership with Good Samaritan Inn for an urban agriculture project and work life skills program on the north side of OKO funded with a grant obtained last year by Senator Turner. The city is also creating a similar partnership with OKO Community Center for an urban agriculture project and work life skills program, and recreation site on the south side of OKO neighborhood,but this initiative does not have funding. Deploying CDBG-CV funds to the OKO Community Center urban agriculture/recreation/life skills project ensures the success of both OKO projects. ATTACHMENTS: None POTENTIAL OBJECTIONS: Staff is not aware of objections.