Bellefonte Borough Council votes to reallocate CDBG funding

Borough Council voted Tuesday to reallocate the 2015 Community Development Block Grant funding.

Don Holderman, assistant borough manager, said Centre County planning received a letter from the state Department of Community and Economic Development, which administers the CDBG funds, saying the borough needs to come into compliance with their requirements and use the funds for an “eligible and fundable” project.

The borough had planned to use the money to install fire sprinkler systems in downtown historic buildings in the amount of $81,172, according to the borough’s website.

Council voted at its last meeting to appeal so it could continue with that project, he said.

He recommended that council put the funds toward the Talleyrand Park project that the borough is working on. If the borough wins its appeal, Holderman said another modification could be done so the money goes back to the sprinkler system project.

The Talleyrand Park project, which is also funded with CDBG money, will add improvements like fencing and the construction of a pedestrian walkway, according to the borough’s website.

According to DCED, CDBG funding can be used toward housing rehabilitation, public services, community facilities, infrastructure improvement, development and planning.

This story was originally published September 5, 2017 at 11:06 PM with the headline "Bellefonte Borough Council votes to reallocate CDBG funding."