JACKSON TWP — Supervisors will have access to more than $85,000 for community development this year.

Danielle Rich, of the consulting firm M&L Associates, gave the board a presentation Thursday, June 15, on the Community Development Block Grant program during a public hearing.

“In 2022, Jackson became a new entitlement (community) through the county to receive this funding because the population rose above 4,000, based on 2020 census data,” Rich said. “And, because of that, they can receive an entitlement from the (Department of Community and Economic Development) through the county.”

According to Rich, the township will receive $104,383 this year for community development in low- and moderate-income area.

JACKSON TWP — Supervisors will have access to more than $85,000 for community development this year.

Danielle Rich, of the consulting firm M&L Associates, gave the board a presentation Thursday, June 15, on the Community Development Block Grant program during a public hearing.

“In 2022, Jackson became a new entitlement (community) through the county to receive this funding because the population rose above 4,000, based on 2020 census data,” Rich said. “And, because of that, they can receive an entitlement from the (Department of Community and Economic Development) through the county.”

According to Rich, the township will receive $104,383 this year for community development in low- and moderate-income area.

“The county will retain approximately 18% for (administration), and those costs include the cost to prepare and submit the application, prepare the required reporting documents throughout the year and prepare the environmental review record,” Rich said. “That will leave the township with $85,657.”

At least 70% of the grant has to be used for the benefit of low- to moderate-income persons, with the other 30% being used to eliminate “slum and blight,” Rich said.

According to the program, a two-person household with a maximum income of $64,250 a year is considered low to moderate income, as is a one-person household with a maximum income of $56,250.

“Last year, we allocated funding toward demolition, water line laterals for low- to moderate-income households, and handicap curb-ramps and crosswalks at the intersection of Tollgate School Road and Grove Hill Lane,” Rich said. “This year, DCED has recommended that we limit the amount of projects that we select.”

Rich said because the region was considered “affluent,” it often made it difficult to find projects that meet the program’s objectives.

Township manager Chris Rearick said that last year’s projects have been planned but are currently eight to 10 months away for construction.

“We’ve reserved the funds for use within the next two to three years, so we reserved funds for water line lateral installation for low- and moderate-income households,” Rearick said. “We anticipate undertaking water line projects locally, so in those instances that will enable us to help low- and moderate-income households — particularly seniors.”

However, Rearick said the township used the program’s demolition money on a property at Shaffer Drive.

“Demolition falls under what Danielle referred to as blight mitigation,” he said. “So, if there is a structure within the township which the township has condemned under the township code … this program will help fund the demolition.”

Rearick suggested the township also would use its 2023 funds for demolition while adding housing rehabilitation.

“Who administers it is basically the county, I believe it's the county housing authority, and they administer it for several townships that are entitlement communities under the CDBG program,” Rearick said. “Essentially what they do is provide a program that will provide for housing rehabilitation repairs for low- and moderate-income households.”

After determining the township’s projects, Rich said it will hold a second hearing with the county’s community development office in September.

“At the second meeting, they will approve the budget and all the identified projects, and there will be a notice 10 days before in the paper,” Rich said. “And the budget will be included so the public can read what projects you’ve selected in the newspaper and anyone can submit written comments.”