This article was funded by LebTown donors as part of our Civic Impact Reporting Project.
The Millcreek Township Board of Supervisors heard options for the township’s 2024 allotment of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding Wednesday.
Daniel Lyons of Lebanon County Redevelopment spoke to supervisors about options for about $85,000 in funding — which is guaranteed, so long as they submit an eligible project.
Read More: Deadline looms to apply for Lebanon city Community Development Block Grants
At least 70 percent of funds must be used to help low- to moderate-income residents, with the remaining 30 percent eligible for slum and blight prevention — which could include purchasing and demolishing dilapidated buildings, Lyons said.
He opened the subject up to public comment, and a resident suggested an accessibility ramp for the township’s post office.
The building is owned by the fire company, but rents ground-floor space to the post office, supervisors said. Lyons said he believes rented space is still eligible for improvements, but said he would get back to supervisors with an update.
In the event the accessibility ramp is not an eligible project, supervisors agreed to plan to direct funds into a housing rehabilitation program, as they did in 2022.
In 2022, the board wanted to use funds for a paving project. However, as Millcreek does not have any blocks designated as low- to moderate-income zones, the township needed to survey residents in the area adjacent to the proposed project. With low participation in the surveys, the project was deemed ineligible.
Ultimately, 2022 funds were earmarked for a housing rehabilitation program, though nothing has come of this as of now. These programs involve identifying low- to moderate-income homeowners, thoroughly examining their finances, and financially assisting them with necessary home repairs.
Supervisor Scott Moyer said the township is hesitant about this type of program as residents may be reluctant to share in-depth financial information with the government, or request the help at all. These programs commonly assist elderly residents, Lyons added, who may not be aware of the program.
“Identifying the people that need the help is difficult,” he said. Moyer said he expects more residents to reach out if the program picks up steam, but finding the first participant would be difficult.
The board floated reaching out to contractors to connect them to possible participants. Lyons agreed to get information together about starting a housing rehabilitation program so that they can use the awarded funds.
Lyons noted that the township can apply to change a project, so long as the new project meets CDBG requirements. Grant funding for 2023 is to be used for ADA-compliant additions to the township park.
Lyons noted that while the township was awarded the funds, they have not actually been received as of now.
Municipalities are given three years to use funding, so supervisors also asked if 2022 funding could be redirected into the township’s 2023 project.
In other news, the board:
- Discussed grass and weed violations, hearing that the township’s fine is a max of $50 — while a $1,000 max is more standard. They unanimously agreed to direct solicitor Andrew Morrow to write an amendment to make this change, as well as examine more of Ordinance 15 for outdated fines.
- Heard the status of multiple violations and directed Morrow to take action where applicable.
- Agreed to receive more information on adopting the International Property Maintenance Code, which would set specific standards for property owners. Adopting it would also require the township to hire a code enforcement official.
- Unanimously agreed to the 2024-25 salt contract, at $88.04 (a $4.98 increase) per ton.
- Heard a request from the police department for a third full-time police officer as they approach budget season. The department also requested the township consider traffic radar speed signs and Leads online (a police investigative service).
- Unanimously agreed to begin work certifying assistant secretary Lauren Ritchie as a notary to prepare her to take over the secretary position.
- Unanimously agreed to pass a resolution routinely disposing of records.
- Unanimously agreed to pass a resolution allowing the township to reject anonymous Right to Know requests.
- Unanimously agreed to approve an Oct. 31 Trick or Treat night.
- Unanimously agreed to allow fire police to attend Myerstown’s holiday parade.
- Approved minutes unanimously by those in attendance.
Millcreek Township Board of Supervisors meets the second Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. These meetings are open to the public and do not require prior registration.
Questions about this story? Suggestions for a future LebTown article? Reach our newsroom using this contact form and we’ll do our best to get back to you.
Free news isn’t cheap. If you value the journalism LebTown provides to the community, then help us make it sustainable by becoming a champion of local news. You can unlock additional coverage for the community by supporting our work with a one-time contribution, or joining as a monthly or annual member. You can cancel anytime.
More Top Stories
Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.
