2025 1 21 PUBLIC HEARING CDBG Packet 1

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ATHENS CITY COUNCIL 
PUBLIC HEARING – 5:00 P.M. 
Tuesda
y, January 21, 2025 
Agenda Item  
Public Hearing of Possible Projects for the 2025 CDBG Application Cycle 
Overvi
ew 
The application period to apply for a 2025 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) has 
opened and the city is eligible to apply. Previously completed city CDBG projects included sewer 
improvements through the Athens Utility Board. According to the attached Powerpoint 
presentation, national CDBG objectives are to benefit low and moderate income persons, 
elimination of slum and blight, and resolve immediate threat or urgent needs. Specifically, eligible 
grant categories include: 
• Public Health & Safety • Sewer System Rehabilitation
• Community Infrastructure • Water System Rehabilitation
• Community Revitalization • Water Line Extensions
Funding li
mits are $420,000 for non-construction projects and $1,000,000 for construction projects 
with a required 9% city match. The application deadline is March 7, 2025 but many items must be 
completed prior to the application deadline such as conducting a public meeting, procuring 
professional services, preparing an engineering/architectural report and cost estimates,  and 
approving a resolution. 
Possi
ble city projects include constructing a new community center at Regional Park or elsewhere 
with indoor basketball courts for the basketball program among many other indoor and outdoor 
recreational amenities.  A community center was one of the top five projects identified during the 
2024 Strategic Summit.  
Stac
i Willoughby of the Southeast Tennessee Development District attended the December 9, 2024 
work session and  conduct ed a quick review of the program, identif ied eligible projects, and 
answered questions.  
Summ
ary of the December 17, 2024 Regular Session 
The City Council voted to approve to apply for this grant and authorized conducting the required 
public hearing on January 21, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. to obtain public comments. This public hearing 
was properly advertised on Jan. 4 and 11, 2025.  
Action t
o Consider 
Conduct a public hearing to obtain citizen comments regarding possible projects. 
Affecte
d Departments 
City Manager