tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17923660.post6779751057916271604..comments2023-10-30T09:52:42.538-04:00Comments on Easton UnDressed: Stealing from the Low-Mods and giving to the capableHouse of Crayonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01904691897127195568noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17923660.post-75128709455288593262007-07-07T21:15:00.000-04:002007-07-07T21:15:00.000-04:00Nice letter in July 7th Express Times.:It would be...Nice letter in July 7th Express Times.:<BR/><BR/>It would be wrong for the city of Easton to reallocate $30,000 of Community Development Block Grant funds to convert the first block of North Bank Street to a pedestrian walkway. The project does not fit any of the three objectives to be eligible for CDBG funding, as noted by Ed Gepner to council last year. He is a representative of the firm retained by the Easton Redevelopment Authority for CDBG issues.<BR/><BR/>The project is not in response to a public safety need that developed within 90 days of the request; it does not address area or "spot" blight redevelopment; nor would the majority of those benefiting be low- and moderate-income people.<BR/><BR/>According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the CDBG program "allocates annual grants to develop viable communities by providing decent housing, a suitable living environment, and opportunities to expand economic opportunities, principally for low- and moderate-income persons."<BR/><BR/>Our city is far from being short on need. The fact that the entire city qualifies as "low-moderate" income is a sobering reminder of just how much need we have. This project immediately benefits people with the resources and finances to own buildings or businesses in downtown Easton.<BR/><BR/>The street is a mere alley, less than one-tenth of a square mile in a city of 4.2 square miles. To spend $30,000 of the $315,000 reallocation on this project is like stealing from 98 percent of the city.<BR/><BR/>We cannot allow our special interest and selfishness to rule. If the street's safety is the issue, close it. Just find the money elsewhere. I'm pretty sure that four to six poles will cost us a lot less than $30,000.<BR/><BR/>Terrance Hand<BR/><BR/>EastonJ. SPIKE ROGANhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09812618604210761080noreply@blogger.com