WCOM NEWS

7-07-04

Miramar OKs grant program budget

MIRAMAR--The Miramar City Commission recently approved a plan that would bring almost $1 million in federal money to repair homes and businesses, provide community outreach and assist small businesses.

During a recent meeting, commissioners unanimously accepted the 2004-05 Action Plan and Community Development Block Grant program budget, said Gus Zambrano, the city's economic development and revitalization manager.

The action plan was developed with the participation of city officials, residents, social service and housing providers.

After approval, the city sends its plan, requesting Community Development Block Grant money, to Broward County.

The county has a consortium of cities whose grants it lumps together and forwards to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Zambrano said.

The proposals go to HUD, which is in charge of the block grant money, in August and the funds usually are available by Oct. 1.

Because Miramar has been designated an "entitlement recipient," the city can count on the funds, Zambrano said.

The city is applying for a total of $906,000, which would break down as follows.

Housing rehabilitation, $409,200: providing minor home repairs for low- and moderate-income, owner-occupied households citywide.

Commercial rehabilitation, $175,000: providing matching grants to commercial property owners to make facade and code compliance improvements to buildings in areas of low- and moderate-income concentration.

Several businesses have received grant money through this program in past years. La Vie En Rose Banquet Hall, 6040 SW 21st St., in March was allocated $50,000 through the city's Commercial Facade Rehabilitation Program.

Community outreach center services, $135,900: providing community outreach as well as information and education programs for all residents, with the priority target population being people living below poverty level and those who are of low and moderate income.

The Miramar Outreach Center, at 6151 Miramar Parkway, opened earlier this year. The center gives residents information about government benefit programs.

Small business assistance/economic development, $50,000: providing a program that offers financial assistance to small businesses in a target area that will create or retain jobs for lower-income people.

Program administration, $135,900: providing administrative services to the overall grant program.

All the projects are ongoing except for the small business assistance initiative, Zambrano said. "That's a new program we'll be launching," he said. "It's a federal program that will create jobs."

The small-business program has no criteria on how the funds need to be used, so the city needs to work out the details, he said.

(source) Sun Sentinel (Carrie Ann Perez) 7-07-04