MANATEE COUNTY -– As they plan how to spend this year’s estimated $1,901,101 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), within the eligible areas of Manatee County, Neighborhood Services officials are looking for more community input than ever. Manatee County will host four community meetings to ask residents how they would like to see the 2013-14 federal money spent to improve their neighborhoods.
“The input we get from these community meetings helps us establish our recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners for the use of the Community Development Block Grant and HOME money funds,” said Suzie Dobbs, Community Development Manager who oversees the grant. “It’s up to the citizens to tell us what they need and where they need it. If they don’t tell us, we have to assume what they want us to use data and information we collect throughout the year.”
The meetings will be held on the following dates and venues:
In previous years the grant has paid for Manasota ARC group home improvements; Lincoln Park Splash Park; emergency generators and a new bus for Meals on Wheels Plus of Manatee; Pride Park improvements; the purchase and rehabilitation of the Bill Galvano One-Stop Resource Center; and the construction of the United Community Center and expansion of the Just for Girls Club in Bradenton. Money received in past years has also been spent on road improvements, street lighting upgrades and new sidewalk and drainage projects within the CDBG eligible areas.
A translator will be available at all meetings for any Spanish-speaking persons.
For more information, call Suzie Dobbs at (941) 749-3029, e-mail her at suzie.dobbs@mymanatee.org or visit online, www.mymanatee.org.