NEW ALBANY — New Albany is fighting to keep one portion of the city eligible for federal funding improvements, and residents will be asked to help with the dispute.
Based on 2010 U.S. Census statistics, a portion of 15th Street and surrounding neighborhoods was considered to have become ineligible for Community Development Block Grant Program funding based on income.
“This area, based on the 2010 Census, was considered to no longer be low-to-moderate income, and we know that’s not true,” said David Duggins, director of economic development and redevelopment for the city.
The New Albany Redevelopment Commission is preparing its five-year CDBG plan, and could lose funding if the decision isn’t reversed. Duggins blamed lack of accurate income information for the 15th Street block’s ineligibility, and said similar situations have occurred in other cities that obtain CDBG funds.
“We don’t want this area to fall out,” he said.
To help garner more information about the residents living in this area, the city hired University Research Consultants to conduct surveys and collect information.
The redevelopment commission had mailings sent to homes in the area this week stating representatives from the firm may be contacting them soon to conduct a brief income survey.
The information provided will be kept confidential, according to the letter. It also states the CDBG money could be used for drainage improvements if the area remains eligible for the federal funding.