GIRARD City seeks federal grant for projects
Seven volunteers surveyed households in the area about the proposal.
By TIM YOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
GIRARD -- An income survey shows that the Parkwood area of the city qualifies for federal funds to help distressed areas.
The city will now apply for $300,000 from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for infrastructure improvements.
The southeast corner of the city is generally bounded by Interstate 80 to the north, U.S. Route 422 to the west, and city limits to the south and east.
Laura Carey-D'Rummo, director of the Girard Multi-Generational Center, said the survey shows 81 percent of the households have low- to moderate-income levels.
Survey: Carey-D'Rummo, who directed the survey, said seven volunteers took about two weeks working intermittently to survey 307 of 856 households in the census tract area.
Those approached by volunteers were "very receptive" in providing income information and showed interest in the proposed improvements, she said.
HUD has made $3 million available for 10 $300,000 grants. If the city receives the money, it won't cost the city any local share.
The deadline for submitting the grant application, which CT Consultants Inc. of Austintown is writing, is Feb. 4. Carey-D'Rummo said the city should know if it's awarded the grant six to eight weeks after that.
Carey-D'Rummo said the city receives points for the percentage of low- and moderate-income households and number of people who attend hearings to discuss infrastructure priorities.
"Every point counts," she said, adding that the projects bring money into the city through income tax paid by construction workers.
Other efforts: Included with the grant application is information on, she added, are two ongoing projects to show the city's commitment to the Parkwood area: a community housing improvement program and work on the multigenerational center, the former Tod Woods School located in the target area.
These projects reflect "a continual involvement in this area," Carey-D'Rummo said.
There has been one hearing to get community input on what projects should be selected if the grant is awarded.
Another is scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday at the multigenerational center.
Carey-D'Rummo said money for the three projects, depending on the cost, will be contained in the application.
yovich@vindy.com