Each year, the City of Bethlehem receives funding from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) through the Community Development Block Grant Program (Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended), and the HOME Investment Partnerships Program (Title II of the National Affordable Housing Act of 1990, as amended).
The primary objective of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program is the development of viable urban communities, by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment as well as expanding economic opportunities, principally for persons of low- and moderate-income. The City utilizes these funds primarily for the revitalization of low- and moderate-income neighborhoods through the rehabilitation of the existing housing stock and physical improvements to public facilities. In addition, the City funds economic development activities, purchases, and law enforcement activities, which complement the usual “bricks and mortar” approach to revitalization. This strategy is to ensure that all of the needs of neighborhood residents are being addressed through improving the quality of life for our citizens.
Included among the objectives of the HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) Program is the expansion of the supply of decent and affordable housing for low- and very low-income households and the strengthening of partnerships among all levels of government and the private sector, including for-profit and non-profit organizations, in the production and operation of affordable housing.
The 2020 Action Plan for the CDBG and HOME programs was approved by City Council and is available for review. Please contact Michael Brett, Housing and Community Development Planner by email to mbrett@bethlehem-pa.gov or by calling the Department at 610-865-7085.
The link below provides the approved activities for the 2019 CDBG and HOME programs. The actual amount awarded from HUD will not be known until mid-2019. The awards specified are based on Bethlehem’s past HUD allocation and final amounts may change.
Website Summary Sheet
NOTICE OF SUBSTANTIAL AMENDMENT CITY OF BETHLEHEM
FY 2019 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN
The purpose of this notice is to present substantial amendments to the City of Bethlehem’s FY 2019 Annual Action Plan for the use of Community Development Block Grant funds.
In accordance with CDBG program regulations, the City is allowed to make substantial amendments to its Annual Action Plan and Budget in accordance with the City’s Citizen Participation Plan.
Bethlehem has determined that it is necessary to amend the approved CDBG program budget for the previously approved program year FY 2019. This is considered a substantial amendment in accordance with Bethlehem’s Citizen Participation Plan as the following applies: a) Adding or dropping an activity.
The amendment to the FY 2019 CDBG Annual Action Plan is proposed as follows:
| Project |
Initial Budget |
Revised Budget |
Change |
| Bethlehem Emergency Shelter (2017) |
$100,000 |
$35,252 |
($64,648) |
| Deconversion (2017) |
$75,000 |
$0 |
($75,000) |
| North Penn Legal Services (2018) |
$17,500 |
$3,104 |
($14,396) |
| Health Bureau (2016) |
$5,000 |
$804 |
($4,196) |
| Bethlehem Area Public Library |
$0 |
$55,000 |
$55,000 |
| Catholic Senior Housing & Health Care Services |
$0 |
$50,000 |
$50,000 |
| Housing Rehabilitation |
$188,799 |
$222,038 |
$33,240
|
| Hispanic Center – demolition (2019) |
$50,000 |
$0 |
($50,000) |
| Hispanic Center – food pantry and other improvements |
$0 |
$70,000 |
$70,000 |
In order to obtain the views of residents, public agencies and other interested parties, Bethlehem has placed the Substantial Amendment on public display beginning, February 4, 2020, on the City’s website at the following address: https://www.bethlehem-pa.gov/Community-Economic-Development/Community-Development/CDBG-Home. The Substantial Amendment is also available at City of Bethlehem offices located at 10 East Church Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018.
This document will be available to the public during normal hours of operation for a period of thirty (30) days until, after which time the Substantial Amendment will be considered by Council for submittal to HUD for approval.
On Tuesday, February 20, 2020, the city will hold a public hearing at 3 p.m. in Town Hall, 10 East Church Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018, to consider the proposed substantial change to the FY 2019 CDBG Annual Action Plan. All interested persons, groups and organizations are encouraged to attend this public hearing and will be given the opportunity to present oral or written testimony concerning the proposed amendment for the FY 2019 Action Plan.
On Tuesday, March 17, 2020, the Mayor and Council of the City of Bethlehem will meet at 7:00 PM in Town Hall, 10 East Church Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018, to consider the proposed substantial change to the FY 2019 CDBG Annual Action Plan. All interested persons, groups, and organizations are encouraged to attend this council meeting to speak on the proposed amendment for the FY 2019 Annual Action Plan.
General questions regarding this Substantial Amendment or proposed programming as well as requests for special assistance related to limited English language proficiency or disabilities should be directed to Michael Brett at (610) 997-5731 or mbrett@bethlehem-pa.gov.