News Release -- City to Open 30 Day On-line Public Comment on HUD Funding Documents

City of Rochester

News Release

(Friday, April 24, 2020) – The City of Rochester is inviting city residents to participate in a 30 day Public Display and Comment Period to review draft documents required for programs and projects funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

“During this challenging time, our priority is keeping our community safe and healthy,” said Mayor Lovely A. Warren. “With that in mind, we developed a comprehensive, 30-day format for community members to review and comment on these crucial programs without gathering in large groups.”

The input will help guide the Five-Year Consolidated Plan, a document that serves as a key implementation tool for the goals and strategies identified in the recently-adopted “Rochester 2034” Comprehensive Plan and provides direction for the City’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG); Home Investment Partnerships Program (HOME); Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG); and Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) funds from HUD.

This on-line process will be hosted on the City’s website from April 25 until May 24 and provides the community with a means to review materials related to the Consolidated Plan and an opportunity to submit questions and comments during the 30-day period. The City’s Consolidated Plan webpage (www.cityofrochester.gov/ConsolidatedPlan2020to2024) includes:

Draft documents of the 2020-24 Consolidated Plan, 2020-21 Annual Action Plan; Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice; and Citizen Participation Plan;

A video overview of the Consolidated Planning process and the draft documents;

An opportunity to submit questions on the draft documents. City staff will review questions each week and post answers the following Wednesday through May 20;

An opportunity to submit comments on the draft documents.

In addition, the City will host a virtual Question and Answer forum from 5 to 6 p.m. on May 18 to engage residents in real time. The forum will be hosted via Zoom webinar and teleconference. 

A Public Hearing is scheduled in conjunction with the City Council Committee Meeting on Thursday, June 11.

Final Consolidated Plan documents must be submitted to HUD no later than June 30, 2020 and will be brought to City Council for approval on Tues., June 16, 2020.

For more information, visit the project webpage (www.cityofrochester.gov/ConsolidatedPlan2020to2024) or contact Elizabeth Murphy, Senior Community Planner at elizabeth.murphy@cityofrochester.gov

###

News Media: For more information, contact