PORT JERVIS, NY — At what was to be the second public hearing on a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application on February 16, Valerie Maginsky, the Community Development Agency’s liaison officer, reported, after a lot of research, the grant will not be pursued by the city this time, but instead the agency will seek another, more suitable housing program to address Port Jervis’ housing needs.

Maginsky said, “Originally, a public hearing especially for CDBG grant was discussed. Since then, matters have changed. Instead we’re applying for Affordable Housing Corporation (AHC) grants. It opens up other possibilities for funding.”

The city is entering into collaboration with RECAP, or Regional Economic Community Action Program, in Middletown to administer the program. If the city’s application is approved, the program will be advertised to residents, who can then apply. The decision on the application is due sometime in the spring, Maginsky said.

“With CDBG, we would be limited to 80% of household income. By working with the AHC grant, we can go up to 112 %. I consider this important.”

As an example, Maginsky said a household with an income level of $74,458 will qualify for the RECAP grant. “This sounds like a lot, but if you have a family of four, mortgage and other payments, what do you have left?” she said.

She continued, “Look at the chart. Your housing cost should not be more than a third. These are affordable housing guidelines.”

The applicants have to be up-to-date with their taxes, insurance, sewer and other bills.

Mayor Kelly Decker said, “It doesn’t exclude the 80%. It’s important, reaching more people.”

In other business, Decker said there’s going to be a new sleep lab as part of the Bon Secours Community Hospital, and an open house on February 20 at 1 p.m. at the facility on Canal Street.

Councilman Stan Siegel addressed the harsh winter weather, and said, “Shoveling sidewalks, we encourage you to make them wide enough. With this tough winter, this is not enforceable by law, but we ask citizens to put yourselves in a disabled person’s position, have them wide enough for a chair. Especially with businesses, widen up a little.”

Siegel added if a resident is not able to shovel, they should call the local firehouse for help, adding all fire hydrants should be cleared.

Councilman David Bavoso talked briefly about creating the new Whitewater Park in the Delaware River. “I heard from assessors, zoning, they cleared what properties are included,” he said. “I encourage everyone to look for next steps. This means changing zoning laws. Call me for input. No response is good news, nobody’s protesting. Hopefully we’ll get the process going.”

A proposed Orange and Rockland Utilities (O&R) rate increase was also addressed. Councilman George Belcher asked residents to call him at 845/856-1036, or email georgeb712@gmail.com for information. Decker reminded everyone, “The increase is on delivery lines, just to use those lines, every single person is affected.”

Belcher said ConEdison (which owns O&R) is in excellent financial shape.