Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)

The Cherry Hill Township Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Entitlement Program, as administered by the US Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD), allocates annual grants to develop viable communities by providing decent housing, a suitable living environment and opportunities to expand economic opportunities, principally for low- and moderate-income persons.

PUBLIC NOTICE

TOWNSHIP OF CHERRY HILL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG)

2020-2024 CONSOLIDATED PLAN & 2020 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN

SUBSTANTIAL AMENDMENT TO 2019 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN & CITIZEN PARTICIPATION PLAN

The Township of Cherry Hill is seeking public comment on the Township’s 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan and 2020 Annual Action Plan (AAP). The Consolidated Plan describes housing and community development needs, and strategies and objectives to meet those needs over the next 5-year period through the utilization of CDBG funds, as allocated by the US Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD). The Consolidated Plan includes: An Executive Summary; a Citizen Participation Plan; a Housing & Homeless Needs Assessment; a Housing Market Analysis; and a Strategic Plan, all of which will be prepared in accordance with 24 CFR 91. As an entitlement community under the CDBG program, the Township has received a consolidated formula allocation from HUD for the 2020 AAP (Program Year 2020-2021) of $465,015. These funds may be used for eligible activities, as authorized by Title 1 of the Housing & Community Development Act (HCDA) of 1974, as amended. 

In accordance with waivers granted through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), Public Law 116-136; and to present substantial amendments to the Township of Cherry Hill’s FY 2019 Annual Action Plan for the use of $273,538 in Community Development Block Grant CV (CDBG-CV) funds awarded through the CARES Act, Public Law 116-136.  In accordance with CDBG program regulations, the Township is permitted to make substantial amendments to its Annual Action Plan and Budget in accordance with their Citizen Participation Plan.  The Township has determined that it is necessary to amend the approved CDBG program budget for the previously approved program year FY 2019 in order to address community needs that have emerged through the COVID-19 public health crisis. This qualifies as a substantial amendment in accordance with Cherry Hill’s Citizen Participation Plan as the following applies: adding or dropping an activity.

The Township is proposing an amendment to its Citizen Participation Plan to include additional detail on substantial amendment requirements and responds to 2020 CARES Act waivers which state that in emergency circumstances, in-person public hearings are not required. The grantee will make a good faith effort to provide an opportunity for the public to participate using whatever means are available, including electronic communications and virtual meetings. Grantees may meet public hearing requirements with virtual public hearings if: 1) national/local health authorities recommend social distancing and limiting public gatherings for public health reasons; and 2) virtual hearings provide reasonable notification and access for citizens in accordance with the grantee’s certifications, timely responses from local officials to all citizen questions and issues, and public access to all questions and responses. Additionally, in the current emergency circumstances, expedited procedures must include at least (5) five days’ notice prior to the hearing and reasonable opportunity to comment of no less than (5) five days. The 5-day period can run concurrently for comments on the action plan amendment and amended citizen participation plans.  This authority is in effect through the end of the 2020 program year.

ONLINE SURVEY

Please take a moment to complete the online survey to make your voice heard.

PUBLIC HEARINGS

Cherry Hill Township will hold a virtual public hearing on the Township’s Draft 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan and 2020 AAP, updates to the Citizen Participation Plan and the Substantial Amendment for CDBG CARES Funds on June 17, 2020 at 5:00 PM.  The purpose of this hearing is to obtain comments on overall community need for the Consolidated Plan, and obtain specific public comment on the CARES Act 2019 Substantial Amendment and proposed amendment to the Citizen Participation Plan.  Cherry Hill Township will hold a second virtual public hearing on the Township’s Final 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan and 2020 AAP on July 15, 2020 at 5PM.

Given the current public health crisis, virtual public hearings are being held via the Zoom online meeting platform in lieu of in-person hearings.  Members of the public will be given the opportunity to speak during this hearing to verbally submit their public comment. Log In Information: 

When: Jun 17, 2020 05:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Topic: CDBG Consolidated Plan and Substantial Amendment 

Please click the link below to join the webinar: 

https://cherryhillnj.zoom.us/j/98975185226

Webinar ID: 989 7518 5226

Or iPhone one-tap : 

    US: +13126266799,

Or Telephone:

    Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):

        US: +1 312 626 6799  

    International numbers available: https://cherryhillnj.zoom.us/u/ato0Vka2C

All interested individuals and organizations are invited and encouraged to attend these public hearings. Persons interested in attending the hearings who require interpretive assistance (i.e. – hearing impaired or non-English speaking), or other accommodation, shall notify the Cherry Hill Township Department of Community Development at least five (5) working days prior to the meeting in order to make the appropriate arrangements.

CONSOLIDATED PLAN PUBLIC REVIEW & CITIZEN COMMENTS

The Township’s Draft 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan and 2020 AAP will be available for public review for a period of 30 days beginning on June 25, 2020.  Given the current public health crisis, these plans will be available for public review online only.  If you cannot access these plans online please contact our office at (856)488-7870 for assistance.

Draft 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan and 2020 Annual Action Plan

Community Participation Plan


All citizens are encouraged to offer comments at the virtual public hearings or by writing to the Cherry Hill Township Department of Community Development, 820 Mercer Street, Cherry Hill, NJ 08002, ATTN: Cosmas Diamantis, Director of Community Development. Comments may also be provided via fax at (856) 661-4746 or via email at cdiamantis@chtownship.com. Written comments must be received by July 24, 2020.

2015 to 2019 CDBG Consolidated Plan

In 2015, Cherry Hill Township completed its Consolidated Plan, which outlines CDBG-funded activities. The Consolidated Plan is a plan of five years in length, which describes community needs, resources, priorities, and proposed activities to be undertaken, which includes a plan to affirmatively further fair housing and a citizen participation plan.

2010 to 2014 CDBG Consolidated Plan

In 2010, Cherry Hill Township completed its Consolidated Plan, which outlines CDBG-funded activities.

The Consolidated Plan is a plan of five years in length, which describes community needs, resources, priorities, and proposed activities to be undertaken, which includes a plan to affirmatively further fair housing and a citizen participation plan.

Annual Action Plans (2010 to 2014)

For each program year, grantees must submit an update to HUD, referred to as an Action Plan. The Action Plan describes the specific planned uses for HUD programs, including CDBG, as well as certain other program requirements.

Annual Reporting (2010 to 2014)

Grantees are also required to submit a Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) 90 days after the end of the grantee’s program year. The CAPER must also include detailed information on progress towards addressing priorities, goals, and objectives outlined in a grantee’s Consolidated Plan.

If there are any questions concerning the CDBG Entitlement Program, please contact Lorissa Luciani, PP, AICP, Director of Community Development, Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM at (856) 488-7870 or by TTY at (856) 661-4783.