June 4th, 2009
San Marcos council makes CDBG allocations

STAFF REPORT

City council members this week allocated $527,130 in federal community development block grant money for two parks and the Southside Community Center’s housing rehabilitation project.

The funded projects include:

• $115,000 to rehabilitate the Victory Gardens park at 300 Roosevelt St. including new playground equipment with shade cover, basketball court replacement and a wrought iron security fence. In addition, the council approved $53,200 to build 10 parking spaces near the park and 900 feet of sidewalks along the park’s boundaries.
• $135,000 to build the Eddie Durham Park at 205 W. Martin Luther King Drive on two vacant lots seized for back taxes. The project includes construction of a gazebo, bike rack, a water fountain, park benches and fencing.
• $100,000 for the Southside Community Center’s summer housing rehabilitation project in low-income neighborhoods. Organizers expect to repair seven houses this year.
• $53,860 for renovating the Chapultepec Community Square in conjunction with the San Marcos Housing Authority which is matching the contribution.
• $100,000 for program administration as required by rules governing allocation of the grant money.

In addition, council members agreed to use $139,827 in block grant money from the federal stimulus package to build 20 wheelchair ramps for sidewalks in the downtown area.