HUD Response Letter to the City of Middletown
Dated: July 16, 2010
Pages 4-5

      The housing and neighborhood conditions identified in the City’s analysis are real. Blaming the voucher program for these conditions however, is, in the words of former HUD Secretary Dr. Robert C. Weaver referring to claims about the public housing program, “like blaming the doctor for the disease.” The City has several tools available to address its obsolete housing stock and concentration of poverty. A well administered housing choice voucher program in conjunction with a targeted Neighborhood Stabilization Program and Community Development Block Grant funding can certainly help revitalize neighborhoods and help the City meet its long term goals. The Department has many resources to assist the City in meeting its goals to work with City staff to develop and design programs that are consistent with HUD rules and regulations and in the best interest of the City.

Annual Action Plan (1st Reading). October 6, 2009 – 2nd Reading

ORDINANCE NO. O2009-79

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING A SUBSTANTIAL AMENDMENT TO THE 2009 CDBG

ANNUAL ACTION PLAN.

WHEREAS, the City of Middletown receives funding through the CDBG Program; and

WHEREAS, the City is proposing changes to enhance the use of CDBG funds in the City, including a) expanding the area eligible for CDBG projects to include the entire City; b) changing the name of the Community Housing Improvements Program to Volunteer Improvements Program; c) increasing the budget for code enforcement; d) exchanging some activities to different program accounts; e) recovering costs related to property disposition; f) cancelling some 2008 activities; and g) moving funds from demolition to code enforcement; and

WHEREAS, this Substantial Amendment has been available for public comment in accordance with HUD requirements;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, by the City Council of the City of
Middletown, Butler/Warren Counties, Ohio that:

Section 1

City Council hereby authorizes the CDBG Substantial Amendment to the 2009 Annual Action Plan and further authorizes the City Manager to execute all necessary documents including applications, certifications, and agreements, to accept and receive the funds under this program.

Section 2

This ordinance shall take effect and be in force on and after the earliest period
allowed by law.

______________________________

Lawrence P. Mulligan, Jr., Mayor

1st Reading: September 1, 2009

2nd Reading: October 6, 2009

Adopted:_____________________________

Effective:_____________________________

Attest: _______________________________

Clerk of City Council