THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, March 16, 1995 TAG: 9503140137
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS PAGE: 04 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY SCOTT McCASKEY, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 56 lines
The Tanner's Creek Project for the handicapped made the cut, but the youth recreational program at Ballentine Elementary School did not.
At a March 9 meeting, the planning department presented the Planning Commission with recommendations on how to slice up $9.4 million in community development grants from the federal government. The funds will be allocated under Norfolk's 1996 Consolidated Plan.
Money would be used for a wide range of programs, from blight demolition to refurbishing community swimming pools to shelters for the homeless. Citizens will have a chance to make requests and voice opinions on the plan's proposals at a hearing March 23 at City Hall.
Though 33 projects were recommended for funding, others were not.
``There's never enough money to go around,'' said Mary Lou Bingham, comprehensive planning manager. ``There are a lot of good programs out there that couldn't be funded.''
The Ballentine School recreation project is among those deemed worthy, but still didn't make the cut. Requested by the Norfolk Neighborhood Crime Prevention Coalition (a group made up of block security coordinators) the program would offer after-school recreational activities for youths at a portable classroom adjacent to the school. Bingham said she hopes that the project can be taken on by the Parks and Recreation Department next year.
``We always look for other ways of funding a good project,'' she said.
Among the recommended programs is the Tanner's Creek Project, a proposed horticultural complex at the zoo that would train and hire the handicapped. The project brought some discussion from the commission.
``I believe this marks the first year that grant money has gone to a non-profit organization directly,'' said Commissioner L. Robert Layton. ``Heretofore, the funds have gone for community improvement.''
Traditionally, federal funds have been distributed through official government programs such as the Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority.
Tanner's Creek would receive $250,000 in grant money. An additional $100,000 would be raised from private sources. Layton suggested that a 50/50 matching of public to private funds might be a better solution. He noted, however, that any change in the allocation of grant funding should be looked at seriously.
``We've had a plan in place for allocating grant money for some time, and we should be careful on how we deviate from that plan,'' Layton said.
Following the March 23 public hearing, citizens still will have until April 8 to make requests and comments. The commission will vote April 13 and send its recommendations to City Council. Council will review the plan at a public hearing tentatively set for May 9.
For information, call the Department of Planning and Codes Administration, 441-2375. by CNB