McHenry County’s Community Development Block Grant Commission has begun hearing requests for funding from a host of public and private organizations who are seeking a total of $2.8 million.
But with $1.2 million in federal money, there is no doubt that some applicants will come away with less than requested or with nothing at all.
On Thursday, the commission heard requests for funding for 13 projects related to housing and handicapped-accessibility. The largest request was from the Village of Johnsburg, which wants $287,000 to help convert a building into a handicapped-accessible village hall.
Dan Shea, a block grant commissioner, said the commission doesn’t have the money to meet the full request.
The commission also heard a request for $150,000 from representatives of Turning Point, a Woodstock-based agency that helps battered women and children. Turning Point Building Director Mary Batson said the money would be used to subsidize rents at a proposed 28-unit single-room occupancy facility in Woodstock.
Block grant director John Labaj said he expects 16 social service projects to be presented for consideration at the commission’s Aug. 27 meeting. The commission plans to begin sorting through the projects and making funding recommendations Sept. 9.
