What in the world is going on here? Like a bad episode of "Hell's Kitchen" no one knows what's hit the floor or who's in charge.
As reported at a "just at the surface of the iceberg" level in Saturday's Roanoke Times, Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) monies and how they're being used in the NRV needs more scrutiny.
Doesn't anyone understand how to draw up a contract anymore, specifying precisely who is doing what, when it will happen, using what materials or resources, and how much it will cost? Even simple contracts provide specific deliverables, as well as accountability.
Due to the U.S. Census and population figures, Christiansburg is also an entitlement community -- meaning it automatically receives CDBG funds. A wider group, with administrative oversight provided by a Town of Blacksburg staffer, comprises the planning district's HOMES Consortium which pools and administers CDBG funded projects. Christiansburg is not a participant, however. How are Christiansburg's "entitlement" funds being used then?
The Christiansburg planning commission recently hosted an information session by the state's Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), which also provides oversight of CDBG funding, on the advantages of historic preservation as an economic engine. This discussion was an outcome of questions about encroachment on existing historic districts and expanding incentives for preserving contributing structures or historic district overlays as regards stated objectives in the town's current Comprehensive Plan and zoning definitions.
Having a town administrator complain the consulting firm they contracted with is giving out inaccurate information doesn't cut it. Nor does a state employee saying property owners "thought we were doing more of a remodeling job than a rehabilitation" make any sense. Remodeling is new door hinges and paint; rehabilitation is much more extensive.
CDBG and DHCD purposes and funding are valid and worthy of stated objectives. Those administering these programs and engaging private property owners need to be capable and accountable.
How these dollars are being utilized in various communities to benefit the NRV bears closer watching and better outcomes.