Making the most of state federal dollars

A performance report on Orland's California Community Development Block Grants brought little comment at a public hearing last week.

Grants Administrator Janet Wackerman told the City Council on July 19 the city continues to have grant activity on several fronts.

Foremost is the recent $1.5 million being spent on infrastructure into the new Paigewood Village apartment complex behind the Linwood Subdivision off Highway 32.

This grant is paying for the extension of Paigewood Drive into the complex along with water, sewer and electrical service, she said.

Paigewood Village is being developed by Pacific West Properties of Idaho and will have 73 units ranging from two bedrooms to four bedrooms.

It qualified for the block grant funding along with federal HOME funds because it will provide Orland with affordable housing to a number of residents, city officials said. However, it is owned by a private developer - not the city and the grant loans are to be repaid in several years.

Other CDBG grants provided down-payment assistance for five first-time homebuyers, Wackerman said, and also paid for sidewalk improvements around town.

The focus on sidewalks is to make them comply with Americans with Disabilities Act requirements, she said, so those in wheelchairs can have access.

Orland is spending about $50,000 on the sidewalks and has identified 10 sites in town needing improvements, Wackerman said.

Some have been re-done such as those at the corner of Fourth and Yolo streets by the Alta Schmidt House while others remain unfinished.

She said plans call for improving ADA access to Spence Park's ball fields and other streets. But Orland is an old town that has many sidewalks needing updates and some streets with no sidewalks at all.

Branzelle Medina of Orland asked about the public parameters of projects covered by the grants.

Wackerman told her most must benefit the public in some way such as the Paigewood Complex providing affordable housing to the community.

The grants also require environmental documents be done on certain projects, and most must go out to bid with proposals from qualified contractors, city officials said.

Trish Saint-Evens wanted to know about the five families who received down-payment assistance.

Wackerman said these families received 15-year loans through the block grant money which may be extended another 15 years if they still qualify. The down-payment money is actually a loan program and will be repaid for future use.

Orland also has used grant funding to assist low-income homeowners with housing rehabilitation in the past as well.

Another Orland resident, Carlos Chavez, suggested speed bumps need to be installed in some areas to slow down traffic.

Police Chief Paula Carr told the audience her department also addresses what is needed to improve public safety in regard to sidewalks, streets and so on.

Finally, City Manager Paul Poczobut Jr. said he plans to apply for another big CDBG grant in November to improve the sidewalks.

Copies of the grantee performance report are available for public review at Orland City Hall, 815 Fourth St.

The city's Web site is www.cityoforland.com for those wanting to check it online.