The Community Development Division is responsible for the administration of two HUD formula grant programs, the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and the HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) programs. The CDBG and HOME Programs provide the City of Harlingen with an opportunity to develop viable communities by funding activities that provide a suitable living environment, create decent affordable housing, and provide economic opportunities to/for low and moderate-income households. Funds are awarded to carry out a wide range of housing and community development activities directed towards neighborhood revitalization and the improvement of community facilities and services.

Browse through our pages and links for more information about the programs available in our community.

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COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY BOARD
NOTICE OF MEETING

NOTICE is hereby given that the Community Development Advisory Board of the City of Harlingen's Community Development Block Grant Program will hold a regular meeting on Thursday, May 16, 2013, 5:30 p.m. to establish funding recommendations to be presented to City Commission for final approval for the 39th Year of C.D.B.G. and the 19th Year of the HOME programs (2013-2014) in the Conference Room of the Lon C. Hill Building located at 502 E. Tyler, Harlingen, Texas 78550. Please call 216-5180 for further information. Accommodations for individuals with handicaps/disabilities or limited English proficiency shall be assisted upon request by calling 216-5180. Los alojamientos para individuos con desventajas/incapacidades o pericia inglesa limitada serán ayudados sobre la petición llamando 216-5180. CLICK HERE to view meeting agenda.

CITY OF HARLINGEN
ATTENTION NON-PROFITS & SOCIAL SERVICE AGENCIES

In compliance with the Consolidated Plan for Community Planning and Development Programs (CDBG & HOME), the City of Harlingen’s Community Development Department will conduct a public hearing to solicit input from interested parties on the City’s strengths and needs pertaining to its Community Development Block Grant Programs.  The City’s allocation for Year 39 CDBG (B-13: 2013-2014) is anticipated to be $754,271.00 and Year 14 HOME (M-13: 2013-2014) $175, 084.00.

The overall goal for the Consolidated Plan is to strengthen partnerships among all levels of government and the private sector, including nonprofit organizations, to provide decent housing, establish and maintain a suitable living environment and to expand economic opportunities for every citizen particularly for low to moderate income persons.

A Public Hearing will be held:                                                                Funding Applicants are strongly encouraged to  

                                                                                                                     attend a workshop to be held:

Thursday, May 2, 2013 at 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.                                Monday, March 18, 2013  at 9:00 a.m.

Liberty Hall, Cultural Arts Center                                                           for CDBG applicants and

576 ’76 Drive Harlingen, Texas 78550                                                Monday, March 18, 2013 at 2 p.m.

                                                                                                                     for HOME Applicants

                                                                                                                     Lon C. Hill Building – Large Conference Room

                                                                                                                     502 E. Tyler, Harlingen, Texas 78550                                          

The public is encouraged to attend the public hearing. Accommodations for individuals with handicap/disabilities or limited English proficiency shall be provided upon any request submitted prior to three (3) days of the meeting.  Los alojamientos para individuos con desventajas/incapacidades, o ingles limitado, serán ayudados sobre cualquier, si se somete una petición tres (3) días antes de la reunión. Para la ayuda en español, llame por favor (956) 216-5181.

Listed below is a partial list of the eligible activities:

Infrastructure Improvements   Public Services                  Public Facilities                                Other

Street Improvements                Senior Services                 Senior Citizen Centers                   Community Planning

Flood Drain Facilities                Handicapped Services     Youth Centers                                  Housing (Rehabilitation &

Park Improvements                  Youth Services                   Neighborhood Facilities                  New Construction)

Water Improvements                Homeless Services           Park & Recreational Facilities       Program Administration

Sewer Improvements               Health Services                 Emergency Shelters                       Lead Based Paint Hazards

The Community Development Department will accept applications from public and private non-profit organizations until 4:00 p.m., Monday, April 8, 2013. Applications received after this date and time will not be accepted or considered. The Program Applications for CDBG and HOME Funding are available at the City of Harlingen Community Development Office, 502 E. Tyler, Harlingen, Texas.  Applications may also be downloaded at http://www.myharlingen.us/preview.aspx?name=CD.NOFA2013.

Questions or comments should be submitted to Brandy Garza, Compliance Coordinator, in person at 502 E. Tyler, Harlingen, Texas; or by phone (956) 216-5180; or via email at bgarza@myharlingen.us.

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
PROPOSED SUBSTANTIAL AMENDMENT

This notice is intended to provide general information to the public on the proposed substantial amendment.  The Substantial Amendment is available for public review during regular business hours at the Community Development Department, 502 E. Tyler, Harlingen, Texas.

The City of Harlingen (City) is an Entitlement Community in the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program. Public Notice and Public Hearings are required for substantial amendments to our One Year Action Plan. A substantial amendment is required to change the use of CDBG/HOME funds from one activity to another of $50,000.00 or more, to delete an existing activity and/or add an activity not originally described in the One Year Action Plan.

This Substantial Amendment is required to reprogram the following projects/activities:

1.   Program Year 35 (2009-2010) - To reprogram unexpended balances in the Clearance and Demolition of Unsafe Structures ($140,969.20) and Target Area Neighborhood Investment Program (estimated $23,747.42) activities to add a new activity:  Phases IV and V of the Buchanan, Hays, W. Johnson, and M Street Drainage Improvements Project (3i).  Funds will be used to cover the construction costs to improve the storm sewer system located in Census Tract 110 along South M Street from Mitchell to Filmore Avenue and along West Johnson from H to L Street.  Proposed Improvements include replacement of the existing 15-24 inch reinforced concrete pipes, curb inlets, and manholes with 18-48” reinforced concrete pipes, curb inlets, manholes and related appurtenances. The project will result in approximately 2,100 linear feet of improvements.

2.   Program Year 37 (2011-2012) - To reprogram $80,000.00 from the Housing Rehabilitation/Reconstruction Loan Program to increase the funding to existing activity, the Buchanan, Hays, W. Johnson, and M Street Drainage Improvements Project (3i).   

3.   Program Year 38 (2012-2013) - To reprogram $38,000.00 from the Housing Rehabilitation/Reconstruction Loan Program to fund a new activity, the Clearance and Demolition of Unsafe Structures (04) in low income census tracts.  Specifically, funds will also project-related costs such as title searches, legal notifications, asbestos surveys, removal of asbestos-containing material, and waste disposal fees. 

4.   Program Year 38 (2012-2013) - To reprogram $32,000.00 from the Housing Rehabilitation/Reconstruction Loan Program to add a new activity, Code Enforcement (15) in low income census tracts.  Specifically, funds will help cover the staffing costs (wages/benefits) Code enforcement involves the payment of salaries and overhead costs directly related to the enforcement of local codes such as property inspections, follow-up action and legal proceedings.

5.   Program Year 38 (2012-2013) - To eliminate activity, Loaves and Fishes of the Rio Grande Valley, in the amount of $8,000.00 and reallocate said funding to three existing public service activities as follows:  1)  Boy's & Girl's Club of Harlingen (05D-Youth) in the amount of $3,000, CASA of Cameron and Willacy Counties (05N-Abused/Neglected Children) in the amount of $2,500, and Senior Community Outreach Services (05A-Seniors) in the amount of $2,500 in the approved Year 38 Action Plan.

The City of Harlingen must provide for and encourage public participation, emphasizing involvement by low and moderate income people, especially those living in low and moderate income neighborhoods. If you are unable to attend the public hearing, please submit your comments in writing to our office, via email at bgarza@myharlingen.us or via telephone at (956) 216-5180.

The Community Development Advisory Board will hold a public hearing to obtain comments on the proposed Amendment during its regular meeting on Thursday, February 21, 2013 at 6:00 p.m. The meeting/public hearing will take place in the conference room of the Lon C. Hill Building located at 502 E. Tyler, Harlingen, Texas. Another public hearing will be held before the City Commission on Wednesday, March 6, 2013 at 5:30 pm in Town Hall located at 118 E. Tyler, Harlingen, Texas 78550.

Accommodations for individuals with handicaps/disabilities or limited English proficiency shall be assisted upon request by calling 956-216-5180. Los alojamientos para individuos con desventajas/ incapacidades o pericia inglesa limitada serán ayudados sobre la petición llamando 956-216-5180.

CLICK HERE to view proposed Substantial Amendment. 

CITY OF HARLINGEN
502 E. TYLER
HARLINGEN, TEXAS 78550
Date of Posting:  Thursday, February 14th, 2013 at 5 p.m.

TO ALL INTERESTED AGENCIES, GROUPS, AND PERSONS:

On or about February 26, 2013, the City of Harlingen will submit a request to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for the release of COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM funds under Title I of the Housing & Community Development Act of 1987 which amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (PL-93-383), to undertake the following project:

CDBG-Rangerville Road Park Improvements Project                               

Nature/Scope of Project:  Currently, the 24-acre park contains a playground, three (3) soccer/athletic fields, a gazebo, a pavilion, restroom facilities, and barbeque pits as well as a 3/4 –mile paved jogging/walking trail with security lighting.  The purpose of this project is to demolish the existing pavilion and construct a new pavilion as well as replace the security fence surrounding the structure.  The proposed improvements will not only aesthetically improve Harlingen’s neighborhoods, but will compliment the City of Harlingen’s mandate of providing a suitable living environment to persons of low and moderate income.

Location:  1101 Rangerville Road, Harlingen, Texas     

Estimated Cost:   $108,193.32

Mitigation Measures/Conditions:  1) Should archeological resources be discovered during the construction process, the City shall stop work and notify the State Historical Preservation Office and Secretary of the Interior for further instructions; 2) Best management practices shall be used to prevent sedimentation and soil runoff onto adjacent sites, downstream water bodies (surface water), and groundwater; 3) Vegetation removal or disturbance will avoid the peak nesting period of March-August to avoid the destruction of individual birds, nests or eggs.  If project activities must be conducted during this time, a visual survey of the trees and/or vegetation must be conducted.  If a nest is found, a buffer of vegetation (>25 ft) will remain around the nest until young have fledged or the nest is abandoned.  Only hand-trimming will be allowed within the 25FT buffer; 4) Standard dust mitigation techniques should be used; 5) Any landscaping associated with new development will be limited to seeding and replanting with native species. Bermuda grass and other introduced species should be avoided as much as possible.  Only native trees, shrubs, and herbaceous species that are adaptable, drought tolerant, and conserve water will be used; 6) Erosion control measures will be used during the construction and the topsoil replaced as the surface layer if/when backfilling trenches; 7) Construction shall take place only during the hours of 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. on weekends to minimize the effects of noise on area residents/schools; 8) If any tall cranes will be utilized, City Staff shall contact the Director of Aviation at the Valley International Airport to assess any height hazard issues; 9)  All construction and waste disposal activities shall be completed in accordance with local, state, and federal statutes and regulations.

The above-mentioned project is categorically excluded under the National Environmental Policy Act requirements of 1969 and HUD Department regulations implementing the NEPA requirements as found in 24 CFR 58.  The Environmental Review Record that documents the environmental determinations for this project is on file at the Community Development office located at 502 E. Tyler, Harlingen, Texas 78550 and is available for public examination and copying on weekdays between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.  No further environmental review of said project, is proposed to be conducted prior to the request for release of federal funds.

PUBLIC COMMENT ON FINDING

All interested agencies, groups, and persons may submit written comments on the Environmental Review Record (ERR) for consideration by the City of Harlingen, 502 E. Tyler, Harlingen, Texas 78550 on or before February 25, 2013.  All such comments so received will be considered and the City will not request the release of funds or take administra­tive action on the proposed project prior to the date specified in the preceding sentence.

RELEASE OF FUNDS

The City of Harlingen certifies to HUD that the City, and Carlos Yerena, in his official capacity as City Manager, consent to accept the jurisdiction of the Federal courts if any action is brought to enforce the responsibilities, in relation to environmental reviews, decision-making, and action; that these responsibilities have been satisfied.  HUD’s approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and related laws and authorities and allows the City of Harlingen to use HUD program funds.

OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS

HUD will accept an objection to its release of fund and the City of Harlingen’s certification for a period of fifteen (15) days following the anticipated submission date or its actual receipt of the request (whichever is later) only if they are on one of the following bases:

(a) That the certification was not, in fact executed by the Certifying Officer of the City of Harlingen; (b) the City of Harlingen omitted a step or failed to make a decision or finding required by HUD regulations at 24CFR part 58; (c) The grant recipient or other participants in the development process have committed funds or incurred costs not authorized by 24 CFR Part 58 before approval of a release of funds by HUD, or  (d) another Federal agency acting pursuant to 40 CFR Part 1504 has submitted a written finding that the project is unsatisfactory from the standpoint of environmental quality.

Objections must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the required procedure (24 CFR Part 58, Sec. 58.76) and may be addressed to the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, San Antonio Field Office, H.F. Garcia Federal Building/U.S. Courthouse, 615 E. Houston Street, Suite 347, San Antonio, TX  78205. Objections to the release of funds on bases other than those stated above will not be considered by HUD.   Potential objectors should contact HUD at (210) 475-6800 to verify the actual last day of the objection period.

Accommodations for individuals with handicaps/disabilities or limited English proficiency shall be assisted upon request by calling (956) 216-5180.  Los alojamientos para individuos con desventajas/incapacidades or pericia inglesa limitada seran ayudados sobre la peticion llamando (956) 216-5180.  Si no entiende esta noticia publica, favor de llamar al departamento de desarrollo comunidad al numero (956) 216-5180.

Carlos Yerena, City Manager
City of Harlingen

The Harlingen Community Development Corporation is currently accepting applications for down payment assistance, closing cost assistance, and gap financing from persons interested in purchasing a home within the city-limits of Harlingen. Assistance may be available in the form of deferred and/or zero-interest loans. To apply, call (956) 421-2351 or stop by their offices between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday. Their office is located at 518 E. Harrison in Harlingen.  Homebuyer Education Course schedule for 2013 COMING SOON.

 HOME Program 2012 Income Limits
Effective 2-9-2012 

The Amy Young Program provides one-time grants of up to $20,000 for home modifications necessary for accessibility and the elimination of hazardous conditions.  Program beneficiaries may be tenants or homeowners and their household members living with disabilities whose combined annual income does not exceed 80% of the Area Median Income (adjusted for family size) and whose liquid assets do not exceed $15,000 (excluding retirement and/or 401k accounts).   The Harlingen Community Development Corporation is currently accepting applications for the Amy Young Program.  To apply, call (956) 421-2351 or stop by their offices between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday. Their office is located at 518 E. Harrison in Harlingen. 

It is the policy of  the Harlingen Community Development Corporation to provide services without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, familial status, physical handicap or disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, or gender identity.  Accommodations for individuals with handicaps/disabilities or limited English proficiency shall be  assisted   upon   request   by calling     (956) 421-2351.  Los alojamientos para individuos con desventajas/ incapacidades o pericia inglesa limitada seran ayudados sobre la peticion llamando (956) 421-2351.