840 Consolidated plan public meeting and regional housing advisory committee meetings

DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Consolidated Plan Public Meeting and Regional Housing Advisory Committee Meetings

[36 Pa.B. 2293]

   The Department of Community and Economic Development (Department) is preparing its 2007 Action Plan that supplements the Commonwealth's Consolidated Plan for Federal Fiscal Years 2004-2008. This document must be submitted to, and approved by, the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the Commonwealth and organizations within the State to receive funding under most HUD housing and community development programs. The Consolidated Plan creates a unified strategy for housing and community development programs, as well as the necessary linkages for building successful neighborhoods and communities.

   The Commonwealth's 2007 Action Plan will address how the Commonwealth intends to allocate funds under the following programs: Community Development Block Grant, HOME Investment Partnerships, Emergency Shelter Grant and Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS.

Public Meeting

   The public meeting will be conducted electronically through the Internet. The format will be more accessible in that persons who wish to make a comment or discuss policy may participate directly from their personal computer or from a computer location at a public library on July 19, 2006. Access to the discussion on the Internet will occur between the hours of 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. This more widely available personal computer access will replace the usual public meeting.

   Individuals or organizations may give testimony or comments by means of the Internet. Comments will be accepted about topics related to community development, housing, the content of the Commonwealth's Action Plan and the process by which the public input is gathered. The Commonwealth encourages public participation in this process.

   Persons who want to participate must register in advance online through the Internet. Contact Karen Overly Smith at [phone] to receive registration instructions for the Internet meeting at least 24 hours prior to the meeting date. Internet public meeting access will be open from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on July 19, 2006. During the meeting, if support is required, call [phone] and enter ''pin number'' 3958 and press the pound (#) sign.

   Individuals or organizations may give testimony or comments at this public meeting. Comments will be accepted about topics related to community development, housing, the content of the Commonwealth's Action Plan, and the process by which the public input is gathered. The Commonwealth encourages public participation in this process.

Written Comments

   Written testimony to be entered into the record may be submitted by 5 p.m., July 18, 2006. Submit comments to Karen Overly Smith, Department of Community and Economic Development, Center for Community Building, Office of Community Development, 400 North Street, 4th Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17120-0225.

Regional Housing Advisory Committee Meetings

   The Commonwealth has Regional Housing Advisory Committees across the State comprised of appointed members. Meetings of these committees are open to the public under 65 Pa.C.S. §§ 701--716 (relating to Sunshine Act). These committees advise the Department regarding housing and community development needs as well as assist in fair housing planning. These meetings will be held as follows:

May 24, 2006
Chester County Govt. Services Ctr.
Conference Room 250
601 Westtown Road
West Chester, PA 19380
2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

May 25, 2006
Railroaders Museum
Memorial Hall
1300 Ninth Avenue
Altoona, PA 16602
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

May 31, 2006
Cranberry Municipal Center
Council Chambers
2525 Rochester Road
Cranberry Township, PA 16066
1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

June 1, 2006
Erie-Western Pennsylvania Port Authority
Conference Room
208 East Bayfront Parkway
Erie, PA 16507
9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

June 9, 2006
Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce
Board Room
222 Mulberry Street
Scranton, PA 18501
10 a.m to 1 p.m.

   Persons who have a disability and wish to attend any of the Advisory Committee meetings and require an auxiliary aid, service, or other accommodation to participate in the proceedings should contact Karen Overly Smith, Department of Community and Economic Development, Center for Community Building, Office of Community Development, 4th Floor, 400 North Street, Harrisburg, PA 17120-0225, [phone], to discuss how the Department may best accommodate their needs. Text telephone calls can be placed through the Pennsylvania Relay System at [phone]. Calls will be relayed to the Department's number listed previously.

DENNIS YABLONKSY,   
Secretary

[Pa.B. Doc. No. 06-840. Filed for public inspection May 12, 2006, 9:00 a.m.]