1481 Consolidated plan public meeting notice and Regional Housing Advisory Committee meetings

DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Consolidated Plan Public Meeting Notice and Regional Housing Advisory Committee Meetings

[37 Pa.B. 4527]
[Saturday, August 18, 2007]

   The Department of Community and Economic Development (Department) is preparing the Commonwealth's Action Plan for Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2008 and the Program Year that begins January 1, 2008. The 2008 Action Plan is an update of the Commonwealth's Consolidated Plan for FFY 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 this Commonwealth 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 2004--2008 Consolidated 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 People with AIDS.

Public Meeting

   A public meeting will be conducted electronically by means of the Internet. The format will be more accessible than in an in-person meeting because those who wish to make a comment or discuss policy may participate directly from their personal computer or from a computer location at their public library on Thursday, September 6, 2007. Access to the discussion by means of the Internet will occur between the hours of 10 a.m. and 12 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.

   Individuals who want to participate must register in advance, online by means of the Internet at the following website www.state.pa.us/chat/. If additional assistance is needed, call 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 p.m. on Thursday, September 6, 2007. During the meeting, if support is required, call [phone] and enter the ''pin number'' 9999 and then press the pound (#) sign.

Written Comments

   Written testimony, in lieu of Internet testimony, must be submitted by 5 p.m., Friday, September 7, 2007. Submit comments to Karen Overly Smith, Department of Community and Economic Development, Center for Community Development, 400 North Street, 4th Floor, Commonwealth Keystone Building, Harrisburg, PA 17120-0225.

Regional Housing Advisory Committee Meetings

   The Commonwealth has five Regional Housing Advisory Committees comprised of appointed members. Meetings of these committees are open to the public under 65 Pa.C.S. Chapter 7 (relating to the 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:

August 21, 2007
Cranberry Township Municipal Center
Council Chambers
2525 Rochester Road, Suite 400
Cranberry Township, PA 16066
1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

August 22, 2007
Erie-Western PA Port Authority
Center Conference Room
208 East Bayfront Parkway
Erie, PA 16507
9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

August 28, 2007
Schuylkill County Agricultural Building
Meeting Room
1202 Ag Center Drive
Pottsville, PA 17901
9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

August 29, 2007
Chester County Government Services Center
Room 171
601 Westtown Road
West Chester, PA 19380
9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

August 30, 2007
Bucknell University
Elaine Langone Center--Walls Lounge
701 Moore Street
Lewisburg, PA 17837
9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

   Persons with a disability who wish to attend any of the Advisory Committee meetings and require an auxiliary aid, service or other accommodation to participate in the meetings, should contact Karen Overly Smith, Department of Community and Economic Development, Center for Community Development, 400 North Street, 4th Floor, Commonwealth Keystone Building, 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 YABLONSKY,   
Secretary

[Pa.B. Doc. No. 07-1481. Filed for public inspection August 17, 2007, 9:00 a.m.]