When the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) allows for it, the City may use an expedited Citizen Participation process in the cases of natural disasters and other emergency situations that require a shortened process in order to quickly respond to community needs. This may include shortened public comment periods, notifications, and elimination of public hearings. In all cases, the City will adhere to the guidance provided by HUD for the specific emergency. When conducting the citizen participation process during these special situations, the City will clearly describe in its public notices the ways for citizens to participate in the process and provide comments on proposed uses of funds.
In the spring of 2020, the City received notices of supplemental allocations of CDBG and ESG funds in order to prepare for and respond to the COVID-19 emergency as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). HUD provided waivers so that the City could conduct an expedited citizen participation process and not have to follow its adopted citizen participation plan.
A complete draft of this plan was made available for public review and comment for a 5-day period beginning August 21, 2020, and ending on August 25, 2020. The availability of both plans and the final plan was posted to www.gohammond.com. The plan was available for review at the Department of Planning and Development.
Please submit all written comments using the form below, or by mail to Mrs. Owana Miller, Community Development Director, 5925 Calumet Avenue, Room 115, Hammond, IN 46320. The City will accept and consider all comments received before 4:30 p.m. on August 25th, 2020. Public Hearing in the Community Development office on August 24, 2020, at 4:00 p.m.
If anyone is in the need of special accommodations for this meeting, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, a notice of said need should be provided to Sharon Daniels, City of Hammond ADA Compliance Officer, at (219) 853-6502, at least twenty-four (24) hours prior to the meeting. Every reasonable effort will be made to accommodate citizens when prior notice is given.