SUMMARY

 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT CONSOLIDATED PLAN 2025-29

FIRST YEAR ACTION PLAN 2025

1. Introduction

   Annually, the federal government awards grant funds to communities across the country with concentrated populations of minorities more than 51% with low and moderate incomes.  The Township of Franklin qualifies for these funds due to the high low and moderate income families in Census tract 533 and 532.03. These funds assist the Township in serving the needs of its low and moderate income residents.

   The proposed 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan and 2025 Action Plan for Franklin Township has been prepared as required by the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Currently, the Township participates in the Community Development Block grant (CDBG) program and the Somerset County HOME Consortium. Regulations require the preparation and submission of a Consolidated Plan/Annual Action Plan (The Plan) to receive the grant funds. This plan has been available been made available for review at  the Township Clerk’s Office located at 475 DeMott Lane and a summary is posted on the Franklin Township website www.franklintwpnj.org. The Consolidated Plan outlines the housing and community development needs of the Township and resources available to meet those needs for the next five years 2025-2029. The Action Plan establishes a one year plan that outlines the specific use of resources. Citizens have 30 days to review the document and submit comments from June 6, 2025.

   Citizens who wish to express their views on the Plan could do so by sending comments to the Office of Grants at the Franklin Township Municipal Building or through the e-mail address of       deborah.mitchell@franklinnj.gov. All citizen comments will be considered in preparing the final Plan. A summary of these comments or views, and a summary of any comments or views not accepted and the reason, therefore, will be attached to the final Action plan. Information on the past use of funds, the amount of funds in the proposed program to be used for activities benefiting low and moderate-income persons is also available in the Office of Grants during regular business hours.

2. Summary of the Plan Process

   As part of the Plan development process, public hearings were held on February 25 and March 25, 2025. The purpose of the public meetings was to obtain the views of citizens, public officials and agencies and other interested parties regarding the housing and community development needs of the jurisdiction and to review past performance. A community needs survey was utilized to solicit input from residents, businesses and agencies who serve Franklin Township residents.  This final public hearing will conclude the Plan process. A resolution authorizing the submission of the 2025 Consolidated Plan and 2025 Action Plan will be on the July 8, 2025 will be on the agenda for action by the Township Council.

3. Available Funds

The Township’s fiscal year 2025 entitlement is $348,012.  Program income anticipated 50,000 anticipated for repaid housing rehabilitation loans. The Township anticipates that any excess funds from the Grant will be allocated to housing rehabilitation for eligible low-and -moderate income homeowners or other eligible housing needs.

1. Grant Goals for Community Development Block Grant Program

The Township will utilize the grant funding to assist the Township’s low and moderate income residents over the next five years. By striving to meet three main goals:

      ● Provide decent housing.

      ● A suitable living environment, and.

      ● Expanded economic opportunities for low and moderate income people.

The general objectives are as follows:

Objective 1     Preserve and increase the supply of affordable housing for extremely low and low-income people.

Objective 2   Coordinate planning efforts with the Franklin Township Housing Authority to expand rental assistance to extremely low-income families. 

Objective 3   Coordinate efforts with non-profit organizations to expand rental and homeowner assistance to extremely low-income families. 

Objective 4   Participate in the County’s Continuum of Care planning process and coordinate efforts to provide homeless prevention services with non-profit organizations and government agencies.

 Objective 5   Assist low and moderate income homeowners, particularly the elderly, in making code-related repairs, removing physical barriers, installing security devices, and preserving existing housing.

The following general non-housing community development needs have been identified.  This is not intended to be exclusive to other needs of low and moderate income households that may emerge or be brought to the Township’s attention.

Public Services

 Objective 6   Provide financial support to agencies which deliver services to extremely low and low-income individuals and families.

Although they are apparent, a significant restriction for using CDBG funds in addressing public service needs in the Township is the limitation of 15% of the total CDBG funds expended.

Public Facilities

Objective 7     Provide financial support to agencies that deliver services to extremely low and low-income individuals and families by improving their facilities and their capacity to deliver services.

Objective 8   Stabilize low-income neighborhoods with infrastructure improvements, financed, in whole or in part, with CDBG funds. These improvements include:

• street improvements
• drainage improvements
• sidewalk improvements
• sanitary sewer improvements

Economic Development

Objective 9: Provide Public Improvements in low/moderate income areas that encourage economic investment resulting in increased employment for residents.

Objective 10: Support agencies and companies that retain and create job opportunities for extremely low and low-income people.

2025 Action Plan

Based on a review of projects proposals submitted to the Mayor and Council, an Action Plan for the use of fiscal year 2025 CDBG funds has been prepared and is as follows:

Community Development block grant Program

Action Plan FY 2025 – Requests for Funding

Program Year: September 1, 2025 – August 31, 2026

1. CDBG Substantial Amendment 2019 Public Notice

2. CDBG Substantial Amendment Spreadsheetv3

3. CDBG Summary of the Annual Action Plan 2021