La Conner residents can speak 6 p.m. Tuesday at a public hearing as the Town of La Conner considers how much of $1.7 million it might apply for for that benefit low and moderate income households/persons. Town staff “proposes to apply for a $30,000 planning grant, to prepare a subarea plan for the Industrial Area bounded on the north by the public use area that includes Town Hall and Maple Hall; on the east by Third Street; on the south by Sherman Avenue; and on the west by the channel. A subarea plan would lead to appropriate redevelopment of the area, resulting in economic opportunities and the creation of jobs,” a memo in the May 25 packet to Town Council states.

The purpose of the hearing is to review proposed projects that may be financially supported by Federal Community Development Block Grant funds. Funds are being dispersed by the state of Washington Department of Commerce's CDBG Program and will be facilitated through a grant agreement. The Town of La Conner is applying to the state CDBG Program.

Eligible projects include, in addition to “Planning-Only activities:”

“Construction, Acquisition and Local Assistance Programs:

“• Acquisition, final design (as part of a construction project), construction, reconstruction, or installation of public facilities and community facilities

“• Clearance, demolition, removal, and rehabilitation of building and housing

“• Activities in support of affordable housing

“• economic development activities, such as local microenterprise assistance programs and public infrastructure directly resulting in job creation.”

The above is quoted from the public hearing notice in the May 25 Council packet.

The website for Video Streaming:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81029604777?pwd=UHA0bWVqcDBnaERqbGZTOHZ2KzAwZz09

Toll free Phone Number for Audio of Public Hearing: 1-253-215-8782. Meeting ID: 810 2960 4777. Pass code: 279923.

The public hearing takes place near the start of the Council’s meeting.

The hearing notice states residents and other persons are encouraged to submit public comment in writing to: [email protected].