BIDDEFORD — Cities are not measured by their geographical size and number of residents, but by their vision for the future and what residents can accomplish by working together.

As Biddeford is undergoing numerous changes with an eye on future prosperity, a little-known program for residents available to transform their community is the Community Development Block Grant Program administered by Biddeford’s Economic Development Department. 

Biddeford has been awarded funds each year from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development since 2005.

To qualify to receive this funding, the city is required to have several plans in place for what the money will be used for. Plans can include items such as infrastructure, housing, and social services, among others.

According to Linda Waters, Biddeford’s Community Development coordinator, proposed projects for this year are: making sidewalk enhancements on Main Street, a housing program, a downtown improvement program, and continued funding for valuable social services including Meals on Wheels and the Seeds of Hope Career Center. 

Waters said that Biddeford will hold several public hearings to receive feedback from the public about the city’s draft of a Five-Year Consolidated Plan, a Year 1 Action Plan and an Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice.

“The public is a very important part of the process and is invited to come and take part in reviewing the draft of the plans, allotments and proposed projects, providing input where appropriate,” Waters said.

The first public hearing will be held at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, March 29, in the Second Floor Conference Room at Biddeford City Hall. During that hearing, city staff and members of the Community Advisory Committee will review the goals and program allocation percentages for the funding over the next five years.

“These percentages are part of a 5-Year Consolidated Plan that directs the annual action plan,” Waters said. “An Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice will be presented for review, describing what limits housing choice for Biddeford residents.”

At 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 29, a second public hearing will be held to take comment on the detailed programs and projects proposed for funding in Year 1, begining on July 1.

“The proposed top priority for the city’s funds are the construction/reconstruction of sidewalks, possible ADA projects, other street improvements, and additional qualifying sidewalks, and parks, for a total of $150,000 or 34 percent of the annual funding, and $90,145 or 20 percent for housing projects,” Waters said.

“These are citizens’ tax dollars and I encourage citizens to come and give input on where their hard earned tax dollars are proposed to be spent,” said Biddeford’s Mayor Alan Casavant.

For more information about Biddeford’s project proposals and plans or the public hearings, call Waters at 284-9105 or send an email to [email protected].

— Executive Editor Ed Pierce can be reached at 282-1535 ext. 326 or by email at [email protected].