THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2024 Page 3 Public Hearing discusses annual plan for $650K CDBG funding By Barbara Taormina T he City’s Department of Planning and Community Development has been putting together another annual plan to fund programs and services to benefit the city's low-and moderate-income residents with roughly $650,000 from the U.S. Dept. Of Housing and Urban Development. Danielle Osterman, program manager for the department, led a brief public hearing this week that focused on the city's priorities for the federal funding which continue to align with Revere's fi ve-year Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program plan. Economic Development is a priority and planners have earmarked $200,000 for small business loans and assistance. Last year, $165,000 was used to launch four local businesses. Physical development and improvements in neighborhoods that includes park makeovers, complete street projects and infrastructure will see $800,000 in funding. Osterman stressed that funding was only available for projects in neighborhoods where 51 percent of the residents are low-to-moderate income. BBB Scam Alert: Home improvement scammers take money, don’t complete work U se caution when hiring a home improvement contractor, especially following a major storm, flood or other weather event when many homeowners are trying to repair their homes. However, contractor scams can happen anytime, so be wary of high-pressure sales tactics, upfront fees and fly-by-night businesses. Con artists will take homeowners’ money and deliver (or not deliver) less than quality work. How the scam works: Home improvement scams can start with a knock on the door, a fl yer or an ad. The contractor might off er a low price or a short time frame. One common hook is when the scammer claims to be working in your neighborhood on another project and has leftover supplies. Once started, a rogue contractor may “fi nd” issues that signifi cantly raise the price. If you object, they threaten to walk away and leave a half-finished project. Or they might accept your upfront deposit and never return to do the job. Following a natural disaster, scammers persuade homeowners to sign over their insurance payments. Tips to spot this scam: • Watch out for “red fl ags.” Say no to cash-only deals, high-pressure sales tactics, high upfront payments, handshake deals without a contract, and on-site inspections. Not all “storm chasers” are con artists, but enough are that you should be cautious any time a home contractor contacts you fi rst…especially after a natural disaster. • Ask for references and check 8 Norwood St. Everett (617) 387-9810 Open Daily 4:00 PM Closed Sunday Announcing our Classic Specials Dine In Only:Dine In Only: * FREE Salad with purchase of Entree, Monday & Tuesdays * Cheese Pizza - Only $10 Catch ALL The Live Sports Action On Our Large Screen TV’s SHOP LOCAL & DROP BY FOR DINNER! www.eight10barandgrille.com SCAM | SEE Page 17 them out. Bad contractors will be reluctant to share this information, and scammers won’t wait for you to do your homework. If you can, get references from past customers – both Last year's grant covered the repaying of Pamona Street and will fund the reconstruction of Broadway at Page Street. Osterman said that project goes out for bid next week. Public Services are covered by the grant but limited to 15 percent of the total. Last year, Mystic Valley Elder Services which provided meals to 97 Revere seniors and Housing Families supported 107 residents with legal services related to housing. The plan for this round of funding places a strong emphasis on aff ordable housing. The CDBG plan is available on the city's website and at the Planning and Community Development offi ce. Residents have until May 3 to submit comments on the plan. Lawrence A. Simeone Jr. Attorney-at-Law ~ Since 1989 ~ * Corporate Litigation * Criminal/Civil * MCAD * Zoning/Land Court * Wetlands Litigation * Workmen’s Compensation * Landlord/Tenant Litigation * Real Estate Law * Construction Litigation * Tax Lein * Personal Injury * Bankruptcy * Wrongful Death * Zoning/Permitting Litigation 300 Broadway, Suite 1, Revere * 781-286-1560 lsimeonejr@simeonelaw.net
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