Public weighs in on $950K CDBG-NR in Warsaw

WARSAW — A $950,000 grant to repair and rebuild homes for low-income residents in Warsaw drew public attention at a Sept. 9 hearing, where town leaders and housing consultants discussed who qualifies, how to apply, and how the town will decide which homes receive funding in the upcoming 2025 grant cycle.

After the board voted to open the public hearing, Commissioner Ebony Wills-Wells requested clarification on eligibility and the application process for the Community Development Block Grant – Neighborhood Revitalization (CDBG-NR) program. McDavid Associates explained that homeowners must hold the title to the property, though shared ownership — such as heir property — is allowed if all owners agree and sign the deed of trust.

Commissioner Tommy Jones asked whether applications for the program could be filtered through the town’s new NC Fellow rather than relying solely on McDavid Associates.

“If those people call him to Goldsboro, they can call him and he can push it to you all,” said Jones. McDavid Associates clarified that the application process is already public and accessible, and while residents may submit their information through the town if they choose, they are also free to contact the office directly.

Jones pushed back. “I like the chain of command, honestly,” said Jones. “We’ve got a person right here in our town that we could use for that.”

When McDavid Associates began suggesting the fellow could serve as a backup, Jones interrupted again, asserting, “I think it would be a good idea.”

When a resident challenged the logic of paying someone to filter and pass information, her concern was immediately shut down. “We haven’t opened it up yet for you to ask questions,” said Mayor A.J. Connors.

The mayor then clarified that there is a separate grant program available through Duplin County for residents living outside of Warsaw’s city limits. About 10 minutes into the public hearing, after some confusion regarding the start, the board voted to open the public hearing.

Marzella Morrisey, a Warsaw resident, asked about the process to determine assistance.

“We would be looking at houses that put in applications for the program,” said McDavid Associates. He explained that the relatively modest budget means only 3 to 4 homes could realistically be rebuilt.

The process for selecting which homes receive assistance will be guided by a housing selection committee, which the town itself must create. This committee may consider factors such as income level, tax payment status, and other needs-based criteria. In the past, the mayor and town manager selected three community members to serve on the committee.

Wills-Wells asked Connors about the selection criteria for the housing selection committee. “I know you gave those three individuals that were selected, but was there like an application?”

Connors explained that they had a guideline. “They were three that were selected to evaluate the individuals’ paperwork and property.”

Residents interested in the  Community Development Block Grant – Neighborhood Revitalization (CDBG-NR) program can apply by calling 252-753-2139 and speaking with Tim Andrews.