Portland is on track to put $1.5 million in community development grant money toward public works and recreation projects, homelessness and asylum seeker services next year.
A volunteer committee last week recommended that 13 projects be funded through the federal Community Development Block Grant, which gives the city around $1.5 million each year to spend on infrastructure, housing and social services.
This year’s recommended projects include about $767,000 to make Deering Oaks Park more accessible for those with disabilities and update the Reiche School playground. Another $135,00 could be sent to the Greater Portland Immigrant Welcome Center to help support programs.
A combined $616,504 could go toward eight social service projects, including homeless and asylum-seeker programs at Milestone, Preble Street and Hope Acts.
The committee’s recommendations will now be reviewed by City Manager Danielle West and then the City Council. West is expected to present her recommendations to the council …