Hollywood residents and community leaders had an opportunity to discuss concerns they have with members of the Community Development Advisory Board on January 10. A major problem discussed is the fact that almost half of Hollywood homeowners and about more than half of the city’s renters are considered cost burdened. This means a significant amount of their household income goes toward paying for rent and mortgage. A major problem is that the cost of housing is high and the wages paid by many jobs in the area are fairly low.
Cliff Germano, a member of the Board and a community leader explained that this is a major concern for the city, causing many residents of Hollywood have difficulty paying for basic items such as food. In addition, many of the homes in Hollywood are older and some are in need of repair.
Also, a number of community leaders made presentations on the importance of supporting tutoring programs and life skills and career training programs.
The 11 member Community Development Advisory Board (CDAB) provides recommendations to the City Commission on matters pertaining to federal and state community development grant funds. Its primary responsibility is to review and evaluate all funding requests under the Community Development Block Grant and other grant funds to assist in creating the City’s Five Year Consolidated Plan and One Year Action Plan.
