Mayor Stephen Acropolis is proud to announce Brick Township has appropriated $282,147 in federal grant monies for community non-profit organizations, housing rehabilitation, historic preservation and affordable housing and more.  The money is from the Township’s Community Block Development Grant allotment.

“Our job is to improve the quality of life of residents and our CDBG Program helps us do just that,” said Mayor Stephen Acropolis.  “The money we distribute through this program will have a positive impact on countless people and families.”

The Township’s CDBG efforts are administered by Rehabco/Oross Associates located on Mantoloking Road in Brick.  Grantsman Ervin Oross works with the Township to identify community needs, submit the funding applications to HUD, and disburse the funds to the local service providers.

“The Township has had a great relationship with Rehabco and, using Federal funds, we have been able to make a difference in people’s lives,” said Council President Joseph Sangiovanni.  “Being able to make a difference is why each and every one of us on the Council became involved in public service.”

$138,645 of the CDBG money will be used for the Township’s Housing Rehabilitation Program and a historic preservation project at the Hulse House on Herbertsville Road.  The Hulse House is slated to be the future base of operations for the Brick Township Historic Preservation Commission.  It will also have an office for the Township Historian.  The Brick Township Historic Preservation Commission was created in 1998 to make recommendations and advise the Planning Board, Board of Adjustment and the Township Council about designated historic landmarks.  Last year, the Township allocated $58,000 in CDBG funds for the renovation of the home, the first time CDBG monies were used to fund a historical preservation project.

The Brick Township Housing Rehabilitation Program assists low and moderate-income homeowners renovate their homes which require health and safety or code compliance upgrades. The program also includes an "emergency provision" which allows applications to be taken out of order if a home has a dangerous condition or lacks electricity, heat and/or hot water. Specific questions regarding the program or in order to obtain an application, please call Rehabco Inc at 732 477-7750.

$52,902 will be distributed to community non-profit organizations.  Recipients this year will include Oceans Harbor House ($1,000), Contact of Ocean County ($1,000), The ARC of Ocean County ($1,000), VetGroup ($4,000), Ocean County Hunger Relief ($7,000), Catholic Charities Providence House ($7,500), Dottie’s House ($10,000), Community Services, Incorporated ($10,000), Interfaith Homeless Network ($3,000), Big Brothers Big Sisters ($1,500), Caregiver Volunteers of Ocean County ($4,902), New Beginnings Youth Services ($1,000) and Destiny CD Corporation Food Pantry ($1,000).

“Non-profits across the nation are struggling to find funding so that they can continue to help people,” said Mayor Acropolis.  “We are fortunate to have the chance to provide this support to non-profits that serve our community.”

The Township has allocated $33,700 for improvements to the community’s affordable housing infrastructure and $33,700 towards public facility upgrades at the Drum Point Sports Complex and curbing and sidewalks on Burnt Tavern Road near Greenbriar.  $95,792 of Federal Stimulus money will also be used for the Drum Point Sports Complex and Burnt Tavern Road projects.

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