OECD Hoping for Grant Money

The Office of Economic and Community Development hopes it can do for the Elm Street Neighborhood (Project Pride) what it's done for Onofrio Street.

OECD Executive Director Sara Andrews will be meeting with Jackie Parker from the state Office of Community and Economic Development on Thursday to discuss three grant applications that will put the process in motion.

She hopes to be able to get grants to acquire more property for commercial development and new housing, as well as rehabilitation for existing buildings.

Councilman Bob Tingley asked what the OECD plans to do with the people who will be displaced if the city acquires their homes.

Elm Street Manager Lisa Campogiani said that she has been working with people to help them understand that they "don't have to live in these conditions. … They can bring their quality of life up."

"We can't put them on a bus and send them away," Campogiani said.

Andrews said the OECD is looking into multi-tenant housing and other options for low-income people.

"If we don't try, what do we have?" Andrews asked. "Look at Onofrio Street 10 years ago."

Tingley also questioned the use of grant money, saying that it's still tax money "no matter what pocket it comes from."

Andrews said if Bradford doesn't get it, another community will.