February 14, 2023
In Call to Public, Keith Dennis, Executive Director of Southeastern Arizona Governments Organization (SEAGO) explained some of the complexities of the Community Development Block Grant funding program, to which the Town of Patagonia is interested in applying.
The Federal program starts with Housing and Urban Development. It is administered at the state level by the Arizona Department of Housing and serves communities like low-income, senior citizens and migrant farm workers in rural areas. SEAGO’s territory includes Santa Cruz, Cochise, Graham and Greenlee Counties.
The program supports utility and road infrastracture and has a second level of “Colonia” set-aside funding for “shovel-ready” projects, ones that are designed and ready for going out for construction bids. Patagonia previously used this funding for a waterline project in town in 2017.
After Dennis’ presentation, a public hearing was held, bringing an array of ideas from citizens.
Cornelia O’Conner, for the Elementary School Board, suggested a renovation project for the living space building at Old Main, now the Museum property. It could provide two living units and related site amenities, as a remodel of an existing structure on the northeast side of the property.
Philip Brister, for the Senior Center, suggested the Center needs to consolidate and rearrange its food storage devices, refrigerators and freezers, possibly by remodel or possibly by the addition of an add-on walk-in freezer.
Maggie Urgo spoke about the need for fast and reliable internet service, including its place in emergency response communication. She also mentioned the need for a large community center, on the scale of the backyard of Cady Hall, which is overfilled by events such as Voices for the Border’s “Celebremos” event. Still speaking generally, she also spoke of the need for improving dirt roads in town, perhaps by the chip-seal method.
Elvia Gallaher, speaking for Community Homes of Patagonia (CHOP), spoke of the need for affordable housing. The UA School of Architecture is working with CHOP on the site plan for the property they own on Third Avenue, known as “Gopher Fields.”
Manager Robinson expressed the Town’s interest in affordable housing for a Harshaw Ave. property of about five acres, for which he is negotiating with South32. An important first step is to get the property served by town water and sewer systems, which he sees as a good CDBG project.
The application process will proceed for much of 2024, with Dennis’ guidance and more public communication and events.