Charles Warner|Daily Times Robby Moody, senior planner for Catawba Regional Council of Governments, addresses Union City Council about the 2013 Needs Assessment process which identified and prioritized community needs. The assessment is required in order for the city to be eligible for Community Development Block Grants.

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UNION — Infrastructure improvements, the demolition of dilapidated houses, and continued efforts to create economic opportunities for low- to moderate-income residents are among the needs listed in the City of Union’s 2013 Needs Assessment.

Robby Moody, senior planner for Catawba Regional Council of Governments, presented Union City Council with the 2013 Needs Assessment earlier this week. Moody explained that in order to apply for Community Development Block Grants a community must complete a needs assessment process that gathers information from residents about the community’s needs. He said the assessment process results in the development of a prioritized list of the needs of the community.

Moody presented council with the 2011 Needs Assessment and the proposed 2013 Needs Assessment. He said that in the 2013 process, the list developed in 2011 was updated. The 2013 list of community needs presented by Moody included:

• Infrastructure improvements to the Monarch Mill Village in cooperation with Union County and infrastructure improvements in the McBeth Street area. The list states that the first phase of the project has been completed and that Union County is applying for CDBG funding for the second phase.

• Continue revitalization efforts in the Union Mill Village.

• Demolition of dilapidated houses in the city.

• Upgrading sidewalk, water, sewer and sewer services and addressing drainage and street problems in the city.

• Increase available affordable housing for low- and moderate-income, disabled, and elderly residents.

• Continue activities in support of economic development in order to create jobs for low- and moderate-income residents.

• Roadway safety improvements.

• Improve and expand recreation, health care and cultural facilities.

• Build parking and pedestrian improvements adjacent to the planned cultural center in the downtown area.

• Implement a gateway and beautification plan.

• Promote fair housing opportunities.

Following Moody’s presentation, council voted unanimously to accept the 2013 Needs Assessment.

Editor Charles Warner can be reached at 864-427-1234, ext. 14, or by email at cwarner@civitasmedia.com.