Durham's city council gave staff the go-ahead to apply for funding for the state's the Neighborhood Stabilization program.

City documents show the NSP Program was authorized by the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008.

At that time, the state was allotted about $52 Million for community development. Twenty-three North Carolina counties were deemed eligible to apply for funding.

Governments can apply for funding to:

• acquire and renovate foreclosed properties
• create or expand loan programs
• demolish certain buildings.

Durham staff has recommended the city apply for the maximum amount of funding, which is approximately $5.2 Million.

According to the city, the money would benefit the following areas:

• West Geer Street
• Southwest Central Durham/Southside
• North East Central Durham

Community members encouraged the city to apply for the money. Community activist Victoria Peterson asked that city leaders reveal which contractors will be used for the program. She expressed concern about out-of-town builders being used with money intended for community development.

The mayor asked the city manager's office to go over Peterson's specific questions, and asked city staff to determine the best qualified contracts for the job.

A breakdown of the proposed funding can be found here.