MARLBOROUGH – Residents will have a final opportunity later this month to voice opinions on Marlborough’s Community Development Block Grant application.

Housing and Community Development Authority officials will hold a public hearing Tuesday, Jan. 30 at 6:30 p.m. in Memorial Hall at City Hall. Department officials will take comments from residents on potential projects the city could undertake if that grant money is awarded.

Marlborough is hoping the third time will be the charm in its bid. The city came up short in its attempt in 2017 and in 2016 when Marlborough and Hudson teamed up to file a joint application. The Community Development Authority board recently hired Community Opportunities Group Inc. – a consulting firm – to assist with the application.

Officials have identified revamping Devens and McEnelly streets as one project if the city receives funding.

That project would include repaving both streets – which are off Washington Street – replacing sidewalks and drainage infrastructure, adding granite curbing and installing wheelchair ramps that comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

“There’s been a lot of public support for the Devens and McEnelly street project,” said Douglas Bushman, Housing Authority executive director.

Previous applications called for reconstructing Sumner Street, but Bushman said that project is not eligible this year because less than 51 percent of those living there are low and moderate-income residents. The grant requires work done in areas that have populations of more than 51 percent low and moderate-income residents.

The city’s application will likely include loans for housing rehab and public services, but no final decisions have been made yet.

Marlborough requested $800,000 – the highest amount a community can seek – last year for a variety of projects, including creating two pocket parks in French Hill, rehabbing blighted housing and a substance abuse prevention program that would target the dangers of abusing drugs and alcohol.

Applications are due to the state Department of Housing and Community Development by March 2. Grant awards are typically announced in the summer.

The block grant program, enacted in 1974, provides money to communities to ensure decent affordable housing, services for the needy and create jobs.

The city has received $171,038 for housing rehab projects, $633,082 for public facilities and $95,880 for administrative needs through the program in the past decade, according to the state Department of Housing and Community Development.

Jeff Malachowski can be reached at 508-490-7466 or jmalachowski@wickedlocal.com. Follow him on Twitter @JmalachowskiMW.