Three local agencies made it known to Farrell council that they want a share of 2004 Community Block Development Grant funds.

Monday, council held the first of two meetings requesting public input on disbursement of the funds.

The funds are used for a variety of community development purposes, and the city expects its 2004 CDBG to amount to about $380,000.

Projects may include public improvements, such as water, sidewalks, sewers or streets; upgrading deteriorated housing; cleaning up blighted/slum areas; and energy conservation.

For a project to be eligible for funding, at least 70 percent of the money must benefit low- to moderate-income people.

Council received proposals for funding from Shenango Valley Urban League, Southwest Gardens Economic Development Corp. and the Community Counseling Center.

The counseling center offers support services to residents with serious mental illness.

Angelo Stamoolis, its executive director, told council the center has never requested money from Farrell before.

"We've been serving the citizens of Farrell for 57 years," he said. "There's a significant number from Farrell that we provide support services for ... to help them become independent."

Dr. Kimberley Richards, executive director of Southwest Gardens, asked council for $10,000 to benefit Ark and Unity houses and Southwest Gardens.

Mark Thompson, housing director for the Urban League, said of its $12,000 request, $7,000 will be used for housing counseling and the remaining $5,000 will go toward human relations. The housing counseling, he said, will expand to focus on combating predatory lending practices.

Mayor William Morocco Sr. said about a third of the CDBG is used for demolition, street paving and other such projects and at least 15 percent could be allotted for public service requests. Applications will be submitted in February after a second public hearing next month.