ROCHESTER N.Y. (WROC) – The scandal involving federal ARPA funding is now preventing the remaining 6-million dollars promised to local groups from getting there.
American Rescue Plan Act funds or ARPA funds were placed on pause are no longer being distributed to the Neighborhood Collaborative Project after it was revealed that the funds were being “mismanaged”.
One of the associations apart of NCP is the Lyell Avenue Business Association.
Lydia Rivera who is the president says this volunteer based association started during the pandemic and it centers around business owners coming together to create solutions on how to better themselves and the community.
“For me personally the reason why I started the business association was because I didn’t have my stuff together, I needed support, and I was looking to build community around the business sector so I could become a better business owner for myself,” said Rivera.
She said ARPA funds would be used for things like food for gatherings and the community garden which is intended to be a safe space on Lyell ave for everyone.
Rivera says that all the ARPA funds that were spent on her organization’s behalf were accurately accounted for and that she’s disappointed that recent issues have resulted in the funds being paused.
“A lot of people have personally put in their money into their organization to make things happen. So even though like I said we were going to do it regardless, having this grant was like a sign of hope like they see us. We are being heard, you know this was seed money to help raise, build community,” she said.
This funding is being held because they’re no agency to monitor the spending partly because of concerns from some legislators over claims of mismanagement.
“I’m a small business and I’m trying to climb my way up so everything I put into the organization I did it from the heart, I will continue to keep doing it. The people on my team although small they are very mighty and dedicated, we’ll continue to keep investing in our community,” she said.
Rivera says if you’re interested in volunteering, meetings are held on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 5:30 PM located at the Prestige Ship Center which is 1029 Lyell Ave. For donation inquiries, you can reach out via Facebook page Lyell Avenue Business Association.
