Tamaqua Borough Council discussed projects that could be eligible for some of the estimated $131,000 the borough will receive in Community Development Block Grant funds this year.

Since no one from the public attended Tuesday’s public hearing, borough Manager Kevin Steigerwalt presented council with a few possibilities.

The borough typically sets aside CDBG funds for demolition projects and street resurfacing, he said.

It could do so again this year, and add Clay and Cedar streets for resurfacing.

“In the past, we’ve done recreation often and street resurfacing,” Steigerwalt explained.

Council President Brian Connely suggested using the funds to outfit the new police station and community center, which will be developed at the former Moose building, 133 E. Broad St.

“We are going to have to fill that facility,” he said. “The question is how do we fill that facility with desks or the different things we need to get that up and ready. The last thing I want to do is have that building built and not be prepared to move in to it.”

Cheryl Fuss, a program compliance officer, said the funds can’t be used for the police station because it is considered a government facility. It could be used for only certain items for the community center, she added.

Plans for the center, however, are still under development.

“We don’t have full details. It is going to be a community center-type thing, for use for meetings and maybe some catering events. We may have to outfit a kitchen. We may have to outfit a computer lab. We don’t know,” Connely said.

According to CDBG guidelines, the majority of funds must be used to benefit low- to moderate- income areas. Eligible projects include water and sewer line replacement and improvements, housing rehabilitation, construction or improvements to community centers, roads, sidewalks, public services and removal of architectural barriers.

Council will have time to discuss possibilities. Applications are due Oct. 28.