Sec. 05.20.04.05. Application Processing

A. Each application shall be submitted to the Department to determine whether all of the information required under Regulation .04 of this chapter is contained in the application.

B. Each application shall include:

(1) The neighborhood revitalization plan and how the plan relates to the goals outlined in the community’s larger sustainable communities plan;

(2) The description of the community conditions and the appropriateness of outlined strategies to address those conditions;

(3) The ability of each proposed project to address identified challenges within the community; and

(4) The capacity and experience of the applicant and the applicant’s partners to complete the proposals and leverage additional financing.

C. Upon the Department’s completion of the review and scoring of the applications, the Department shall make a recommendation to the Secretary on the applications.

D. Upon receipt of the Department’s recommendation, the Secretary:

(1) May request additional information from the applicant or Department concerning the application, including oral presentations; and

(2) Shall act on the application by approving it, disapproving it, or approving it with modifications.

E. If the Secretary determines not to approve an application, the Department shall issue a written notice of denial.

F. Reconsideration.

(1) An applicant may request initial reconsideration of a denial by submitting a written request to the Department, which must be received by the Department within 30 days following the date of the denial notice.

(2) The request for reconsideration shall address each reason for the denial and provide documentation supporting reasons for reconsideration of the application.

(3) The Department shall respond in writing to the applicant’s request for reconsideration within 90 days of receipt by the Department of the request for reconsideration.

(4) An initial decision or reconsideration of a decision is not a contested case within the meaning of the Administrative Procedure Act or COMAR 05.01.01.02.