Norwich — A successful homeless housing program, a fledgling village park in Taftville, funding for a domestic violence victims’ advocate and a host of proposed construction projects are among the 19 requests for federal Community Development Block Grant funds now before the City Council for a final distribution decision.

The City Council this week heard comments from those recommended for funding by the Community Development Advisory Committee and those asking the council to reconsider the committee’s choices for projects and programs.

The city expects to receive $778,804 in the coming federal grant program, but received grant requests for $1.3 million.

The council is expect to vote on final grant allocations at its 7:30 p.m. meeting July 5.

Norwich Human Services Director Lee Ann Gomes told the council that the Norwich Works job-training program is a proven success. The committee recommended funding the entire $48,884 requested for the program.

Gomes said the program has added the new sheet metal training program coordinated by Three Rivers Community College to train workers for Electric Boat’s ongoing expansion.

Two people from Norwich Works now are enrolled in that program.

Gomes also asked the council to consider reversing the committee’s recommendation to reduce the requested $30,000 in funding for the Community Care Team’s rapid rehousing homeless assistance program.

She said the program finds housing to avoid placing people in shelters, or keeps their stays at homeless shelters short.

Gomes said rapid rehousing is much more effective and less costly than shelters to reduce homelessness.

Catherine Zeiner, executive director of Safe Futures, thanked the advisory committee for recommending funding the agency’s $15,000 request for a response team that would work with Norwich police on domestic violence cases.

Zeiner said Safe Futures’ victims’ advocate program serves about 1,200 Norwich residents per year, and Norwich has the seventh highest domestic violence arrests in the state.

Safe Futures reopened a Norwich office last year.

Norwich Police Captain Christopher Ferace said the $15,000 in funding for the domestic violence program is “minute compared to the need.”

He said domestic violence is a crime that occurs “behind closed doors,” and is difficult to detect. Safe Futures, he said, provides hands-on support for victims throughout their difficult times.

The conversion of a former Little League field in Taftville into a village park received CDBG support last year, and organizers sought another $110,000 next year for a second phase.

The advisory committee recommended $65,000 to continue progress on the park.

But the committee cut the entire $99,930 requested by Norwich police to install surveillance cameras in the Taftville village, including the new park.

Deputy Police Chief Patrick Daley asked the council to reconsider that cut, although he acknowledged there is not enough grant funding for all the requests.

Daley said neighborhood cameras installed in Greeneville and downtown in 2011 have been very effective and the department hopes to expand the program.

“They are a visible presence of the city’s commitment to safety,” he said. “They do a great job.”

c.bessette@theday.com