SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Approve the Residential Exterior Improvement Grant Program within the North Greenwood Community Redevelopment Area and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same.
Body
SUMMARY:
The purpose of this item is to request approval for the Residential Exterior Improvement Grant Program (Program) aimed at rehabilitating single-family homes within the North Greenwood Community Redevelopment Area (NGCRA) and to seek an allocation of $400,000 to fund the Program.
Program Overview:
The Residential Exterior Improvement Grant Program is designed to provide matching grants of up to $20,000 to homesteaded single-family homeowners in the NGCRA. The Program focuses on exterior improvements to enhance neighborhood aesthetics, property conditions, and reduce housing cost burden.
Key Objectives:
1. Improve property aesthetics and conditions.
2. Reduce housing cost burden.
3. Eliminate/reduce slum and blight condition (reduce code enforcement cases).
4. Foster neighborhood pride and civic identity.
Eligibility and Assistance:
Eligibility is limited to homeowners within the NGCRA with household incomes at or below 120% of the Area Median Income (AMI). Assistance is provided on a sliding scale based on income, with a minimum applicant contribution ranging from 5% to 20%.
Applicant Match:
Applicants are required to match the grant amount based on their income level. Community service options are available to offset the match requirement. For those earning 0-50% AMI, the match can be waived at the rate of one hour of community service per $150 of grant amount. For those earning 51-120% AMI, up to 50% of the match can be waived similarly.
Eligible Improvements:
Eligible improvements include, but are not limited to, exterior painting, roofing, windows, doors, landscaping, and structural repairs that enhance the property's exterior.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Funding for this program is available from the General Fund (GF) contribution for North Greenwood CRA implementation. A future agenda item will establish the new North Greenwood CRA Fund budget recognizing the GF contribution and Fiscal Year 2024 TIF revenues received. As part of this budget, we will establish all supporting projects for implementation of the CRAs goals.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
2.4 Support equitable housing programs that promote household stability and reduce the incidence of homelessness within Clearwater.
3.1 Support neighborhood identity through services and programs that empower community pride and belonging.
