MRPC News Release
April 20, 2006
For immediate release
For more information, contact:
Bonnie J. Prigge or Chuck Cantrell (573) 265-2993
HOMES NEEDED FOR RENOVATION GRANT
CUBA – Cuba residents living on School Street who are interested in participating in the city's housing renovation project should contact Meramec Regional Planning Commission as soon as possible, announced Lesley Bennish, the MRPC grant administrator overseeing the project. The city of Cuba was awarded a housing renovation grant through the Missouri Department of Economic Development Community Development Block Grant program.
A total of $417,100 is available to renovate17 homes on School Street in Cuba. The intent of the program is to improve the health and safety of the homes and maintain the housing stock. The renovation work, which depends on the condition of the specific home, may include a new roof, window replacement, siding, electrical and plumbing improvements and heating updates. There may be some lead reduction work as well, which could include windows, siding, soffit, fascia and doors.
The city has hired Meramec Regional Planning Commission to oversee the rehab work, including inspection services. In order to participate, homeowners must complete an application and submit income information. Once it is determined that the homeowner is eligible, Chuck Cantrell, MRPC's housing inspector, will visit the home and prepare a work write-up and will host a walk-through so contractors can see and discuss work to be performed. The work will then be bid, and the homeowner will select the contractor to be used. Renovation work usually takes about 45 days per home.
Owners of rental homes are eligible to participate in the program. If the homeowners don’t meet the income eligibility and the renter does, the homeowners must be willing to cover 25 percent of the renovation expenses.
Currently, one home has been completed, three are being renovated and five more will soon begin renovations.
"Most of the work so far has been on the interior of the homes, so some folks may not even know that the program is available and happening," said Cantrell. "If you live on School Street and your home could use some improvements, please contact us to see if this program will work for you. Once the money is spent, the project ends, and the Department of Economic Development has eliminated this grant program."
For those homes selected, the grant will pay for approved rehab costs, up to $15,000, unless lead paint is addressed and then funds increase up to $21,000, explained Lesley Bennish, MRPC grant administrator.
"Residents of the home must meet low-to-moderate income requirements, and I want to stress moderate income," Bennish said. " For example, a family of four can make no more than $36,150. This program recognizes that home improvements are costly and difficult for average working families to accomplish. This is an opportunity to maintain and improve the value of your home investment.
Those interested in learning more about the program should call Chuck Cantrell or Lesley Bennish at (573) 265-2993 or by email at lbennish@meramecregion.org. If emailing, be sure to include a current mailing address and a daytime phone number.
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