|
Dec. 30, 2008 For more information, contact: Homeowners, Contractors Needed for New Home Renovation Projects Homeowners and contractors are needed for new housing renovation projects beginning soon in the Meramec Region, announced Wayne Langston of Belle, president of the Meramec Community Development Corp. Some $355,500 will be invested in housing improvements, and some 17 homes are expected to be improved. The Missouri Housing Development Corporation has awarded MCEC two grants to continue housing renovation projects in the region. One grant is for $132,000 and will target the city of Hermann, which was selected as DREAM community a few years ago. The second grant is for $203,500 and can be used across the eight-county Meramec Region. MCEC is a 501©3 that works in partnership with Meramec Regional Planning Commission. Meramec Regional Planning Commission will carry out the projects on behalf of MCEC. “We are pleased to have the opportunity to provide these funds to improve the quality of some homes for lower income homeowners as well as provide additional work for local contractors,” said Langston. Homeowners and contractors wishing to participate in the program should contact MRPC. “We have a homeowner waiting list for housing renovations projects, however, if homeowners want to have their homes considered for improvements, they need to contact our office and get their name on the waiting list,” explained MRPC Community Development Specialist Lesley Bennish, who serves as project administrator. Homeowners must meet income eligibility requirements to be included in the program. Contractors are also needed for the work. "We have quite a bit of housing renovation work to do, and we need to expand our contractor base in order to get the work done in a timely fashion," explained MRPC Housing Rehab Coordinator Chuck Cantrell. The renovation work may include insulation, window replacement, siding and heating updates. There may be some lead reduction work as well, which could include windows, siding, soffit, fascia and doors. Prospective contractors for upcoming projects must complete a two-page application, available through MRPC’s website at www.meramecregion.org. The application requests client, supplier, financial references and information on past work experience. To work on this rehab project, contractors must carry liability insurance and workers compensation, if required. Contractors must also be registered with the Secretary of State's Office and cannot be on any federal debarred list. Contractors addressing lead issues also must be certified in HUD's safe work practices. Cantrell will prepare a work write-up for each home 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. Homeowners and contractors needing more information or wanting to complete applications can contact Cantrell or Bennish at (573) 265-2993 or by email at ccantrell@meramecregion.org or lbennish@meramecregion.org. Contractor applications can also be picked up at the MRPC office at 4 Industrial Drive in St. James, and are available online at www.meramecregion.org |