$60,000 for Home Rehab Available to Qualifying Residents

IRONWOOD, MI - Sunday, February 03, 2008 - According to Ironwood City Manager, Scott Erickson, the City has already taken a very aggressive approach to blight over the past year, and they intend to continue with that policy. At Monday night's City Commission meeting, Erickson pointed out four City homes that were rehabilitated through a special MSHDA program managed by the Community Development office, through Jane Bowman and Dennis Hewitt. The 2006 program thus far has resulted in $111,400 in existing housing improvements. "It's funding through the State that provides some dollars for rehabbing of homes," Erickson said, "Whether that may be outside facades of the home or interior or mechanical work."

"There's an additional $60,000 left in the program." Erickson explained.

Jane Bowman, Assistant Community Development Director, described the program, "It's a Community Development Housing Grant Resource Fund Grant."

"It's a 2006 grant and it's for existing homeowners only in a designated territory," Bowman pointed out.

She described the boundaries of the territory, "It's bordered by the Wisconsin Central Railroad / Pabst Street to the north; Lawrence Street to the west; Vaughn Street to the south; and Lake Street to the east. If they live in that designated area, they could possibly qualify."

Ms. Bowman said that qualifications are based on both household income and household size, and that people interested in the program need to contact her at her office to verify income and qualification. A one-person household earning less than $17,900/year could qualify for a maximum of $15,000 in grant funds. Individuals that have incomes less than $28,650 can qualify for up to $3,000 in grant funds.

Grant monies do not have to be repaid on any schedule, however, there is a lien put on the property that is to be satisfied at the time of sale. There is no interest added to the amount of the grant, the balance due remains the same if the homeowner lives in the home for one year or twenty.

Bowman said, depending on how much each applying homeowner qualifies for, there should be enough money remaining to rehab an additional five homes.

"It's a good program," Bowman said, "The sad part is, it doesn't go City-wide anymore. They keep it to one designated territory. And that's why I needed some extra people. If it went City-wide I have more people than I can possibly help. They (MSHDA) want to make an impact!"

Jim Albert