MOUNT VERNON — His old roof was in pretty bad shape, so west end resident Jay Sheldon was happy to get a new one for free.
Sheldon was one of several homeowners who benefited from a grant the city was awarded in 2005. This year, the city is applying for the same grant, through the Community Housing Improvement Program, and qualified residents who apply for funds could reap the housing-related benefits.
Funding for the program comes from the Community Development Block Grant program, a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development program that funds housing-related improvements. CHIP funds can be used for repairs such as a new furnace or a new roof, for rental assistance and home rehabilitation. Part of the money will help Habitat for Humanity build a new home in the area.
Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Mavis said all city residents can apply for CHIP funds, which are usually used for repairs like a new furnace or a new roof, but can also be used for rental assistance and complete home rehabilitations. By September, he said, the administration should know whether or not the money will be awarded, adding that it would be best for interested residents to wait until early 2009 to contact the Knox Metropolitan Housing Authority, the local agency that administers CHIP funds for the city.
Sheldon said the process was rather lengthy, but not difficult. He said he filled out an application in 2003 and received the new roof in 2006.
“It was good, it worked out for me,” he said. “I would recommend [the program] to other people.”
Sheldon said the entire house had to be inspected. Metro housing took care of bidding the project and finding a contractor. He said the inspectors and contractors were all polite and he didn’t find the process to be intrusive.
The CHIP grant is funded through the Community Development Block Grant program through which federal funds are distributed by the state to local government for infrastructure and housing improvement projects. In addition to the $500,000 CHIP grant, the city is applying for additional CDBG funds, primarily for infrastructure improvements in a Sychar Road neighborhood, which is bounded by East Pleasant Street, Center Run, Sychar Road, McGibney Road, Wooster Road and McKenzie Street. If funded, a $370,000 Community Development Block Grant Neighborhood Revitalization Grant will be used for street improvements, cross walks, storm drainage, sidewalks and improvements to Hiawatha Park.
The city has scheduled several meetings to discuss the grants and obtain citizen input. The meetings will be held Monday, June 16, at noon at the Hiawatha Park Shelter House; and Thursday, June 19, at 10 a.m. at the Council Chambers in City Hall.
Mavis said Sychar Road neighborhood residents are encouraged to attend the meetings, although residents from anywhere in the city who are interested in the CHIP program are also welcome.
