Edited Oct. 6, 8:30 am, with new information about location of projects
Jefferson downtown business owners may not be the only ones to benefit from the Iowa Economic Development Authority’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program.
Residents in a 16-block area received in the mail early this week a housing interest and income survey to provide information for an application for CDBG funds for owner occupied rehabilitation projects. The survey was sent by Region XII Council of Governments, which is assisting in preparing the grant application.
The targeted area is generally north of W. Lincoln Way and south of W. Adams St, from N. Elm St to N. West St.
Results of the survey will determine if there is a need for the program. If the grant application is successful, funds will be available in the fall of 2017.
It is important that all residents who received the survey return it, even those who are not income eligible or are not interested in the program, as the survey results will determine Jefferson’s eligibility for this and other future CDBG grants.
The owner occupied rehabilitation program would provide an eligible homeowner up to $24,999 for repairs to meet the IEDA housing quality standards and possibly improve energy efficiency. Work could include a roof, siding, windows or mechanical updates.
The assistance would be provided as a forgivable loan to the homeowner, noted as a five year forgivable lien placed on the property. Applicants must be current on their property taxes and utility bills to receive assistance. Participants must be at or below the 80 percent median household limits listed on the cover letter that accompanied the survey.
The Jefferson city council has budgeted up to $15,000 for matching funds for up to six projects. The city carried out a similar project years ago that was targeted at the northeast quadrant of the city.
The city earlier this year was approved for a $500,000 CDBG for restoration of building facades in the downtown district. Work on 16 buildings will begin early next spring.
