FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                                               Contact: Ed Causebrook

Thursday, August 25, 2005                                                                     661-9430

 

Chautauqua Opportunities, Inc. & Housing Trust Fund

Help Revitalize City of Jamestown Neighborhoods

 

JAMESTOWN – Chautauqua Opportunities, Inc. (COI) has announced that the New York State Housing Trust Fund (HTFC) has awarded $370,000 in HOME grants to COI for the moderate rehabilitation of 24-rental housing units in the community renewal area of the city of Jamestown.

 

COI’s Housing & Community Services Director Mike Yerico said, “Through this grant, we will be able to rehabilitate housing for people who rent in the city of Jamestown, thus improving the quality of life for those tenants and the surrounding neighborhoods.”

 

Projects must be located in the census track area (track 303 x305) to be eligible for monies.  Buildings with up to 10 units are eligible.  Landlords must agree to rent to tenants for a five year period whose annual income level is less than 50% of the area median income as determined by HUD.  Each unit can receive up to $14,183 worth of rehabilitation with the landlord contributing 10% total cost matching funds.

 

Work that can be completed on the units includes:

 

  • Correct substandard conditions as determined by Section 8.
  • Essential energy related repairs and improvements, attic/side wall insulation, storm doors and windows; weather stripping and pipe wrap.
  • Construction to permit the use of first floor units by handicapped persons.
  • Identify and remedy lead-based paint hazards.
  • Repair or replace heating systems if inefficient or present health and safety issues.
  • Repair or replace hazardous electrical conditions.
  • Roof repair and replacement.
  • Repairs to water systems.
  • Foundation repair
  • Structural repair.

 

COI’s Housing & Community Services Department targets low-income to moderate-income populations and provides services and skill building in the areas of food/nutrition, shelter, employment, education, family functioning, safety and protection.  Specific programs address homelessness and housing, HIV/AIDS, rental assistance, literacy assistance, employment readiness, home energy assistance, and welfare to work transition.

 

Anyone interested in applying for the Rental Rehab program should call Chautauqua Opportunities, Inc. at 661-9430, ext. 220 for an application and additional eligibility information.

 

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