Rehab program to upgrade Mason housing

By CHRISTIE BLECK

cbleck@lsj.com

March 28, 2011

From Ingham County Community News

MASON - If there's a way to upgrade housing stock in an energy-efficiency way, the Ingham County Housing Commission wants to accomplish that.

Mason and Williamston are part of the Targeted Neighborhood Rehabilitation Program, administered by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority, in which people living in targeted areas in and by the downtowns can apply for housing funds. A total of $258,000 has been set aside for the two cities, with the maximum no-interest loan amount set at $35,000, according to Bruce Johnston, executive director of the commission, who spoke to the Mason City Council on March 21.

Half the loan will be forgiven if the homeowner lives in the residence for 10 years, with the remaining amount to be paid back upon a move or transfer. Residents must live in the specified areas, Johnston said. "They really want people in these targeted areas to take advantage of these funds," he said.

Johnston listed a few requirements of the program, which include:

• All property taxes are to be up to date.

• Participants' annual income must be below 80 percent of the area median income.

• Participants must provide 25 percent of matching funds if required.

Johnston said program guidelines are being put together, with "musts" involving energy-efficient units. The goal is to save enough in energy costs to make up the loan as well as preserve housing stock, he said.

Johnston said interested Mason residents are invited to an informational meeting at 5:30 p.m. April 4 in the City Hall Community Room, 201 W. Ash St. Prequalification packets can be taken home.

Williamston residents are invited to a meeting at 6 p.m. April 11 at the Community Center, 201 School St.

Mason Councilwoman Barb Tornholm suggested that realtors be involved in the program as they are a part of homeowners' decisions regarding their houses. Johnston said that suggestion would be considered.

Williamston City Manager Tim Allard said the program will involve upgrades such as new insulation, furnaces and lead abatement, plus aesthetic improvements such as landscaping and painting.

Allard said the program will help homes in need of repair.

"We're very excited about it," he said.