The City is pleased to announce funding for a number of residential grant programs. Funding for these grants come from a variety of sources, depending on the eligible activity. “It is important in these economic times that we continue to make an investment in our neighborhoods with these programs,” said Sean Stegall, Elgin’s City Manager. As funding has gotten tighter, several programs have changed guidelines on how funds are disbursed. For example, in 2010, city staff established ranking criteria for the Multi-Family Conversion program after the number of applications exceeded funds allocated. Most of the city’s grant programs now have established deadlines and more stringent criteria that must be met to be eligible for funds. All grant programs are competitively awarded based on a review of all applications received by the deadline. Marc Mylott, Community Development Director, noted, “These changes were made to benefit as may projects as possible considering the great number of worthwhile applications.”
The following programs have applications available January 3, 2011 unless otherwise noted.
1. Residential Rehabilitation Grant Program:
What: Overall objectives of the program are to financially assist homeowners in making exterior code violation repairs, to improve the quality and safety of the existing housing stock, and to foster community pride. Owners may qualify up to a maximum of $10,000 or $15,000, depending on the household income. Who: Applicants meeting the low-moderate income guidelines established by HUD.
Deadline: Applications are due January 31, 2011 5pm.Contact: Crystal McGuire, 847-931-5939, mcguire_c@cityofelgin.org
2. Chain Link Fence Removal Program:
What: Provides up to $3,000 to property owners to remove existing chain link fencing. Who: Residential property owners with a chain link fence in the front yard.
Deadline: Applications are due April 1, 2011.Contact: Lydia Treganza, 847-931-5908, Treganza_l@cityofelgin.org
3. Substitute Siding Removal Grant Program:
What: Provides up to $5,000 to property owners to remove substitute siding from the house and garage.Who: Residential property owners with artificial siding (i.e. vinyl, aluminum, asbestos) over the original siding material.
Deadline: Applications are due April 1, 2011.Contact: Lydia Treganza, 847-931-5908, Treganza_l@cityofelgin.org
4. Exterior Paint Grant Program:
What: Provides up to $2,500 to property owners to paint the exterior of their homes.Who: Residential property owners meeting the low-moderate income guidelines established by HUD.
Deadline: Applications are due April 1, 2011.Contact: Lydia Treganza, 847-931-5908, Treganza_l@cityofelgin.org
5. Multi-Family Conversion Grant Program:
What: Provides $25,000 to remove one unit and $30,000 per unit to remove two or more rental units to return the building to its original use. Who: residential property owners who own a lawful, non-conforming, multi-unit building.
Deadline: Applications are due January 21, 2011Contact: Sarosh Saher, 847-931-5943, saher_s@cityofelgin.org
6. Historic Architectural Rehabilitation Grant Program (50/50 and 75/25):
What: Provides up to $20,000 to assist property owners with restoring original architectural features on the exterior of their homes.Who: Residential property owners who own a property within one of the four designated historic districts or a local landmark. 75/25 program applicants must meet low-moderate income limits as established by HUD.
Deadline: Applications are due for the 50/50 program on February 4, 2011. Applications are due for the 75/25 program on March 4, 2011.
Contact: Jennifer Fritz-Williams, 847-931-6004, fritz-williams_j@cityofelgin.org
7. Overhead Sewer and Backwater Valve Assistance Program:What: Provides up to $10,000 for an overhead sewer system or up to $2,500 for a backwater valve installation. Level of assistance depends on household income.
Who: Residential property owners in designated areas of the city with combined sewer and sanitary lines.Deadline: Applications are taken on a first-come first-served basis every calendar year.
Contact: Lydia Treganza, 847-931-5908, Treganza_l@cityofelgin.org.
8. Energy Efficiency Residential Revolving Loan Fund:What: Applicants receive a free energy assessment that identifies the improvements to be made. The city provides up to $40,000 as a no-interest loan that the owner pays back over ten years based on the energy savings.
Who: Residential property owners making energy efficient retrofits to their homes.Deadline: Applications are available February 1, 2011. Applications are due February 25, 2011.
Contact: Jennifer Fritz-Williams, 847-931-6004, fritz-williams_j@cityofelgin.org
All program guidelines and applications are available at City Hall, Community Development Department or on the City of Elgin’s website at www.cityofelgin.org