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A grant application period has been opened for the chance for the city to receive up to $750,000 in Community Development Block Grant Neighborhood Revitalization funds.

The funds, Planning and Development Director Kelly Lasky said Wednesday, would provide rehabilitation or replacement housing assistance to lower income homeowners within the city limits.

Part of the application process includes qualifying households within the city to contact the planning department if they would like to be considered for a rehabilitation or reconstruction housing loan in the event the city receives funds. Priority will be given to those susceptible to the novel coronavirus.

Those wishing to apply should do so by August 14. All interested homeowners must complete an Income and Need Survey which can be downloaded at this link to verify household income and housing needs. At least one of the owners of the property must sign the application form.

The aim of the grant is to stabilize the city’s housing stock, Lasky said. Much of the housing stock was built around the early to mid 1900s and many are approaching, if not already at, 100-years-old. “We don’t have that much new housing. This is allowing us to improve housing throughout the city limits.”

While housing is a major component, some of the funds could be used for public facilities improvements and one idea is possible continued improvements at the park at Chaloner Recreation Center.

The survey is a crucial part of the city’s application process, Lasky said, and must be included in its final grant application package.

City council this past Tuesday held the first public hearing on the application and no one spoke.

A second public hearing is required and will be held August 18 at 5:15 p.m. at Lloyd Andrews City Meeting Hall located at 700 Jackson Street.

“The city encourages households with lower incomes who occupy substandard housing to contact the city if they would like to be considered for a rehabilitation or reconstruction housing loan,” Lasky said in a follow-up document containing talking points on the program.

It is an up to 10-year term, 0 percent forgiven loan, which will be based on the amount of money spent on the house.

To be considered for assistance applicants must meet the following criteria:

Household income must be at or below the numbers presented in the chart below:

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A housing condition survey will be required for those who meet the income qualifications. The city will conduct that survey.

Applicants must be able to document that they have paid taxes due to date and obtained clear title to the property to be assisted at the time the city considers formal applications for CDBG assistance.

All households served must occupy a unit with severe water and/or sewer needs or severe structural deficiencies. This program is designed to address housing needs, not minor structural cosmetic improvements.

No rental units will be considered for assistance.

All units must be located within the city limits of Roanoke Rapids.

Manufactured housing — mobile homes — must have been converted into real property if owned and occupied by the homeowner prior to selection.

Those wishing to be considered for CDBG assistance are encouraged to contact Lasky or Administrative Assistant Lian Elliott at 252-533-2844; email Lasky at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; or come to city hall at 1040 Roanoke Avenue no later than Friday, August 14.