Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Housing Rehab Grant topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
RDA reports progress on $100,000 ARPA housing rehab grant; 21 applications, seven approved
Summary
The council was briefed on the RDA's housing rehabilitation grant program funded with $100,000 in ARPA money: 21 applications were received, 7 approved, 6 paid out, one pending, and roughly $40,000 remaining in the fund.
The Watertown Redevelopment Authority (RDA) updated the Common Council on the status of a $100,000 housing rehabilitation grant funded with American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) money, saying the program has received 21 applications and approved seven projects.
A staff presenter identified as Mason told the council that of the seven approved projects the city has paid six and has one project still pending. He reported a remaining balance of a little over $40,000 and said staff anticipate the remaining funds will be expended by the end of the calendar year. Mason credited Roxanne Witte of Thrive Economic Development for assisting applicants through the application process.
Mason said three or four additional applicants currently appear likely to qualify for the remaining funds and described the application and vetting process as "pretty involved" at times. Council members thanked staff and Witte for assistance in shepherding applications to completion.
Why it matters
The ARPA-funded program is intended to preserve existing housing stock in Watertown by covering rehabilitation work for qualifying property owners. The remaining funds are limited and staff expect to allocate them to pending and near-ready applications by year-end.
What the council received
Council members were provided a memo summarizing the program status; Mason summarized the numbers at the mic and said staff are coordinating with Thrive Economic Development to complete vetting and payments.
