Fayette County postpones decision on ARPA-funded demolition/beautification grants, seeks clearer criteria

FAYETTE COUNTY — The Fayette County Commission discussed standards for a voluntary demolition and property beautification program funded with ARPA money and voted to postpone a final decision so staff can refine scoring criteria and ownership verification procedures.

Commissioners and staff noted federal ARPA guidance is strict and that the county must avoid using funds in ways that could be construed as allowing private parties to profit. County staff said the program’s stated purpose is to assist homeowners who cannot afford demolition and to prioritize properties that would benefit from removal of dilapidated structures; commissioners debated whether to give extra points to commercial properties, require property‑maintenance commitments after demolition, or disqualify repeat recipients.

Staff reported roughly 10–15 applications have been received and said funds must be spent by Dec. 1 of the award year. Commissioners directed staff to add clearer definitions and point weighting to the application scoring, to include checks on ownership to avoid ineligible recipients, and to return with a revised point system at the next meeting. A motion to postpone final selection rules until the commission’s meeting on Jan. 31 carried by voice vote.

No contractual restrictions on sale of property were adopted; commissioners signaled a preference to avoid limiting owners’ rights to sell while considering maintenance obligations as part of the voluntary demolition agreement. Staff said they will place higher‑priority applicants first and will document ownership and eligibility before awarding funds.