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Oroville staff seeks $200,000 CDBG grant, outlines housing‑rehab loan program
Summary
City staff reported submission of a $200,000 CDBG application for engineering work in Southside and described a local housing‑rehab program offering homeowners up to $75,000 with deferred payments until sale; staff also previewed economic development and downtown vacancy efforts.
At the end of the Dec. 19 meeting Oroville staff reported that the city submitted a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application seeking $200,000 to fund engineering work — sidewalks, lighting, drainage and parking — focused on the Southside neighborhood. Staff said the main immediate goal is drainage improvements to address puddling and pooling across roughly 54 blocks in that area.
Staff also described a local housing‑rehab loan program intended to help owner‑occupants make repairs such as new roofs and façade work. Under the program staff said homeowners may borrow up to $75,000 with favorable rates and that payments are deferred until the property is sold; the program includes income limits and ownership requirements (applicants must be the owner‑occupant and not own other properties). Staff said the program will prioritize facades to refresh neighborhoods, will vet contractors and won’t pay contractors until work is verified complete.
Commissioners asked about program limits, eligibility and oversight; staff said Trover project management (city contractors) will assess scope of work, manage bidding, inspect completed work and vet invoices before city payment. Staff described the loan program as more flexible than some state approaches and said flyers will be emailed to commissioners for public outreach.
Staff also reviewed economic‑development outreach: work on the Gold Creek Commons tentative map, outreach to industry and potential reuse of a former Superfund copper site (with a five‑foot excavation restriction unless EPA/DTSC clearance is obtained), and downtown vacancy programs aimed at recruiting businesses and supporting property owners to maintain vacant buildings. Staff said they will schedule an outreach meeting with the Oroville Economic Alliance in February to coordinate recruitment and redevelopment efforts.
