Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Institutional Rehab Grants topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Steering committee forwards $850,000 and $1,000,000 grant recommendations for two Lincolnville churches
Summary
The committee voted to forward recommendations to the CRA board for an $850,000 institutional‑rehab award for First Baptist Church’s parsonage and a $1,000,000 award for Bethel Baptist Church for sanctuary repairs and flood mitigation; both will be considered by the CRA on Jan. 26.
The Lincolnville CRA Steering Committee on Jan. 5 voted to forward two institutional‑rehab grant recommendations to the CRA commission: a recommended $850,000 phase for First Baptist Church’s parsonage and a recommended $1,000,000 award for Bethel Baptist Church’s sanctuary repairs.
Jamie Perkins, Community Services Director, presented both applications and emphasized that the CRA acts as project manager for approved institutional‑rehab work: the CRA hires engineers and contractors, issues public bids and uses construction managers at risk (CMAR) where applicable rather than issuing direct checks to applicants. Perkins described the First Baptist parsonage as “probably not safe” and said the initial request to stabilize the building was for $850,000, while also noting larger additional work could surface once engineers inspect the structure.
Michael Jefferson, who identified himself as the First Baptist project manager, thanked staff and said the church invested resources in the sanctuary rehabilitation and expects the parsonage work to support outreach programs. Perkins said the First Baptist sanctuary work previously took place from 2020 to 2022 and the new parsonage application was resubmitted as a separate phase.
On Bethel Baptist’s application, Perkins said the church requested $1,000,000 for exterior and interior repairs, including roof work, electrical and HVAC updates, plumbing and flood mitigation because the building sits near the Iberia corridor and experiences water intrusion. A committee member asked whether lifting the structure might be required; Perkins said lifting has not been discussed in the application but could be considered with engineers if needed.
The committee made motions, seconded and approved both recommendations by voice vote and will present the recommendations to the CRA board at its Jan. 26 meeting. Perkins said budget allocations and final award amounts will be resolved by the CRA commission and through the budget process; the CRA typically scopes project costs with engineers and may return to the commission if additional funds are required.
