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Roanoke Rapids City Council Tuesday voted to move forward with a grant application that could lead to up to $750,000 for rehabilitation or replacement housing assistance.

Planning and Development Director Kelly Lasky said following the council meeting the deadline for those who believe they may qualify for a rehabilitation or reconstruction loan is the end of the day Tuesday, August 25.

An application can be downloaded at this link. Thus far around five have applied and a couple of applications are awaiting completion.

Those wishing to apply should meet the following income criteria:

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Should the city receive the Community Development Block Grant Lasky said the city won’t be targeting a particular neighborhood or block.

The grant application comes as the city’s housing stock includes 70 percent which were built before 1980 and 13 percent which were built prior to 1939, she said. 

As houses age they can develop deteriorating pipes, mechanical, electrical and roofing issues. Many of the homeowners are on fixed incomes, she said.

If the city is awarded the grant $575,000 would be assigned for improvements to up to 10 homes while the remainder, minus administrative fees, can be used for improvements to city-owned property.

The most likely use would be to continue improvements at Chaloner Recreation Center including a walking trail from Hodgestown to the recreation center and a bath house there.

The resolution which council unanimously approved says, “ … The Roanoke Rapids council has previously indicated its desire to assist in community development efforts for housing within the city.”

It also says the city wishes to pursue the CDBG “to benefit the sustainability and the redevelopment of the city’s residential neighborhoods and the city wishes to seek all possible sources of housing and community development assistance.”

Council also approved a citizen participation plan for CDBG funding.

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 Tuesday, August 25.