The city has received notification it has been awarded a $750,000 Community Development Block Grant through the state’s Neighborhood Revitalization Program.
Planning and Development Director Kelly Lasky informed council of the grant award at its meeting Tuesday night. The city had prepared its own application for this CDBG.
The state Rural Economic Development Division, which administers the program, informed the city of the grant award before the Thanksgiving break.
The city hasn’t had a housing grant in at least six years or more, Lasky said. It was one which addressed housing needs in the Henry Street area.
She told council the planning department received 13 applications from qualifying residents within the city limits and she anticipates at least eight of those homeowners will receive housing revitalization or rehabilitation through those funds.
Of the $750,000 awarded, $575,000 is designated for housing improvements, $100,000 is designated for public facility improvements and up to $75,000 is designated for administrative fees. The role of the grant administrator includes helping the city meet the federal requirements and site visits. “The use of an experienced grant administrator is required as part of the grant agreement and the $75,000 or 10 percent of the grant amount is budgeted for their services,” Lasky said.
The next step in the process is for the city to advertise for requests for proposals on the grant administrator.
The public facilities improvement portion of the grant will fund the construction of a bathhouse at Chaloner Recreation Center to complement the recent improvements in the form of new playground equipment, a splash pad and improved walking trails.
Lasky said the bathhouse would be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act and would have ADA-compliant showers and restrooms.
Housing improvements are the city’s first priority for the project and it is estimated improvements for the eight homes could be around $50,000 each — some more, some less, Lasky said.
The aim of the housing rehabilitation or revitalization is to address homes owned and occupied by people who are at the following household income thresholds:
“We’re going to try to do as many as we can,” Lasky told council.
One of the responsibilities of the grant administrator will be to advertise and manage contract bids for all the work involved. She anticipates that will be some time in early summer. There will be a sealed bid later in process for selecting the contractor or contractors to do the revitalization or rehabilitation work.
She said, as judged by past projects, “You can see how it changes their lives. The improving of substandard housing makes an immediate impact. It’s a small step to addressing the city’s housing needs.”
Councilwoman Sandra Bryant said, “Thank you for doing this. It will be great for the area.”
Councilman Carl Ferebee said, “It’s a great program. I’m glad we were able to get that funding.”
City Manager Joseph Scherer recognized Lasky for her “tenacity and dedication to get us that grant.”
Lasky said anyone who believes they meet the guidelines are still encouraged to fill out the income and need survey which can be downloaded at this link.
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.
