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Date: 3/17/2021
BLANDFORD – Town Administrator Joshua Garcia has announced a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) award of $449,825 for eligible homeowners to make necessary repairs in their homes.
Garcia said the town applied for the competitive grant award in collaboration with the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission (PVPC); the first time that Blandford has offered housing rehabilitation assistance through this program, which has been ongoing in several area towns, including Chester, Huntington and Russell.
Income-qualified residents who earn up to 80 percent of the median income may apply for up to $40,000 in non-interest bearing deferred payment loans.
“This is a payment-free and interest-free loan, based on a 15 year forgiveness schedule,” Garcia said in his announcement.
Some of the eligible projects through this grant include chimney or foundation repair; roof repair and replacement; storm window installation; plumbing/heating/electrical systems; weatherization; lead paint and asbestos removal, and handicapped accessibility.
The PVPC will be coordinating this program on Blandford’s behalf.
Garcia said the town is currently working on contractual logistics before rolling out the program to residents. “We hope to get this program off the ground and running in the very near future,” he said.
Additionally, a portion of the grant will be used to engage a consultant for drafting an ADA compliance transition plan at public buildings, according to Garcia.