A Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) of $129,000, and a Community Housing Improvement Program (CHIP) grant of $386,000, will be initiated for the improvements in January 2011.
“The chosen projects for the CDBG grant will include sidewalk improvements that will benefit 2,000 residents as well as Americans for Disabilities Act-accessible curb cuts that will benefit 1,331 disabled Portsmouth residents,” Murray said. “Funds have also been designated for installation of catch basins and storm sewers at the intersection of 17th Street and Hutchins and installation of new fire hydrants and valves in the area. These are essential needs in the Mound Park area and I am pleased that the city is able to fulfill these needs with grant monies.”
Murray said bio-retention planters are also included as a pilot “green” project.
The CHIP grant will focus on housing issues in the Mound Park area, in conjunction with the CDBG improvements, and will include home repair activities on existing owner-occupied housing.
“This opportunity will allow for one or two major system repairs to be completed on each of 12 units, yet be be selected,” Murray said. “Another part of the project will bring eight existing owner-occupied structures up to State of Ohio Residential Rehabilitation Standards (RRS).”
Murray said that also through the CHIP project, the city is able to commit $40,000 to assist the Scioto County Chapter of Habitat for Humanity in building two single-family houses in the Mound Park area.
“Portsmouth’s housing stock could and should be one of its most valuable assets,” Murray said. “That’s why improving and rebuilding our neighborhoods is a major priority for my administration. These projects are only the start of what Portsmouth can do to revitalize its neighborhoods.”
Frank Lewis may be reached at (740) 353-3101, ext. 232, or flewis@heartlandpublications.com.
a. Taking the last first, The Building's are under the care of a 501 3 c, with the registered officer X Mayor Kalb,
b. The Wooded play area under an unknown Civic Club and
c. finally The Park that assumingly belongs to the city. Does the City Auditor have it on his property list with its deed and value?
d. What about items 2 and 3?
e. This Mayor's announcement is the start, what is the completion?
f. When the Mayor cleans all the rats' nests out and can get on with governing and municipal management, administration, economic growth and development and all that municipal government should do in this United States of America, not just childish Fuss Fightin' etc.
g. Oh, and then there's the Recall and all the other gridlock on the PTown government. A reali9ty show for all to see.