By Bella Timmerding
Lexington could soon offer funds to help low-income residents make home repairs.
The proposed program, which still requires approval by Lexington City Council, would offer no-interest loans that would be deferred until the house is sold.
Tom Carroll, city manager, said $250,000 has already been set aside for the project. The goal is to help residents avoid citations and fines for problems like peeling paint or overgrown yards.
The Rockbridge Valley Program for Aging Services said the proposed program would help older residents. For instance, more elderly residents could stay independent at home instead of moving to assisted living facilities.
“The vast majority of private residences within Lexington city limits are quite old and as such, perpetually in need of some type of repair,” said Beth Bland, VPAS executive director. “For our seniors on a fixed income, it’s difficult to find the money needed.”
Lexington has tried similar programs in the past, offering grants to low-income residents to avoid code violations, said Arne Glaeser, city planning and development director.
“When given the resources and the chance,” Glaeser said, “many residents fixed the problem right away.”
Carroll, who became city manager in June, patterned the program after leading a similar one at his last job in Silverton, Ohio city government. Jack Cameron, now Silverton manager, said the need was so great that “the county began offering a similar type of homeowner repair assistance.”
Carroll and Glaeser are compiling a list of 40 houses that need repairs. If city council approves the plan, which could happen after the first of the year, they will publicize the loans and promote renovations.
“The homeowner ages in place in their home, the neighborhood has a well-maintained home,” Carroll said, “the city gets repaid eventually, and the contractor who performs the work is paid in full.”