Time is running out to apply for lead paint removal grant in Manchester
By Mark Hayward, The New Hampshire Union Leader, Manchester | |
McClatchy-Tribune Information Services |
Nearly
"We still have a lot of money to spend and only five months to get it under contract," Rounds said.
The program provides the grant as a loan, which is forgiven after five years as long as the parameters of the loan are followed. The program requires the landlord to rent to tenants with low or moderate incomes, and it encourages landlords to rent to tenants with children, Rounds said.
Rounds said any apartments with lead are eligible, whether or not a child has been poisoned at the apartment or not. Single family homes are eligible as long as a child lives in the home.
About a year ago, the city made the loans forgivable, after landlords showed little interest in the program.
With the change, the 3,500-member
Valente said she used to advise against the program because the loans, although with zero-percent interest, were not forgiven. She said it will be devastating for
"It employs people, it makes units safe, and it helps property owners," Valente said. Already, many insurance companies won't write homeowners policies for property with exposed lead, she said. She thinks government will eventually prohibit rental of apartments with lead.
She said the program is not popular because many landlords still fear they will have to repay the loan.
"Property owners still believe in the stigma of the loan; they can't get past it," Valente said.
She said the
Work involves the replacement of windows, doors and moldings, and painting of interior and exterior surfaces. About 190 rental units in
Anyone interested should call 623-9060 or visit www.leadsafemanchester.com.
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