More green space coming to Olive Hill

June 29--Olive Hill may be getting some extra green space thanks to a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grant that would buy one property on Chili Street.

While the window for showing interest in the program has closed, a separate grant that will pay for 75% of the appraised value of a piece of property was available for application.

Mayor Kenny Fankell said that they only had about a week to notify residents back in March.

"We called everyone that would have been eligible," he added. A representative for the Kentucky Emergency Management Agency (KYEM) said there will be more granting cycles in the future for affected properties.

They also said "the current application was for $99,485; 75 percent federal. If awarded, the amount covers numerous costs such as property acquisition, legal fees, title searches, appraisal, demolition, clearance, restoration to green space, etc.

One person on Chili Street has put in an application of interest. Cathy Fisher, Olive Hill's grants manager, said that person is not committed to selling their property if they do not accept the offer from FEMA.

A total of 30 properties on Chili and Whitt streets were eligible for the 75 percent buyout, for those who had not maintained their flood insurance since the flood from 2010.

For more information, contact Olive Hill City Hall at 285-5533.

Cory Claxon can be reached at [email protected] or by telephone at 315-4518.

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