2 years, 3 months ago by Scott Hardy
1st reading of ordinance heard to create Small Rental Rehabilitation Program
The Quincy City Council has heard a first reading of a proposed ordinance that would set up a program to aid developers in rehabbing rental units in the city, especially west of 18th Street. Scott Hardy has more.
( Audio 1:56 )
The Council heard that first reading of an ordinance Tuesday night that would set up the Small Rental Rehabilitation Program, which would be similar to the Downtown Rental Rehab program. That program aids developers who renovate empty upper floor space in multi-story buildings into market-rate apartments. City Director of Planning and Development Chuck Bevelheimer explained after the meeting that under the program, the city would provide up to 20 thousand dollars as a 50 per cent match to developers who renovate empty housing into affordable rental units. He says the program is a way to get some units off the City's Fix or Flatten program.
( Chuck Bevelheimer :25 )
Bevelheimer plans to ask for one million dollars over the next four years, with the hopes of renovating 12 units a year. He says the City is hearing from people who are interested in the Quincy's Calling program about the lack of affordable rental housing.
( Chuck Bevelheimer :21 )
The Council approved a resolution of support for the City to apply for a $2.4 million grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. The money, if approved by the State, would fund a streetscape project on 6th Street in The District. That project would improve pedestrian and bike traffic on 6th Street between Maine and Hampshire. The City was earlier turned down for a $1 million grant for the project from the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program.
