Explanation
BACKGROUND: This legislation authorizes up to $1,000,000 from the Housing Preservation Fund to the Department of Development, Housing Division for targeted distribution through the Hilltop Home Repair Program. The funds will be used to provide financial assistance to eligible homeowners for necessary and prioritized home improvements in a targeted area within the Hilltop neighborhood.
On June 17, 2013 Columbus City Council passed Ordinance 1286-2013 authorizing the creation of the Hilltop Home Repair Program. This ordinance represents City Council's continued commitment to the Hilltop Home Repair Program to serve the housing needs of the Hilltop neighborhood. Eligible participants are those homeowners who live within the boundaries described in Exhibit A as determined by the Department of Development.
The staffing costs associated with this housing program are initially expensed to the General Fund or other funds, however, project related activities are able to be expensed using capital funds. Time spent on capital-related projects are tracked and expensed accordingly to the appropriate capital fund. The process is consistent with the City of Columbus procedure to reimburse the General Fund or other funds for the portion of the staff time attributable to capital projects.
The Department of Development Housing Division will partner with Homes on the Hill CDC (HOTH), a non-profit community development corporation dedicated to creating a community that welcomes and cares for all people. Located in Columbus Ohio, HOTH works to improve the economic and social quality of life for residents of the Westside. HOTH will work with the Housing Division to market the program, identify potential grant recipients and coordinate the application process with the applicants. The Hilltop Home Repair Program assists homeowners with necessary and prioritized home repairs while facilitating pride and responsible ownership within the following targeted area (identified...
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