HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Housing Commission will consider a request by the Neighborhood Development department of Hutch Rec for a Block-By-Block Investment program as part of their agenda.
According to August's unapproved meeting minutes, Denice Gilliland with Hutch Rec said there needs to be a program to help homeowners or landlords that need just a little bit of financial help to do a smaller home project but may not qualify for existing programs.
She told the commission at their meeting in August that many of these applicants would be capable of putting the sweat equity into their property. She explained the neighborhood coordinator will provide technical assistance to residents. The program would target middle income families and to keep a record of applicant information, applicants would submit the man hours they put into the project as well as their expenses.
She requested $50,000 of leftover ARPA funds to start this pilot program. Each applicant could get up to $1,500 to use for driveway approaches, window repairs, landscaping, exterior lighting, and other small improvements. The match would be 50% of the project cost.
The grant will be competitive and include featured neighborhoods south of 17th Ave. Applications that demonstrate how neighborhoods will work together and assist each other in their block improvements will have the best chance of approval. This would be similar to the sidewalk program and could be leveraged with Brush Up Hutch or neighborhood fundraising. To make a visible impact, several homes should be in close proximity.
Also on the agenda for the housing commission is a Featured Neighborhood Report from Adam Stewart, a report on the Hutchinson Land Bank from Jim Seitnater, and updates from Interfaith Housing, SCKEDD, & New Beginnings.
The Housing Commission will also discuss conclusions from the Joint Study Session on Housing.
The Hutchinson Housing Commission meets Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers Workroom at 125 East Avenue B.
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