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Port Richey Implementing Fix-up Grant Program

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By KLINT LOWRY | The Suncoast News

Published: September 3, 2008

PORT RICHEY - In a survey mailed to residents as part of a an strategic planning project, residents were asked several questions about the most pressing issues City Hall should address in the short and long term.

One of the prevailing themes among the responses was the city needs a facelift, both in its neighborhoods and business areas.

Soon, residents who are willing to put their money where their words are will be able to get help from the city in spiffing up their own little pieces of Port Richey. On Wednesday, The Port Richey Redevelopment Agency approved resolutions for several residential and business improvement grant programs.

During the drafting of the city fiscal 2009 budget, the CRA approved $150,000 in funding to support residential and business property improvements. The money will be distributed in the form of grants requiring matching funds.

Applications for the grants will be accepted as of Oct. 1, the start of the fiscal year.

In all, five grant programs were developed, each for a specific project. They all work essentially the same way.

The process begins with an application describing the project. For residential grants, the property owner is the applicant, and the property must be owner-occupied. For commercial grants, owners or renters can apply. The renter would need written approval from the owner.

Property improved with the grants must be within the boundaries of the city's redevelopment area.

The city's Housing and Development Committee must approve an application before a project begins.

The work must be performed by a contractor specializing in the kind of work described in the application, or by the applicant. Applicants who do their own work cannot seek reimbursement for their own labor or for tools and equipment they buy or rent for the project.

Once the work is done and passes inspection, grant money is awarded on a dollar-for-dollar basis, with different caps for each type of grant.

The Paint-Up, Fix-Up Program is a "pride of ownership" grant, providing up to $1,000 in matching funds for home improvements including exterior painting, exterior door repair and replacement, roof repair and replacement, hurricane shutters, fascia and soffit and gutters.

The Residential Redevelopment Grant is for properties with a fair market value of $125,000 or less before improvements. Homeowners can get up to $2,000 in matching funds for new home construction, room additions, central heat and air conditioning, building an attached garage or converting a carport into a finished garage or habitable space.

The Facade Improvement Grant is aimed at improving the exterior of new or preexisting commercial buildings. The grant allows for reimbursement for architectural façade renovation, replacement or installation of doors and window, Replacing or installing permanent awnings, parking and paving improvements, restoration of historic appearance, exterior lighting, landscaping and irrigation systems.

There is also a Business Interior Restoration Grant that allows businesses to do interior work from floor to ceiling, installing or removing walls, doors and windows. They can also make electrical and plumbing alterations, meet ADA requirements and install new lighting and other permanent fixtures.

The Sign Grant allows businesses to replace or upgrade permanent exterior signage. Grants are for up to $2,000 in matching funds.

For those who want to get a head start on planning a project, Applications and brochures for each of the grant programs are available at the Redevelopment Department at City Hall, 6333 Ridge Road. For more information, call 727-816-1900, Ext. 135 or e-mail redevelopment@copr.net.

Klint Lowry can be reached at 727-815-1067 or klowry@suncoastnews.com.

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