In an effort to revitalize neighborhoods within the Northwest Neighborhood and Riverview area, public improvements have been and will continue to be made using federal and local grants, city officials said Tuesday.
A City Commission meeting was held Tuesday on the Visit Owensboro trolley for their monthly work session, and they took a drive-by tour of the various homes and vacant lots that have already received improvements or will be receiving them in the near future.
The projects that the Owensboro Community Development department undertake include single-family rehabilitation, single-family new builds, existing homeowner exterior rehabilitation, down payment assistance, First Street improvements, demolition of dilapidated structures, and commercial exterior rehabilitations.
Mayor Tom Watson said the people who claim that elected officials aren’t doing anything for that side of town need to keep these projects in mind.
A list of both completed and future improvements and constructions can be found below.
First Street Improvements- Public Improvements
Federal and local grants will be used to complete utility undergrounding and make intersection improvements from Elm Street to Hanning Lane.
Estimated cost: $2.7 million.
81 Woodford Avenue- Down Payment Assistance
The HOME Investment Partnerships Program is providing a grant that will aid a first-time homebuyer.
Total investment: $124,900.
76 Woodford Avenue- Single Family New Build
This vacant lot was purchased in 2020 and used Community Catalyst Grant funds.
Total investment: $109,250.
70 Woodford Avenue- Single Family Rehabilitation
This house was restored using a grant from the Community Catalyst Grant program.
Total investment: $115,920
56 Woodford Avenue- City New Build
The city will construct a single-family home in this vacant lot with the help of HOME Investment Partnerships Program funding and the city’s revolving loan fund ($75,000). The house will be sold to an income-qualifying first-time homebuyer.
Total anticipated investment: $271,250.
1530 and 1531 Herr Avenue- Rental Rehabilitation Program
The Community Catalyst Grant will fund rehabilitation of the interior and exterior of the rental properties.
Total combines investment: $16,000
1535 Herr Avenue- City New Build
This vacant lot was purchased by the city back in 1993, which they will now build a single-family home on using HOME Investment Partnerships Program funding and the city’s revolving loan fund ($75,000). The house will be sold to an income qualifying first-time homebuyer.
Total anticipated investment: $250,000.
1532 Herr Avenue- Single-Family Rehabilitation and Down Payment Assistance
This home, originally bought in 1915, needed extensive renovations, including plumbing, electrical, flooring, heating/air duct, ceiling, and wall work. Using private funds in addition to a Community Catalyst Grant, the home received all of these things and more. Upon completion, it was sold to a first-time homebuyer, utilizing the HOME Investment Partnerships program.
Total public investment: $32,154.
Total private investment: $217,000.
