Low-to-moderate income homeowners in southwest Emporia could soon see some benefits of a new housing grant approved by the Emporia City Commission Wednesday.
Commissioners have paved the way for the city to apply for a $300,000 housing grant from the Kansas Department of Commerce for Small Cities Community Development Block Grant fund. Housing Specialist Jeff Lynch told commissioners Wednesday that 22 homeowners in and around the Riverside Elementary area have shown interest in the rehabilitation of properties. Approximately 16 of those homes will be selected for approval. City Commissioner Bobbi Mlynar says it’s a great program to help some of those homeowners make needed upgrades.
The total project is estimated to cost approximately $438,200. The target area in southwest Emporia is bound by the South Ave. on the north by Commercial Street on the east, by Lawrence Street on the west and Kansas Ave. on the south.
In other business Wednesday, commissioners approved a $67,758 grant to Plumb Place and SOS by the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation. Commissioners also overrode a Joint Traffic Safety Committee decision to deny placement of two stop signs at the intersection of Crestview Drive and Twin Lakes Drive by 3-0-1 vote, with Danny Giefer abstaining. Commissioner Jon Geitz was absent from Wednesday’s meeting.
The City Commission will meet for a study session at 9:30 a.m. Aug. 8.
