SitemapThe city’s board of control is expected to vote today on $5.3 million worth of American Rescue Plan programs with the largest being $5 million to help people buy and maintain homes in Youngstown. City council on Dec. 20 approved creating the “At Home in Youngstown” $5 million fund to be administered by Huntington Bank. The agenda for today’s board of control agenda includes a professional services agreement with Huntington for the $5 million and a memorandum of understanding with Catholic Charities to handle applications for the funding.
Expenses covered under the program include a maximum of $5,000 for down payments and closing costs and up to an additional $10,000 for interior plumbing, electrical and structural repairs and energy efficient upgrades to windows, furnaces and hot water tanks. Those who qualify must live in the house in the city for at least five years or the funds have to be returned. Total annual household income must fall between $27,450 and $104,220 with the homebuyer’s minimum contribution being $500.
The $5 million for At Home in Youngstown is one of the largest ARP allocations for a single program in Youngstown. The city received $82,775,370 in ARP funds. The two other ARP items on the board’s agenda are $250,000 for corridor improvements in the 2nd Ward and $50,000 for solar security lights in the 6th Ward. Councilman Jimmy Hughes, D-2nd Ward, sponsored the corridor improvements legislation at council’s June 20 meeting.
The ARP funds will go to the Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corp. to manage improvements on properties adjacent to primary and secondary thoroughfares in the ward, which includes most of the East Side.
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