Here are a few of the legislative highlights from Tuesday’s Birmingham City Council meeting, in case you missed it.
On Tuesday, the Birmingham City Council received an update on the Critical Repair Program, which is now offering up to $30,000 in home repairs for residents who meet the guidelines established by the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
This year’s program is the largest ever, with more that $4 million committed to serve at least 250 homes. This is in comparison to the $2 million spent on 224 homes over the last three years of the program.
This year, the City will also be doubling the amount of funding for each home from $15,000 to $30,000.
In addition to the allocated funding, several Birmingham City Councilors have committed money from their individual district’s American Rescue Plan Act funds to help bolster the program in their districts.
Applications are now available at all Birmingham Public Libraries and the online application portal will go live on Friday, February 17th.
“I’m very excited to see the Critical Repair Program opening up and expanding its reach,” Council President Wardine Alexander said. “I had a neighbor who spoke to me the other day and was saying how excited she was about potentially participating in this program. I know there is a great deal of interest across all nine districts so I look forward to seeing this continue to grow.”
There will be an application fair at the Fountain Heights Recreation Center on Friday, February 17th from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm – city officials will be available to assist residents filling out their applications. The window to submit applications will be from February 17th to February 28th and they will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis.
Applications will be accepted in person on the 10th floor of City Hall or online at Birminghamal.gov/community-development.
“I know a lot of our elderly residents and those on fixed incomes may not have the funding to make these much-needed repairs themselves. This program could be life changing for those residents,” Council President Crystal Smitherman said.
According to the application, “Eligible program participants must own and occupy the home to be repaired and have no intent of discontinuing occupancy of the home in the foreseeable future. Eligible program participants must meet the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) income requirements for low-and-moderate income households at the time of application. Eligible program participants must be current on property taxes for the assisted unit.”
Here are some of the eligible repairs that qualify under this program:
Roof Replacement
· HVAC repair of replacement
·Plumbing repairs
·Electrical repairs
· • Limited sewer repairs
· • Limited structural repairs
· • Exterior painting
BOARD APPOINTMENTS
There are two terms expiring on the Commercial Development Authority. The five-member body partners with the City to create economic development opportunities that expand the tax base of the City.
The qualifications to serve are as follows: Member may not be an officer of the state, county or city. Must be a duly qualified elector of the city. The term limits are four years.
All interested parties, please submit your resumes to India.Bailey@Birminghamal.gov
