In April and May of this year, the Ellsworth Planning Department held Public Information meetings to determine the level of need and interest of Ellsworth home and apartment building owners to make improvements to their properties and to discuss ways to assist in the financing of those improvements. The meetings were exceptionally well attended and a contact list was generated in order to keep all interested parties informed of future developments. People who inquired about the program by directly contacting the Planning Department were also added to this contact list.
The Planning Department submitted a grant application to the State and was notified in early June that the City was selected for funding in the amount of $300,000 through a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG).
On Tuesday, June 14th, 2016, the Planning Department sent notification by mail to all the interested parties on their contact list. The notification announced the receipt of the grant award and information that the department was making plans to launch what will be called the Ellsworth Housing Initiatives Project in the late fall of 2016. Plans include a fall workshop which will be advertised and to which those on the contact list will be directly notified.
Improvements, repairs, and renovations covered by the grant will need to meet safety and health criteria and will include, but are not limited to, replacement of deteriorated steps, doors, windows, porches, railings, roofs, chimneys, foundations, siding, insulation, heating, electrical and plumbing. Eligible properties must be within a designated “urban core” area within the City and income limits apply.
The Planning Department is currently in the process of developing a form (soon to be available on the City’s Website) that will be used to collect contact information from anyone wishing to be added to the contact list in order to receive notices and updates on the project. People may also visit City Hall, or send an email – with name, address, phone number and email address to: mgagnon@ellsworthmaine.gov or jnewman@ellsworthmaine.gov – in order to be added to the contact list.
