Grant-built homes near completion

By BRENDA BROWN

knhedit@kilgorenewsherald.com

Four new homes constructed with money from the city and a state grant will soon be ready for occupancy, and a fifth residence, a mobile home, is already occupied.

B.J. Owen, the city’s director of Special Services, told the city council Tuesday night the new homes replace “horrible” living conditions for most of the homeowners.

The city applied for and received a $300,000 HOME grant earlier this year to tear down the substandard homes and build replacements. The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs administers the grant with federal monies and the city kicked in $68,000. Gary Traylor & Associates in Tyler wrote the grant proposal on the city’s behalf.

In exchange, building contractor Broxson Hardware & Construction, based in Lovelady, submitted the low bids to remove the old and construct the four “stick-built” houses, which average about $60,000 each.

The houses are located at 210 Choice St., 508 Hale St., 702 Newtown Dr. and 125 Bailey St. The mobile home is located at 411 Hale.

Each new residence is approximately 882 square feet and includes two bedrooms, a bathroom, kitchen and living room, as well as an energy-efficient stove and refrigerator. The mobile home has slightly more square footage but basically features the same amenities.

The homeowners had to find other places to live, at their own expense, during the construction period. Most of the residents have been living with family members.

Owen said that one of the elderly new-home recipients left all of her possessions behind and her children are buying all-new furniture and household goods when she finally moves in.

“Her children have been more excited then she. At first, she was worried about losing her home, but now that the new one is almost complete, she’s excited,” Owen said.

The homes will each have a concrete driveway and a bit of landscaping included.

To qualify for HOME grants, families/and or individuals, usually the elderly, must fall within low income guidelines but also have clear title to their existing residence and the land on which it is situated. Their property taxes must also be paid in full.

The loans for the new homes are forgiven by the state if the resident lives in the home for five years following construction. If the resident sells within that time, the loan must be repaid but it incurs zero interest, Owen said. If the homeowner should die within that time, his or her heirs may inherit the home if it is to become their primary residence.