Coppell City Council received a briefing on the program during a work session Feb. 13, directing staff to proceed with plans of a trial program funded by American Rescue Plan Act funding. The funds for the American Rescue Plan Act come from the federal government and must be earmarked for spending by the end of the year.
The overview
Director of Community Development Mindi Hurley said applicants for the grant program can use city funds to pay for a portion of exterior improvements. The framework for the residential rehabilitation program was discussed by the city’s Future Oriented Approach to Residential Development task force, she added.
Hurley said up to 50% of expenditures for a rehabilitation project could be reimbursed, up to $10,000. One grant per property can be awarded over a 24-month period, and a property owner can only receive a grant for up to two properties within 24 months, according to program details.
“Coppell is a community of choice, and we want it to stay that way,” Hurley said. “In order to do so, we want to help protect the greatest investment that most of our residents will ever have.”
The specifics
The program is specifically designed to assist owners of older homes—those at least 30 years old—which pertains to more than 7,500 homes, or about 63% of housing units in Coppell, Hurley said.
The program is for exterior improvements, she added, provided certain criteria are met.
- A residence must be 30 years or older.
- Property owner must apply for a grant for a primary residence or rental property.
- Projects must be worth at least $1,000.
- A property must obtain building permits and pass all inspections.
What’s next?
City staff will notify residents about applications being accepted in late March or April, she said.
“I’m very excited about this program,” council member Kevin Nevels said. “I think it is something that our residents need and something that will benefit our older housing stock.”
