To the editor:

I am writing to bring to the attention of your readers two grants offered by the City of Green Park. I suggested these grants in 2016 and advocated for them repeatedly over many months. The grants were codified via City Ordinance at the January 22, 2018 meeting of the Board of Aldermen and were thereafter available to citizens.

The First-Time Homeowner Down Payment Assistance Program provides up to $5,000 to potential residents who are unable to meet a down payment requirement to secure a conventional home loan on a single-family residence in Green Park. The Neighborhood Enhancement Program provides up to $5,000 to resident homeowners for a variety of home repairs and, or, improvements. Both grants have a five-year residency requirement after which the grant repayment is forgiven. Thus, it is in essence free money to qualified applicants.

The goal of both grants is to promote residency in Green Park, increase owner-occupied residency and encourage long-term home ownership. Also, to help resident homeowners maintain and, or, improve their property. Unfortunately, both grants have been underutilized.

Green Park’s foundation is a viable residential community of owner-occupied homes. My hope is that this letter will be effective in “spreading the word” and generating participation in these programs.

Michael Broughton

Green Park

Editor’s note: Michael Broughton is a Ward 1 alderman in Green Park.