Parkersburg to receive major housing rehabilitation grant

One of Parkersburg’s oldest neighborhoods is about to get a major facelift thanks to a $225,000 grant from the federal department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and it marks the second major award the city has received this year.

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), which was announced at last Monday night’s city council meeting, will be available to homeowners in need of funding for repairs and renovations and is set to cover the general area from Grant Street north to the railroad tracks east of Main Street—although, as city administrator Chris Luhring notes, those who live just outside of these boundaries are still encouraged to apply. The neighborhood was ultimately chosen due to its low to middle income profile, proximity to both downtown and the elementary and high schools, and high rate of ownership.

“One of our goals was to help the city preserve some of the older homes of this neighborhood,” Luhring said. “Not everybody is going to have money to build a brand new house.”

While new housing developments and empty lots have been crucial selling points for small communities hoping to grow—Parkersburg in particular— officials are also sensing a need for more affordable living quarters that attract younger individuals and couples looking to plant roots in towns like this.

“I call it a holistic approach,” Luhring said. “You can’t just dump all of your resources in one thing or another.”

For the full story, see this week’s Eclipse News-Review. Subscribe by calling 319-346-1461 or by clicking here.

Parkersburg Eclipse News-Review

503 Coates St.
Parkersburg, IA 50665
Phone:  319-346-1461

Mid-America Publishing

This newspaper is part of the Mid-America Publishing Family. Please visit www.midampublishing.com for more information.