Lock Haven Council Okays Housing Rehab

LOCK HAVEN — City council Monday gave a second and final approval to a $500,000 housing rehabilitation grant.

Mayor Rick Vilello lauded the continuation of the federally-funded program for owner-occupied dwellings. He said it will “provide a valuable service for seniors desiring to stay in their homes as long as they can.”

Vilello said the grants can be used to make qualifying owner-occupied homes more energy efficient, lowering the cost of maintaining the homes.

70 percent of the money is geared towards home owners age 60 and above, the remainder for younger home owners. Upgrades are free to qualifying city residents.

Work can range from rewiring to insulation installation to roof repairs to lead paint removal.

The federal dollars flow through the state Department of Community and Economic Development.

Vilello said the new round of funding should provide for upgrading 20 to 25 homes for home owners who meet the income guidelines.