The Leesburg City Commission in Florida approved a program that will award grants to low- and moderate-income families to repair the exteriors of their homes, according to the Daily Commercial. Initially, the program was planned to cover interior and exterior renovation projects, but was reduced to cover only exterior projects in its final scope.
Several commissioners balked at the idea of spending city money to fix interior home problems. They instead envision the program addressing the exterior blight that makes homes look shabby as a way of increasing home values and neighborhood appearances.
Speaking before the commission meeting, Leesburg City Manager Al Minner said the city expects to set aside about $100,000 in the first year of the program. He called it the sister program to the successful commercial facade grant effort that businesses are using to improve and beautify their storefronts.
“Essentially, what we’re trying to do is improve the housing stock in the older neighborhoods,” Minner said. “We’re trying to improve home values and the aesthetics of the community.”
The grants do not cover the addition of rooms, conversion of spaces into new living areas or the addition of sheds, garages or carports. They also don’t cover security alarm systems or appliances.
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