Keuka Housing Council gets $1.3M

TRI-COUNTY AREA—Of $5 million available for housing grants, the Keuka Housing Council was awarded $1.3 million.
Kathy Disbrow, director of the Keuka Housing Council, said she applied for two grants back in April, from New York State Housing and Community Renewal and New York State Affordable Housing. In Yates, the funds will be used for 10 house rehabilitations, 10 mobile home replacements, and five brand new modular homes.
Disbrow said she collaborated with Julie Chevalier, Community Progress Inc. executive director, in applying for the funds. Community Progress was also a recipient of about $300,000 from these programs. The agency covers Schuyler, Chemung, and part of Steuben.
The Keuka Housing Council is currently accepting applications from eligible Yates County residents for any of rehabilitation or new housing funds. Disbrow said the council will take applications for 30 to 40 days. She explained submissions will then be reviewed and people interviewed. Work will probably start in the spring.
Besides living on a “modest income,” other qualifications include owning the house and land. Disbrow said if it is a mobile home, it has to be dilapidated. She added owners need to be up to date on paying property taxes and have current insurance.
Disbrow said after surveying town and village code enforcement officers, she was told there are 274 dilapidated mobile homes owned by residents. She said those are the kind of homes that would be eligible for the mobile home replacements.
“Each homeowner must contribute $3,000 plus sales tax,” said Disbrow.
She explained this will total around $5,000. Disbrow added a Community Bank loan will also be available. She said the owner must live in the home for 10 or 15 years. After that, the loan is forgivable.
“It may seem like a lot of money to give out for homes,” said Disbrow. However, she explained the state found it was more cost effective to build Energy Star manufactured homes than apartments.