Grants helping beautify New Port Richey

Sunday, November 23, 2008

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NEW PORT RICHEY (Bay News 9) -- Redevelopment grants are helping to beautify New Port Richey.

According to Bay News 9's partner paper, the St. Petersburg Times, the grant programs mark the first significant use of a $3-million pot of money meant to encourage redevelopment.

The program established by the grants helps residents and business owners fix up their properties. One of those programs is the "Paint Up, Fix Up" grant, which pays 50 percent matching funds of up to $2,000 for repairs or maintenance to the exterior of the house. Another program is the "Sign Improvement" grant, which matches funds of up to $2,000 for businesses that repair or replace their signs.

City leaders say the program not only makes the city look better, but also increases the value of the homes and businesses, which, in turn, increases the potential tax base.

Since the program started on Oct. 1, the city has paid out over $36,000 in grants for redevelopment.

Anyone seeking to obtain grant money has to fill out an application and then obtain three bids from prospective companies. The city then looks to see if the applicant owes back taxes or has code violations on that property. Those who are approved receive a rebate from the city after paying up front for the improvements and repairs.