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A Program In Estherville That Encourages Exterior Improvements To Homes Is Gaining In Popularity

December 13, 2023 Steve Schwaller

(Estherville)– An incentive program in Estherville that provides assistance to residents improving the outside of their homes continues to grow in popularity. The city council recently approved 14 awards through Excel Estherville’s Neighborhood Facade Program. City Administrator Penny Clayton…

“Back in September the council approved $40,000 for the Neighborhood Facade Grant program. This is the fourth year of this program and it’s been very well received. We did receive 25 applications. The Excel Estherville Committee was able to review those projects, the proposed projects, and actually have 14 that they would like the council to consider awarding. Estimated cost would be $52,778.”

Clayton says the program is serving two important purposes…

“These projects are all for properties that are re-siding or re-painting their homes, and so we feel strongly that these will have a positive impact on the neighborhood that they’re in, including spurring other people to want to do projects. But they also have a significant impact in maintaining our housing stock and improving the image that our community presents.”

In addition to approving the 14 applications, the council also agreed recently to put an additional $16,000 toward the program for the upcoming year, with the funds coming from Local Option Sales Tax revenue.

Homeowners who are approved for the grant must spend at least $8,000 on a project in order to receive the maximum $4,000 award. Clayton says the grant is a reimbursement and proof of completion must be made before the funding can be received.

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