March 29, 2024
BANGOR DAILY NEWS (BANGOR, MAINE

Dexter officials near next phase of projected renovations of homes

DEXTER — Dexter officials are about to begin accepting applications for housing rehabilitation work after a delay in the second phase of development due to a holdup in federal funds.

The Dexter Office of Community Development is working with the state Department of Economic and Community Development to establish guidelines for the 1996 housing rehabilitation project. A workshop on the second phase was held in Augusta last month. It was designed to set the schedule for completion of Dexter’s guidelines. These include eligibility standards, application format, contract specificiations and grant and loan options.

Last November and December, the Dexter community development office, with assistance from the Eastern Maine Development Corp., targeted about 35 homes for rehabilitation in the southeast quadrant of town. Most of these homes lie along the Upper Garland Road, Route 94, the old Charleston Road and the Airport Road. In addition, a number of rental units have been identified for this project. Other homes and rental units in Dexter may qualify for rehabilitation through this grant, but priority will be given to homes in the designated area.

The rehabilitation funds will be available to homeowners or renters whose income is considered “low to moderate,” according to Maine Department of Labor income levels for Penobscot County. Once a residence is inspected and rehabilitation work is ordered, a part of the total cost of the repairs will be paid by the resident. The remainder will be paid through a low-interest loan. In extreme cases, a portion of the total project may be paid for through a direct loan.

Eligible activities for this housing rehabilitation project include structural repair or replacement, roofing, insulation, heating systems, septic and water systems, chimney repair, window replacement and weatherization. The town will send applications to all residents who were surveyed for this project, as well as those on a current mailing list with the Dexter Office of Community Development.

Once an application is on file, the applicant’s residence will be inspected and, if eligible, a work order will be placed. The town will put work specifications out to bid in local newspapers and the selected contractor will be expected to complete the described work within 60 days after signing the contract.

John Simko, community development director, said this week, “We’re looking forward to beginning this project in Dexter. The rehabilitation of local homes with the help of the Community Development Block Grant funds should boost our local economy and improve the quality of life for many residents. By offering these funds through low-interest loans, the town of Dexter will be able to generate funds for future rehabilitation projects.”


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