POTSDAM -- The village is considering submitting an application for a $400,000 New York State Small Cities Community Development Block Grant for housing rehabilitation.

Village homeowners and landlords who may be interested in receiving grant assistance for housing renovations may contact Fred Hanss at the Potsdam Planning and Development Office, 265-1670.

Among the repairs that grant funds can be used to make are:

• repairing or replacing structural systems (foundation, floor, wall and roof structures)

• repairing or replacing electrical, plumbing (supply and waste lines as well as water and sewer laterals), heating and life safety systems

• installing windows, doors and insulation

• replacing or repairing siding, roofing, porches and steps; and, other health or safety problems.

Homeowners may qualify for a grant equal to 100 percent of eligible repair costs, while landlords may receive a grant for up to 75 percent of repair costs with a below-market interest rate loan from the village for the remainder.

To be eligible for assistance, homeowners must have an annual income that is within the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s limits, and provide a copy of the deed or land contract. Grant assistance cannot be made available to landlords renting to undergraduate university students.

To be eligible for the grants, at least 51 percent of rental properties rehabilitated must be occupied by tenants whose income meets HUD limits. In a two-family rental property at least one of the units must be occupied by an income-eligible tenant, in a three-family rental property, at least two of the tenants must meet guidelines.

People interested in participating should contact the Planning and Development Office. Staff will conduct a short telephone survey on basic eligibility information and may schedule a follow-up inspection of the condition of the property. This information will be used to help the village demonstrate that Potsdam has a serious need for housing rehabilitation assistance.

The village’s application will be submitted in late May.