04-02-2002 RA RPT 04 - Laserfiche WebLink

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CITY OF RIVERSIDE AGENCY MEMORANDUM People Serving People Riverside AIFAmerica City HONORABLE MAYOR AND AGENCY MEMBERS DATE: April 02, 2002 ITEM NO: 4 SUBJECT: REQUEST FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF A HOME IMPROVEMENT REBATE PROGRAM - LA SIERRA UNIVERSITY NEIGHBORHOOD - FUNDS TRANSFER BACKGROUND: On March 7, 2000 and again on August 28, 2001 the Redevelopment Agency approved a Home Improvement Rebate Program (HIRP) in the Arlington and Eastside neighborhoods respectively. This program provides homeowners a rebate equal to 80% of their expenses up to $2,000 for home improvements to the exterior of their home. In the last year nine homes have been renovated, and five more have been approved for funding in Arlington, and one home has been approved for funding in the Eastside. Staff is very pleased with the results of participating houses, and is confident that continuing marketing efforts and area expansion will increase the visible neighborhood improvements facilitated by HIRP. CURRENTISSUE: Staff now requests approval to implement a rebate program for the purposes of improving the exteriors of single family homes that are viewable from the street. These rebates would also be available to correct minor deficiencies in conjunction with the City's code enforcement program (i.e., landscaping ordinance, etc.) as they pertain to the visible exterior of a home. Criteria for this program would be as follows: · This program would cover single family, owner occupied, homes in the La Sierra University Neighborhood target area (see attached map); Would be available to target area residents who earn at 120% of the Riverside County Median Income (adjusted for household size). The current Riverside County median income for a family of four is $49,900; Would allow for rebates to a maximum of $2000 for most types of exterior improvements to a home that are visible from the street (with the exception of roofs, which are covered under the citywide CDBG program); The rebate program would pay for 80% of eligible improvements, up to the maximum program amount; Rebates are made upon the submittal of approved receipts to the City. One hundred percent of all rebates must be used for exterior beautification/rehabilitation (i.e., no cash is provided to the homeowner); Loud house paint colors, or improvements not in keeping with the character of the neighborhood would not be eligible for reimbursement; Tools and supplies (such as tape, paint brushes, rakes, power tools, etc.) are not eligible rebate items; 4-1