George Mae Taylor, of 2221 Fourth Ave. S. in Columbus, has waited 15 years for a new home, And she”ll never forget the day she learned her dream will be realized, at no cost to her.
“I got on my knees and prayed and then I started to shout,” Taylor recalled of learning the city would demolish her decaying home and rebuild a three-bedroom house in its place.
Thanks to a Home Investment Partnership Program grant, city crews will demolish three dilapidated homes in a one-block area and build new homes in their place for three lucky residents.
Taylor will share her new home with her two daughters and a grandchild.
“Thank the Lord,” she said. “He blessed me, he blessed them and I”m grateful.”
Lula Rice, of 310 23rd St. S., will get a new four-bedroom home, which she will share with her two grandsons, a granddaughter and a great-grandson.
“I”m speechless right now,” Rice said Wednesday, standing with Taylor, her neighbor, in front of the homes which will be demolished. “I just thank God. It”s been a long time. He is so good all the time.”
City officials applied twice for the $237,000 grant, which requires a $60,000 match from the city, before being accepted, noted Federal Programs and Building Inspections Director George Irby.
The money must be spent on houses, within close proximity to each other, which suffer from five deficiencies: Roofing, flooring, electrical, plumbing and heating system problems.
Through the grant program, which last was utilized in Columbus in 1999, the city previously demolished and rebuilt 24 houses.
The new homeowners — which also include Laura Cockrell, of 514 23rd St. S., who will get a two-bedroom house — only will be asked to pay $11 to file a deed of trust for their new homes.
Until the new homes are completed, likely within a year, they will find temporary residences and storage for their furniture.
“By the city receiving this grant, this shows the city is trying to improve blighted neighborhoods and improve the living conditions of citizens in certain blighted areas of the city,” said Columbus Mayor Robert Smith. “As mayor, I am elated to see the city receive these grants and assist our citizens and for them to receive new homes, free of charge.
“I would also like to commend and congratulate George Irby and (Federal Programs and Building Inspections Office employee) Travis Jones for applying for the grant and following through on the grant,” he added.
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