Stark County, November 1, 2011

Have you been putting off those nagging repairs to an older home? Does your roof need attention? Do you need to paint your wood siding or trim? Perhaps there are things you’ve meant to do to make your home more energy efficient before winter. The Community Building Partnership of Stark County, Inc. (CBP) has partnered with the Cleveland Restoration Society (CRS) and KeyBank to introduce a specialized maintenance program for owners of older and historic homes that are 50 years old and older. The Heritage Home Program, which is administered by the non-profit CRS, with the support of the Ohio Housing Finance Agency and the State Treasurer, provides low interest financing and free technical advice to enable owners of 1–3-unit properties for home rehab. Heritage staff provides in depth assistance to homeowners via site visits, custom construction specifications, historic color consults, and collateral materials. The program will be available throughout Canton, although CBP and CRS will target specific neighborhoods that have historic housing stock: Ridgewood/Vassar Park, West Park, Market Heights, and Harter Heights. The Canton Preservation Society is a partner in the program.

Homeowners can use a 10-year term rehabilitation loan at 3-4% below prime to fund a large variety of home maintenance and improvement projects. Houses that are built before 1961 and have no vinyl or aluminum siding are eligible for both exterior and interior projects. Non-owner occupied properties up to a three family are also eligible. Projects range from new roofs, painting, landscaping, porch repair, additions, window repair, driveways, storm windows, kitchen and bath renovations and much more. CRS staff has made over 2,500 home visits through this program in Cuyahoga County, and they are now excited to announce its availability in Canton.

KeyBank is the lender for this program. There is no out of pocket cost for the loan, no closing cost and no points. The interest from the loan is also tax deductible. Income guidelines do exist to qualify for the loan. CRS’ team of historic rehabilitation specialists can answer your questions about the proper repair and maintenance of your older home ─ at no charge. If you are interested in finding out more information on the program, or to see if your house qualifies contact the Canton Heritage Home Program toll-free at 1-855-897-1949.

About CBP

Community Building Partnership of Stark County, Inc. (CBP) is Stark County’s community development intermediary and is committed to restoring the health and prosperity of Stark County neighborhoods. It is a partnership of foundations, civic leaders, government, and businesses committed to neighborhood revitalization.

To learn more about CBP, visit www.communitybuildingpartnership.org

About CRS

The Cleveland Restoration Society is the region’s largest non-profit preservation organization and is a Local Partner affiliate of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Founded in 1972, CRS is dedicated to the preservation of Greater Cleveland’s historic resources. The Community Building Partnership of Stark County, Inc. operates its Healthy Neighborhoods Program in six Canton neighborhoods and is committed to revitalizing neighborhoods by working to enhance the physical condition, image, involvement and investment, and real estate market in these areas. The Canton Heritage Home Program will aid these efforts by providing residents information and funding to undertake home rehabilitation with an historic preservation approach.

To learn more about CRS, visit www.clevelandrestoration.org

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