Akron’s latest plan for using millions in federal funding to improve the housing in the city includes demolishing blighted structures, rehabilitating homes, investing in programs to aid the homeless and more.
Akron’s annual Consolidated Action Plan for housing assistance will go into effect following City Council’s July 20 approval.
“The goals of the program are to assist primarily low and moderate income people to improve existing housing conditions, to develop affordable housing and expand economic opportunities in addition to aiding the homeless,” Long Range Planning Director Helen Tomic told Akron City Council’s Planning and Economic Development Committee July 13.
Tomic said the city is committing roughly $8.5 million in program funding, including:
The city, she said, budgeted roughly $412,000 in anticipated HOME and CDBG funds.
Akron City Council unanimously approved the annual plan for how to spend millions in federal funds on affordable housing and community development.
The projects outlined in the plan range from housing rehabilitation and historic preservation to cultivating community development corporations.
“2026 funding includes a new Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program to facilitate rehabilitation of existing homes by providing low-interest loans to qualified property owners,” the project’s executive summary states. “The city will continue to use HOME funds to facilitate construction of or renovations to affordable housing.”
The plan calls for continued focus on redevelopment of city-owned lots in the Summit Lake neighborhood, Middlebury, North Hill, West Akron and Sherbondy Hill. It states the city will collaborate with local non-profits to build new homes on city-owned lots.
“At least 70% of the Community Development funds are required to be used for activities that principally benefit low-income persons,” according to the executive summary of the plan. “HOME funds and ESG funds will be used for activities that solely benefit low-income persons.”
How will these funds be used?
A total of $25,000 in CDBG funds is earmarked for use eliminating slum and blight by purchasing vacant lots or blighted structures. An additional $175,000 is dedicated to demolishing privately owned blighted properties by owner request and demolition of city-acquired properties in selected areas.
In the interest of rehabilitating Akron’s stock of rental properties, $500,000 in CDBG funds is dedicated to providing grants and low-interest loans for rehabilitation assistance to owners of rental properties located in eligible areas.
“Approximately 42 families will benefit from the proposed activity,” the plan said. “In 2026, this includes 10 scattered site units plus the 32-unit Cherry Blossom Village on Zahn Drive.”
Additionally, the city has budgeted $300,000 in HOME funds to support the city’s program offering down payment assistance for home buyers.
A combined $602,468 is allocated for helping individuals and families at risk of homelessness through supporting existing homeless prevention and/or rapid re-housing programs, and to assist in expanding the Access emergency shelter at 230 W. Market St.
Assistance for elderly and disabled homeowners is in the cards, too.
The plan allocates $375,000 in CDBG funds to repair things like roofing, plumbing, heating, gutters and downspouts.
“Approximately 40 low-income, senior homeowners will receive assistance,” with the money, the plan said.
Contact reporter Derek Kreider at DKreider@Gannett.com or 330-541-9413.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Akron charts course for latest round of federal spending on housing aid
Reporting by Derek Kreider, Akron Beacon Journal / Akron Beacon Journal
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By Derek Kreider, Akron Beacon Journal | USA TODAY Network
