Introduction  Who is Eligible?  Who to Contact

What is the Residential Rehabilitation Program?

The Town of Colonie Residential Rehabilitation program provides grants to low-and moderate-income families who reside in the Town of Colonie, Village of Colonie, and Village of Menands who want to repair their homes. Funds for the program are provided by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development through the Town's Community Development Block Grant. Income determines what percent grant a family will receive with grants ranging from 40 percent to 100 percent of the cost of bringing the home up to Federal Housing Qualification Standards. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

The following maximum total project costs have been established for all participants in the program:

Although residential rehabilitation is a program for low-income households, it is not a social service program. Applicants are not entitled to a benefit based on financial need. That is, while a threshold level of demonstrated financial need is required to qualify for the program, the services provided are neither equal for all applicants, nor are they proportionate to financial distress. The level of service is defined by the deficiencies revealed by the dwelling unit inspection report.

Note: Grant funds must be repaid if the recipient does not own and occupy the home as their principal place of residence for a minimum period of two years from the date of completion of the improvement as determined by the Community Development Department or repay the amount of the grant.

The US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has issued federal regulations implementing sections of Title X of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 (Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992) that became effective September 15, 2000. Those regulations apply to all federally funded residential housing activities, including the Town of Colonie Residential Rehabilitation Program. The requirements apply to housing built before 1978, the year lead-based paint was banned nationwide for consumer use. The statute requires a paint inspection and risk assessment of components scheduled for renovation, components with deteriorated painted surfaces, impact surfaces, and friction surfaces.

If the paint testing indicates the absence of lead-based paint, paint stabilization and interim controls are not required. If the paint testing indicates the presence of lead-based paint, a general contractor trained in safe-work practices will perform interim controls of all lead-based paint hazards identified in the risk assessment. Following interim controls, either the risk assessor or paint inspector shall perform a clearance examination. In certain situations, temporary relocation of occupants will be required during hazard reduction activities. Homeowner applicants should be aware that this is a voluntary relocation in that it is a condition of participation in this program and that they must relocate at their own expense.

Who is Eligible?

Families and individuals who meet the household income requirements (see chart) are eligible if they:

• Own and occupy the residence to be rehabilitated
• Residence must be located in the Town of Colonie, Village of Colonie, or Village of Menands
• Can provide proof of stable ownership (i.e. taxes are current; note, mortgage and/or sales agreement contain a notice of procedure and/or a grace period)

A household's current gross income from all sources cannot exceed 80% of the area median income effective July 1, 2007.

Since this program is designed to assist persons with limited financial resources, homeowner applicants with assets (not including a primary residence) totaling more than $50,000 shall not be eligible to participate in this program regardless of any other income calculation.

Who to Contact?

The Town of Colonie Residential Rehabilitation program is administered by the Community Development Department. If you think you may be eligible, you can apply by:

• Calling 518-783-2718 for additional information and for an application.
• Printing out an application form, completing it, and mailing it to Town of Colonie, Community Development, Memorial Town Hall, Newtonville, NY 12128.

Note: The Residential Rehabilitation Program Application Form is in Adobe Acrobat format. You can click the logo to the right to download the program -- there is no charge for it.

last updated 7/2/07