To continue with the mission of making Creston a more inviting community, Creston’s City Council voted to pursue three Community Development Block Grants. Southern Iowa Council of Governments will pursue these grants on behalf of the city.
“The city has been looking to improve existing housing,” Tim Ostroski, executive director of SICOG said.
Each grant allows homeowners or buyers to apply for up to $38,500 in forgivable loans. The bulk of the grant, $24,999, can be used for different purposes based on the particular grant. The remaining amount would be for lead and radon related services.
One grant would allow six homeowners to make exterior improvements to their homes such as siding, roofing, foundation repair or window replacement.
The second grant would be available to six additional homeowners who are disabled or elderly to make changes to their homes to accommodate physical challenges. Ramps and no step entrances could be constructed outside. Inside, the grant could be used to widen doorways, move bedrooms to the ground floor and modify bathrooms and kitchens to be accessible.
First-time home buyers would benefit from the third grant program. The grant could be used for up to half of their down payment, closing costs and inspection fees.
An additional grant are available for use in developing upper floor housing, but Ostroski said the city needs to identify a developer before applying.
The council also voted to pursue the rural housing readiness grant discussed at a prior meeting. Although the grant was presented in conjunction with building two apartment buildings on West Adams Street, city administrator Mike Taylor said the two are not necessarily connected.
“Let’s get the application in ... and then figure out how to move forward,” Taylor said.
The council also voted to appoint a housing committee as required by the grant application.
Alleys
The council voted to vacate an alley adjacent to 106 N. Park St. and divide it to sell to Kirby and Ronda Berry and Thomas and Mary Borall for $1,654.95 and $501.35 respectively.
A public hearing was set for May 5. to vacate an alley in Block 4 – Higbee and Baker’s First Addition to Creston.
In other city business:
• on the advice of city attorney Marc Elcock, the council decided to hold a meeting to discuss changes to the livestock ordinance in Creston. The meeting is tentatively set for 6 p.m. April 28.
• a third and final reading of the ordinance pertaining to apartments in commercial districts was approved.
• a change order for $14,081 was approved for the facade project in Uptown Creston.
• an amendment was approved for $47,528 for the airport runway project. Taylor said this change is due to extra funds anticipated from the Federal Aviation Administration.
The Creston City Council meets the first and third Tuesday of each month. Currently the council is meeting via the electronic platform Zoom due to state and federal restrictions on gatherings of more than 10 people. Agendas, minutes and Zoom addresses for meetings are available at www.crestoniowa.gov or the city's Facebook page.