Houses

This afternoon my Sweetie and I visited three houses that our city had purchased and renovated using federal funding under the Neighborhood Stabilization Program. This program under the auspices of the Department of Housing and Urban Development helps cities purchase and renovate abandoned or foreclosed homes.

To date, the city has 12 homes which have either been renovated or are in the process of being renovated under the NSP program. The three homes we saw today are the first to be completed and are on the market. Buyers must meet the income guidelines established by HUD.

The houses, built in the 1920s, were completely gutted. In essence, one has a new house in an old, gracious shell. All three houses sport front porches and attics. One has a finished attic. The other two have ones large enough for a master bedroom with an en suite bathroom.

All the mechanicals were replaced which means these houses have something that most don't in our city: air conditioning. Also they all have tankless hot water supply.

In one basement we were surprised to see a wood-burning fireplace.

At one house I saw an old friend who works for the city. She pointed out that the NSP also helps out contractors who need the work. It seems to be a win-win proposition.

What a great use for our tax dollars. I would rather see mine being spent this way than on armaments.