Block Grant to Help Bring Ayer Homes Up To Code
Press Release
August 13, 2009
AYER (August 13, 2009) — Town Administrator Shaun Suhoski received some welcome news from Beacon Hill last Thursday: Ayer will receive $531,579.00 from the federal government that will be used to weatherize homes in this town where more that 35 percent of the current housing stock was built before 1935.
"This is wonderful news," Suhoski said in a telephone interview on Thursday (August 13) after hearing about the funding. "This is a program that directly benefits our neighborhoods and the people who live here, and also saves a job. We were getting ready to close the office and having to lay off someone by August 31st. I am relieved it didn´t come to that."
The Town of Ayer has provided assistance to bring 120 housing units up to code since 1998. This funding will provide funding assistance for another 19 units.
The funding will help homeowners address problems such as leaky roofs, winterizing, fixing faulty heating systems, and other serious housing issues. Suhoski said that the qualifications are based on federal income guidelines and most working families would qualify for some assistance. Those who are interested in taking advantage of the program can call the Ayer Planning and Development Office at 978-772-8221 for assistance.
Upon hearing the news, Representative Robert S. Hargraves said "The people benefit, the Town of Ayer benefits, a job is saved, and these are all things that directly improve the quality of life for my constituents living in Ayer. This is all good."
Reached for comment, Senator Jamie Eldridge said, "Part of my job as State Senator is to advocate on behalf of the cities and towns in the district to ensure that they get their fair share of state funding, including funding from the federal stimulus package. This block grant will help Ayer rehabilitate some public housing units in need of repair."
Ayer was one of 75 communities in the Commonwealth to receive funding from a $40.36 million federal Community Development Block Grant announced by Governor Deval Patrick on Thursday. More than $31 million of the state’s award comes from annual CDBG program funding with the remaining $9 million coming to Massachusetts through the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act.
