NORWICH – Any person seeking to purchase one of three new houses built with state and city dollars has about three weeks to file an application, officials said Wednesday.
Applicants must be first-time home buyers and in the moderate income range, said city Planning and Community Development Specialist Todd Dreyer.
Another grant recently awarded will pay for the renovation of the vacant building at 24 E. Main St., which the city hopes to also sell as a viable commercial or downtown retail space.
All requisite forms and information are available at Dreyer’s office in city hall.
City officials want to close on the three houses before the end of November, when an $8,000 federal tax credit for first-time home buyers is set to expire.
“We still have time if they get the applications filed,” said Norwich Mayor Joseph P. Maiurano. “We don’t want them to lose that (credit).”
The city will be asking between $90-$95,000 per house. Including the demolition of each vacant property the three houses replaced and their construction, each home cost roughly $190,000 to build.
“People are getting a pretty substantial deal,” said Dreyer.
Restore NY funding covered $100,000 per property.
“That’s why these properties haven’t been developed sooner,” added Dryer, referring to the start-up costs associated with replacing the once blighted homes.
A selection committee comprised of area bankers and housing officials will review the applications and make a final decision on who gets to buy the houses. Whoever is chosen will have to occupy the home for a period of five to seven years before they can sell it, so as to prevent profiteering.
“We don’t want someone to buy the house at a discount and then turn around and sell it,” said city Code Enforcement Officer Jason Lawrence.
Construction began in late June. The first property, located at 23 Grove Ave., is scheduled to be finished by the end of October. Contractors are currently putting up insulation and will be sheet-rocking next week.
The other two homes, at 52 Fair Street and 7 Waite Street, are expected to be finished several weeks after.
“These are built to be good, strong houses,” said Lawrence, pointing specifically to metal hurricane strapping that supports the walls from the foundation.
Each home is roughly 1,700 square feet, will have three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, and be equipped with high efficiency appliances, heat and windows.
Two of three have also been built to federal flood specifications, with foundations set two feet higher than standard requirements, Lawrence said.
As for the building at 24 E. Main St, the former Casey Jones Photography studio and store: The city is hopes to line up a buyer before the renovations begin – which they would like to start before this winter – although a formal review process has not been established.
“The city is in receiving inquiries for prospective buyers who have specific uses,” said Dreyer. “We expect to use a (request for proposal) process to solicit potential buyers, and we’re going to work with whoever the successful candidate is to make the building work to their needs... The rehabilitation is all subject to the purchaser’s needs.”
There is only one parking space currently associated with the 3,500 square foot building, but municipal lots exist behind it and across the street.
“It has great curb appeal,” said Lawrence. “The upside is that whoever purchases the building, they’re getting it with a $200,000 investment. Everything will be rehabbed.”