Towns Set Up Shared Housing Rehab Program

Johnston and North Providence already share a border, animal control facilities, a — and, following an announcement today at the , a home repair program funded through the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development and the state Office of Housing and Community Development.

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program provides no-interest loans of up to $10,000 to income-eligible homeowners, with no payment required until the house is sold or transferred.

Mayors Joseph Polisena of Johnston and Charles Lombardi of North Providence held a press conference just before noon to describe the agreement that combines $300,000 under the supervision of Peter DelPonte, also Johnston's code enforcement officer.

Polisena said the plan is the latest example of how the two towns have combined efforts to save money and provide municipal services.

"As communities look to save taxpayers' money and maintain services, we look for ways to consolidate programs," Polisena explained. "Our citizens demand efficiency in Jonston and North Providence, and they're going to get efficiency in this program."

Both mayors noted that they plan to advertise and promote the program so that more people can benefit.

"One of our goals is to make sure that this program is readily available and well-known to all residents," explained Polisena.

"We can let the biggest-kept secret out of the bag," Lombardi said.

Michael Tondra, Chief of the state Office of Housing and Community
Development, explained that the partnership will allow better response to local homeowners.

"We have faith that the $300,000 that we've allocated for this year will be a start," Tondra said.

The consolidation allows North Providence to resume its repair program after state and federal officials closed it down because of improper use of the housing funds.

During an interview before the announcement, DelPonte explained that each town's money — $170,000 from Johnston and $130,000 from North Providence — will pay for repairs to homes in the respective communities.

DelPonte also said he has two workshops scheduled in January to help applicants complete the paperwork required for the repair program.

"The purpose of the workshops is to make [the application process] more accessible for people who can use that funding," DelPonte explained.

Application workshops are scheduled for:

• Jan. 23 at North Providence Town Hall, 2000 Smith St., 7 p.m.
• Jan. 25 at the , 1291 Hartford Ave., 7 p.m.

Polisena announced that DelPonte will also be holding office hours in each town, beginning in mid-January.

Homeowners seeking more information can contact DelPonte at (401) 231-4166; at (401) 351-6618; or North Providence Town Hall at (401) 232-0900.