Lead-Safe Utica Now Accepting Applications

December 13

Additional Information

Lead-Safe Utica is expected to cover lead paint remediation in 180 housing units. Lead hazard control averages $10,000 per housing unit, but can cost as much as $30,000 for some properties. Owners approved for the funding receive it as a loan forgivable over time unless the property is sold. Properties might also be eligible for additional grants through the Healthy Homes program.

Lead-Safe Utica will help fix a problem that has been lingering for half a century, disproportionately harming the city's most vulnerable residents... its children.

“This grant opportunity significantly strengthens the funds available in Utica to address lead paint hazards”, Lead-Safe Utica program manager Christine Lennon says. “When you understand the damage, the lifetime damage that a child suffers by becoming lead poisoned you know that every dollar is important. Every unit that we can remediate is important! This funding will bolster our work to increase affordable, sustainable, and safe housing throughout the City and support our ongoing efforts to improve the wellbeing and quality of life for all.”

Requirements:

  • Home must be in the City of Utica and built before 1978
  • A child under age six must live in or visit at least 6 hours each week, or a pregnant woman must live in the home
  • Qualify as a low income household

Services available for funding under this initiative include, but are not limited to:

  • Lead inspection and risk assessment to determine the presence of lead hazards.
  • Permanent removal, enclosure, stabilization or encapsulation of lead-based paint and lead dust hazards from eligible residences.
  • Removal or covering of soil lead hazards up to eligible residence property lines.
  • Minimal rehabilitation to the extent the work will extend the life of the lead control work done.
  • Temporary relocation of residents during lead abatement activities.
  • Building local capacity to safely and effectively abate lead hazards.

Interested owners and renters can contact the HomeOwnershipCenter for more information or to receive an application 315.724.4197. The HomeOwnershipCenter is open Monday-Thursday 8:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M or 24/7 at www.unhs.org.