The City has been awarded a $50,000 Neighborhood Enhancement Program (NEP) grant through the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA). The purpose of this grant is to boost neighborhood aesthetics, improve property values, and enhance safety and quality of life for residents. The City has also committed up to $50,000 to this program, resulting in a possible total of $100,000 available for home exterior projects.

Since the program’s inception in 2020, 37 exterior household improvement projects, totaling $388,885.84, have been completed. Finished projects include roof repairs, porch and deck replacements, as well as window and door installations.

Project selection criteria includes:

• Homes must be located within the boundaries of Pickard, Main, High and Isabella Street.
• Single-family, owner-occupied homes whose taxes are up to date.
• Exterior projects only.
• Household income at or below 120% median income.
• No outstanding code violations.
• No prior tax foreclosure on property within the city limits.
• Properties who were awarded funds in the past are not eligible.
• Minimum funding for a project is $1,000.
• Maximum funding for a project is $15,000.
• Any project costing $10,000 or above, requires the homeowner to make a $250 contribution, or file a lien on the property for a period of five years for the full amount of the project.
• If the property is sold during the five-year lien period, the owner of the home at the time of project completion is required to pay the full amount of the project back.

The deadline for homeowners to apply is March 26, 2024. Grant funding applications can be found at www.mt-pleasant.org/neighborhoods.