Council Renews Program to Help Owners of Historic Homes

Cleveland Heights City Council members voted at to again participate in the Heritage Home Loan Program, which provides below-market interest rate loans for repairs and improvements to owners of historic properties.

As part of the agreement, the Cleveland Restoration Society: Preservation Resource Center of Northeastern Ohio also takes calls from residents who have questions about home repairs and maintenance.

Councilman Dennis Wilcox said Cleveland Heights has worked with the Cleveland Restoration Society for the past decade.

“This is one of those programs that helps preserve the historic character of our community,” Wilcox said.

He said in 2011, the program handled 96 inquiry calls from Cleveland Heights residents and gave 66 homeowners free technical assistance. And nine homeowners used the rehabilitation loan program, which provides below-market interest rate loans. Wilcox said they are at 3 percent now.

The contract began Jan. 1 and will run through Dec. 31, and services will not exceed $26,300, according to council documents. To find out if your home qualifies and for all other inquiries, contact the Cleveland Restoration Society at (216) 426-1000.

Council members also reviewed the following resolutions:

• Members approved a to create, install and operate an online registration and payment center for city recreation classes and programs.
• Members approved a resolution to continue the city’s participation in the Doan Brook Watershed Partnership, which includes Cleveland and Shaker Heights. The non-profit corporation’s mission is to preserve and improve Doan Brook. Cleveland Heights will chip in $18,000.
• City Council members declared February American Heart Month and National African American History Month.