Rehabbing ten homes in Marseilles through a state grant given in June is taking longer than expected. Mayor Jim Hollenbeck says the state hasn’t given the city the permission to move forward with a $450,000 Community Development Block Grant. Homes between Main Street east to Chicago Street and Bluff Street south to the river will be eligible. Hollenbeck says last year the city used the grant to work on homes on the east side because more than 60% of residents were low to moderate income.
Although he’s unsure why the state hasn’t given permission yet he says the projects should start this year.
Residents who want to apply for the grant must be making a low to moderate income or are disabled. The money can be used for different home improvements like new appliances, handicap accessibility, and electric and plumbing work. Hollenbeck says public safety issues will be addressed first.