Norfolk to improve housing

NORFOLK, Neb. — The Norfolk City Council has adopted a strategy to spend $450,000 in grant funds to replace dilapidated houses and refurbish downtown storefronts.

Tina Engelbart of the Northeast Nebraska Economic Development District outlined a plan Monday that involves buying 12 old houses and removing and replacing them with 12 new houses over three years. The houses are for low- and moderate-income families, who would get down payment assistance.

Up to $90,000 will be used to issue loans to improve the facades of 12 downtown buildings. The loans would carry a 3 percent interest rate and could be for up to $7,500. The loan proceeds would be matched by building owners.

As its contribution to secure the grant money, the city will complete improvements on Michigan Avenue from Wood Street to 10th Street.

That involves reconstructing the street, replacing the sanitary sewer, rebuilding storm sewer inlets and replacing driveways and sidewalks to meet Americans With Disabilities Act standards.

Before settling on how to spend the grant money, the district conducted a survey, held town hall meetings and consulted city staff.

“We’re excited about it ... and want to be a part of it,” City Administrator Al Roder said.

He said Reeder Originals and Love Signs already have worked on projects to improve the appearance of downtown. Roder specifically called attention to the new sign over the Harbor Bar.

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