City Of Pontiac Reclaiming Neighborhoods One House At A Time

PONTIAC (WWJ) - With the help of Neighborhood Stabilization Program funding, the city of Pontiac is reclaiming some of its neighborhoods by rehabbing foreclosed homes.

Richard Marsh of Wade Trim Associates, contracted to manage the city's program, says by the end of March, all 19 homes will have been rehabilitated and sold or leased.

Marsh says families must meet income guidelines to qualify for consideration.

"...so, a family of four, 120% of the median income, would be $80,000; family income, for four. That's the max," said Marsh. " (A) single person; you're looking at a one person household that would be ranging from, depending on the scale, because we go 60% to 120%, you're looking at someone with $45,000 income."

Sherri Bailey has been working towards home-ownership for the past six or seven years. Now the 48-year old Bailey finds herself one day away from closing on a newly renovated home in Pontiac.

Bailey couldn't believe how the house had improved, especially the kitchen and family room.

"Cause the family room ... before the renovation, was pretty run down - it had paneling, it was a mess. So to walk in and see the kitchen and the family room, it's just marvelous," said Bailey.

A property on Starr Street is one of 19 foreclosed Pontiac homes that have been renovated for sale or lease under the Neighborhood Stabilization Program.

The program is being applauded for removing dilapidated properties from Pontiac neighborhoods and improving the city's and county's tax base.