Northbridge Housing Rehab Program (NHRP)

Posted on: July 12, 2021 - 11:14am

(updated 08.04.2023) While program funds for additional projects may be limited at this time -those interested are still encouraged to submit applications, where the town may seek additional CDBG program funds in the near future. 

NORTHBRIDGE HOUSING REHABILITATION PROGRAM SUMMARY

The Town of Northbridge has been awarded a grant from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). The grant will provide financial and technical assistance to eligible residential property owners town-wide in Northbridge to make repairs to their homes.

The Northbridge Housing Rehabilitation Program (NHRP) will be administered through the Northbridge Office of Community Planning & Development; please call 508-234-2447 with questions. The NHRP has funding to provide assistance for improvements to approximately 14 housing units. The purpose of the program is to correct code violations and substandard housing conditions, including the abatement of health hazards such as lead paint and asbestos. The program will address both existing and incipient code violations.

Who is Eligible?

One to four-unit owner-occupied and investor-owned residential properties located in Northbridge are eligible for the program. In order to qualify for assistance, a majority of the residential units in a property must be occupied by income-eligible households.  Other eligibility requirements also apply.

How to Apply:

  1. Northbridge property owners may submit a Housing Rehabilitation Program application to the Northbridge Office of Community Development and Planning.  If you are dropping off an application in person, the office is located in the Aldrich School Town Hall Annex at 14 Hill Street, Whitinsville, MA. If you are mailing your application, please send it to the Northbridge Office of Community Planning & Development, 7 Main Street, Whitinsville, MA 01588. Applications are still being accepted at this time!  To obtain an application for the NHRP please see below -you may also pick one up at the Selectmen’s Office or the Office of Community Planning & Development.  
  2. The property owner should inform NHRP staff on the application of any issues they may feel are emergencies and in need of immediate repair.
  3. Once the applicant reaches the top of the waiting list, or an inspection reveals emergency conditions, the applicant will be contacted to submit income and ownership documentation for verification.

Upon Verification of Qualifications for Program Participation:

Upon qualification (income and ownership documentation determine applicant qualification status) NHRP staff will determine the type of assistance for which the applicant is qualified. The program provides 15-year, deferred payment loans at 0% interest to qualifying LMI households for moderate code-related rehabilitation of private homes from 1-4 units. The per-unit cap is $35,000 to $40,000 depending on the work scope.  

FY 2021 Northbridge Housing Rehabilitation Program Income Eligibility Limits

-Click here to view (Household Size / Income Limit)

Procedure for Completing Project Rehabilitation:

1. Letter is sent to homeowner informing them of their eligibility for participation in the program.

2. Once the homeowner countersigns the eligibility letter, the Housing Rehabilitation Specialist will inspect the property with the property owner in order to determine the necessary repairs. 

  • Code violations and emergency situations (e.g. leaking roof, failed heating system, etc.) will be addressed first and foremost. 
  • Due to federal and state regulations, certain lead paint hazard reduction work may be required.

3. Work Specifications are reviewed and approved by the property owner. Work specifications are then put out to bid by the NHRP.

4. Contractors registered with the NHRP will attend a walkthrough of the property with the program’s Housing Rehabilitation Specialist, review work specifications, and submit bids. The lowest responsible bidder is awarded the contract (unless owner selects an alternate bidder and pays the difference).

5. If the project cost is greater than $35,000 per unit (or $40,000 in certain cases) both local and state (Department of Housing and Community Development) waivers of the per unit cap are required. In addition, if the property is older than 50 years, historic approval of the proposed work is required.

6. Upon acceptance of the bid, the owner, contractor, and the Town of Northbridge sign project contract documents, including an Assistance Agreement between the owner and the Town of Northbridge, a lien document (to be recorded at the Worcester Registry of Deeds), and a contract between the Owner and the selected Contractor. Owners of rental units will also sign a 15-year rental agreement. Investor owners must also sign a 15-year Affordable Housing Restriction, which will also be recorded at the Registry of Deeds.

7. Some residents may be temporarily relocated while contractors conduct hazardous work (lead paint or asbestos abatement).

8. The Rehabilitation Specialist will regularly inspect progress of the project throughout construction. 

9. Both the Rehabilitation Specialist and the property owner will sign off on the completed project confirming satisfaction with work done by the contractors on the project.

10. Property owners of multi-family homes are subject to periodic monitoring of the rental units assisted through the program. This includes the income eligibility of the tenants and the rent being charged.

-Click here to view APPLICATION (pdf)

For more information on Northbridge Housing Rehabilitation Program please contact R. Gary Bechtholdt II, Town Planner/CDBG Admin at (508) 234-2447 or by email at cdbg@northbridgemass.org