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TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Alderwoman Juany Garza, Ward 2
DATE: May 17, 2023
SUBJECT:
A Resolution authorizing a two-year Ward 2 Residential Property Improvement Grant Program in the amount of $25,000 per year to assist qualified residents with driveway and fence projects in Ward 2.
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this program is to help residents of Ward 2 correct code violations and improve the safety and appearance of their homes.
Eligible homeowners include Aurora's Ward 2 residents who live in their homes and are low income.
BACKGROUND:
Alderwoman Garza and Ward 2 have offered the Fence/Landscaping Improvement Program for over ten years. In response to requests by residents in the 2nd Ward, Alderwoman Garza and the Ward 2 Committee have decided there is a need for eligible residents to improve their driveways and fences. This new program will enhance the curb appeal of homes.
DISCUSSION:
Work covered by this grant includes the removal of existing chain link fence from the front yard and replacement at the proper setback line with wrought iron in any design up to a maximum of five (5) feet back along each side of the house. The applicant will choose asphalt or concrete to repave or repair the driveway within permitted requirements and procedures of the Building & Permit Department.
Funds are available in the Ward 2 Special Programs Account 312-1350-419.50-99. Vendors will be paid up to $4,999 per qualified address from this account within budget constraints.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
Work will be done on private property and should not disrupt traffic or cause road closings.
Minimal work may be needed from Buildings and Permits regarding necessary permits and from Purchasing regarding vendors and processing the Purchase Orders.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Approve the two-year Ward 2 Residential Property Improvement Grant Program.
cc: RAP Committee
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
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A Resolution to create the Ward 2 Residential Property Improvement Grant to support Ward 2 residents who want to improve their driveways and fences.
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WHEREAS, the City of Aurora has a population of more than 25,000 persons and is, therefore, a home rule unit under subsection (a) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution of 1970; and
WHEREAS, subject to said Section, a home rule unit may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs for the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, the purpose of this program is to help residents of Ward 2 correct code violations and improve the safety, accessibility and appearance of their homes, and
WHEREAS, eligible homeowners include Aurora's Ward 2 residents who live in their homes and are low income, and
WHEREAS, homes will be serviced on a first-come, first-served basis under this grant program with a maximum Ward 2 Grant of $4,999 per address. Funds are available in the Ward 2 account, 312-1350-419.50-99 and will be paid directly to vendors. Unallocated grant funds remaining on December 31, 2025 will be returned to the Ward 2 fund balance; and
WHEREAS, on June 6, 2023, the Rules, Administration, and Procedures (RAP) Committee of the Aurora City Council reviewed said program and the before-mentioned recommendations and recommended APPROVAL of said program; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: Ward 2 will provide a two-year grant in the amount of $25,000 per year up to a maximum of $4,999 per address to correct code violations and improve safety and accessibility of homes for qualified homeowners in Ward 2.