Rockmart prepares for GICH retreat
Rockmart’s participation in the Georgia Initiative for Community Housing (GICH) program continues to bring positive results as team members prepare for a retreat Sept. 20-22 in Gainesville.
During this meeting, Rockmart will give a power point report on goals accomplished since the City was approved for the 3-year program of collaboration and technical assistance related to housing and local development.
The objective of GICH is to help communities create and launch a plan to meet their housing and neighborhood revitalization needs.
During the program of tech- nical assistance and crosssharing the community housing team is expected to attend two retreats a year with other participating communities, identify issues and needs, available resources and potential objectives, develop new ideas, learn about best practices and available resources and funding for housing and community development, produce a housing plan with objectives and goals and begin implementation of a program of action.
A goal has been set to complete a housing survey of all property in Rockmart, which was launched in May. During the first several weeks, about 200 were finished. However, efforts were delayed due to the high temperatures in June. New iPads, purchased with a $1,000 grant from the University of Georgia, will now speed up this process.
Sherman Ross, Rockmart council member, said survey data is important for several grant applications. These include a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), which could be up to $800,000. This type of grant was utilized in Rockmart during past community improvement projects, included one in the area known as Jones Village.
He said the Appalachian Regional (ARC) grant – up to $300.000 - and a Veteran Housing program – up to $500,000 – could be on the application list. Smaller grants considered are a cost sharing project with the Georgia Recreational Trails Program – up to $100,000 - and a community impact grant – up to $5,000 - from Home Depot.
Ross said the Georgia Land Bank Act of 2013 provides an avenue for cities to receive funds that could be used for clearing up deeds and tax liens on abandoned property. These could be sold to developers or non-profits for development and returned to the tax roles.
“I received information about this option while attending a recent conference where I heard presentations from representatives in Valdosta and Thomasville,” Ross said. “Both cities have utilized this tool effectively.”
Team members have discussed this option, which
could be utilized in partnership with other cities or counties.
Jeff Ellis, city manager, emphasized that abandoned or blighted property can significantly impact any neighborhood.
“Rockmart is not the only community facing these issues,” Ellis said. “It can be a win, win situation when people take respon- sibility for maintenance and upkeep of buildings they own.”
GICH team members are also prepared to utilize data from Code Enforcement efforts, which is an effective tool in rehabilitation projects. Noted is the improvements made on Jones Avenue and College Street.
Meanwhile, team members plan a Fall Community Impact Day in partnership with Keep Polk Beautiful (KPB) on Saturday, Sept. 24. This project will be similar to one held during the spring when volunteers picked up litter from several problem areas in the community.
Plans have also been discussed for a community block party that would bring people together to build pride in local neighborhoods.