Fryeburg: Maine's Western Gateway

An **Idea for the Beautiful Town of Fryeburg, Maine

The good citizens of the western Maine town of Fryeburg have a strong sense of pride in their community. As a new member of this community I share this pride. We have the Fryeburg Academy, the annual Fryeburg Fair, a beautiful welcoming residential area and a strong and growing group of businesses. But most of all we have us! We have an active, friendly and responsive citizenry that are ready, willing and able to make Fryeburg an even better place to live and work. We can become known as Maine's Western Gateway. Read on for some ideas.....

The charming, historic town of Fryeburg will become the jewel of  western Maine.

Single Family Residential Rehabilitation Program (SFRRP)

About SFRRP

The purpose of the Department of Housing and Community Development’s (DHCD) Single Family Residential Rehabilitation Program (SFRRP) is to help households finance home repairs that will:

• Address building code violations,
• Repair roofs,
• Remove threats to health and safety, including lead-based paint hazards, and
• Remove barriers to accessibility for persons with mobility or other physical impairments.

SFRRP Programs

The Single Family Residential Rehabilitation Program (SFRRP) provides loans and grants with a possible maximum usage of up to $75,000 for home repairs. The funds assist households finance home repairs that will address DC building code violations, threats to health and safety, and roof repairs or replacement.

Roof Repair Program

This Program is part of the SFRRP and provides grant of up to $15,000 to replace the roof. This grant pays for exterior roofing and gutter work only.

Handicapped Accessibility Improvement Program (HAIP)

This Program provides a grant of up to $30,000 for improvements needed to remove physical barriers within a home for persons with mobility or other physical impairments.

Additional Benefit for Seniors

Households where the head of household is 62 years or older may have the first $10,000 of their loan, provided as a permanently deferred loan. Deferral of additional amounts will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Lead Water Service Line Replacement Program

DHCD may provide up to $5,000 in grant funding to eligible homeowners to replace the privately-owned portion of the lead water service line. This funding is only available in cases where WASA is replacing the publicly-owned portion of the lead water service line.

Note: Loans and Grants under these Programs may be combined but cannot exceed the overall program maximum of $75,000. All Programs are subject to homeowner eligibility which is based upon the homeowner’s income

Assistance

Under the SFRRP Program, DHCD provides funding of loans and grants, not to exceed a total of $75,000, to the household. The program provides financing through low or 0% amortized loans, for up to 20 years and deferred loans (not payable until the home is sold, transferred or refinanced).

Under the SFRRP umbrella, homeowners can use the funding for two of the following grant programs:

• A Roof Repair grant of up to $15,000 to replace the roof. This grant pays for exterior roofing and gutter work only.
• The “Handicapped Accessibility Improvement Program” (HAIP), provides a grant of up to $30,000 for improvements needed to remove physical barriers within a home for persons with mobility or other physical impairments. In addition, households where the head of household is 62 years or older may have the first $10,000 of assistance provided as a permanently deferred loan. Deferral of additional amounts will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants must:

• Own and live in their homes as their primary residence for at least 3 years,
• Be current on all District and federal taxes,
• Be unable to obtain private financing for the needed repairs,
• Have an acceptable credit report,
• Have current homeowners insurance, and
• Have household incomes that are no greater than the levels shown below.

** I truly believe that Fryeburg, Maine, positioned between the very popular North Conway and the up and coming tourist powerhouse of Bridgton-Naples, is absolutely primed for measured progress and indeed excellence as model for the American experience. An experience that will show respect for the past, an unparalleled quality of life in the present - for all our residents. We have a friendly business environment that will provide a solid tax base for town services.

I have a vision for Fryeburg and it is a bright one. I was drawn to this wonderful town by a strong sense of belonging and opportunity. I call on of you now to join me in this exciting endeavor.