Blighted property now has two new energy efficient homes

By Michael Downing, on April 3rd, 2015

Congressman Cleaver was present for the ribbon cutting and open house for two new homes in Raytown. The land previously contained two lots that the City had considered blighted. The new homes were constructed by Builders Development Corporation (BDC) and funding was provided through a Neighborhood Stabilization Program 3 (NSP#) grant the City of Raytown received from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. There are no local funds required by the City to participate in the program.

Using the NSP grant funding Builders Development Corporation purchases vacant and foreclosed properties to renovate or reconstruct on the properties and then sells the homes to qualified families. The program is part of the American Recover and Reinvestment Act also known as the Recovery Act was enacted to create jobs and promote invest and consumer spending during the recession. The monies made go back into the program to purchase more properties to further stimulate growth in the City and revitalization of a neighborhood.

Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II – Missouri’s Fifth District, said “It is so satisfying to see homes built that will provide this neighborhood a new sense of excitement while also providing needed jobs to make the homes a reality. These homes will breath new life into this neighborhood turning blight into beauty and houses into hope.”

The BDC is also in the process of renovating a home that had been abandoned at 85th & Elm and is currently identifying other properties to acquire/reconstruct in Raytown.