City issues funding for property to become affordable housing
By Jenna Wilson
As city officials continue with their Historic Preservation Plan to revitalize neighborhoods, a property on North 19th Street will be getting a spruce-up and become affordable housing units.
The city of St. Joseph recently issued $50,000 from the American Rescue Plan Act fund to the multi-family residence at 522 N. 19 St. after it suffered a fire in October 2022. The money will be put toward structural improvements and give low-income families an affordable place to live.
“One of the major purposes of American Rescue Plan funds is COVID relief to help disproportionately impacted individuals, which are low income,” said Kim Schutte, the city’s historic preservation planner. “Something that St. Joe struggles with sometimes is providing a sufficient number of housing units for people of low to moderate income, so this is a way to start improving that neighborhood while also giving those individuals a good condition place to live.”
This neighborhood has received mixed opinions from residents who say there are many houses on North 19th Street that need to be torn down or repaired, which is a key reason for the property being restored.
“Citizens of St. Joe have made a lot of comment about the appearance of some houses in that neighborhood,” Schutte said. “For one, a house that suffered a fire does not look good on a block and it’s not good for the neighbors so bringing life back to this structure is one more step toward making the city of St. Joe look good and helping neighbors feel safe.”
The property owner, Jim Johnson, said he applied for various grants to have this property remodeled and is ready to rent to low-income families in need.
“We are looking for tenants who will be conscientious about paying their rent, will appreciate living in a quiet, clean environment and will take care of the property while showing respect for their neighbors,” Johnson said.
Individuals interested in renting out a unit can reach out to the city of St. Joseph at (816) 271-5300.
