A grant that was recently awarded to a non-profit organization in Greene County can now begin its second phase to assist property owners.

The 144 Corridor Housing Initiative (CHI) received a Grow Greene County Gaming Corporation grant of $40,000 to help jumpstart its second phase of demolition of structures. The first phase was exterior improvements to homes. Property owners in the communities of Paton, Dana, Grand Junction and Rippey can apply for a grant to help tear down unsightly or dilapidated buildings. The purpose is to increase property values and improve the overall appearance of a neighborhood. 

Applicants must include a description of the project, a timeline to complete it and a demolition plan that includes a bid from a contractor that can tear down the structure. Special consideration will be given to the applications that use local suppliers and contractors for the project. Funding is available for up to 100 percent of project costs of no more than $40,000.

Applications can be found at Peoples Bank in Grand Junction and the libraries in each community. Deadline to submit applications is July 15th, with projects to be done by November 30th. These are reimbursement grants with funding to be given by December 10th.