Business & Tech

Does Your House Need To Be Painted? Let LakewoodAlive Pick Up the Tab

With funding from the city's Community Development Block Grant, the Paint Lakewood program is offering rebates up $1,000 for those who qualify.

Thinking about sprucing up your Lakewood home this summer, but you’re in a bit of a financial pinch?

is offering its Paint Lakewood program to encourage residents to paint the exterior of their homes in 2011 — and the organization is willing to pick up the tab for those who qualify.

With funding from the city’s Community Development Block Grant program, the Paint Lakewood program offers rebates of up to $1,000 on paint and supplies to eligible homeowners.

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Hilary Schickler, LakewoodAlive housing outreach director, said the goal is to revitalize and improve Lakewood's neighborhoods and reduce lead hazards by educating residents on lead safety issues.

She said the city’s aging homes need a little TLC.

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“One spruced up house impacts the property values of the entire street,” Schickler said. “We’re a city of second-century homes. By protecting and maintaining our assets, we’re only protecting our value.”

She said she hopes people consider good, old-fashioned paint instead of vinyl siding. “Quality is were the value is — we are a historic community.”

This is the second year of Paint Lakewood, although only a few applied last year and no one successfully completed the program.

“We’re matching people with resources,” Schickler said. “People are making some tough decisions. People are not in a position to do minor improvements, because often they have a choice to paint the house or pay the mortgage.

“But really, it’s probably the best investment to keep your assets in the best condition.”

There are a few qualifications that residents must meet, including meeting the income guidelines, receive approval before painting, and finish painting by Oct. 31.

There have already been about a half-dozen applicants. Those interested are encouraged to act fast — the program only covers the first 20 homes that qualify.

For the complete list of guidelines, or for more information visit the LakewoodAlive website, or call 216-521-1554.


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