•January 27, 2016•

By Ariana Cherry
For the News Progress

Kevin McReynolds, housing manager for Coles County Regional Planning and Development Commission, presented the Sullivan City Council with a housing grant opportunity during the January 11 council meeting. The grants are available for single family owner occupied homes and up to $45,000 may be spent for home improvement repairs such as replacing the roof, furnace, electrical and windows. McReynolds stated that these grants are important for improving neighborhoods and bringing homes up to code. Mayor Ann Short felt that there were families who could benefit from the grants. In order to get started, there would be a $3,500 application fee, the only cost to the city. After conducting a survey, McReynolds said there are about three neighborhoods in the city that qualify for these grants based on their income. Commissioner Bill Hagen made a motion to hire McReynolds and his organization. The council voted to start the application process.

Other news that was discussed or acted upon:

· Zak Horn expressed interest in purchasing Rotary Park. He has submitted a proposal to bury a vault. He needs the property because his business, Metro Communications has been expanding.      Login or Subscribe to read the rest of this story.