INSTRUCTIONS BROOKLYN PARK FRONT YARD FIX-UP GRANT APPLICATION PACKET The attached application documents should be read byy all household members 18 or older who live in the property that will be assisted with the program funds. Working together as a household read, complete and sign the following forms: Complete the Front Yard Fix-up Grant application Complete the Income Verification (including verification of income, household size, and tax return) Sign the Authorization for Release of Information form Sign the Data Privacy Statement Beforee photo (digital photos are preferred) Two bids from separate contractors (if you are doing the work yourself a detailed list of materials and pricing) Review your completed Application and the Acceptablee Forms off Verification sheet. Then gather the household income and asset documentation. Make copies social security cards for each household member and most recent tax return. Submitt by mail, hand deliver, or email the signed application forms along with copies of the income and household information to the address below. After receiving the submitted information it will be date stamped and reviewed. If we have any questions or need you to submit additional information we will contact you. When we have all of the equired information we will be able determi ine if your household is eligible. We will notify you in writing and if approved, give you the go-ahead to proceed with your project and the next step instructions. If you need any information in an alternative format, have questions or experience difficulty completing the application and assembling the income and information, please contact city staff to assist you. City of Brooklyn Park EDA John Kinara 5200-85 th Avenue N. Brooklyn Park MN 55443 763-493-80544 John.Kinara@ @brooklynpark.org
Overview The City of Brooklyn Park s Economic Development Authority (EDA) is offering Front Yard Fix-up Grants to help low and moderate income homeowners fix-up the outside of their owner occupied single and twin family homes and front yards. Projects must be located in the front yard and must be visible from a public street. The program will help spruce up neighborhoods, increase curb appeal, and protect property values. The program provides a matching grant of $1,000 to $7,500 to low and moderate income households to make repairs, additions and upgrades to the front exterior and yard of their homes. Projects must have a minimum project cost of $2,000 and may include repairs, additions, grading around the home, fixing a foundation leak, trimming or removing overgrown or dead shrubs and trees, replacement or addition of new shrubs and trees, addition of a front porch, and more. See page three for a more complete list of eligible activities. The money for the Front Yard Fix-up Grants comes from the Federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. To receive a grant, households must have a total household income at or below 80% area median income (AMI) for Hennepin County adjusted annually by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) (see table below). Table 1: 80% AMI for Hennepin County in 2016 Household Size 1 Person 2 Person 3 Person 4 Person 5 Person 6 Person 7 Person 8 Person Maximum Household Income $46,000 $52,600 $59,150 $65,700 $71,000 $76,250 $81,500 $86,750 The Front Yard Fix-up Grant Program must meet HUD s CDBG regulations as well as all Federal, State and local nondiscrimination laws, and the rules and regulations governing Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity in housing and employment. Program guidelines and additional terms and conditions may apply and are subject to change at any time without notice. Front Yard Fix-Up Grants are subject to availability. Definitions Homeowner - Person(s) listed on title of the property. Household - All persons living in the house which may include one or more families, a single person, a married couple, or two or more unrelated persons. Household Gross Annual Income - The annual gross income of all people over 18 years living in the house as defined in HUD 24 CFR 5.609.
Steps to obtain a Front Yard Fix-up Grant Step 1. Application First, review Table 1 to determine if household income is less than 80% AMI. A household includes all people living in the house which may include one or more families, a single person, a married couple, or two or more unrelated persons. EDA staff will make the final determination of income eligibility based on documentation submitted. Pick up an application at City Hall or at www.brooklynpark.org/homeimprovements. If you have questions on the project, contact John Kinara at 763-493-8054 or John.Kinara@BrooklynPark.org. Determine and document proposed project. Documentation should include before photos of the project area. o If you are hiring a contractor, obtain at least two bids from two different contractors. Bids must include a complete Scope of Work and project sketch plan, if available. o If you are completing the work yourself, provide documentation that shows your capacity to complete the project and provide cost estimates for materials. Submit a completed and signed application. All documents requested including the income verification and other certification and verification forms must be included in the application in order for it to be considered complete. No funds will be set aside for a project until a fully complete applicat ion is received. Step 2. Approval and Go-Ahead Letter When the application is submitted, it will be date stamped and reviewed by staff. If staff finds the application incomplete, they will provide a letter or email explanation. The homeowner must provide the missing information to be considered for funds. Staff will verify that applicant's total Household Gross Annual Income is at or below 80% AMI. Staff will verify the property and the proposed improvement project is eligible. This review may include a site visit. Staff will verify the contractor is licensed appropriately. If staff determines the application meets all program guidelines, staff will set aside grant funds and send a go-ahead approval letter or email. Step 3. Project Completion and Payment All projects are to be completed within 90 days of the go-ahead letter to receive the grant. If weather causes interruption to the project, you can request an extension in writing (by letter or email). Extensions will be granted on a case by case basis. When the project is complete, the homeowner will submit the following to city staff: 1) Reimbursement request form (signed by contractor and homeowner to verify completion of project) 2) Final invoice(s) from the contractor, or paid receipts from the homeowner. 3) Final approval of city building permits, or verification of project completion by city staff. 4) Lien waiver(s) for entire cost of work, if work was completed by a contractor. 5) Photos of the completed project. Staff will verify that the project is complete, which may include checking permit status and a site visit. Front Yard Fix-up Grant payment will be made in the form of a City of Brooklyn Park check. Checks can be payable to the homeowner with evidence of payment to the contractor. Please plan for at least 21 days for the payment check to be available.
Other Program Details Grant Amount A grant will be awarded to eligible homeowners meeting all requirements of the program guidelines and as funds are available. An eligible project must have project costs of $2,000 or more. The minimum grant amount is $1,000 and the maximum grant amount is $7,500. The City of Brooklyn Park will pay 50% of the eligible project costs. Please see table 2 for further examples. Table 2: Examples of project funds Project Examples Source of Funds #1 #2 #3 Homeowner funds (cash, $1,000 $3,000 $7,500 loan or other source) Front Yard Fix-Up Grant $1,000 $3,000 $7,500 Total Project Cost $2,000 $6,000 $15,000 Eligible Activities Trimming or removal of overgrown or dead shrubs and trees. Replacement or addition of shrubs, trees, and other planting materials, including the installation of a rain garden(s) and other appropriate sustainable plantings. Add stonework, landscape masonry, or raised landscape beds. Enhancements to the front entry, such as improving the landing or steps, replacing the front door, and/or adding an overhang or structure. Repair or replacement of front sidewalks, driveways, driveway aprons, and garage doors. Grading of the dirt at the foundation around all sides of the home to fix or avoid water issues. Addition or replacement of gutters, downspouts, and rain barrels on all sides of home. Other home or yard improvements that are not identified above but serve to enhance the curb appeal of a home will be considered on a case by case basis. Ineligible Activities Improvements to the inside of the home or garage. Improvements to the back of the home or in the rear yard, except those identified above related to gutters and drainage around the home. Expanding parking areas. Replacing or repairing roofs. Replacing or adding decks, except when the deck provides access to the front or visible side door. Improvements that are temporary in nature. Improvements that can be easily removed from the property, such as yard furniture. Garage door openers Windows Siding The Center for Energy and Environment (CEE) at www.mncee.org has home improvement loan programs that assist with some of the ineligible activities listed above.
For Homeowner to Be Eligible Homeowner must meet all requirements in the Program Guidelines. Homeowner must be current on all mortgage payments and property taxes. Household income must be at or below 80% AMI (see Table 1). For a House to Be Eligible House must be located in the City of Brooklyn Park. House must be owner-occupied. House must be single-family detached or twin home. House must be free of any city zoning, housing or code enforcement violations or pending mediation. House may be eligible if homeowner is working with city staff to clear violations. House must not be in foreclosure or in litigation. Applicable Laws The guidelines set up the policy for carrying out the Front Yard Fix-up Grant Program consistent with HUD requirements. The Brooklyn Park EDA is responsible for complying with all changes in HUD regulations. If there are differences between program guidelines and HUD regulations, the HUD regulations will have precedence. Timeline Projects must be complete and project reimbursement requests must be submitted within 90 days of the homeowner receiving a project go ahead letter from city staff. If needed, the homeowner may request one 45-day extension or an on-hold status over the winter when work cannot be done due to weather. No payment will be made for any work started before the homeowner receives a signed go ahead letter from the City of Brooklyn Park. If project work is not timely, the EDA will send a termination of grant award letter to the homeowner and the funds will be provided to another household. Work by homeowner Work may be done on a sweat-equity basis if city staff determines that supporting documentation from the homeowner shows the homeowner has the ability to do the work in a workman-like manner within the program timeline. When the homeowner does the work, a materials list including prices is required. Payment will be reimbursed only for materials, not for equipment purchase or rental, or labor. Applicant Pool Program funding is limited. The applicant pool for the Front Yard Fix-up Grant will be eligible households and projects who have returned a fully completed application packet. Applications will be date stamped and processed on a first-come, first-served basis until the program is out of funds. The City of Brooklyn Park reserves the right to change or end the Front Yard Fix-up Grant Program as it decides is appropriate or as it may be required by HUD. For more information contact: John Kinara Housing and Development Specialist City of Brooklyn Park EDA 5200 85 th Avenue N. Brooklyn Park, MN 55443 Phone 763-493-8054 John.Kinara@brooklynpark.org
Brooklyn Park Front Yard Fix-Up Grant Improvements Application Form Housing and Landscaping I am applying for a grant of $ Total Projectt Cost: $ We/ /I learned about the Fix-up Grant Program through: neighbor TV flyer contractor websitee newsletter postcard other, list Applicant(s) / Owner(s) - please print First Last First Last Soc. Sec.#: Soc. Sec.#: - - - - D.O.B D.O.B / / / / Number of Household Members: 18 and older underr 18 Home Address: Home Phone: Daytime Phone: Zip Code: Which of the following improvements are you proposing? (check all that apply) Plants, shrubs, and trees Driveway/walkway Other, list Rain Garden Landscaping Front Entry Soil Lighting Porch, Stoop The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires that, for statistical purposes only, that we w report the ethnicity and race of the Head of the Household.. You are not required to answer, nor does your answer affect your eligibility for housing. Ethnicity of the Head of Household Please circle ONE Race of Head of Household Please circle ALL that are needed to give the best representation of the Head of the Household. PROPERTY INFORMATION - The year your property was built (leave blank if you do not know) Only single family and twin home owner-occupied properties are eligible. The property must presently be used as a year-round, permanent residence, and must be a completed structure. SIGNATURE(S) White Non - Hispanic or Latinoo Black/African American Asian American Indian/ Alaska Native Hispanic or Latino Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander I/we certify that the statements contained in this application are true and complete to the best of o my/our knowledge and behalf. I/we hereby to authorize the release of any information necessary to process this application. I/we agree to complete improvements within 90 days of grant approval by city staff. Applicant s signature Co-Applicant s signature
Income Verificati on / Eligibility Front Yard Fix-Up Grant Exterior Housing and Landscaping Program Please Print Name(s) of Property Owner: Phone / Email Address of Property: City of Brooklyn Park, Zip: Year 2016: Maximum Household Income 1 Person 2 Person 3 Person 4 Person 5 Person 6 Person 7 Person 8 Person $46,000 $52,600 $59,150 $65,700 $71, 000 $76,250 $81,500 $86,750 What is your household size: What was the total of adjustedd gross income of all household members according to your most recent 1040 tax return(s): Do you expect an increase in your adjusted gross income in the next 12 months: If yes, please explain and estimate the increase: All household members over 18 must sign All of the statements and claims madeherein are trueand correct. Pursuant to 18 USC 1001, 31 USC 3729, et seq., and 24 CFR Part 28, falseorr fraudulentstatements orclaims are subject to up to 5 years imprisonmentand civil penalties up to $10,000 plus up to 3 times theamountof damages sustainedd by the Governmentforeach fraudulentactcommitted. Here: Here: Here: Here: : : : :
Brooklyn Park Front Yard Fix-up Landscape Program Grant Exterior Housing and AUTHORIZATION FOR RELEASE OF INFORMATION I authorize and direct any Federal, State or local agency, organization, business, or individual to release to Brooklyn Park any information or material neededd to completee and verify my application for a Fix-up Grant Exteriorr Housing and Landscape grant, which are hereinafter referred to as the Program. I understand and agree that such information andd material may be given to and used by Brooklyn Park in administering and enforcingg program regulations. I understand that this authorization cannot be used to obtain any information about me that is not pertinent to my eligibility for and participation in the Program. The groups or individuals that may be asked to release the above information (depending on program requirements) includes, butt is not limited to: Mortgage Companies Income Assistance Agencies Courts and Post Offices Schools and Colleges Enforcement Agencies Medical Providers Past and Present Employers Retirement Services Credit Bureau Social Security Administration Utility Companies Support and Alimonyy Providers Veterans Administration Banks and Financial Institutions State Unemployment Agencies Previous Landlords Child Care Providers I acknowledge and agree that: A photocopy of this authorization is as valid as the original and may be used for th he purposes stated above; and I have the right to review the file and the information received using this form ( with a person of my choosing to accompany me); and I have the right to copy information from the file and to request correction of information I believee inaccurate; and This authorization will stay in effect until my Program application has been completed or terminated; and All adult household members, 18 years or older, will sign this form and cooperate with Brooklyn Park in the eligibility process. Applicant(s): Printed Namee Printed Namee Printed Namee Printed Namee
City of Brooklyn Park Frontt Yard Fix-up DATA PRIVACY STATEMENT TENNESSEN WARNING As an applicant for a Fix-up Grant you will be asked to provide information that may be Grant Exterior Housing and Landscape Program considered private under the Minnesota Government t Data Practices Act (the Act ). The Act requires that you be provided with the following information. The data that you will be asked to provide to Brooklyn Park for the Fix-up Grant Program includes, but is not limited to the following data aboutt members of your household: Income and verification Social security numbers and cards Identity of household members Project photos The foregoing information is needed in order to determine your eligibility for the Program. You may refuse to provide the requested information, but this may result in delay in processing or rejection of your application. This information may be shared by the Program withh the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Hennepin County Housing Division staff, and with internal and independent auditors. It may also be released to appropriate Federal, State, and local agencies when relevant, to civil, criminal, or regulatory investigators, and to prosecutors. PRIVACY ACT NOTICE As an applicant for a Fix-up Grant, you will be asked to provide your social security number. The federal Privacy Act of 1974 requires that you be provided with the following information: Furnishing your social security number is mandatory in order for the Program to determine your eligibility for a grant. The statutory authority for the Program to request disclosure of your social security number is Title 42, Chapter 7, Subchapter II 40(c)(2)(C) )(i). I declaree that I have read and understood the information given above regarding the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act and the Privacy Act of 1974. Applicant(s): Printed Name Printed Name Printed Name Printed Name