By Vonda Pate-Davis 

DESERT HOT SPRINGS, CA- The Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) and Neighborhood Renewal Program (NRP) updates were brought before the Desert Hot Spring City Council at a Study Session on Monday.   The NSP is to provide homeowners in certain areas of the city with assistance in roofing, landscaping and cosmetic exterior upgrades to their homes up to a maximum of $15,000. This program will improve neighborhoods with cleaner and upgraded drive-by appearances.  The first house located at 66146 6th Street will be viewed Tuesday March 9^th 10:30 am.  There are 14 homes under contract at present time with more to follow.

The NRP Program allows the City to purchase foreclosed homes within the city to put back in marketable condition then resell to homebuyers.  The First Time Home Buyers program of buyers who live within the city will be given priority.  Upon the purchase of the houses, security alarms are installed and the water turned on to landscaping so the neighborhood gets immediate benefit.  As the houses are fixed up and put back to the market; the neighborhoods have an additional benefit by the higher price of the upgraded homes.  There are 14 homes in process of purchase by city now with 6 more to follow.  This program will be continued by the city as long as the federal grant funds are available for this program.

The council was informed by staff that the Terraces project on Hacienda Avenue has received their tax credits and will be underway for completion soon.  This project came under the same stabilization program, which was funded by bonding last year.

A review and discussion, prior to coming for official action, was a proposal to fund the Brisas De Paz housing project, on West Drive and Flora Avenue, from the bond money.  This funding was not to exceed 1.7 million.  This will allow Desert Hot Springs to help meet the State requirements of its number of affordable housing units.  There is a waiting list of 165 at the Two Bunch Trail complex with 122 of those being residents of the city.   In answer to Councilman Russell Betts’ concerns; he was assured by developer and staff there is the requirement that 25% of labor on project be local.  Developer assured the Council that every effort will be made to utilize local labor and materials purchase.

As with the NRP and NSP programs, a materials list is compiled and given to the local hardware stores.  The local stores will be able to compete with the out of area suppliers by working with the contractors to meet their supply needs from these lists.  Local contractors will be given priority for the work, whenever possible, as upgrades happen in the city.