Bradford officials on Tuesday approved seeking loan proposals to build new homes in the Second Ward –– at the same time a resident expressed concerns over his city-constructed house.
The city’s Office of Economic and Community Development wants to obtain a two-year loan totaling no more than $300,000, which would be repaid once the homes are sold.
The city has also secured Keystone Communities Program and Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement funding to help with the construction of homes.
Meanwhile, Dr. Albert Sohnen, who lives at 44 Elm St., brought up concerns during a council meeting on Tuesday relating to the home he has lived in for more than half a year. He moved into the home in January after purchasing the home from the OECD.
“To say there have been some contentious issues would be an understatement,” Sohnen said. “Initially, while things were friendly and things were fine, it seems like issues have come up with the home.”
A major issue has been with concrete, between the garage and home, being laid incorrectly, he said.
“We’ve had it evaluated. We’ve had it looked at by professionals. This is not what I do for a living, but I had it looked at,” he said. “And the entire area, literally from the back grass of the home to the front of the house, has been mislaid.”
During periods of rain, Sohnen said the concrete area puddles, flowing toward the house, and the water is red. If the problem isn’t resolved, he said that the home’s foundation would become eroded, and there would be structural issues.
Sohnen questions the one-year warranty with the home.
Speaking to city officials, he said, “I’m a healthcare professional. I’m a dentist. I would imagine if I put a crown in your mouth and you were to have a problem and I would not actually stand behind what I did, I don’t imagine any of you sitting here would be too thrilled with me as your healthcare provider.
“And for the same reasons,” he said. “you would assume I stand behind what I do.”
Sohnen and his wife have also questioned moving to Bradford. “Did we make the right decision? Did we come to the right city?”
Mayor Tom Riel said that the problem would be addressed.
IN OTHER BUSINESS:
• Council authorized the filing of the city’s 2017 CDBG application with the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. The application totals $269,615 and $160,000 would be used for the Main Street streetscape project, and the remainder for the city’s demolition program.
• Council authorized facade improvement grant payments of $740 to Nancy Graham for new signage and lighting for the Tin Ceiling Gift Shoppe at 51 Main St.; $2,855 to Michelle Baxter for new signage, an awning and to replace of a section of roof at Michelle’s Flair for Hair at 104 Main St.; and $325 to Dwayne Zimmerman for new signage at The Grocery Stretcher at 32 Main St.
• An application was approved for the Green Light-Go Program, a grant initiative through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, that would be used for traffic signal upgrades between Festival Way and East Main Street.
• Council authorized the city solicitor to draft an easement agreement related to the proposed Graham Packaging warehouse expansion project located in the vicinity of Glenwood Avenue.
• Trick or treat hours were set for 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in the city.
• William Black was appointed to the zoning board, with a term to expire January 2018.
• Council approved a grant in the amount of $45,165 to Dorothy Leffler for rehabilitation of 24 Park St.
The contract is with McKean County D&D Builders Inc. for lead hazard and rehabilitative work. Such funds are available to Second Ward residents through the 2014 HOME and 2015 Community Development Block Grant programs.
