Branson surveys residents for home improvement program

A proposed rehabilitation program could eventually offer help to homeowners in Branson's downtown neighborhoods while encouraging property renovations and other measures that would improve the appearance of neighborhoods overall.

Branson city officials recently sent out about 200 letters with two-page surveys asking property owners and residents to submit information that would determine eligibility for the proposed program.

The proposed rehabilitation area is located around Branson's old elementary school on College Street, and it is bordered by Second Street on the east, Seventh Street on the West, Heryford Street on the south and Pacific Street on the north.

If the results of the survey indicate the area in question qualifies for the program, the city of Branson intends to seek funding from the Community Development Block Grant Program to be used for housing improvements, according to Don Stephens, planning and development director for the city of Branson.

The survey asks about family size, income, needed home improvements and whether the owners would be interested in getting funding for the repairs. Stephens said all information from the survey will be kept confidential. Stephens said the promotion of affordable housing and the improvement of existing neighborhoods have been major goals of the Branson Board of Aldermen.

The Planning and Development Department will evaluate the surveys and, if interest is high enough, the department will submit a grant to the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development for the CDBG funding.

"We are hoping for a good response to our surveys so we can begin that procedure," Stephens said.

Funds from the program would be made available as low-interest loans or grants to property owners in the proposed rehabilitation area.

The loans and grants would help pay for housing improvements that help provide necessities, including heating, plumbing, electrical and roofing projects.