Township of Livingston Sponsors Home Improvement Program

The Township of Livingston has retained Community Grants Planning & Housing (CGP & H) to administer a Home Improvement Program designed to help Livingston residents pay for essential repairs and improvements including heating and electrical systems, plumbing system components, weatherizations (e.g., windows, insulation, etc…), roofs, and foundations. Up to $25,000 in assistance is available directly from the Township which is provided in the form of a zero per cent, ten year, forgivable loan for owner-occupied single family homes, and up to $20,000 per unit for owner-occupied multi-family properties.

“There are no monthly payments and no interest will ever be charged,” explained Jackie Hollis, Township of Livingston Land Use Administrator. “This is an equal housing opportunity, on a first-come, first-served basis which costs nothing to apply and your application does not affect your credit score.”

“The loan is fully forgiven if the homeowner maintains title and occupancy for a ten-year period,” added Hollis. “And rental units that are improved by the Program must be rented at affordable rates to low- and moderate-income families for the 10-year period.”

To qualify, participants must own a residential property in the Township of Livingston, be up to date with property taxes and mortgage payments, have at least one major system such as roofing, heating, electric, plumbing, foundation and/or windows that is in need of replacement or substantial repair, and have a total gross annual income below your household size limit. Wheelchair accessible remodeling and weatherization energy savings are also eligible.  Gross annual household income limits are on a sliding scale starting with 1 person (limit $50,072), 2 persons (limit $57,225), 3 persons ($64,378), 4 persons ($71,532) up to 8 persons ($94,422).

“To apply,” continued Hollis, “contact CGP&H at 609-371-1968 and ask for Mary Alice. She will guide you through the eligibility progress and provide additional information regarding the terms for rental units. A professional program inspector will oversee the scope of work and construction to confirm that the repairs and improvements are completed properly.”

For more information about this housing program, visit the Township website www.livingstonnj.org. Click on Planning Department in the left hand column and scroll to Affordable Housing to access the webpage. The Livingston Planning Department is located at the Township Municipal Building, 357 South Livingston Avenue, on the second floor.