Council Awards Bids to Help Improve Housing Options

TYLER — During their regular meeting on Wednesday, the Tyler City Council awarded a group of bids that officials say will help provide decent housing for low- to moderate-income families through various programs offered by the City’s Neighborhood Services Department. Four bids were awarded to the Anderco Group and Lee’s Construction for the development of four single-family homes in the Hunter’s Glen Revitalization Area. The three-bedroom, two-bath homes will each have an attached two-car garage, and will all be built on lots owned by the City. These homes are being built as part of the City’s initiative to assist eligible low-income homebuyers with the purchase of modest, affordable single family dwellings.

The New Construction and Homebuyer’s Assistance Programs are sponsored by the City and funded with CDBG and HOME funds. The primary purpose of the program is to construct new affordable housing units and to assist low-income homebuyers with down payment and closing costs necessary to purchase a home.

The City Council also awarded bids to Roger’s Construction, Rider Homes and Lee’s Construction for the rehabilitation of two single family homes and the reconstruction of five single family homes. The City’s Owner Occupied Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Program allows for the removal of code violations in homes owned by low- to moderate-income families through rehabilitation efforts. Homes where the cost for the necessary repairs exceeds the project budget or if the structure has been deemed unsound are considered for reconstruction rather than rehabilitation. Reconstruction involves the demolition of the existing substandard home and then rebuilding the home on the same location.

Officials say the rehab and reconstruction of these homes is part of a City initiative to assist eligible low-income homeowners in bringing their existing homes into compliance with local housing and building codes. The Owner Occupied Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Program is sponsored by the City and funded with CDBG and HOME funds.