Mayor Perez’s Homeownership Plan

 

When I was a child my mother worked tirelessly to provide her 9 children with a safe, affordable, and decent place to live.  This is an issue that has stayed with me my whole life--- first as a community leader and activist, and now as Mayor.  To me, the foundation of someone’s home serves as a metaphor--- it is the foundation of someone’s life.  So owning a clean, safe place to live is one of my administration’s top initiatives.

Homeownership is a symbol of accomplishment and creates a sense of pride. In Hartford, homeownership has increased sharply under my leadership.  2100 new units have been built and there are now more than 1350 new homeowners in the City since 2002.  And Hartford is outpacing the region when it comes to home values.  We must continue that momentum.  The Neighborhood Investment Plan--- a $50 million investment--- will help transform blighted buildings in economic development diamonds, and that includes more housing.

We've come so far, so fast.  From the Goodwin Estates in the West End to Saint Monica’s in the North End to Rice Heights in Behind the Rocks to the Lofts on Temple Street Downtown--- the homeownership program in Hartford is real and people can see it happening in their neighborhoods. 

The key now is to keep these numbers growing.  I want to take advantage of federal dollars to help minority first time homeowners achieve their slice of the American Dream. 

Bilingual homeownership courses are also available at our public libraries so that families can better understand what they need to do to prepare themselves and their finances--- in order to secure their own home.

It is important to help people move from renting to buying.  There are tax and financial benefits, but nothing can replace that feeling of turning the key and opening the door of your own home.  Homeowners show that extra sense of community spirit by planting, renovating or picking up litter.  That “curbside appeal” is an infectious feeling--- one that can be embraced by residents and visitors alike. 

 

Eddie A. Perez

Mayor