IMPERIAL BEACH – Imperial Beach is giving away money to homeowners – up to $30,000 each – to make their homes more energy-and water-efficient, beautify the exterior and improve safety indoors.
The only catch is that homeowners must stay put for 15 years for the loans to be forgiven.
The City Council received an update of the Clean and Green Program last week from Jerry Selby, the city's redevelopment director. He said two projects have been completed and a third is in the works. Four are in various stages of development, either awaiting bids or contractors.
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Clean and Green Program facts
 Up to $30,000 per home is available.
Funds must be used to improve energy efficiency and water conservation, and the home's aesthetics and interior safety.
To apply, go to cityofib.com or City Hall, 825 Imperial Beach Blvd.
Owners must provide proof of income and homeownership, and live in their homes for 15 years for loans to be forgiven.
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The Clean and Green Program provides loans to qualified owners of single-family homes. The money is to be used to improve energy efficiency and water conservation, fix up exteriors and make interiors safer.
“Everyone seems pretty happy,” Selby said.
Using $180,000 in redevelopment housing funds, Imperial Beach approved the pilot program in December. An applicant's income, based on family size, cannot exceed 120 percent of the area's median income. For example, a family of four cannot qualify if it earns more than $86,500 annually.
Retirees Rueben and Alicia Bingham have lived in their home for more than 40 years. The couple borrowed $20,040 to upgrade their heating and air-conditioning system, install a tankless water heater and add nine dual-paned windows. They also fixed part of a fence.
“We were on the way to getting a reverse mortgage to make all the repairs when I heard about the program,” Rueben Bingham said. “How can you beat a deal like that? It's great, especially for seniors living on a fixed income.”
Selby said Rueben Bingham is a good example of someone who appreciated the program and benefited from it.
“He loved it,” Selby said. “He had the time to do the work. He hustled it along and was a satisfied customer.”
The city has offered several programs over the years to help residents and business owners spruce up homes and shops. The Imperial Beach Facade Improvement Program, also funded by the Redevelopment Agency, gives business owners up to $10,000 to upgrade storefronts.
Dozens of shops have completed work. Storefront projects must comply with city codes and be approved by the Design Review Board. Applicants must touch up paint and make repairs annually.
One program wasn't as successful as city officials had hoped. In September 2005, the City Council approved a loan program for residents who wanted to fix up their homes using federal Community Development Block Grant money.
The program was canceled after a year and three homes completed. City officials were concerned that the approval process required by the block-grant funding didn't allow the city enough time to respond to residents' requests. Additionally, the maximum $10,000 forgivable block-grant loan didn't allow for a sufficient amount of improvements, making a less-than-noticeable impact on the property, Selby said.
The city decided to begin the Clean and Green Program in its place. In January, the city advertised the program in its newsletter and in newspapers.
Selby said word of mouth is spreading. He said that in addition to the Binghams, one resident got a new roof and another is looking at a new concrete driveway and fencing.
After signing a loan agreement, homeowners are required to contract for the work, which the city pays for directly, Selby said. Other eligible improvements include solar panels, plumbing and insulation.
The loans are interest-free. If residents stay less than 15 years, they must pay a prorated amount for each year of residency, with the balance due at the sale, transfer to a new owner or lease to a tenant.
Selby said the city will check annually to make sure owners comply. If the homeowner sells the home or dies, the city would place a lien on the property for the prorated balance.
Selby said $120,000 remains in the budget. He said the balance is because of many homeowners not applying for the maximum.
Selby said that once the fund is exhausted, he might request more redevelopment housing funds from the City Council if there's a need.
Rueben Bingham said he replaced “an old, bent, rusted fence with a white vinyl low fence that needs no repairs and looks much prettier.” He said he had never heard of a tankless water heater until his old heater began to leak. He now has a new storage closet where his old water heater once sat.
Bingham also is pleased with his new air-conditioning and heating unit. He and his wife had an old wall heater and no air conditioning. They say they're proud that the improvements beautify the city and save on water and energy.
“We've only used the air a couple of times,” Rueben Bingham said. “A while back, the beach area got up to 80 degrees. I set it at 80 and it went on, and because of the new windows, it retained its coolness for hours.”
Janine Zuniga: (619) 498-6636; janine.zuniga@uniontrib.com
