Neighborhood Stabilization Program Complete

Tuesday, Dec. 20 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. an open house will be held at 1967 Searl Street in Cuyahoga Falls. The originally Heslop-built home is the last of six renovated through the Neighborhood Stabilization Program Grant.

“The program has just gone fantastically well,” said Keller Williams Chervenic Realtor, Lisa Donatelli.

Ohio Department of Development awarded the city $783,204 in May 2009 for the purchase of six foreclosed homes in the area, according to a press release on Cuyahoga Falls’ website.

worked with the city to give the home both indoor and outdoor improvements for a new look and feel. 

The last renewed home sold within five days of being on the market. Each of the six houses had specific requirements for the buyers based on income and number of family members. Those who did qualify received about $5,000 toward the down payment and closing costs, said Donatelli.

“The idea is to bring neighborhood residents in to see what they can actually do with their homes,” said Donatelli about the open house. She was chosen as the City of Cuyahoga Falls Neighborhood Stabilization Program realtor.

Usually open houses are held in order to sell a home, but this time, it’s to give the neighborhood a look at the work done. Many surrounding houses of the area are similar Heslp-built structures. Some may also need ideas for sprucing up an old living space.

“When you live in a home for a long time, you hardly even know what can be done,” Donatelli said.

All homes in the Neighborhood Stabilization Program have sold relatively quickly, and this sixth one will be a representation of the home improvement done, serving as an example for neighbors.