Councilmember Scott Somers of the City of Mesa, AZ recently sent me a letter providing details of the fire sprinkler installation program in homes that are being rehabilitated as part of its Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP)
He writes; “the NSP is a HUD program that provides funds to every state and certain local communities to acquire foreclosed or abandoned homes and to rehabilitate, resell, or redevelop these homes in order to stabilize neighborhoods and stem the decline of housing values…” He informs that to date, Mesa has received over $9 million in funding.
I met Councilmember Somers while helping to staff a Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition booth at the National League of Cities conference. He told me how the city recognized the value of home fire sprinklers and decided to include them as part of the NSP. I asked him for more information and he recently sent a letter, pictures, and a video covering the ribbon cutting ceremony of a recently rehabilitated home.
Previous two pictures: Before and after kitchen views of a rehabilitated home
Twenty five single-family and six multifamily homes have been renovated by the City of Mesa or qualified non-profit organizations with this money and residential fire sprinklers have been included in those restorations. Scott adds that the city is preparing to implement a new phase of the program with a $3 million grant and that all home renovations in this phase will also include fire sprinklers.
Scott says that as a result of this initiative, a new administrative regulation requires that any agency seeking funding through the City of Mesa for housing rehabilitation must include residential fire sprinklers as part of their project submission.
The City of Mesa is to be commended for recognizing the value of fire sprinklers to protect its community and revatilaze its neighborhoods. If you would like to find out more about this program, or to start a similar initiative in your community, feel free to e-mail Councilmember Somers: somers@mesaaz.gov
Pictured above: Councilmember Scott Somers at the inauguration of a rehabilitated home
Wow! That seemed to be a big renovation. The result is really perfect. I can't believe that house would turn as beautiful as this one. Great post! Keep it up! I really appreciated it. =)
Posted by: Alice Morgana | 02/08/2011 at 06:07 AM