BY STEFANIE BOWMANN, Eastern Shore Post —
Northampton supervisors on Jan. 14 approved an ordinance to establish a community revitalization fund as permitted by Virginia Code to prevent neighborhood deterioration.
Northampton County Administrator Charlie Kolakowski developed the program to address the issue of “houses that are just sitting there, rotting away slowly,” which could be repaired and provide much-needed housing for residents, he said in October 2024.
The program features four options for decreasing the cost of neighborhood improvements:
n Waiving disposal fees for the voluntary demolition of blighted and derelict structures. This option also saves the county money in staffing and publishing notices about the demolition of unsafe structures.
n Rebating permit fees for the rehabilitation and construction of attainable housing that will be used as a primary residence for long-term rental. The ordinance defines “attainable housing” as a home with an assessed value of $350,000 or less. The home may not be used as a short-term rental for seven years after a final building inspection is completed or a certificate of occupancy is issued.
n Rebating real estate taxes for newly constructed attainable housing for seven years, during which period the home may not be used as a short-term rental.
n Rebating permit fees for essential repairs to attainable housing, including improvements to bring the home into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Examples of essential repairs include fixing roofs, foundations, heating and air conditioning, plumbing, and electrical systems. The benefiting property may not be used as a short-term rental for seven years.
Chair John Coker said he approved of the proposal, except for the loan program that had raised eyebrows when it was discussed last fall.
Kolakowski also had proposed offering 10-year, zero-interest loans of up to $30,000 each for homes needing major renovations such as roof replacements.
Supervisors had expressed concerns about what would happen if the loans were not repaid, and they were dissatisfied with suggestions to put liens on the properties or sell the homes to recover the loan funds.
Kolakowski clarified that the loan program was not included in the ordinance that he was asking supervisors to approve that evening.
However, he is continuing work on the loan program and will present it to supervisors for approval at a later date.
One person spoke during a public hearing on the matter.
The Rev. Shaun Smith, of the Lower Shore Charge of the United Methodist Church, which includes Cape Charles, Cheriton, and Capeville, requested clarification about the program.
He asked if the church could access the program benefits and if wheelchair ramps and other accessibility modifications were included in the qualifying repairs. The church performs this work under the guidance of a licensed contractor who is a member.
“Depending on whether they meet the criteria, yes,” Coker said.
The ordinance was approved unanimously.
