MAHONING COUNTY Loans will help landlords rid their rental properties of lead

The program is aimed at helping low-income families live in lead-safe homes.
By BOB JACKSON
VINDICATOR COURTHOUSE REPORTER
YOUNGSTOWN -- Qualified landlords in Mahoning County could soon get financial help to rid their rental properties of lead.
The county's lead hazard abatement program, in conjunction with First Place Bank, will offer a loan program, said Gary Singer, program director.
"We're trying to be as flexible as we can in helping these landlords make homes lead-safe," Singer said.
To qualify
Qualified properties must be situated within certain areas designated by the lead abatement office and be occupied by people of low- or very-low income status, including children 6 years old or younger, Singer said.
More specific criteria are available through the lead hazard abatement office.
Singer said older homes often have lead-based paint on their walls or woodwork. Small children can contract lead poisoning if they ingest dust or paint chips.
Singer has said that childhood lead poisoning causes reduced intelligence and reading and learning disabilities, and has been linked to juvenile delinquency and many adverse health effects.
Under the program, owners of lead-contaminated property can apply for a loan up to $12,500 through First Place Bank to have the lead removed. Singer said the bank has agreed to waive its closing costs, estimated at about $1,700, for such loans.
If the loan is approved, the lead abatement office will inspect the property and do a risk analysis. The owner then would hire a contractor to remove lead from the home.
If everything is done properly and the home is made lead-safe, the homeowner will be reimbursed up to half the loan amount, Singer said. He said the program can fund up to 35 participants at a maximum of $6,250 each. The money comes from a federal lead abatement grant.
Screening program
Singer said his office also is working with the United Methodist Community Center on an in-home screening program for children.
Staff members from the community center, located on the city's East Side, will make door-to-door visits to homes within areas identified as lead hazards. The goal is to identify children who have been exposed to lead but have not been tested for lead poisoning, Singer said.
Children who are so identified will then be referred to a medical facility for treatment.
The visitation and treatment programs all are paid for with grant revenue, Singer said.
bjackson@vindy.com