EAST PROVIDENCE — East Providence has launched a lottery for a single-family home at below market rent that will give preference to one deserving veteran or veteran family. The city encourages both veterans and non-veterans to apply.
The newly renovated, one-bedroom home has an open-space feel and features newly installed hardwood floors, windows and lighting fixtures. The home also boasts new kitchen appliances and bathroom fixtures. The home, located at 47 Payette St., is centrally located near the high school, senior center and shops and restaurants. There is also off-street parking available.
The project, conducted by the office of Mayor Bob DaSilva and the city’s Community Development Office (CDO), is funded through the U.S. Housing and Urban Development Department through its Community Development Block Grant Program.
According to city CDO director David Bachrach, this is the first time his department has offered up a refurbished property via lottery.
“This is a one-off project,” he added. “This property is owned by the city and became vacant after a long-time occupancy.”
According to Mr. Bachrach, the city came into possession of the dwelling several years ago when it bought the property and all its buildings from the Providence Country Day School. The land was used to build the East Providence Senior Center and also includes the historic Sweetland House used by the East Providence Police Department.
The home was completely renovated in April 2019, using high efficiency heating and windows, fully insulated ceilings along with new roof, siding, plumbing and electrical systems. The single family home has one bedroom, over 750 square feet of living area, one bath and a full sized basement. There is an eat-in kitchen, living room as well as a yard and off-street parking.
In order to qualify, lottery applicants must have total household income and assets at or below $45,850 for a one person or at or below $52,400 for a two people or at or below $58,950 for a three people and the house must become the primary residence upon entering a one-year lease with the city.
Applications and information packets explaining the eligibility, process and deadlines are available at the following locations: East Providence City Hall Lobby; East Providence Veteran’s Inc. (860 A, Suite 6 Waterman Ave.); East Providence Planning Department; East Providence Clerk’s Office; East Providence Senior Center; Weaver Library; Riverside Library; City’s website, eastprovidence.com.
Dates to remember: An Open House will be held on Nov. 20 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.; All submissions must be filed by Dec. 10, 2019 by 4 p.m.; The lottery drawing will be held during the Dec. 17, 2019 City Council meeting.; Keys to 47 Payette Ave. will be presented to the veteran or recipient on Dec. 23, 2019.
The lottery will consist of a drawing of three applicants, one will be eligible veterans only and the other will be all other eligible applicants. The first number drawn will be from the veteran’s pool. The next two will be drawn from the general applications pool. The order drawn reflects the order applicants will have the opportunity to rent the property. If the first applicant is unable to meet the requirements of the rental agreement, the next will be given the opportunity and so on.
To view a video tour of the home, please visit the city’s Community Development office page at eastprovidence.com and the City of East Providence-Office of the Mayor Facebook Page.
Should you have any questions, please call the City of East Providence Mayor’s Office at 401-435-7500.