Council Removes Barriers for East Side Homeowners

The council approved a new grant program to help homeowners in two east side TIF districts after a spirited debate on funding, equity, and barriers to access. Members also discussed vacant housing, legal hurdles, and efforts to expand support for low-income homeowners citywide, while public comment highlighted urgent concerns about youth suicide and cultural preservation. 26mins

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Original Meeting

Tuesday, July 1st, 2025
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Alex Rosen
Durham, North Carolina
As the Executive Director of See Gov, I focus on how to best achieve our mission of expanding thoughtful and consistent participation in democracy. I develop See Gov's technology, work to grow our impact, and find ways to sustain our nonprofit. I live in Durham, NC and make highlight reels for Durham and other See Gov pilot communities.
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In This Video
  • Mayor Buscher recognized the Sacred Heart-Griffin varsity baseball team for winning the 2025 IHSA Class 2A State Baseball Championship.
  • Mayor Buscher introduced an ordinance to establish the SHA Madison Park Tax Increment Financing Neighborhood Improvement Grant program.
  • Alderman Carlson and Alderman Gregory discussed concerns and justifications regarding changes to the Madison Park TIF Neighborhood Improvement Grant program, focusing on program accessibility, financial requirements, and the long-term impact on TIF funds.
  • Alderwoman Conley expressed support for the TIF grant program changes and encouraged collaboration to promote the program to homeowners as a way to address housing issues and stabilize neighborhoods.
  • Alderman Hanauer discussed concerns about restricting TIF funds for specific uses, shared findings on the distribution of grant money among wards, and clarified misconceptions about TIF funding across the city.
  • Alderman Donelan emphasized that the council retains flexibility to reallocate unobligated TIF funds for significant projects and expressed support for the neighborhood revitalization effort.
  • Alderman Williams supported efforts to change the grant program, highlighting the need to address longstanding inequities in funding distribution and to remove barriers for residents seeking assistance with home repairs.
  • Alderwoman Notariano clarified that TIF and federal entitlement funds are directed to blighted areas as intended and emphasized that local business owners and homeowners already have 'skin in the game.'
  • Alderwoman Purchase explained the rationale for paying grant funds directly to contractors, highlighted challenges faced by residents with limited means, and urged support for the grant program.
  • The council prepared to vote on the amended ordinance establishing the SHA Madison Park TIF Neighborhood Improvement Grant program.
  • The council approved the amended SHA Madison Park TIF Neighborhood Improvement Grant program by a vote of 9 to 1.
  • The council considered a resolution to support the History Across the Tracks initiative aimed at promoting cultural preservation, tourism, and economic development in East Springfield.
  • The council unanimously approved a resolution, after which Alderman Gregory recognized the Massey family and announced an upcoming city bridge dedication in their honor.
  • Alderman Gregory announced that the city would dedicate a bridge in honor of the Massey family on Sunday, July 6th at 3:30, with local artists participating in the event.
  • Alderwoman Conley described efforts to improve a citywide program for low-income homeowners outside TIF zones and anticipated introducing an ordinance to lower cost matches and expand financing options.
  • A public historian spoke in support of the History Across the Tracks initiative, emphasizing the significance of the sites identified and the importance of equitable support for cultural heritage preservation.
  • Jon Hughes shared a personal tragedy involving the loss of a child and called attention to the urgent issue of youth suicide in the community.
  • Jon Hughes urged the council to address youth suicide and bullying, proposing a system for students to report bullying directly to police and sharing the impact of online harassment following a personal loss.
  • Jon Hughes criticized local and state leaders for failing to address youth suicide, cited recent deaths in the community, and called for action including a QR code system in schools to support students facing bullying.
  • Tim Sperry described challenges faced by owner-occupants and small developers in navigating city regulations when remodeling or building homes, and highlighted the abundance of vacant houses in the area.
  • Alderwoman Notariano acknowledged the abundance of vacant houses in Ward 6 and agreed that renovating them would benefit the neighborhood.
  • Alderman Williams explained that legal proceedings significantly delay action on vacant houses, making it appear to the public that no progress is being made.
  • Alderwoman Purchase shared a personal experience with saving a home from demolition, emphasized the importance of proactive communication with inspectors, and encouraged collaborative education to help others navigate the process.
  • Tim Sperry commented on the widespread issue of vacant properties in the city and expressed frustration that these properties continue to deteriorate despite interest from various community members in rehabilitating them.
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