News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Livingston is pursuing a new option to buyout Cash Street properties impacted by Dillon Pond flooding.
Mayor Curtis Hayes said he has submitted a request for $1.8 million from the state’s revolving loan program.
“Get a grant and the loan be forgiven that’s the goal of this and to purchase properties that are eligible and turn all of that space into a green space that would minimize any other flooding event,” Hayes said.
Hayes said the funding would allow the demolition of existing buildings after purchasing the six parcels. Hayes said then, the land would be reverted to a green space. Hayes said the clean water loan fits the project since storm water flow would improve.
“If we get approved with the grants, we would start talking with property owners about purchasing their properties,” Hayes said. “I’m sure appraisals will be made, but this is just from a 10,000 foot point of view of what this grant would be. It’s all about trying to make that area green and where no properties would be at lost anymore.”
Application scoring begins in April with feedback coming to the local level sometime this summer. Hayes said the city could gain loan forgiveness through a small and disadvantaged community principal forgiveness program.
The loan request comes after a declined FEMA hazard mitigation application. The federal agency indicated that the properties would not qualify for the funding.
“The property owners have been through a lot,” Hayes said. “We just want to make sure we are doing all that we can possibly do to continue making our community a great community.”
