LAHARPE A push to improve LaHarpes housing stock continues to build up steam.
LaHarpe City Council members discussed Wednesday a proposed small home ordinance that would allow construction of homes as small as 500 square feet.
The citys existing ordinance prohibits anything smaller than 1,000 square feet, although locals have spotted an opportunity for smaller, and less expensive homes as a viable option to get folks to move to LaHarpe.
The Council has huddled in recent weeks with local businessman Ray Maloney, who has spearheaded efforts to begin construction of small homes through the Regional Rural Technology Centers construction trades classes.
The homes being built by the classes measure 544 square feet 16 feet by 34 feet, plus an 8-foot porch, and include a living room, kitchen, bathroom and two bedrooms.
Council members said they were eager to get the ordinance approved before a Jan. 18 Home Fair organized by the LaHarpe PRIDE Committee.
It would be nice, if someone was interested in small homes, if we could have something done by then, Councilwoman Sharlyn Thompson said.
They were unable to do so immediately because City Attorney Fred Works, who has been writing up the ordinance, was absent from Wednesdays meeting.
However, Works had indicated he could have the ordinance ready for the Councils review in short order, City Clerk Michelle Altis said.
Mayor Mae Crowell said she would visit with Works to determine whether a special meeting could be held prior to Jan. 18 to approve the ordinance.
The Jan. 18 Home Fair, will focus on a pair of loan programs offered through the United States Department of Agricultures Rural Development office for working class families without having to come up with a down payment to finance a new home. Representatives from Community National Bank, Landmark Bank and Piqua State Bank each of whom works with USDA for certain loan programs will be on hand, as will representatives from Advance Systems Homes.
UNDETERRED by the recent rejection of a health and wellness grant, the city is ready to take another swing.
Marcia Davis, community engagement director with Thrive Allen County, noted in December the city was unsuccessful in its pursuit of a Health Forward Foundation grant to further equip the citys fitness room, provide new kitchen equipment for City Hall, fund a part-time wellness directors salary and provide additional safety features for the City Park playground area.
Cities are eligible to apply for grant funds once a year, Davis noted, and this is a new year.
Davis said she planned to visit with an HFF representative this week to get feedback on why the city was unsuccessful.
She hopes to resubmit another application in February.
