Nehemiah Foundation

            Community and Housing Development Continues

 

Press Release: Valanderous Bell – May 13, 2010

 

The Board of The Nehemiah Foundation is rolling up their sleeves to take aggressive action in keeping with our mission statement, purpose and values.

 

The Foundation completed the first project house in December 2009.  Plans were to start immediate homes at other locations.  However, winter weather and property suitability issues have caused delays.  Despite these problems, we never stopped planning and searching for ways to address the community development and residential housing needs of the citizens of Sulphur Springs.

 

We have focused our attention on land acquisition through donations and below market-value purchases. Planning Coordinator and TNF Board Member Ann Gregg has sent letters to owners of vacant lots telling them of our interest in

• Building on their lot for a qualified family member
• Their donating the lot to the Foundation for a full market value tax exemption
• The Foundation purchasing the lot at-or-below tax valuation.

 

The response has been quite good.  We will check out all available lots to make sure they are suitable for construction.  Some previous offers had to be rejected because of building code or boundary issues.  We will continue to work with city officials to solve problems on donated lots.

 

On April 27, 2010 Wayne Cooper gave to the Foundation a large lot located at the corner of Ardis and West Ross Streets.  The donation of this property and other properties available on West Ross Street has inspired the Foundation to begin a renewal program in the Ardis Street/Ross Street neighborhood.  

 

We expect to start construction first at 219 West Ross Street.  Construction starts at the other locations available on both West Ross and Ardis Street should follow within weeks of the first.  By the end of 2010, there should be several houses finished or under construction in that neighborhood. 

 

Two applicants have requested that The Nehemiah Foundation tear down their present substandard homes and build new homes in their place.  We are delighted to be able to work with them to fulfill their dreams.

 

 

 

We are also searching for properties North and West of downtown with hopes of cluster development in other areas. We are hopeful letters sent by Ann Gregg will result in the donation or purchase of several properties.

Development in these areas and throughout the city will bring increased property values and added tax revenue for Sulphur Springs.  City officials and representatives of the taxing entities in Hopkins County are working together to identify and make available abandoned and desirable building lots throughout the city.

 

Anyone wishing to donate or sell vacant lots at tax-appraised value or less may contact The Nehemiah Foundation by calling (903)439-6018 or come by our office located a 301 Gilmer Street Suite B, Sulphur Springs, Texas

 

The Nehemiah Foundation and its Board of Directors is committed to helping improve the quality of life for the citizens of Sulphur Springs through new housing development and various other programs of benefit to a growing and thriving community. We appreciate the efforts of so many people to make this program successful and for their vision of progress and community enrichment.