The Northeast side of Carbondale has been more ignored than tended to in the past. Many houses there are falling apart, and residents do not have the cash to make the changes for which they long. Many in the economically flailing area can barely keep the bills paid, let alone make costly roof repairs and furnace replacements.
It is refreshing, then, to hear of the ways state money is being put to good use in the city's northeast homes. More than 100 houses have been renovated there in the last eight years, thanks to the Community Development Assistance Program.
The average cost of these repairs is around $30,000, a small price for recipients to receive what everyone in this town deserves: a nice place to call home. If the structure is beyond repair, it is demolished and a new home is built in its place.
So many of Carbondale's citizens must raise their children and care for older relatives in houses wrought with faulty wiring and lead poisoning. Their often silent suffering was not imperceptible to the men and women who donate their time and effort by urging residents to apply, perusing applications and connecting with citizens to make their homes livable.
These people - some community members, other public officeholders - are not only elevating the quality of life for the residents they help, they are improving the look of our community and the health of Carbondale families. This is one of those increasingly rare examples of exemplary government where the state, city and its citizens come together to truly make life better for all.
The Daily Egyptian wishes to formally praise all involved for these endeavors, and we stand behind the continuation and expansion of this neighborhood regeneration. These near-heroic efforts have not gone unnoticed nor unappreciated.
Another $400,000 grant was secured this year by the community development program to continue this important mission. We look forward to another 100 refurbished homes for northeast citizens, and we applaud these advances toward an even greater Carbondale for all who call it home.
Published on 11/17/05; 12:24:44 PM
