Community & Economic Development
In 2008, Mayor Cyril Kleem established the Community identity Committee, which met in August to discuss Berea's marketing and branding. This Committee of 23 people met to discuss the pros and cons of the City of Berea. With that, Mayor Kleem will create two committees as a part of it initial meeting (Neighborhood & Housing Committee and Master Planning Committee). The BCDC will be charged with working with a Master Planning consultant during the year 2009 to create a citywide master plan. The City of Berea adopted a plan in 2000 and had a rewrite in 2002. With the plan being dated by recent developments, the Mayor and the BCDC will be conducting the plan to act as the roadmap though the 21st Century! The BCDC and Reveille Ltd. have completed the Master Plan Committee Review and are currently drafting a Master Plan for the review in the fall of 2010. Please visit www.reveille.me.
The BCDC Engages In The Following Activities:
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Community Reinvestment Area (CRA): 100% real property tax abatement for up to 15 years for home additions and major improvements.
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Projects that MAY increase the assessed value of your property are: Install indoor fireplace, add new porch, install additional bathroom or toilet, install stall shower, finish attic, second floor or bedroom with paneling, plaster or plasterboard, build new or enlarged garage, and add additional living area. |
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Projects that DO NOT increase the assessed value of your property (unless they are part of a complete modernization) are: Siding, glass block, painting, waterproofing, new storm windows or doors, repair or replacement of sidewalk or driveway, new roof, remodeling of kitchen, furnace replacement, or fencing. Removal of dilapidated sheds or garages will result in those items being taken off the tax duplicate.
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Home Enhancement Loan Program ( H.E.L.P): Home loans 3% below market rate for alterations, repairs, maintenance or improvements. There is no income qualification and includes single-family, two-family, and multi-family dwellings. Single-family and multi-family dwellings can be valued up to $250,000.00 and there is no value limit on multi-family dwellings. Loans can be used for compliance of code violations and property upgrades and are granted to owner occupied and investment dwellings. For more information about this program, visit the Cuyahoga County Treasurer's website.
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Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program: Low interest loan program that is income based for homeowners to conduct a variety of home repairs. For more information about this program, visit the Cuyahoga County Department of Development's website.
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Energy Assistance Program: The Ohio Department of Development (ODOD) offers several programs to help low-income eligible homeowners and renters pay their utility bills and improve the energy efficiency of their homes. The County Fiscal Officer’s Community Service Department offers assistance in processing the applications for the following programs: Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), Home Weatherization Assistance Program (HWAP), Winter Crisis Program (WCP), Summer Crisis Program (SCP) and Percentage of Income Payment Plans (PIPP). For more information on these programs visit the Fiscal Officer’s and/or the Ohio Department of Development’s website.
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Down Payment Assistance Loan Program: The Cuyahoga County Down Payment Assistance Program is administered by Neighborhood Housing Services on behalf of the County. Funds are available to income qualified homebuyers for eligible costs including title search, legal fees, and closing costs. Interested individuals can also contact Neighborhood Housing Services directly at 216-458-HOME.
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Homestead Exemption: Income based program to lower property taxes for homeowners 65+ or those permanently and totally disabled. For more information on this program, visit the Fiscal Officer's website.
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Master Planning Committee- The BCDC will be charged with working with a Master Planning consultant during the year 2009 to create a citywide master plan. The City of Berea adopted a plan in 2000 and had a rewrite in 2002. With the plan being dated by recent developments, the Mayor and the BCDC will be conducting the plan to act as the roadmap though the 21st Century! The BCDC and Reveille Ltd. have completed the Master Plan for an updated plan. Please visit www.reveille.me.
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Contact Information
Rebecca Corrigan
99 South Rocky River Drive
Berea, Ohio 44017
440.826.4727 dd
440.243.5036 fax
440.567.9909 mobile
Rebecca@bereacdc.org
www.bereacdc.org
Business and Housing Programs
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