On November 14, the Greenbelt City Council approved Interim City Manager Timothy George’s proposed programs that use American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds already approved by council. The programs benefit Greenbelt residents who are first-time homebuyers, scholarship applicants or persons in need of healthcare vouchers.
Homebuyer Assistance
The city will be working with the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development’s Community Development Authority to implement a program to assist Greenbelt renters with down payment and/or closing costs. The program will include a grant of up to $15,000 and possibly an additional $2,500.
Interim Assistant City Manager Debi Sandlin’s memorandum of November 10 states,
“The goal is sustainable and affordable housing for low to moderate income. The Maryland Mortgage Program requires that borrowers do not exceed the Area Median Income based on U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) income guidelines and that the purchase and loan amounts stay within established parameters. …”
Eligible borrowers must be existing renters in Greenbelt for 12 or more consecutive months and be purchasing a home in Greenbelt. The home must be occupied by the homebuyer, and the borrower cannot own any other real estate property at the time of closing.
More information can be found by contacting Sandlin on the city website at greenbeltmd.gov.
Homebuyer Assistance Discussion
One concern is that the program is limited as to the types of loans that can be used. Kim Kash from Compass Realty noted that Greenbelt Homes, Inc. (GHI) units would not be eligible for this program. Councilmember Kristen Weaver will investigate whether condominiums would be eligible. Councilmember Judith Davis asked Sandlin to see if loans can be made to GHI homes through the Greenbelt Federal Credit Union.
Councilmember Rodney Roberts asked Sandlin if there were limitations to the size of the house that could be purchased. Sandlin replied that no explicit limitations existed but given the HUD guidelines and debt ratio, house size will be compatible with the purchaser. Sandlin also noted that assistance would be available for applicants taking the required classes. Council approved this program unanimously and the city will look for a similar program for GHI.
Scholarship Program
The city will establish the Greenbelt Scholarship Program to award up to $10,000 to eligible students to be paid directly to the educational institution, covering expenses for up to two school years. The primary goal of the scholarship is to provide assistance and an opportunity for students interested in education beyond high school but due to financial hardships are not in the position to seek out continued education opportunities.
Applicants must have resided in Greenbelt for a minimum of one year and demonstrate they are planning to pursue post-secondary education or a vocational training program. They may have been accepted or be currently enrolled in a post-secondary school or vocational training program. Questions regarding the program can be submitted to the city at scholarship@greenbeltmd.gov.
Scholarship Program Discussion
Mayor Emmett Jordan liked the program but wondered if the focus had to be exclusively on youth. Councilmember Colin Byrd and Liz Park, director of CARES, responded that the program could be modified. Park noted that workforce development funds are available in ARPA and have been included in the economic development plans. George did not consider older persons with this program initially but agreed with Park that there are other ARPA funds available to older persons. Jordan responded that he preferred those ARPA funds to remain with economic and business development programs.
To a question by Davis on the impact of the pandemic, Sandlin noted that pandemic impact is established by income level and census data. Davis suggested adding a question to the application that asked directly about pandemic impact. Davis also mentioned sending notices to Bowie State, community colleges, vocational schools and the trade unions that run vocational schools, and Eleanor Roosevelt High School guidance counselors. Roberts noted that he considered the program description to be discriminatory. Roberts said that the word “youth” should be removed from this program. Council approved the Scholarship Grant Program with six ayes and one nay (Roberts objected to focus on youth).
Healthcare Vouchers
The city will be working with CCI Health Services which has provided care to over 3,600 Greenbelt residents this year in two locations in the city (Greenway Center and Springhill Lane in Franklin Park). The principal target population will be uninsured or under-insured children and adults who are not eligible for other programs, live in a Qualified Census Tract or live below the Federal Poverty Level. Income-based copays start at $35 for a medical appointment (all-around medical services and lab tests are included in this rate), $25 for behavioral health and $45 for dental (including preventive procedures, routine exams, cleaning x-rays and sealants). There will be no restrictions on the number of visits a resident can have.
For more information contact Sandlin on the city website, greenbeltmd.gov.
Healthcare Vouchers Discussion
Roberts questioned whether treatment will be mostly on-site or referred and Sandlin said most services are on-site in the two locations. Greenbelt resident Bob Rand suggested adding Old Greenbelt Health to the providers. Jordan would like to broaden providers for other specialties not covered by CCI. Jessica Wilson, chief strategy officer from CCI, responded that CCI does have some partnerships but specialists tend not to take uninsured patients. She mentioned that CCI has bought a new building in Greenbelt and can also refer patients to its Silver Spring location for services. George said that the city would continue to investigate other providers but reporting to ARPA may become complicated. Councilmember Silke Pope would like to get started on this program and investigate other programs and providers later. Council approved the program unanimously.