Residential façade improvement grant program aims to enhance housing stock in Terrytown

(TERRYTOWN, La) – Today, the Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission (JEDCO), in partnership with Jefferson Parish, Jefferson Parish Finance Authority (JPFA), and the New Orleans Education League of the Construction Industry (NOEL), launched a new grant program designed to spruce up the exterior appearance of area homes to make the community more attractive to incoming homebuyers and more economically competitive. The Jefferson Parish Residential Façade Improvement Program will provide up to $8,500 for repairs and updates to selected homes in Terrytown.

The program is available to owner-occupied, single-family homes located within the eligible property boundary in Terrytown. Homes must be within Holmes Boulevard, Wright Avenue, Behrman Highway, and Belle Chasse Highway. Eligible projects include:

• Landscaping
• Repair of soffit & fascia or rotted wood
• Exterior painting repairs or replacement items
• Repair or replacement of front door and/or shutters/windows
• Repair or replacement to driveway and/or sidewalk

“This exciting program provides a wonderful opportunity for homeowners to improve their property and to encourage pride in homeownership in the Terrytown area,” said Valarie Hart, Executive Director of NOEL.

“The Jefferson Parish Finance Authority is pleased to continue our partnership in the Jefferson Parish Facade Improvement Grant Program,” said Lauren Ruppel, JPFA Executive Director. “Programs like these continue to enhance our community for current and future homeowners of Jefferson Parish.”

The residential façade improvement program is a key action item created through the Terrytown Neighborhood Revitalization Strategic Plan, which aims to provide a suite of tools, resources and recommendations that will improve existing housing stock, encourage the development of new desirable housing units and improve the neighborhood amenities and infrastructure in Terrytown. Spearheaded by Jefferson Parish and JEDCO, the plan was created to stimulate investment in housing stock that complements surrounding architectural styles while featuring contemporary interior and exterior designs in demand by today’s homebuyers. In 2020, leaders from JEDCO, Jefferson Parish, NOEL, JPFA, and the Home Builders Association cut the ribbon on a model home in Terrytown, which was constructed using funding from Council District 1 in partnership with the JPFA.

“This is a collaborative effort that we hope will be replicated throughout our Parish,” said JEDCO President and CEO Jerry Bologna. “There is a far-reaching economic impact that will come from improving the curb appeal of local homes. When a prospective business considers a community, they make decisions based on a number of factors, including quality of life, education and housing. Improving our housing stock and neighborhoods will allow our community to remain economically competitive and attractive. Our innovative approach to neighborhood advancement, along with our dynamic partnerships, are some of the many reasons why Jefferson Parish continues to be a destination for business.”

“The Jefferson Parish Residential Façade Improvement Program provides us with an innovative approach toward reimagining the housing infrastructure in Jefferson Parish,” said Jefferson Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng. “It is critical to the future of our community that we focus on our neighborhoods in order to attract the next generation of families here. We have prioritized upgrading the aging housing stock in our community for many years in Jefferson Parish. This is another significant step forward to improving the overall quality of life in our community. We commend our partners for their impactful work and look forward to seeing the Terrytown neighborhood transform through this program.”

The dollars from the sale of that model home are being used to fund the Jefferson Parish Residential Façade Improvement Program alongside generous contributions from Councilman Scott Walker and Councilwoman Jennifer Van Vrancken. Original funding for the model home construction, which was replenished upon the sale of the house, was generously provided by Council District 1.

“I am proud to support this effort to improve our housing stock on the Westbank,” said Councilwoman-at-Large Jennifer Van Vrancken. “I hope to see this pilot program replicated elsewhere in Jefferson to help revitalize properties and improve neighborhoods.”

“I commend our partners at NOEL and JPFA for spearheading this exciting program,” said Councilman-at-Large Scott Walker. “This grant funding will serve as a catalyst for change in Terrytown and Jefferson Parish. We are proud to help fund this effort.”

Terrytown is the oldest planned suburban development in Jefferson Parish. The Jefferson Parish Council voted for Terrytown to become the first neighborhood for the pilot program because of its many community strengths, opportunities and challenges. The plan – and this new model home – will serve as a model for other neighborhoods across Jefferson Parish, providing opportunities to retain residents and attract a new generation of homebuyers.

“This is an exciting moment for the Terrytown neighborhood,” said District 1 Councilman Marion Edwards. “I look forward to seeing the transformative results that will come out of the Residential Façade Improvement Grant Program.”

Selection of projects will be determined by a completed application and transparent lottery process. The deadline to apply is May 11th at 9:00pm. The lottery for the first round of applications will take place in the weeks following. All applications must be filled out and emailed to info@noelci.org. For more information about the Jefferson Parish Residential Façade Improvement Program and to apply, please visit www.noelci.org.