Nearly two dozen Sandisfield homes were rehabilitated through three previous rehab programs between the 2018 and 2020 fiscal years, with another fifty or so similarly upgraded in other Berkshire County towns.

That same program is being reinstated for FY2025, and Sandisfield residents will have an equal opportunity to participate as the program operates on a first-come/first-served application basis.

So as the program begins to roll out, the backers strongly suggest that qualified Sandisfield residents fill out a pre-application form and get on the waiting list. The project manager anticipates receiving a total of slightly over $1 million in funding to rehab a dozen units and local residents could benefit.

The Funding Source

There is no cost to Sandisfield for the program. The funding is provided by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, working with the local Board of Selectmen in conjunction with Berkshire Community Development and Baily Boyd Associates of Boston to provide the program benefits locally.

The program offers Deferred-Payment Loans (DPLs) at zero percent interest to finance the rehabilitation of eligible projects. The maximum DPL is $60,000 per unit to address code violations, with an additional $10,000 per unit when improvements include removal of lead paint or asbestos, making handicapped access, septic system replacement, or multiple energy-efficiency enhancements. The DPL is secured by a lien placed on the property for a period of 15 years, which will be forgiven at a rate of 1/15th per year provided the property owner(s) are not in any way in default. The DPLs do not require monthly loan payments. If a property is sold or transferred within the 15-year period after rehabilitation completion, the funds will be recaptured on a prorated basis. After the 15-year recapture period expires, the loan is forgiven.

Eligibility and Application Process

Applicants must meet the initial eligibility requirements, as laid out in the pre-application form, in order to qualify to begin the application process. Final eligibility is determined after the fully completed loan application and all supporting documentation is received, reviewed, and accepted by the BCD Housing Rehab Program Manager. See the adjoining Sandisfield Income Eligibility Chart for income limits based on household size.

The program is offered to owner-occupied single-family/multifamily and investor-owned units in the Town of Sandisfield. If the structure is a single-family owner-occupied unit, the owner must meet income guidelines of low to moderate income. If the structure contains year-round rental units, at least 51% of all the households including rental units/renters must meet these income limits. The applicant must be the property owner of record for the proposed residential structure.

Scope of Repairs

A wide range of repairs are covered, including but not limited to:

• Roof and Siding replacements and repairs
• Electrical, Heating and Plumbing upgrades
• Structural improvements
• Handicap Accessibility improvements
• Energy efficiency enhancements
• Insulation and Window repairs
• Lead Paint and Asbestos removal

Testimonials

Sandisfield Residents who have previously benefited from the program express their gratitude about the program:

"This program was the answer to my prayers. I was in need of a roof badly along with other repairs and without this program, my house would have been destroyed by major leaks in the roof. The team was amazing!" - FY18 Sandisfield Recipient

"My insurance company stated that they would not renew my policy if I didn't get a new roof. I was at wits end caring for my husband. The program came to my rescue and I couldn't have been more pleased. The workers all worked together as a team and communication was excellent. A BIG thank you!" - FY17 Sandisfield Recipient

For more information on the Housing Rehabilitation Program, visit the Sandisfield website or contact Dawn Odell Lemon, Project Manager at dawn@berkcd.com or 413-528-0104.