5/10/2012 - West Side Leader
     

Akron receives $3 million grant for lead abatement

DOWNTOWN AKRON — The city of Akron Department of Planning and Urban Development received a $3 million grant to carry out its Lead Hazard Reduction Demonstration Program.

The funds, from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, will be used to help eliminate lead-based paint from homes in urban neighborhoods in the Akron area, according to city officials.

As part of the program, Akron officials will evaluate and take steps to eliminate lead hazards in 200 homes, targeting low-income families with children ages 6 and younger, according to city officials. Households where young children frequently visit, such as a relative’s house, also may be eligible for assistance.

The program is available to both homeowners and rental property owners meeting the criteria.

The grant funds may be used for home improvements such as new siding, windows, doors, porches and other components of the home that test positive for lead-based paint, according to city officials.

The effort to eliminate lead-based paint in Akron area homes also includes outreach and education to engage the community and faith-based organizations, as well as provide training in lead safe practices to contractors and their workers, according to city officials.

Among those working in partnership with Akron to administer the program will be the Summit County Department of Community and Economic Development, Rebuilding Together of Greater Cuyahoga Valley, East Akron Neighborhood Development Corp., Nazareth Housing Development Corp. and Neighborhood Development Services of Barberton.

According to city officials, lead-based paint was banned for use in homes in 1978, but each year approximately 1,800 children and 900 adults in Ohio are newly diagnosed with lead poisoning. Lead exposure can lead to many health problems in children, including learning disabilities, developmental delays, reduced height and impaired hearing. At higher levels, it can damage a child’s kidneys and central nervous system, according to city officials.

“As long as we continue to have children living in homes with high levels of lead, we will continue to seek out funding for these types of programs,” said Mayor Don Plusquellic.

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