Qualifying first-time home buyers are being offered a $40,000 break for single-family homes on village property in the Sherwood Heights section of Sidney, thanks to a recently received state grant.
Applications are being taken for up to six purchasers in the area around Bird Avenue and Johnston Circle because of a grant from the New York State Affordable Housing Corporation, village Clerk Denise Singlar said Tuesday.
It is part of a village initiative to rehabilitate the area "" where multifamily housing was built during World War II "" with single-family homes.
The village is being assisted by Shelter Planning and Development in Queensbury.
To qualify, the home buyer must meet eligibility requirements for low or moderate income, which for a family of four would be less than $43,900, Shelter President Bob Murray said. The modular homes, which will be purchased through Belden Homes Inc. of Harpursville, run from about $110,000 to $116,000, he said.
"We will help each individual and work with them through the process," he said. It starts with an application to the village, he said.
Singlar said the village received a similar grant several years ago that was used to build four houses, the last one two years ago. Eight houses have been built since the village program began in 2001.
One of those who benefited from earlier rounds of home-buyer assistance was Amy Cole, who moved into her house on Johnston Circle more than four years ago.
"It's a good opportunity," she said. The village also worked with Belden Homes when she was buying. "There are nice people to work with," she said.
She said she liked being able to pick the style of house and amenities such as linoleum and carpeting.
Applications are available at the village office at 21 Liberty St. between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, or by calling 561-2324. There is a $9 fee to cover the credit check.
