DAVENPORT, Iowa -
Davenport is looking for new ways to grow its population. That's one reason why aldermen will examine a plan called Davenport Now to offer tax rebates while reviving the inner city and building new neighborhoods.
After months of study, Aldermen will take it up this week in committee meetings. It only takes council approval to become a reality. Similiar programs are operating successfully in cities like Des Moines.
Monday morning on Kirkwood Boulevard, it's another day at the office for Cory Fuessel. With each brushstroke, he's helping to transform century-old apartments into a comfortable family home.
"They're just beautiful homes," he said. "They all need to be restored."
Already part of Davenport's HAPPEN program, the house might also qualify for tax breaks if a city plan becomes reality. It would cut tax bills in half over a decade for homeowners who decide to add on to their property.
"I think it's awesome," Fuessel said. "I think it would help some contractors make some money around here, and people will have their houses fixed up."
While the Davenport Now proposal helps to revive aging neighborhoods, it also inspires new housing in Davenport to grow the community. That's a continued priority after Davenport Promise was turned down by voters.
A new home at Eastern Avenue Farms fits the bill. Under Davenport Now, the buyer could get a tax break worth thousands of dollars, payable at once or spread out over ten years. Supporters say it could help to reverse the disturbing drop in housing starts.
"That would result in growth for the city of Davenport," said Alderman at Large Gene Meeker. "It would result in property tax growth for the city of Davenport as well."
Growth designed to inspire more new construction like Eastern Avenue Farms and more families moving to Davenport.
"It's a program that can be done throughout the city of Davenport," said Rick Schloemer, Scott County Housing Council. "It's a program that can be done for any income level."
Schloemer hopes that Davenport Now can blend with other housing programs to boost neighborhoods.
"To me, it's another tool in that kit to help reinvest in the city of Davenport," he said.
Back on Kirkwood, work on the home conversion continues. Soon, perhaps, with more incentives.
"Bring value back to the neighborhoods," Fuessel said. "Clean them up. Give people a chance at an affordable home."
An affordable home, brush by brush in Davenport.
After months of study, Aldermen will take it up this week in committee meetings. It only takes council approval to become a reality. Similiar programs are operating successfully in cities like Des Moines.
Monday morning on Kirkwood Boulevard, it's another day at the office for Cory Fuessel. With each brushstroke, he's helping to transform century-old apartments into a comfortable family home.
"They're just beautiful homes," he said. "They all need to be restored."
Already part of Davenport's HAPPEN program, the house might also qualify for tax breaks if a city plan becomes reality. It would cut tax bills in half over a decade for homeowners who decide to add on to their property.
"I think it's awesome," Fuessel said. "I think it would help some contractors make some money around here, and people will have their houses fixed up."
While the Davenport Now proposal helps to revive aging neighborhoods, it also inspires new housing in Davenport to grow the community. That's a continued priority after Davenport Promise was turned down by voters.
A new home at Eastern Avenue Farms fits the bill. Under Davenport Now, the buyer could get a tax break worth thousands of dollars, payable at once or spread out over ten years. Supporters say it could help to reverse the disturbing drop in housing starts.
"That would result in growth for the city of Davenport," said Alderman at Large Gene Meeker. "It would result in property tax growth for the city of Davenport as well."
Growth designed to inspire more new construction like Eastern Avenue Farms and more families moving to Davenport.
"It's a program that can be done throughout the city of Davenport," said Rick Schloemer, Scott County Housing Council. "It's a program that can be done for any income level."
Schloemer hopes that Davenport Now can blend with other housing programs to boost neighborhoods.
"To me, it's another tool in that kit to help reinvest in the city of Davenport," he said.
Back on Kirkwood, work on the home conversion continues. Soon, perhaps, with more incentives.
"Bring value back to the neighborhoods," Fuessel said. "Clean them up. Give people a chance at an affordable home."
An affordable home, brush by brush in Davenport.
