OBSERVER Photo by Braden Carmen Josh Freifeld, Executive Director of Chautauqua Home Rehabilitation and Improvement Corporation (CHRIC), provided an update on the ongoing project for housing improvements in the village of Silver Creek.

SILVER CREEK — The village has been fortunate to receive substantial support in recent years for housing improvements for residents in need of assistance. At a recent meeting of the Village Board, a status update was provided by Josh Freifeld, Executive Director of Chautauqua Home Rehabilitation and Improvement Corporation (CHRIC), on the village’s ongoing project.

The current project, funded through the Community Development Block Grant, is the second of its kind in the village. Silver Creek received just shy of $500,000 more than a year ago, and the ongoing project was a second award that totaled $500,000.

The current project is addressing seven homes in the community, with the intent to address any issues that are not up to code, such as electrical or plumbing issues, or flooring and roofing issues. Lead and asbestos testing is also required.

To date, improvements to five of the seven homes selected have been completed, with the other two underway and set to conclude by the end of the year. The average cost for repairs for each home was $58,607. Of the total awarded amount, $410,215 went directly to construction costs.

Of the seven households selected for the project, six were inhabited by senior citizens, five featured female head of households, one was a disabled household, and one was a veteran household. Only single-family, owner-occupied homes are considered for the project.

In terms of income, two households were below the 30% median income in the county, two households were between 30-50% median income, and three were between 50-80%. Residents are ineligible for the program if they exceed the 80% median income requirement. Income requirements are reevaluated each year.

Freifeld noted that “a significant waiting list” remains in the village to receive assistance from the annual program. Freifeld said, “There definitely is the potential again to provide more assistance to homes here in the village, for sure.”

Mayor Jeff Hornburg and Village Trustee Kathy Tampio both expressed optimism for the Village’s relationship with CHRIC to continue moving forward.

“Thank you, Josh. We appreciate everything that you do. It’s very much appreciated,” Hornburg said to Freifeld at the conclusion of the public hearing.

Following the public hearing regarding the ongoing CHRIC project, the Village Board later approved the promotion of two Water/Sewer Department employees, Bill Freneza and Ben Wassell, to the title of Water/Wastewater Operator after completing the required exams and training.

Tom Bertino Sr. was approved as an active member of the Silver Creek Fire Department. The Fire Department will hold its annual Letter Campaign for the months of June and July; its annual Boot Drive on Memorial Day weekend at the corners of Main Street and Central Ave. and Central Ave. and Howard Street; and a drive-through chicken barbecue on June 7 at the Village Municipal Parking Lot from 3-6 p.m.

The Village also approved a water/sewer tap application for 12 Glenwood Ave. Ball Park Pavilion requests for birthday parties on May 19 and July 6 were approved, as well. The Village Clerk will also seek bids on general liability insurance for the Village.

The annual Music in the Park concert series begins on the second Tuesday of June, through the end of August, with food vendors and bands to be announced at a later date.