By ANDY GARDNER

MASSENA -- Village residents in financial need can apply for a chunk of $400,000 in Community Development Block Grant funding to repair or upgrade their homes.

The Board of Trustees voted 4-0 on Tuesday, greenlighting the program. Mayor James Hidy was away at a conference.

Phillips Smith of Avalon Associates told the board that the maximum allocation is $25,000 and the average applicant will get $20,000 to $22,000.

He said landlords not living at a rental property are eligible to get funding for said property, if the tenants all meet income restrictions.

He said in addition to income, the application process looks at if tax payments are up-to-date and if there is proper insurance.

“If you’re not paying your taxes, we’re not going to give you more tax dollars,” Smith said.

The household income limit for an owner-occupied dwelling is $31,750 for one person, $36,250 for two people, $40,800 for three, $45,300 for four, $48,950 for five, $52,550 for six, $56,200 for seven and $59,800 for eight. Add $3,600 for each person above eight.

Those with income at 50 percent of the median for the area are considered priority, and more likely to get grant monies, Smith said.

The rent limit for an apartment where the landlord doesn’t live is $503 monthly for no bedrooms, $570 per month for one bedroom, $724 for two, $972 for three and $1,052 for four. Add 15 percent to the four-bedroom total for each extra bedroom.

To apply for the program, call the Massena Code Enforcement Office at 769-6803.