Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
CLAYPOOL - He's written grants for many towns and agencies in Kosciusko and surrounding counties, but now Bob Murphy is trying his hand at developing and is providing money for the town to complete its project.
Murphy, of R.P. Murphy and Associates, Larwill, and his wife, Gayle, recently donated $25,000 to the town of Claypool as a portion of its "local share" toward development of a 20-home subdivision for low-income housing.
The Indiana Department of Commerce requires all eligible cities, towns and counties applying for federal funds to "match" at least 10 percent of the funds requested. Claypool will receive a $300,000 grant and will provide a $59,500 local match. The grant, written by Murphy, was awarded after the second attempt at application by the town.
Murphy said that this is the first time he has acted as developer in a housing project and that funds - another $25,000 - have also been received from residents Max and Janice Anglin, whose land is being utilized for the development and was recently annexed into town limits.
Having the grant in place, Murphy said, allows people with lower incomes to go to the bank and get credit for at least 10 percent of the down payment for purchase of one of the homes.
The prospective homeowners are getting signed up at this time and will be able to pick the floor plans of their choice, as well as the carpeting and paint colors and other aspects of the homes.
"The key," Murphy said, "is that they will have to put no money down."
Income eligibility for purchase of one of the homes are: one person, $23,200; two people, $26,500; three people, $29,500; four people, $33,100; and five people, $35,750.
For more information, call Murphy at 327-3404.
