Frederick County Receives $500,000 for Renovations at Bell Court Senior Apartments

FREDERICK, Md. - The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development has awarded $500,000 to Frederick County in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program funds for capital improvements at the County-owned Bell Court Senior Apartments in Woodsboro.

"Housing is a top priority for my Administration, especially when it comes to our vulnerable seniors," said Frederick County Executive Jessica Fitzwater. "This grant will be used to make critical improvements to Bell Court Senior Apartments, helping to ensure a high quality of life for residents who are aging in place."

Bell Court is a 28-unit community occupied by very low-income seniors, earning less than 30% of the area's median income. The one-bedroom, single-story, townhome-style units have rents that do not exceed 40% of income. The property was built in 1996 through the Maryland Partnership Rental Housing Program. The Frederick County Division of Housing manages the apartments, the community center, and the residents' association.

Frederick County will use the CDBG funds to replace the heating and air conditioning systems in each apartment and in the community center, install accessible showers in the resident's bathrooms, repair sidewalks, and replace the flooring in the apartments.

The national Community Development Block Grant program was enacted into law by Congress as part of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974. Since then, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) program has supported community redevelopment, affordable housing, and the expansion of economic opportunities.

CDBG consists of two parts - the Entitlement Program and the States and Small Cities Program. The Entitlement Program is managed by HUD and provides federal funds directly to larger metropolitan counties and cities. The States and Small Cities Program provides federal funds to states, then state agencies distribute assistance to rural counties, cities and towns.

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Contact: Susan Brown, Director of Operations
Division of Housing
301-600-3530