Northampton County passes Community Revitalization Fund

After months of discussion, the Northampton County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the proposed Community Revitalization Fund during Tuesday night’s board meeting.

The program is designed to promote sustainable development and improve housing conditions throughout Northampton County. It offers various incentives to encourage the demolition of blighted structures and the construction or rehabilitation of attainable housing. The program provides up to $4,000 in waived tipping fees for the voluntary demolition of blighted or derelict structures, as defined by Virginia state law and determined by County staff.

Permit fee rebates are available for the rehabilitation or construction of attainable housing, which is defined as properties with an assessed value of $350,000 or less. To qualify, these homes must serve as primary or long-term residences and cannot be used as short-term rentals for seven years after project completion.

The program includes a seven-year rebate on real estate taxes for newly constructed attainable housing, limited to properties assessed at $350,000 or less. Additionally, permit fee rebates are offered for essential repairs and ADA-compliant improvements to attainable housing, including work on roofs, foundations, HVAC systems, plumbing, and electrical systems. These properties are also restricted from short-term rental use for seven years.

An earlier proposal to include a loan component in the program was removed due to concerns raised by the Board of Supervisors. Northampton County Administrator Charlie Kolakowski, who will oversee the grant recipients, stated that he is working on creating a revised loan program that addresses the Board’s concerns.