May 16, 2016
MARSHALL NEWS MESSEMGER (5/15/160 - A new East Texas Baptist University program, in partnership with the city of Marshall, plans to develop more low- to moderate-income housing within the city's borders.
"We want to do what it takes to transform lives," ETBU President Blair Blackburn said. "It all begins with one home that directly affects a family, one street, one neighborhood."
Marshall city commissioners unanimously voted Thursday to establish a program with ETBU to build low- to moderate-income housing with funding and financing available from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Under the program, Marshall would take abandoned properties and other land that is taken off the tax rolls and deed it to ETBU.
The university would then build low- to moderate-income housing based on HUD guidelines. Local banks would be able to provide low-interest loans to families in need.
Blackburn said Thursday that the homes built under the program would have three bedrooms and two baths within 1,400 to 1,500 square feet. The homes would be built in a colonial style with big front porches and priced for about $110,000.
The university is looking at doing two homes a year, with students from the university's construction management program and other volunteers providing labor.
City commissioners were enthusiastic about the proposed partnership.
District 1 Commissioner Gloria Moon said the program would help Marshall accomplish one of its goals, which is to get more properties back on the tax rolls, while District 4 Commissioner LaDarius Carter said he was proud his alma mater was taking this initiative.
District 5 Commissioner Vernia Johnson Calhoun told Blackburn at the meeting she was excited by the program, especially because it will further enhance Marshall's status as an All-America City where people want to live and work.
"I'm hoping that the city commission and staff will work with you at ETBU to bring affordable housing to our city," she said.
(Used by permission www.marshallnewsmessenger.com, story by MNM reporter Meredith Shamburger)