September Sweeps

by Al Parker

Wanted: Local contractors – lots of ’em – to get in on an energy sweep of hundreds of houses in two Traverse City neighborhoods.

Part of the Better Buildings for Michigan program, a multi-year endeavor designed to encourage home energy efficiency, TC is one of only five small communities in the state chosen to receive federal funding for the sweep – up to $500,000, in fact. The sweep kicks off in September, and the hunt for contractor bids is on now.

So what’s this sweep all about? It starts with energy audits and weatherization packages – both of which will be available for homeowners in the selected neighborhoods at a very low cost – and ties in to incentives for energy efficiency upgrades, such as loans at zero-percent interest from area lenders.

“It’s about $100 up front for the base package that includes things like air sealing, CFL light bulbs and low flow faucets,” explains Mike Powers, project manager for SEEDS Energy and Environmental Analysis, which is administering the program in partnership with the Michigan Land Use Institute and the city of Traverse City. “It’s a real bargain for homeowners who get about a $1,000 value for $100.”

Unfortunately for the bulk of TC homeowners, only two neighborhoods qualify to be a part of the sweep: Traverse Heights and Oak Park, which are roughly bordered by Eighth Street, Center Street, Garfield Road and Front Street.

Although SEEDS, MLUI and the city compiled information about area housing and submitted the grant application last December, the lucky neighborhoods were chosen by the state, which had specific criteria for picking them, says Powers.

“The state wanted a certain level of home ownership, a contiguous area of 1,000 homes and also considered the age of the homes involved,” he explains. “Central Neighborhood, for example, has a higher percentage of rentals, so it was not included.”

Homeowners in Traverse Heights and Oak Park will soon receive a letter about the program from the city. Then a series of neighborhood meetings and gatherings will be held where homeowners can ask questions and meet the contractors.

“Then I’ll be going door-to-door with Brian Beauchamp of MLUI to talk with residents and answer any questions,” says Powers.

Not only does the program help homeowners upgrade their houses but it also provides badly needed work for some businesses that have been facing challenging economic times. “We hope this will help local contractors,” says Powers. “If they’re interested in submitting bids, they can contact the city or call me. We’re expecting 200 to 500 homeowners to participate, so it will be a great opportunity for contractors.”

It’s also a great opportunity for homeowners, who can rest assured that the crews who work on their home have been checked out by the grant administrators and provide quality work.

The deadline for contractors to submit bids is Aug. 24. For more information, contact Powers at 231-394-1581.