ICE STREET HAS A NEW RESIDENT

Frederick, Md. ---- Ice Street has a new resident! Sara McGill, community outreach specialist for the City of Frederick, recently purchased a property located at 114 Ice Street through the City of Frederick’s Department of Community Development. This property was the third row home on Ice Street that has been completely renovated using Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding and sold. Four years ago the City purchased three Ice Street row homes. This is the final property to be sold, the other two were sold in 2003.

The Department of Community Development uses funds from the sale of previously rehabilitated properties to finance the next property for rehabilitation. Criteria for eligibility of a qualified buyer are based income eligibility and being a first time homebuyer.

Responsible for the sale of the property Housing Program Financial Specialist, Eileen Barnhard stated, “It goes without saying; we had a tremendous amount of interest in this property due to its accessibility to downtown Frederick, all the modern amenities of a new home with the charm of a historic property.”

Barnhard added one of the ongoing goals of Community Department is homeownership, reaching out to the first time buyer and addressing the need of affordable housing. “With each house that is sold, we get a little closer to narrowing the gap. Sadly, there is more need than we have houses available. Our next project is the renovation of 527 N. Market. Given the extensive historic preservation of this house, rehabilitation will take a considerable length of time.”

McGill, a native of Frederick, choose this house because of its location in an up and coming neighborhood. With the Carroll Creek Linear Park within a block of her home she felt it was a great investment at an affordable price. Completely renovated she stated, “It is a brand new house in an old shell and old neighborhood.”

McGill grew up in the Baker Park area of Frederick. After graduating from American University in 2003 she spent almost a year abroad. When she returned home she began the search for a home downtown. “I bought this house because it was in the location which I desired and the price was right!” McGill has settled into her role of homeowner and enjoys all aspects of living downtown.

For additional information on the City of Frederick’s Department of Community Development please contact Eileen Barnhard, housing rehabilitation financial specialist, at 301-228-2842.