Galesburg has a lot of grant money at its disposal to help residents remove lead hazards from their homes, but not enough people are biting.
Stephanie Peters with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity says it might be a mixture of factors; maybe residents think it’s too good to be true.
Peters admits it’s a little bit intrusive since work has to be inside homes.
Galesburg is set to remove all lead service lines from the community by next year, thanks to years of funding from the Illinois EPA.
But health officials have long said the far more common and dangerous threat for lead poisoning in children is eating paint chips and ingesting lead-laced dust.
Peters says Galesburg’s problems with an old housing stock aren’t that unique.
Illinois is a fairly old state, lead-based paint and other products weren’t banned until 1978, and anything built before ‘78 has a high likelihood that it contains lead.
Galesburg residents interested in the lead removal program should call city hall and ask for Housing Coordinator Judy Guenseth.
Residents with children under the age of 6 in the home are eligible for owner-occupied and rental situations, based on the renters’ income.
Guenseth says while the program is income based, compared to some other programs the income limits are somewhat high. For example, a family of four can earn up to $60,000.
Guenseth says applicants should be ready to provide proof of income background, and proof they own the home if applicable.
After they qualify the Western Illinois Regional Council will test different portions of the home.
After that there’s a bidding process, that has to follow the often arduous process that comes with government work.
For questions or to start the application process call Housing Coordinator Judy Guenseth at City Hall 309 345-3652.
