Your Federal Tax Dollars 'Hard at Work' in Lakewood

At a dilapidated house at 1301 Cranford Avenue, US Rep. Marcy Kaptur met up with Lakewood Mayor Michael Summers on Saturday to talk about restoring Lakewood's aging housing stock.

They also talked about how the federal government fits into the plan.

The home will be completely renovated — from the roof to the electric system — and sold at market value as part of the federal Neighborhood Stabilization Program.

"This is exactly what the program is intended for," said Summers, adding that to save houses, it often costs more than the house is worth. "You've got a strong, viable neighborhood, with a decaying piece right in the center of it."

Kaptur met with Summers to highlight the program. She compared the Neighborhood Stabilization Program to a "modern day Homestead Act."

"We're restoring communities, homes and historic neighborhoods," she said. "This is where the federal government comes in. This can't be done in today's economy without help from the national level."

Summers said the city will likely lose money on the sale of the home.

He added that it's worth it.

"We're excited we can make these kinds of investments, but we could only do so with the help of the federal government," Summers said.

Last year,  — with nearly $1 million in federal dollars — and sell them at market value. 

The home on Cranford Avenue is the sixth home renovation project in the city so far.