Neighborhood Investment Program

Purpose

The Program will provide a coordinated, comprehensive approach to strategically invest in Ashland’s existing neighborhoods for the betterment of the community and improve the quality of life for our residents. This effort will be sensitive to the history of the neighborhoods and the community members who have called Ashland home for generations.

Background

Based on the Future Land Use Map, the Town has few remaining vacant residential properties. Sixty-four percent of homes were built prior to 1990, and many are showing their age. Additionally, almost half of Town households (renters and homeowners) are spending 30% or more of their income on their housing expenses (rent or mortgage, utilities, insurance) so it is unlikely they have sufficient funds to perform improvements to their homes (See Ashland by the Numbers). In addition, tenants may be reluctant to request improvements from the property owner so the Town can act as an impartial intermediary.