The Atlantic City Council, Wednesday, discussed at length, a proposed Resolution to approve a Revolving Forgivable Loan Program and Appropriation, for non-profit organizations looking to rehabilitation houses in the community. The Resolution had specifically mentioned SHIFT ATL, a non-profit organization looking to rehab a home at 608 Hazel Street, but Councilpersons Kathy Somers and Gerald Brink objected to the original wording in the Resolution, because it was directed at SHIFT ATl and not open to other non-profits that may chose to pursue a similar course of action (Housing rehab). Both said they were in favor of the project itself, just not the way the funds are being assigned.

Somers said she wanted to separate the revolving loan portion of the resolution and create a separate resolution for an agreement with SHIFT ATL. SHIFT ATL was specifically looking to receive $65,000 from Revolving Loan Fund, which they would be required to pay back within one-year, regardless of whether the house sells or not. The home in question has what most would call “Good bones” (a solid foundation), but requires a good amount of work inside, in order to make it livable.

After 35 minutes of discussion, the Resolution was amended to read “Establishing non-profit housing rehabilitation Revolving Loan Fund with a cap of $100,000. And establishing a partnership and making a budget appropriation. Alexsis Fleener, Vice-President of SHIFT ATL, said afterward, “We will be a good example and hope that other people start non-profits and come forward and rehab more houses.”

In other business, the Atlantic City Council approved Tree Trimmer licenses for Cook Sanitation and Top Hand Tree Service. The held and passed the First Reading of an Ordinance “Amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Atlantic, by amending Chapter 106 entitled “Collection of Solid Waste.” And the Council approved a change order in the amount of $1,600 for the Atlantic Golf and Country Club drainage project.