AUBURN – The Auburn City Council approved its first grant of the budget cycle for new home construction.
Auburn offered the $10,000 grant starting in 2012, but did not receive any applicants for the first six years when the program was limited to “in-fill” housing. The first applicant was a city councilman, who was converting a former church into a house, but his application was withdrawn.
Since 2012, nine homes have been approved for the grant after completion. Four homes are not yet completed.
This year, a Lincoln couple qualify for the $10,000 grant. Ross and Cassie Eickhoff have bought houses before, but this is their first time building new. The new high school teacher and volleyball coach hopes to begin construction on a $400,000 house on Draper lots on Eighth Street by June.
Auburn expanded the housing program in 2018 to include owner rehabilitation.
The council also approved a rehabilitation grant for Felicia and Tony Shefferd at 1108 22nd St.
The council approved the temporary use of highways 136 and 75 for the fair parade on Monday, Aug. 16, with a rain date of Aug. 17.
In other action, the council offered its approval to the state liquor commission to add an outdoor area to the liquor license for Whiskey Run and Ruth Heywood at 910 Central Ave.
A liquor license for Auburn Arts and Events live music programs was approved for Legion Park on Aug. 6 and Sept. 5.
Southside Saloon is also scheduling a benefit for the Allgood family with a poker run on June 5.
