Onslow County Planning and Development: Administering Grant Program to Demolish Abandoned Manufactured Homes

Jacksonville, NC March 8, 2013 – The Onslow County Manufactured Home Demolition Assistance Program (MHDAP) is a financial assistance program designed to facilitate the demolition of abandoned manufactured homes. This assistance is available in cases where citizens desire to voluntarily dispose of public nuisances or have been cited as being in violation of either Solid Waste Management Ordinance regulations or Minimum Housing Standards. According to Matthew Stuart, Planner with the Onslow County Planning and Development Department, the program provides grants to persons who have a pressing need to demolish abandoned manufactured homes for the protection of the public health, but who simply do not have the financial means to do so. “As a cost-sharing program, “states Stuart, “manufactured home demolitions are funded up front by a combination of County contributions and applicant co-payments.”

Onslow County currently has a contract with the North Carolina Division of Environmental Assistance and Outreach (NCDEAO) to demolish abandoned manufactured homes. Those citizens cited with a violation of the Solid Waste Management Ordinance or the Minimum Housing Code and/or those wishing to volunteer their structures for demolition are welcome to apply. “In order to determine eligibility,” says Stuart, “applicants should provide supporting documentation. We need a copy of their most recent W-2 tax form and a recent pay stub so that we can verify household annual income. If they do not have these items, we can also accept letters from employers (on company letterhead), social security statements, records of SSI payments, and bank account information that demonstrates where deposits have been made.”

The County’s grant contract with NCDEAO runs through February 28, 2014. The future of the program is uncertain past that date, as it depends on the continuation of state financial commitments. For additional information please contact Matthew Stuart, Planner – Onslow County Planning and Development, 910-989-3081.