A state funded program that allows qualifying property owners to have repairs done to their residences is coming to a halt in Summit Hill - at least for the time being.

The council initially had $250,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds for implementing the program, which was restarted in June 2010 after a lapse of several years. At that time, the council was told it would lose those funds if the program wasn't revitalized.The funds are quickly being depleted. There are presently 25 applications for funding, but there isn't enough money for all of them.In addition, it has become difficult to find contractors willing to do work in the program.As a result, the council said it will not accept any more applications for participation until further notice.The council was critical that for every project, it must pay a $1,200 inspection fee. This fee doesn't guarantee that the property owner will be participating.Council member Michael Kokinda said there are limitations on the amount that can be spent on the maintenance projects. Because there are cost limitations, participants "are having trouble finding contractors," he said.Attorney Joseph Matika, borough solicitor, said generally the coordinator of the program makes up a "wish list" of what has to be done after inspecting the property."If they have 50 things that need to be done, he puts all 50 things on that wish list," the solicitor said, which usually puts the cost of repairs over the allowable maximum funding.Michael Alabovitz, a councilman, said even when repairs are done under the program, often more work is needed to bring the property to borough code levels.The program is administerd by David Unterberg of Community Programs, Allentown.Last June, Mayor Paul McArdle questioned Unterberg about the $1,200 inspection feee, stating it was the high fees which initially led to the lapse of the program.Matika stated that under the agreement between Unterberg and the borough, he can assess the borough a maximum of $1,500 per project.Under the program, a resident who needs improvements signs up for funding. They they undergo screening to determine if they meet financial criteria.After this, an inspection is done on the residence to determine what is needed to bring the home up to standards. Work can include the removal of asbestos shingles and making heating systems energy efficient.The home owner selects three contractors from a list of qualified contractors the borough has compiled. From the list, the contractors submit bids to do the work.