City News–4 News Releases

 City to Offer Free Workshop and Assistance to Homebuyers

 On February 16, from 6-10 pm, the City of Baytown Community Development Office will hold a free workshop for homebuyers. The workshop will be offered in both English and in Spanish at the Baytown Community Center , located at 2407 Market Street .

Topics that will be covered at the workshop include:

•         Preparing for a Home Purchase

•         Budgeting

•         Obtaining a Mortgage Loan

•         Closing Costs & Procedures

•         Benefits of Home Ownership, and

•         Truth-in-lending Laws

 The workshop is open to the public and attendance is mandatory to homebuyers wishing to participate in the City’s Homebuyers’ Assistance Program. The Homebuyers’ Assistance Program offers financial assistance with payment of normal closing costs incurred with the purchase of a single-family home within the city limits of Baytown . Eligible homebuyers may be granted up to $4,500 in the form of a deferred, forgivable loan.

 For more information about the Homebuyers’ Assistance Program or to register for the workshop, contact the Community Development Office at 281-420-5390. Those wishing to register for this workshop may do so through February 15.

 City Seeks General Contractors for Housing Rehabilitation Program

 The City of Baytown ’s Community Development Division is currently accepting applications from general contractors for its Owner-Occupied Housing Rehabilitation Program.  Through competitively bid contracts under the Owner-Occupied Housing Rehabilitation Program, the general contractors will assist low-income homeowners by making needed home repairs.  In cases where the home cannot be repaired, a home may be reconstructed on the same site. 

Applying general contractors must demonstrate company liability insurance, performance bond capability, certain city and state registrations, and excellent references. Contractors interested in participating may receive an application by calling Ferni Greene-Small at 281-420-5398 or sending email to cbdg@baytown.org.

Senior Recreation Club to Hit the Road

 The Baytown Senior Recreation Club is hitting the road this fall with an exciting and affordable trip to the Smoky Mountains the week of October 3 – 9.  For the cost of $570 per person, travelers will enjoy 6 nights lodging, 4 consecutive nights in the Smokies, 10 meals, and transportation.

Excursions include a guided tour of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park ; four evening shows including the Comedy Barn Variety Show, the Temptations Revue, the Smith Family Show and the Black Bear Jamboree; two morning shows – the Patty Waszak Morning Show and the Blackwood Breakfast Variety Show; and shopping in Historic Downtown Gatlinburg, Tennessee .

 The Senior Recreation Club is a group of Baytown area seniors who meet at the Baytown Community Center , 2407 Market Street , Monday-Friday from 9 am – 3 pm.  Activities include quilting, exercise, games, bingo and bridge. All Baytown area seniors are invited to join the club to make new friends and have new experiences.

 For more information on this trip, please call Linda Englert, travel coordinator for the Senior Recreation Club at (281) 421-2041.

Spring Break Fun for Students

The Eddie V. Gray Wetlands Education and Recreation Center announces Spring into Nature, a spring break camp for children in grades three through five. The new camp will be held March 15 – 19, from 8 am to 4 pm at the Wetlands Center , located at 1724 Market Street .  The camp costs $100 per child, which includes the cost for all field trips.

 “Each day’s theme is different with fun-filled nature activities that light a passion for the outdoors while revealing the many things nature has to offer,” said Outreach/Volunteer Coordinator Mary Alice Trumble. “Our community has so much to offer in the way of opportunities to experience nature. This camp teaches our children to embrace our natural resources.”

 The week-long camp begins with a trip to the Baytown Nature Center for “Tracking Nature.” Tuesday and Wednesday campers explore “Flower Power” and “Survive Alive.” Fishing is on the agenda Thursday, as the campers take up equipment furnished by the Wetlands Center and experience true “Fishing Frenzy.” The week wraps up on Friday as campers encounter live animals during “Crazy Critters.”

 Space is limited to 20 campers, so early registration is a must. Reservations are now being accepted, with fees and paperwork being required at the time of registration.

 Registration forms are available at www.baytown.org. For more information call 281-420-7128; or email to sarah.graham@baytown.org.