About Eugene's Whiteaker

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HUD's new Neighborhood Stabilization Program is designed to provide emergency assistance to local and state governments, like Eugene and Springfield to acquire and redevelop foreclosed properties. As I stated in a recent blog, Bob Briscoe, Eugene Planning and Development Department, announced to our Town Hall meeting that Eugene had recently received over $600,000 and Springfield over $300,000 under this program. The program is for owner occupied or non profit purchases only.

Both cities are currently working on program guidelines that will help in the use of this money, possibly in conjunction with existing programs like the FHA 203k Streamline. Preliminary thoughts about the use of the funds will be for owner occupied purchases in targeted areas in both cities. 25% of the funds must be used for very low income housing and will probably be done through some of the non-profit organizations such as NEDCO or Saint Vincent DePaul, both of whom have been very active in the local area.

The other 75% could be used a in similar form to the current HAP and SHOP programs as no interest, no payment seconds for the purchase of homes. The HAP and SHOP programs are currently capped at $10,000 and the new programs could have higher amounts available and also have a higher income qualifying threshold. Details are still being worked out as I post this.

The Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) is authorized under Title II of the Housing and Recovery Act of 2008. A total of $3.92 billion was allocated to all states, particularly hard-hit areas trying to respond to high foreclosures.

Be ready for when these funds become available. This will be an exceptional program for anyone that is limited on down payment and closing costs and willing to purchase in one of the targeted areas. Bank foreclosures are often in need of repair so using the program in conjunction with the FHA 203k Streamline that allows repairs after closing is an excellent way to take advantage of this market. Call me today to make an appointment and get pre-qualified for the FHA program.

Authored by Fred Chamberlin, senior loan consultant, Eugene/Springfield Oregon, 541-342-7576

More big flavors in Eugene's Whiteaker Neighborhood.

I used to work in the Whiteaker, and the New Day Bakery was my frequent go-to for a quick but healthy breakfast before hitting the shop in the morning.

You can count on organic ingredients, a variety of toothsome baked goods and strong coffee.

Lunchtime brought out the hearty soups and sandwiches, and I don't think I ever went away hungry.

I like to meet up with friends after work for a Pint and perhaps a slice of pizza, and for that, there's no better place than Sam Bonds Garage. You will never want for conversation when you belly up to the bar, as there always seem to be some colorful, quintessential Eugeneans hanging out and expounding on topics ranging from revolution to evolution. Conspiracy theories anyone? :-)

Head outside to the patio though, and the world slows way down. Quaff your beer in silence or chat with good friends, either way it makes for a relaxing end to a hectic day.

As the sun goes down, the music scene heats up with great local and regional artists.

Do come down and join us, Sam Bonds is a great place to be.

Eugene's Whiteaker neighborhood may be small, but it's full of big flavors.

Thai food is one of my favorites, and there are a number of good sources in Eugene. I've always preferred Chao Pra Ya. They've recently expanded and remodeled, but the delicious food remains the star of the show.

Last night I tried the Pepper Salt Squid for the first time, and I wish I hadn't waited! Lots of good sized pieces of tender yet crispy tempura battered squid, with onions, green and red peppers in a sweet and tangy sauce. The Pad See Yew with tofu is a favorite of my wife and daughter, and the curries are great as well.

The spice can be on the hot side, so go with mild if you can't handle the heat.

Equally savory, but worlds apart in character, is Papa's Soul Food Kitchen. I must confess I stayed away awhile because I'm not a consumer of land animals. I dig fish though, and it's worth a trip down Blair Boulevard for the pan-fried snapper alone.

Papa's also has a great selection of comfort-food side dishes - tangy collard greens, garlic mashed potatoes, and yummy mac & cheese to name a few, so don't worry about finding something tasty if you're a vegetarian.

Wash it all down with a cold jar of sweet tea and you'll feel like you're dining South of the Mason-Dixon line!