Lorain Council approves lead remediation program that looks to help young families

Lorain City Council unanimously voted Monday night to approve a program that will continue the city's lead testing and abatement program, a move that officials said could lead to safer and healthier lives for young families throughout the community. Monday night's ordinance, which was approved following an emergency motion during its first reading, solidifies an agreement between Lorain's Building, Housing and Planning Department and the Erie County Health Department for lead hazard control services. "We need to do whatever we can to protect our children," said Council member Mitchell Fallis, at-Large. "Those are the most vulnerable when it comes to lead abatement." Many older homes in Lorain and beyond have lead-based paint that could be accessible to children. Oftentimes, it can be found on windowsills, doors and peeling or chipping paint. According to the Mayo Clinic, lead poisoning in children can result in developmental delays and learning difficulties. The legislation approved Monday is meant to address residential spaces, including rental units, that were constructed prior to 1978, the year lead-based paint was banned for residential use. The agreement with the Erie County Health Department opens up thousands of dollars in funding that the city will be able to use to help local homes and families, with a specific focus on assisting young children who are at risk for lead poisoning. "As many homes as we can get abated is paramount to the safety of our children," Fallis said. The legislation states that the Erie County Health Department has been awarded $1.5 million by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for lead abatement, remediation and testing — funding that allows the health department to allocate a maximum of $30,000 to each home that is in need of assistance. The city of Lorain will also match up to $15,000 per household in addressing the lead-based hazards. "I think this is a tremendous program that will help, especially children that are exposed to lead without their understanding of the hazardous conditions that are presented to them and their future learning abilities," said Council member Eileen Torres, Ward 4. "Anything that we can do that will take away the lead is, in my book, a win." According to the legislation, the program will give priority to families with children who are 6 years of age or younger who have been diagnosed with lead poisoning or exposure. The program will then consider the level of exposure to a child who is 6 years of age or younger or for individuals who are pregnant. Contact Garrett Looker at glooker@chroniclet.com.