<body><div>PATERSON — Federal housing officials have awarded the city a $7.2 million grant to cover various costs in removing lead paint and other hazards from 120 homes over the next four years.Under the grant, Paterson will be able to spend up to $30,000 per home to pay contractors to perform the lead paint removal work, for a total of $3.6 million, officials said.Paterson health officer Dr. Paul Persaud said the work is extensive, often involving the removal of entire walls.The grant also provides $1.25 million for the salaries of city employees working on the program and $420,000 to cover hotel stays, food and transportation for people whose homes are undergoing construction. About $650,000 will cover removal of home hazards other than lead paint, officials said.In 2020, the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development awarded Paterson a $3.4 million, three-year grant for lead paint removal. Persaud and Mayor Andre Sayegh cited the increase in the city’s funding as proof of the effectiveness of Paterson’s program.<figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3awo0o_0wFLkHv800" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3awo0o_0wFLkHv800" width="960" height="644" ><figcaption>Dr. Paul Persaud, Paterson's health officer, and Mayor Andre Sayegh cited the increase in the city’s funding for lead paint removal as proof of the effectiveness of Paterson’s program.</figcaption></figure>Two other cities in New Jersey got funding from HUD’s lead hazard reduction program. Newark received $7.75 million for 155 homes and Irvington $1.9 million for 35 housing units.Nationwide, HUD gave out $395 million in lead reduction grants to 73 state and local governments.<h2>Lead exposure can harm central nervous system in kids</h2>HUD’s announcement said research has shown that lead exposure can result in permanent health problems, with young children being especially vulnerable due to potential impacts on the development of the central nervous system.Expecting mothers who are exposed to lead can experience reduced fetal growth and preterm birth, and for adults generally, exposure can increase the risk of high blood pressure, cardiovascular problems and kidney damage, HUD said.Persaud said the Paterson health office has already begun taking applications for the lead removal. Tenants as well as landlords are allowed to seek funding, he said.People who wish to apply can call 973-321-1277, ext. 2762, or visit the city health offices at 176 Broadway.Two local nonprofit groups — the Paterson Alliance and New Jersey Community Development Corporation — recently received state grants of about $2 million apiece for similar lead paint removal work. Those organizations plan to remove lead from a total of about 200 homes.This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Paterson gets $7.2M to remove lead paint from 120 homes</div></body>

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Feds give Paterson $7.2M to remove hazardous lead paint from 120 homes

PATERSON — Federal housing officials have awarded the city a $7.2 million grant to cover various costs in removing lead paint and other hazards from 120 homes over the next four years. Under the grant, Paterson will be able to spend up to $30,000 per home to pay contractors...