C. Tax Contribution Compliance
The owner is in full compliance with all laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and ordinances of the City of Somerville relating to taxes and to contributions and payments in lieu of contributions.
D. Non-Discrimination Compliance
The undersigned agrees that there will be no discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, presence of children, marital status, source of income or military status, in the sale, lease, rental use, advertisement or occupancy of the property that is rehabilitated with funds provided by the Somerville Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development (OSPCD). Regulations issued by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination pursuant to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 and the Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 151B, Section 4, shall apply.
E. Owners’ Permission to Enter and Inspect
I/We hereby give my/our permission for the employees of the City of Somerville OSPCD to inspect my property including conducting heating system analysis as a condition of applying for assistance through OSPCD Housing Program. Further, I/We relieve the City of Somerville, its employees and/or agents from any and all claims of damages or liability arising from the performance of property inspections by the City of Somerville OSPCD.
F. Lead Paint Hazards in Accordance with 24 CFR 35.
I/We owners of the property certify that OSPCD has provided the DISCLOSURE NOTIFICATION pamphlet; Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home. I/We have been made aware of the hazards of lead that may affect the occupants of the property for which we are seeking assistance. I/We understand that as a condition of receiving assistance, I/we will be required to include Lead Hazard Reduction Activities that employ Safe Work Practices as part of the total rehabilitation project. Further, I/we have been made aware of my/our disclosure, protection and relocation rights and responsibilities.
G. Certification
I/We certify that, under penalty of perjury, all information on this application to the best of my/our knowledge is true. I/We understand that false information given is sufficient grounds for rejection of this application. Furthermore, verification may be obtained from any source herein.
Penalty for False and Fraudulent Statement, U.S.C.
“Title 18, Section 1001, provides: ‘Whoever, in any matter within the jurisdiction of any department or agency of the United States knowingly and willfully falsifies…or makes any false fictitious or fraudulent statements or representations, or makes or uses any false writing or document knowing the same to contain any false, fictitious or fraudulent statements or entry, shall be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned not more than five (5) years or both,’”
Applicant’s Right to Appeal
If you believe that you have been discriminated against regarding any decision made on this application because of race, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, the presence of children, or marital status, you may appeal that decision.
Additionally, if you feel you have been wrongfully denied assistance for any reason, you may appeal that decision. Appeals must be made within 15 days of receiving the denial letter. All appeals must be sent in writing to Housing Director, City of Somerville, OSPCD, 50 Evergreen Avenue, Somerville, MA 02145.