Write a commentOn April 2nd the Oswego Renaissance Association (ORA) began accepting pre-applications for the `Renaissance Block Challenge` grant program. As the first of several revitalization and beautification projects to come to the City of Oswego this year, these grants are matching grants to property owners in the City of Oswego. The ORA will match expenses, dollar-for-dollar, up to the first $1000 for exterior improvements to homes and properties in targeted neighborhoods in the City of Oswego. The deadline for submitting pre-applications in April 21st; with Final Applications due on May 15th.
"A large number of residents in neighborhoods throughout Oswego are very excited about this opportunity," said ORA Director Paul Stewart. "Many residents and neighbors are passionate about the revitalization of their neighborhoods, and when multiple neighbors work and invest together, they often have confidence to invest more than the matching amounts -- both financially and socially. The ORA is growing partnerships with these residents in a multi-year strategy to restore beauty, vibrancy and community to Oswego neighborhoods."
Tanya Miller, a homeowner on West 4th Street, has been organizing her neighbors to apply. "Our area of West 4th and Schuyler has had an overwhelmingly positive response to the program, with planned projects ranging from new fencing to garden plantings to new siding," noted Miller. "I myself am planning to have my house painted in a Victorian era color palette and could not be more excited. The most rewarding aspect of the program so far, however, has been the opportunity I have had to get to know so many more of my wonderful neighbors."
Another Oswegonian, Casey Towne, of East Utica Street, also plans to apply. "I am so excited to see this plan come to fruition. The response on my block has been great, with over half the households participating in the application. Summer plans for our block include repair and replacement of fences, paint, windows, landscaping, porches and a roof. More important than the physical improvements are the social strengths that we are building upon. We are bringing back block parties, establishing a block directory and planning group yard sales and clean ups."
Four areas in the City, each 15-25 blocks in size, have been targeted for the program. Houses located in or very close (within a block) to the target zones may apply. Applications are awarded to clusters of houses. Each cluster must include a minimum of 5 households on or near the same street, and fill out a Pre-Application Form. Applications require coordination among neighboring households, so that the block cluster works as a team to improve their homes and neighborhoods. The ORA expects to grant awards to about 10-15 clusters this year.
Renaissance Block Challenge grants will cover half of the homeowner's investment (minus sales tax). If the application is funded, a homeowner who invests $1000.00 total on a project would be reimbursed half or $500.00; likewise a homeowner who invests $2000.00, or more, into a project would be reimbursed half, or $1000.00. A homeowner who invests more than $2,000.00 total on a project would be reimbursed the maximum $1,000.00 award. Before and after pictures of the completed work, along with copies of all receipts related to expenses of each project must be submitted once the work is completed. All work for the 2014 Block Challenge Grants must be completed by October 31, 2014. Once the work is completed, property owners will receive a matching reimbursement check in approximately 4 weeks.
"My neighbors and I are really excited," according to Rob Way, of East 7th Street. "It's great motivation. Some of my neighbors are looking to replace their porches, others just to touch up the trim around their houses. Either way, it's a terrific way for us all to invest together in our block."
Last year, the ORA, with the support of the Shineman Foundation, Novelis, and SUNY Oswego, partnered with scores of Oswego residents in revitalization projects around the City of Oswego. These included the restoration of the Franklin Square Playground, Montcalm Park, as well as the Bridge Street Tree Canopy Project. The latter Project was co-lead by the Oswego Tree Stewards, and involved planting 74 Trees along Bridge Street. This year, the Shineman Foundation has been joined by Pathfinder Bank in sponsoring the ORA's Renaissance Block Challenge program. The ORA will invest over $100,000.00 with local homeowners this summer. Grant Applications are awarded competitively, and will be evaluated by an independent review board.
