ECGRA Announces Renaissance Block Grant Program to Support Neighborhood Cooperation; Inspire Reinvestment
The Erie County Renaissance Block Program, a new ECGRA Community & Neighborhood investment program, is designed to help improve Erie county neighborhoods block by block through strategic investment in aging or neglected areas working together to combat blight.
The Renaissance Block Program is a matching program that will help finance eligible exterior repairs, permanent improvements, and streetscapes. Funds can also be used to improve publicly owned property that is targeted to improve the block's visual appearance.
"Just as a vacant lot or deteriorating home can lead to a negative outcome spreading blight quickly, that same connection can spark a reversal when homeowners work together to maintain and improve their neighborhood." said Perry Wood, Executive Director of ECGRA.
The program is modeled after the successful Neighborhood Renaissance Block Challenge implemented in Jamestown, NY, "to encourage groups of neighborhoods to collaborate on exterior improvements to their properties in order to boost confidence in Jamestown's neighborhoods and inspire others to reinvest."
"Erie Refocused and Emerge 2040 have already identified reducing blight as an economic development strategy," said City of Erie Mayor Joe Schember. "Jamestown is a terrific model for success as mid-sized cities across the country work to manage blight and improve aging neighborhoods. The Renaissance Block Grants will go a long way to helping us achieve our blight reduction goals."
Organizations interested in applying for a Renaissance Block Grant can contact Tom Maggio, Grants Manager at ECGRA; 814-897-2694 or tmaggio@ecgra.org.
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