On July 14th, we got some good mention from Margaret Bernstein, the philanthropy columnist at the PLAIN DEALER.
Across town in Brooklyn Center, residents are eager to transform an empty lot into a habitat for native animals and plants. It will be a teaching center, but also a living billboard that markets the neighborhood as a place where strong, committed neighbors live, explained Gloria Ferris, a 28-year resident. "Small acts can create big change," she said.
The city expects it will dole out about 50 grants with $500,000 in stimulus funds, said Bobbi Reichtell of Neighborhood Progress, which is helping the city administer the program.
Applicants can get up to $10,000 for projects on up to two lots, and up to $20,000 for projects spanning three lots or more.
There are a few restrictions: Work must be on vacant lots already in the land bank and in Ohio's Neighborhood Stabilization Target Area, and someone must have lived on the property in the past 50 years. (About 90 percent of land bank lots are eligible, estimated Reichtell, whose office will help people identify acceptable lots). Applicants must agree to put in cash or volunteer time in an amount equal to half the grant requested. Projects must be completed by November 2010.
People getting grants will sign a five-year lease with the city.
Reichtell said that for projects in areas not likely to be developed later, chances are high the city will either extend the lease or transfer the land to the grantee at the end of the five years.
Cleveland saves money if it can unload these properties. "Right now, they're paying hundreds of thousands to maintain lots all over the city," she said.
Read the rest of the article here: Cleveland offers grants to improve vacant lots - cleveland.com
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