Fairport Front Porch Grant Initiative Inspired by Landmark Society “Five to Revive”
Fairport Office of Community + Economic Development pilots matching grant program for residents to upgrade porches.
(Fairport, NY – May 1, 2018) The Fairport Office of Community + Economic Development (OCED) is pleased to announce a new matching grant program that will help Village residents to renovate, repair or upgrade their front porches.
OCED is collaborating with The Landmark Society of Western New York, which named “The Front Porch” as one of its 2018 Five to Revive initiatives, recognizing its importance in preserving neighborhoods. The Fairport Urban Renewal Agency is providing initial funding of $20,000 for the pilot which will award qualifying residents matching grants up to $2,000.
The residential front porch matching grant program is being piloted in the Deland Park neighborhood in the northwest quadrant of the village. The neighborhood is primarily owner- occupied traditional American Foursquares, representative of a typical early 20th century neighborhood. OCED plans to roll the program out in other areas of the village within the next year.
“The Village of Fairport is a traditional ‘Front Porch Friendly’ community with walkable neighborhoods,” said Kenneth Rohr, OCED Board Member and Village Trustee. “The front porch provides a great place for entertaining and getting to know your neighbors. Our matching grant program will make it more affordable for homeowners to renovate or upgrade their porches to enhance their homes and neighborhoods.”
“This is a great opportunity to receive valuable assistance to make improvements to our front porches and homes,” said Leslie White of Deland Park B. “Programs like this are among the many reasons we all choose to live in the village of Fairport.”
Collaboration with The Landmark Society means that Fairport residents will have access to information, names of expert craftspeople, and other resources that can help them with renovation plans.
“The Landmark Society is delighted to help residents of Fairport however we can as they use this welcome grant to help repair and restore front porches in this historic community,” said Wayne Goodman, Executive Director.
The Landmark Society put front porches on their 2018 priority list because of the clear contribution they make to the built environment. Porches are especially vulnerable to the deteriorating forces of rain, wind, and snow and they require special attention to maintain and repair. “It is critical for the long-term preservation of historic homes and the viability of communities that porches receive significant attention,” said Goodman.
Additional information and applications can be found here.