Information Items:
Special Neighborhood Matching Grant for Cankerworm Prevention
Staff Resource: Stephanie Small, 704-336-2929 - ssmall@ci.charlotte.nc.us
In support of the City's "Let's Band Together" campaign to combat the infestation of the fall cankerworm, Neighborhood Development has designed a special Tree Banding initiative for the Neighborhood Matching Grants Program. These special grants are for eligible neighborhoods in the identified infestation area of the cankerworm (see attached map). This area is primarily located in the older traditional neighborhoods throughout the northeastern part of the City. The intent of this initiative is to provide an incentive for residents to become involved in the City's campaign to protect the willow oak and other severely affected trees.
Neighborhood Development has earmarked $30,000 in Neighborhood Matching Grant funds for awards to help neighborhood-based organizations implement tree banding projects. Organizations in Neighborhood Statistical Areas (NSA) with median household income of $61,117 or less are eligible to apply for grants up to $3,000. For every dollar requested from the City, the applicant must provide at least one dollar of match in the form of cash, donated professional services or materials, and/or volunteer labor. At least 25% of the required match must come from the neighborhood. The projects or activities should be completed within six months from the date of the execution of the grant agreement.
In coordination with the City Arborist, staff has designed an aggressive outreach campaign to get the word out about the available funding, including mailing letters to approximately 1,000 neighborhood organizations, sending e-mail notifications, making phone calls and scheduling presentations to neighborhood-based organizations.
Grant applications are due to Neighborhood Development by 5 p.m. on Friday, November 3. Three pre-application workshops are scheduled for interested organizations as follows:
Thursday, October 19, 2006 at 6:15 pm
Old City Hall, 600 East Trade Street
Saturday, October 21, 2006 at 9:15 am
Old City Hall, 600 East Trade Street
Tuesday, October 24, 2006 at 6:15 pm
Eastland Mall, 5471 Central Avenue
Citizens may call 704-336-2061 to find out about eligibility for the Neighborhood Matching Grants Program.
Business Corridor Revitalization Strategic Plan (BCRSP)
Staff Resource: Tom Flynn, 704-432-1396 - tflynn@ci.charlotte.nc.us
The Business Corridor Revitalization Steering Committee will convene for its initial meeting on Tuesday, October 24, 2006 at 8:00 am at CMGC in Room 267. Attached is the agenda for the meeting.
