County partners with communities for beautification
County partners with communities for beautification First impressions can make or break a deal, and they are especially important in communities relying on tourism to drive their economies. That is the case in Niagara County, N.Y., home to Niagara Falls and the Erie Canal. Each year, 6 million to 8 million people visit the county’s three cities, 12 towns and five villages. For its 221,000 residents, providing a good first impression is of utmost importance.
For that reason, the county has established the Business/Community Enhancement Program (BCEP), which grants local businesses up to $5,000 for “brick and mortar”
improvements. Based on a 1998 pilot project that included 11 businesses, the program funds additions such as decorative banners, new signage (directional and on-site), landscaping, curbside planters and benches,
and public parking and sidewalk improvements. The program is funded by the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission, which allocated $25,000 for project grants this year. It is administered by the county’s Department of Planning, Development and Tourism, which also assists grant recipients with matters such as zoning and environmental planning (as it does for all county residents and businesses).
For each grant, approved applicants must provide a project plan and matching cash. Recipients of the 1999 BCEP grants include: * The Pine Avenue Business Association, Niagara Falls The association is using the funds to construct one of two decorative gateways planned for the city’s Little Italy district.
* Children’s Memorial Park Committee/Optimist Club, Lockport Funding supported the purchase and installation of an underground sprinkler system at Children’s Memorial Park. The system helps maintain 300 linear feet of gardens.
* Watch Wilson Grow, Village of Wilson The organization is using the funds to purchase and install “Welcome” banners for all seasons.
* Olcott Beach Community Association, Town of Newfane The association will purchase flowers and plant them around the town clock, the soldiers monument and the town overlook. It also is purchasing flags for placement along Main Street and at the town overlook; directional signage for local attractions; banners at Lakeview Village Fair; and bunting for a bandshell in Krull Park. Issuing grants ranging from $500 to $5,000, the BCEP has assisted in nine business improvement projects this year. A total of $20,540 was awarded.