Fulton Block Builder $1,000 Grants are Available for People Using the Historical Colors

Paint Fulton – Find Your Color provides Fulton residents with a selection of historic color schemes to use for painting their homes. Up to 50 possible combinations of colors are possible when using the 10 schemes. This year, Tina Eusepi, Fulton Block Builder Director, said the decision was made to increase the grant award from $500 to $1,000. “We are hoping that more people in the city will make use of the beautiful and historical combinations. Homeowners can fill out a simple application found on our website. Burke’s and Ace Hardware also have printed copies of the color schemes.”

A homeowner can combine the Paint Fulton Bonus with the FBB Block Challenge but is not required to be part of a block. Awardees will have a photo of their home featured on the Fulton Block Builders website and Facebook page.

For more information: https://www.fultonblockbuilders.com/find-your-color

Fulton Block Builders announces an increase in grants for using Paint Fulton Historical palettes.

Fulton Block Builders Celebrate 2022 Awards with Picnic

On August 7, organizers for Fulton Block Builders (FBB) invited 200 property owners in 23 distinct Blocks to a celebration picnic. “Normally we would host a dinner at River Vista or Virgilio’s Banquet Centers, but Covid has prevented us from doing that,” said Linda Eagan, FBB Director. “This year, FBB Social Events co-chairs, Kelly Niccoli and Chris Weaver, suggested that we host an outdoor picnic, allowing us to still celebrate as a group while staying safe.”

The Fulton Block Builder project is dedicated to revitalizing Fulton’s neighborhoods one block at a time. A key piece of the program is having neighbors come together as a group. By applying together, neighbors know that their investment in their home will pay off because so many around them are doing the same. They get to know each other, share resources, and plan celebrations. In doing so, blocks increase community engagement, pride in their neighborhood and attract new residents to Fulton.

“We have missed our large group dinner these past few years,” said Niccoli. “It’s important that the blocks come together as a whole. It’s a visual for each property owner to know it’s not just their house or their block, it’s BIG and BIG is good for our city.”

“The picnic was great fun for all ages,” Eagan continued.  “We had delicious food from Mr. Mikes, bounce houses and obstacle courses for the kids, comfortable seating under the shade of tents from Rupert’s Rentals and a sound system from Joe Cortini. I can’t thank Kelly and Chris enough for the excellent planning. Everything was great!”

Now that the awards have been made for 2022, ANY Block in the city can begin organizing for 2023. There are Target Zones that FBB will identify, but that is only the starting point. ALL Blocks in the city can apply for a Block Grant and FBB Ambassadors, who guide neighborhoods through the process, are ready to help. Call (315) 529-9181 to learn HOW or find more information at: https://www.fultonblockbuilders.com/ or on our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pg/fultonblockbuilders/posts/?ref=page_internal

The 2022 Fulton Block Builder Awardees celebrated with a picnic at Recreation Park

Let us tell you about our Block Leaders

Block Leaders are an integral part of the Healthy Block Initiative. They are the neighbors who step up and organize the block to submit the pre-applications and final applications.

They open their homes to neighbors and gather everyone together to talk about final projects, the mid-season parties in parks or cookouts in back yards, and coordinate opportunities for neighbors to offer each other help with projects or tools to make the job easier. They are the backbone of the organization and they do it because they care about their neighborhoods and the well-being of our city. For that, Block Leaders, we thank you.

Let us introduce you to two more of our Block Leaders, Mike MacDougall (L) and Stephen Bollenbacher with Donna Russell (R). Check out the improvements to their properties!

Keep up the good work Fulton!

So you don't do windows? Well we do!

Ed Kasperek not only got new windows but he also did some pretty awesome landscaping. The homestead is looking good Ed!

The improvements continue through the City. More homeowner and landlord checks being sent out.

Watch us grow!

Have you seen these signs popping up in Fulton yards?

We did it a little different this year. We asked homeowners who were awarded grants to plant the signs in their yards so we could all watch the project progress.

You may see a new porch, an upgraded driveway, windows, mailboxes, landscaping, new front doors painted brightly or even something simple yet lovely, like bright and colorful flowers planted in the yard to admire year-after-year.

No matter what, you are definitely seeing homeowners and landlords take pride in their homes and their neighborhoods.

Here are a couple of great examples in Zone 6. 
Roberta added a new front stoop, which means a safer entryway when friends stop by. Barbara added a beautiful new porch to their home, which means additional sitting space to admire the view. Congrats to you both!

So, keep your eyes on the curb appeal that is happening this summer. Good people making great changes.

Fulton Block Builders Issues First Check of 2018

Fulton, NY - The first Fulton Block Builder check is presented to the Stoutenger’s.

The couple has completed over $10,000.00 worth of exterior enhancements to their property, and Angela has taken on the responsibilities of the Block Leader.

“I think this is a great program and it really helps build strong bonds in the neighborhood. I wanted to help in every way I can.” said Angela “Fulton has a long history of strong and friendly residents, I think FBB reminds us that we each have a part in where our city goes from here.”

The Stoutenger’s improvements included replacing their roof, adding a Coventry wall and cleaning up all the landscaping.

They’ve also added 3 new wall sconces trimmed up the tree in their front yard to open the view of their home and removed the satellite dish.

“These last two items are just as important as the additions to their home,” said Linda Eagan, FBB director.

“Not all improvements require much time or money. Separate from the projects each applicant outlines, they are also asked to indicate: A) one small thing you will add to your property to strengthen your neighborhood, and B) one small negative condition you can remove from your property. Examples of small things to add: hanging flowers, edging the lawn, putting out a new welcome mat, adding a porch flag, etc. Examples of negative conditions that can be removed: junk/ clutter on front porch or lawn, garbage cans that are routinely visible from the street, routinely tall (unmowed grass), unused satellite dishes on roof, etc. The Stoutenger’s are not only the first to finish they are an inspiration in the city,” Eagan concluded.

Tonya Crisafulli and John Monk are the volunteer FBB Ambassadors for Stoutenger’s area of the city.

Tonya said, “The seeds for reclaiming Fulton have been planted and now they are beginning to bloom. The community involvement that is brought about through Fulton Block Builders positively weaves the economic, cultural, civic, and societal fabric of our community.”

Fulton Block Builders couldn’t have asked for a stronger start.

Eight rental properties are receiving a curbside facelift thanks to the Fulton Block Builder challenge

This is the first summer for the Fulton Block Builders (FBB) and it has been a very successful one. Linda Eagan, the FBB director, has been extremely pleased with the exterior improvements being made by homeowners, however there is one group she is particularly happy to be working with.  FBB has had the opportunity to engage five different landlords who are revitalizing eight different properties throughout the city.  

One of the guiding principles for Eagan has come from Charles Buki, a founder of the Healthy Neighborhood Initiative; which FBB is based on. “When we say “healthy neighborhoods” we do not mince words. We believe that lack of income should not disqualify people from growing up and living in nurturing communities. So when we say “healthy neighborhoods” we mean a place where it makes sense for people to invest their time and energy and money.”

For Eagan, this Buki quote means that she is constantly striving for all residents of Fulton to live in safe reliable housing in a city that nurtures and values all its citizens. It is important to create a place that is attractive and affordable to a variety of income groups. Whether you own your home or rent, you have the right to be proud. The five landlords participating in FBB in 2017 agree with this philosophy.

Landlord, Cheryl Baldwin has recently finished her project.  Thanks to FBB, Cheryl and her husband were inspired to repair and paint the front porch, wash the house and remove an unsightly old pipe.  “While doing the work, I was able to connect with other neighbors and have wonderful conversations about FBB, so that’s fantastic. I have been watching the news and keeping up on all of the great developments going on. It is so wonderful to see Fulton transforming in a positive direction.  My hat’s off to FBB for putting this all together and I look forward to our next season.” cheered Baldwin.

Cheryl Baldwin is just one of several landlords participating in the 2017 Fulton Block Builder Challenge

We as a community must understand that by improving neighborhoods, we will better provide for all residents. FBB is targeting limited resources in a meaningful way that creates the greatest impact. “We must generate value, equity and social investment to give hope, confidence, and opportunity for all neighborhood residents today and for our future residents tomorrow.” said Eagan