Fulton Block Builders Accepting Applications for 2023 Block Challenge

Fulton Block Builders (FBB) has announced details for its 2023 Block Challenge, a program that offers matching funds to each participating homeowner for exterior home improvements. The program encourages and rewards neighborhood groups to work together and reinvest in their own community.  The Block Challenge Grant’s Pre-Applications must be submitted by March 17. The Pre-Application is required in order to submit a Final Application.

To complete the Pre-Application, city residents must first form a neighborhood cluster with 5 to 15 property owners in close proximity. The group can include homeowners or landlords. The closer the clusters are grouped and the larger the number of participants, the more competitive the application becomes. Clusters that can be geographically "linked" with other participating clusters in an area become even more competitive. And clusters that develop a strategic plan for their neighborhood's continued revitalization in the future will be the most competitive. Once a cluster has formed, the Pre-Application process begins.

Once submitted, the Pre-Application is reviewed, and applicants work with their FBB Ambassadors, who assist neighborhood teams, to start the Final Application. At this time, detailed plans for each home project and a joint meeting with the cluster’s neighbors are reviewed with an FBB representative. Final Applications are due April 28. An independent panel reviews them and awarded blocks are announced by May 13.

The matching grant funding will cover up to 50% of the expenses for exterior property improvements. Aside from matching grant funding, participating homeowners have access to discounts from sponsoring hardware stores and garden centers.

Grant Applications are competitive. Not all applications can be funded, and the number of awards made is dependent upon funding levels and the number and quality of applications.

IMPORTANT DATES REGARDING 2023 Fulton Block Builders:

●        Pre-Qualification Forms due by Friday, March 17. Required in order to submit a Final Application

●        Final applications due by Friday, April 28

●        Awards announced Saturday, May 13

●        Kick off Dinner for Sponsors and Awardees TBD

●        August FBB Family Picnic TBD

●        Improvement projects must be completed by October 31

Pre-applications for the 2023 program can be found here: https://www.fultonblockbuilders.com/apply/ or call 315-529-9181

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Fulton Block Builders Information Meeting a Big Success

On January 11, Fulton Block Builders (FBB) held 2023 City Information meeting at River Vista. More than 70 people were in attendance to learn how the FBB program works and to gather information about organizing their block.

Linda Eagan, FBB’s Director, explained how the program started and details of the Paint Fulton and Block Challenge grants. Tina Eusepi, FBB volunteer, explained how the FBB Ambassadors will help Blocks through the process. Alan Baker and Tracy Cavalier shared their experiences of being Block Leaders. Reyne Pierce, FBB Donation Chair, highlighted and thanked the very generous businesses, civic groups, individuals and Shineman Foundation for financing the program, and Tonya Crisafulli discussed the very creative Pride Grants that FBB has supported and encouraged more groups to apply.

The FBB Block Challenge is a neighborhood revitalization program that encourages groups of neighbors to collaborate on exterior improvements to their properties to build confidence in Fulton’s neighborhoods and inspire others to reinvest. Each participating property owner in a Challenge Block is eligible to receive a dollar-for-dollar match on exterior improvements up to $1,000.

Aside from matching grant funding, participating homeowners have access to discounts from sponsoring hardware stores and garden centers. There are also additional bonuses for corner properties and using the Historical Colors. Tips about these and all opportunities offered by FBB can be found on its website: https://www.fultonblockbuilders.com/apply/

IMPORTANT DATES REGARDING 2023 Fulton Block Builders:

●        Pre-Qualification Forms due by Friday, March 17, 2023

●        Final applications due by Friday, April 28, 2023

●        Awards announced Saturday, May 13, 2023

●        Kick off Dinner for Sponsors and Awardees TBD

●        August FBB Family Picnic TBD

●        Improvement projects must be completed by October 31, 2023

Kelly Niccoli, Fulton Block Builder Ambassador, explains the program to Jeanne Harter and Sandra Guerin

Fulton Block Builders to Hold Information Meeting On 2023 Block Challenge Program

     Fulton Block Builders will  hold a community information session to answer questions about their 2023 application process on Wednesday January 11th at River Vista Conference Center, 810 South 1st Street, Fulton NY  at 6:00pm. There will be a short presentation on how the program works and plenty of time to get all your questions answered. Two thousand twenty-three is sure to be another amazing year for this program and FBB wants everyone to have a chance to become involved. Any block in the city can apply to the program but this year FBB has received additional funding to promote more east-side blocks to apply.

The FBB Block Challenge is a neighborhood revitalization program that encourages groups of neighbors to collaborate on exterior improvements to their properties, with the goal of building confidence in Fulton’s neighborhoods and inspire others to reinvest. Since FBB’s start in 2017, we have funded 1236 properties and participating FBB residents invested 3.3 million dollars in their properties. Each participating property owner in a Challenge Block is eligible to receive a dollar-for-dollar match on exterior improvements up to $1,000.

Aside from matching grant funding, participating homeowners have access to discounts from sponsoring hardware stores and garden centers. There are also additional bonuses for corner properties, block leaders and for using the Historical Colors that can found on the Paint Fulton tab of the FBB website. FBB website: https://www.fultonblockbuilders.com/apply/

FBB Block applications are competitive s for strong block applications will be discussed at the information meeting. Snacks and drinks will be available.

IMPORTANT DATES REGARDING 2023 Fulton Block Builders:

●        City Informational Wednesday January 11, 2023

●        Pre-Qualification Forms due by Friday, March 17, 2023

●        Final applications due by Friday, April 28, 2023

●        Awards announced Saturday, May 13, 2023

●        Kick off Dinner for Sponsors and Awardees TBD

●        Improvement projects must be completed by October 31, 2023

Homeowners can learn about the Fulton Block Builder program by attending a citywide information meeting. The next one will be held Wednesday, January 11, 2023, at River Vista Conference Center in Fulton.

Before and After

"I had known about FBB for a few years before I was able to afford a project myself. I enjoyed watching my neighbors update and beautify their homes each year. This year I had a project and was able to afford it. My driveway was loose stone and gravel, and I was tired of getting the loose gravel in my car. I decided to have a cement driveway put in, but I also knew that the largest impact for my home would be to paint it. I have a contractor that has remodeled my home on the inside and knew he could handle both projects. Even though I have wanted to paint my house and put in a new driveway for many years, it was FBB and the grant that pushed my projects over the finish line. I have lived in this neighborhood for over 20 years. Some of my neighbors I have only gotten to know because of FBB. I am very happy to finally have accomplished two goals I have had for my home!"

Athena Mt. Pleasant - Fulton Homeowner

Cathy Crisafulli’s Block Receives Fulton Block Builder Pride Grant to Assist State Street Church

Cathy Crisafulli is a 2022 Fulton Block Builder (FBB) Block Leader who for the past two years has led her block to apply for a FBB Pride Grant to assist State Street United Methodist Church. “The church is a historical building in our neighborhood and does so much good for the community. Our block wanted to ‘give back’. Each year the FBB Pride Grant has helped the church with much needed repairs such as brick pointing, painting and new clothing drop box.  What’s more, our block participants personally helped purchase plants for landscaping and provided tools to the parish.”

Membership in the State Street United Methodist Church may be small but are mighty in their contributions to the community. They offer free monthly dinners, support the Salvation Army soup kitchen, donate much needed items to people displaced by house fires, collect clothing for the needy via a parking lot drop box, host Blood Drives, Boy Scout meetings and rummage sales. This year, when the parishioners learned that there would be no meat in the Salvation Army’s holiday food boxes, they donated $2,000.

Board of Director, Jim Lindsley called Linda Eagan, FBB Director, to thank FBB for the support and the FBB Pride Grants. “The church has been able to do more in the community. It’s not just about fixing up the church, everything is compounded because we can do more with our church funds,” said Lindsley. “We are a small congregation of about 25, but we do a LOT! Our parish invites anyone seeking to find a church home that is welcoming, active, caring, and vibrant to join us on Sunday mornings at 11:00am. The Fulton Block Builders Program is so important to Fulton’s revitalization efforts, and we are grateful to have this program in our community. We want to express our heartfelt thanks to Cathy Crisafulli and Fulton Block Builders for their support of the State Street Church.”

If you’d like to learn more visit:

Fulton Block Builders: https://www.fultonblockbuilders.com/

State Street Church : www.facebook.com/StateStreetUMCFulton/

Fulton Block Builder participants support State Street Church. From left to right are Tony DiMasi (FBB,) Anne Smith (FBB), Jim Lindsley (Church), Marjorie McEwen (Church), Cathy Crisafulli (FBB), Barb Truax (Church), Jerry Truax (Church) and Pat Laxton (Church).

Fulton Block Builder selected as a CenterState CEO 2022 Economic Champion

The Fulton Block Builder (FBB) program was recently honored to be selected as an “Economic Champion” by CenterState CEO. Economic Champions are CNY businesses and organizations that      have added employees, started a new business, expanded operations, made capital expenditures, or received state or national recognition for company accomplishments or other significant milestones and achievements.

“FBB is proud of our National Awards, but most importantly proud of the positive changes we have brought to the Fulton community” said Linda Eagan FBB Director. “In 2022 alone there was a half million-dollar investment and more than $3 million since our start in 2017”. As Robert Simpson, president of CenterState CEO said these investments are the result of our community taking a chance, year after year. Those commitments have positioned our region to be the kind of place that can attract one of the largest economic development projects in the nation, Micron.

CenterState CEO hosted its annual Economic Champions Celebration, presented by Fust Charles Chambers LLP, at the Oncenter, recognizing the collective contributions of 421 companies and organizations to the growth and vibrancy of the Central New York economy.

 Together, these nominees were recognized for their aggregate hiring of more than 5,000 employees, over 5.8 million square-feet of expansions, and over $1 billion in capital investments. In a sign of positive economic momentum, 121 businesses were recognized for opening new storefronts, offices and facilities; 76 were highlighted for celebrating a milestone anniversary; 102 were recognized for receiving significant awards and achievements and 52 organizations and firms were noted for companies advancing diversity, equity and inclusion in their workplaces and community. “As a leader in the Fulton community, Fulton Block Builders is proud to have inspired neighborhoods to invest in the revitalization of our city and to have our work recognized as an Economic Champion” concluded Eagan.

Fulton Block Builders (FBB)are recognized as an CenterState CEO Economic Champion. From left to right are FBB volunteers David Phares, Tonya Crisafulli, Greg Bailey, Linda Eagan, Mike Peterson, Karen Perwitz and Kelly Niccoli.

Brookfield Renewable Partners with Fulton Block Builders to Sponsor Riverside Avenue Block

The Riverside Avenue Fulton Block Builder (FBB) group had some special guests at their celebration picnic. Mark Luciano Brookfield Renewable’s Stakeholder Relations Manager, traveled from Saratoga, N.Y. to present the group with a check for $5,500. Riverside is located on the west side of the Oswego River between Mill Apartments and the Polish Home.

“Brookfield is dedicated to making positive economic, social and environmental impacts within the communities that host our facilities” Luciano said. “We are very pleased to be able to support the residents of Riverside Avenue, a wonderful neighborhood a short distance away from a Brookfield hydro plant. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Fulton Block Builders and choosing another block to support next year.”

Assemblyman Will Barclay’s Community Relation Director, Brittany Jerred, was thankful for the invitation and commented, “What a great turnout for the picnic. It looks like all the neighbors are here. And Block Leaders Annie Noel and Toni Ross are such great hosts. Very uplifting to see. It was nice to meet Mark Luciano too.  Assemblyman Barclay continues to be amazed at ALL the great things FBB has done.”

Fulton 2nd Ward Councilor Doug Chapman congratulated the group on all the work they have completed and welcomed all the residents to reach out to him at any time. Linda Eagan thanked the speakers for their amazing support and all of the Block participants for their hard work. “It’s very noticeable and impressive,” said Eagan.

The Block leaders presented all of the participants with an American Eagle yard flag. Annie Noel said “People from all around come to our block to watch the eagles fly over the river. Toni and I thought it would be great if we all had eagle flags to show our unity.”

Mark Luciano, Brookfield Renewable Relations Manager, joins Brittany Jerred, NYS Assemblyman Barclay’s Community Relations Manager; Doug Chapman, Fulton Second Ward Councilor; Linda Eagan, Fulton Block Builder Director and all the participants of the 2022 Fulton Riverside Avenue Block

Fulton Block Builder Neighborhood Block Celebrations Continue

As part of the Fulton Block Builder (FBB) program, in addition to working together and sharing resources to improve the exteriors of their homes, participating homeowners plan a celebratory event. Shannon Sawyer is the Block leader for a very active group on Batavia and Fulton Avenues     had this to say about her neighborhood's celebration. “Even though we cannot apply for FBB next year (we’re completing our 2nd year now), we are still planning to continue our neighborhood get togethers. I will make sure everyone gets lots of invites! Our neighborhood looks soooo good, FBB is such an amazing project!”

This neighborhood group also took up a playground collection for Granby School, raising money to support the school’s purchase of more playground equipment. “Our Block Builder Neighborhood is thrilled to offer the Granby PTG a $415 donation to improve the playground area” continued Sawyer. “Our neighborhood chose to donate to the Granby PTG, since the PTG and the school have played such a big part in our lives, and our neighborhood. We understand that the playground is not only used by the students, but also the children and families of our community.”

Gladys Daniels another homeowner in this neighborhood, told Linda Eagan, FBB Director, that FBB has helped her so much these past two years. She was able to repair eaves, install gutters and doors, rebuild her entrance steps and seal her driveway. Plus, she got to meet more neighbors! Len and Wanda Langdon purchased their house last year after it had sat vacant for 5 years. “It is exhilarating to see this house so full of love and care,” said Eagan. “If we had a most improved award, the Langdons would certainly be top runners. All of the changes on this block are beautiful. I agree with Shannon, the neighborhood looks soooo good.”

The Sawyer Block has lots to celebrate. Back Row: Stephanie Donnelly, Heidi Pafumi, Matthew Sawyer, Shannon Sawyer, Todd Sawyer, Brenda Tomlinson, Cindy Garrett, Tony Pafumi, Mike Smith. Front Row: Gladys Daniels, Brandi Donnelly, Pat Kerr, Becca Smith, Sharon Hoadley