Fulton Block Builders seek to learn all they can from the successes of the Oswego Renaissance Association

Recently Fulton Block Builder (FBB) volunteers sat down to meet with the Oswego Renaissance Association founders Paul Stewart and Steve Phillips. FBB volunteers came with a list of questions for Paul and Steve, who graciously took time to answer each one. Alissa Viscome, an FBB Ambassador, had lots of questions about supporting and advising new block leaders. “I think we did pretty well in our first year, but there are always ways to improve. The experience Paul and Steve have had will help us do that.” Karen Perwitz has been working to streamline the FBB application process and timeline. She said, “We are fortunate to have this valuable resource that we can come to and bounce ideas off. Paul and Steve have been extremely supportive.”

Paul Stewart, the Executive Director of the Oswego Renaissance Association (ORA) just completed the 4th year of the Healthy Neighborhood Initiative in Oswego. To date, over 2 million dollars of private investment has been leveraged into Oswego Renaissance neighborhoods. They say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery and Eagan and the FBB volunteers are anxious to imitate ORA’s achievements!

IMPORTANT DATES REGARDING 2018 Fulton Block Builders:

• Friday, March 16, 2018 – FBB Neighborhood Recruitment Forms (Pre-applications) are due
• Wednesday, April 18, 2018 – Final applications are due
• Monday April 30, 2018 – Deadline to reach the Shineman Match needed to secure $100,000.00
• Tuesday May 1, 2018 – FBB grant awardees announced
• Wednesday, May 16, 2018 – FBB Kick Off Event for awardees and sponsors

City residents who would like to participate in FBB need to form a neighborhood cluster with a minimum of 50% of the property owners in their vicinity. The group can include homeowners or landlords. Once a cluster has formed, the pre-application process begins. The matching grant funding will cover expenses are for exterior property improvements to groups of homeowners on a single block - in targeted neighborhoods - throughout the city of Fulton. Aside from matching grant funding, participating homeowners have access to discounts from sponsoring hardware stores and garden centers

The Oswego Renaissance founders Paul Stewart and Steve Phillips share advice and wisdom with Linda Eagan, Alissa Viscome and Karen Perwitz from Fulton Block Builders

Fulton Block Builders Fundraising Campaign begins with quite a few "firsts" for 2018

The Fundraising Campaign for 2018 has started off with several momentous firsts.

Universal Metal Works launched the first business support for the grass- roots revitalization project, Fulton Block Builders (FBB):  2018 campaign. The Sharkey’s were impressed to learn that there was a quarter of a million dollars invested in 22 distinct blocks and 127 properties in 2017. John Sharkey III said, “The first year was very inspiring, I am happy to see this kind of excitement in the city and am pleased to support further growth.” John IV said, “Fulton has many positive attributes for living and doing business, it’s impressive to see a program like this take off in such a strong way and we are proud to be a part of it.”

Legislator Karasek said, “I represent the 22nd District which includes parts of the City of Fulton and I am impressed with the positive energy FBB is bringing to our residents. I make a point of supporting and sponsoring initiatives that I think are good for my District, so this decision was an easy one for me.” Linda Eagan, Administrative Director of the Fulton Block Builders (FBB) said, “Legislator Karasek saw the positive potential for this program early last year and donated his entire county raise to the program in 2017 and now has made another strong commitment for 2018. Fulton residents are lucky to have this kind of leadership and backing!”

Dennis and Kellie Merlino went to the Fulton Block Builder website and made a $10.00 monthly reoccurring contribution. Dennis and Kellie were actively involved in the Fulton Block Builder (FBB) inaugural year – 2017, by being Block Leaders as well as Ambassadors. But that wasn’t enough, they have been watching the enthusiasm grow in the city and wanted to do even more! They expressed strong excitement about the Shineman $100,000 matching grant and wanted to get FBB off to a great fund-raising start. Dennis said, “Kellie and I are challenging community members to help support this growth. So, we are challenging each of you to donate to Fulton Block Builders today.  We used the very simple PayPal link on the Fulton Block Builders web page: Donate”

Photos (l to r):

John Sharkey III and John Sharkey IV, owners of Universal Metal Works, pledge the first business donation in support of the 2018 Fulton Block Builders - Block Challenge.

Legislator James Karasek, representing the 22nd District in the Oswego County Legislature, is the first public official to pledge financial support to the FBB 2018 Fundraising Campaign.

Dennis and Kellie Merlino make the first community member contribution in support of the 2018 Fulton Block Builders program.

Fulton Block Builders Invite You to a Citywide Meeting

Fulton Block Builders have gathered to begin planning the 2018 year.

It all starts with a Citywide meeting and YOU ARE INVITED!

Come the the River Vista Conference Center at 810 South First Street on Wednesday, January 17, 2018 at 6:00pm.

What will we be doing?

* Explaining how the Healthy Block Initiative works.

* Helping you see how you can become part of bringing PRIDE
back to your neighborhoods.

* Explaining how you can help your neighbors become involved.

* Reviewing what kinds of projects we will help you with and
what you and your neighborhoods need to do to be eligible for
the grants.

There are great conversations and a lot of information to be had during a questions and answers session afterward. Come meet your Ambassadors and Block Leaders who have helped to transform neighborhoods in 2017. Snacks and drinks will be provided.

There has been a great deal of interest in the program for 2018 and we ask that, in order to accommodate everyone at River Vista, you limit the number of people per family attending to 1 or 2 .

Come on Fulton! Let's move Pride forward in 2018!!

Like this post and share this post to get the word out.

Happy Holidays Fulton. See you soon!

Reshaping Fulton One Block at a Time

Have you been listening? Can you hear it? All over the city, neighbors have been talking and getting to know each other. They have joined together to revitalize their neighborhoods, creating a sense of community and pride.

For some people, Fulton has always been their home. Many generations have come and gone, but one thing stays the same – there is still hope for our city. How do I know this? More than 160 homeowners have been working hard since May to revitalize their neighborhoods. Fulton Block Builder signs are popping up in neighborhoods all over the city. These signs are a symbol of hope, pride, and community. Working together, we will make Fulton once again a city with a future.

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  

As The Weather Clears Out The Fulton Block Builders Ramp Up The Work To Their Homes In The City Of Fulton

August has been a very busy month for homeowners in the city of Fulton. Fulton Block Builders (FBB) Administrative Director- Linda Eagan, has reported that the success of these projects and the increased pride in neighborhoods is exactly what she was hoping for in the city. “Unlike the beginning of our summer, the weather during the month of August has been great for getting outside projects completed. Contractors that have been behind due to all the rain are catching up! Michele Trepasso has been hoping to have her house painted in the beautiful historic colors she chose by working with the FBB historical architect, Susan Arena since the beginning of summer and now the painters are starting!” said Eagan.

The Moore’s were lucky to have completed their project and couldn’t be happier with the results. “We’ve had so many compliments from people stopping to talk every time we are outside” said Dianne Moore. “Susan was fabulous to work with. She spent lots of time with us and always welcomed our questions. I can feel the changes happening in Fulton and am so glad the Block Builder program is here”

Another project completed in August include the Rothrock’s new brick front steps and railings. “We didn’t realize just how bad the steps had gotten until we took the fresh eyes walk with FBB and saw our house objectively. They were not only dangerous, they were an eyesore. So many people have complimented us on the new steps, the landscaping and the freshly painted and power washed exterior. There are five houses in a row that are making transformative changes, it’s wonderful to see all of the work happening in the city and we are glad to be helping our neighbors” said the Rothrock’s.

“FBB has seen an impact of this new revitalization program through new doors, front steps, windows shutters, lots and lots of power washing and landscaping but most importantly the impact is realized by the new sense of pride and community engagement” hailed Eagan.

The Fulton Block Builders Are Increasing The City’s Curb Appeal And Bringing A New Sense Of Community

Neighbors are so glad to see the DeMar’s on their front steps for the first time in years. The steps were no longer safe for the couple to use because they were steep, narrow and had no railings. Earlier this spring, when block leaders, Heather Crofoot and Alissa Viscome approached the DeMar’s about becoming part of the Fulton Block Builders, they immediately thought about those steps. John and Florine DeMar had their home built 60 years ago, and have since raised their 4 wonderful children in it.

Due to their longevity in the neighborhood, they know most of their neighbors and are thrilled to be able to once again sit on their front steps and chat with them. “It’s a good neighborhood, people are happy here. When they move they long to come back” said Mr. DeMar. Another aspect that they enjoy about the new steps is the ability to see all the beautiful landscaping and flowers their daughter, Claudette has put in. She is the longtime local business owner of Claudette’s Flowers and Gifts at 122 Academy Street. Helping her parents and working with plants are two of her passions.

The Fulton Block Builders Are Having a Positive Impact Locally That is Being Noticed By Neighboring Communities

As Blocks are gathering around the city and home improvements continue, Fulton is being noticed by other communities.

In July, the Mayor of the Village of East Syracuse, Bob Tackman and the Richland Area Chamber of Commerce President, Jodie Perry located in Mansfield Ohio - contacted Linda Eagan, and asked how the Block Builders got started and if more information could be shared. Of course, Linda was more than happy to do that. After all, Paul Stewart, Executive Director of the Oswego Renaissance Association and the Executive Director of the Shineman Foundation, Karen Goetz have shared plenty of information with the Fulton Block Builders (FBB). Without their advice and guidance Linda doesn’t think that FBB would have even been born.

Fulton Block Builder volunteers Heather Crofoot, Dennis Merlino and Linda Eagan, with the Village of East Syracuse Mayor, Bob Tackman

Thursday August 3rd, Block Builder volunteers Heather Crofoot, Dennis & Kelly Merlino and Linda Eagan, met with the Village of East Syracuse Mayor, Bob Tackman and Clerk, Pat Derby. It seems that Pat is friends with a former resident of Fulton and they sent her a link to the Fulton Block Builder website https://www.fultonblockbuilders.com/info/ with a message to check out what Fulton is doing! Pat did and shared it with the Mayor.

Bob and Pat came to the August meeting eager to learn what the Block Builder project was all about and ended up talking with the volunteers for about an hour and a half. “We are proud of what is happening in Fulton and all of the volunteer’s love sharing our story every chance we get” commented Eagan. Dennis Merlino said that the Fulton Block Builder project is giving people the opportunity to see how we can improve our community and enabling enthusiasm and action for positive change. Heather zoned in on the increased sense of community that can be felt in the participating blocks and beyond. The Block Builders offered to meet again or share more in the future and the Mayor “tagged” FBB on Facebook before the volunteers arrived home!

Jodie Perry from the Richland Area Chamber of Commerce has been following FBB on Facebook since its launch in January and has been intrigued with the progress the City of Fulton residents have made in such a short time. Linda Eagan shared information about the Healthy Neighborhood Initiative and gave Jodi links to Charles Buki at CZB LLC for more information on how to rank a city and possibly hire that firm to develop a plan for their communities. “I don’t know if either community will start a program like ours, but if they do, I hope both have the same success we are feeling and seeing in Fulton” said Eagan.