City, homeowners celebrate beautification effort

Pilot program involved painting 5 houses over the summer

Mayor Mike Bell, left, gives blockwatch president K. LaVerne Redden a hug while he tours a pilot neighborhood improvement project in the London Square/Robinson School neighborhood.

A fresh coat of house paint can bring pride and joy to a whole community.

That’s what Toledo city officials learned from a 2013 pilot neighborhood improvement program that resulted in the painting of five houses in the London Square/Robinson School neighborhood this past summer.

City officials, including Mayor Mike Bell, along with homeowners and other residents celebrated the beautification project with a brief outdoor ceremony today.

“Often people ask us what we’re doing in the neighborhoods,” Mayor Bell said. “We’re doing everything we can.

“This is about beautification; that people love where they live. But people sometimes need a little help.”

The homes that were painted included 2033 Forest Ave., 2031 Forest Ave., 2021 Forest Ave., 1128 Grand Ave., and 1118 W. Woodruff Ave. The paint program will be offered again in spring 2014, city officials said.

Neighborhood Block President K. LaVerne Redden said residents in the old neighborhood were pleased their community was chosen for the program this year. When a neighborhood looks good, everyone feels good about where they live, she said.

“It’s been a proud moment,” Ms. Redden said. “We have been working tirelessly to keep our neighborhoods intact.”

The program was completed with $22,900 from Community Development Block Grand funds, said Charles Turnbough, the city’s Neighborhood Development Specialist. The funds were made available for low and moderate income families whose income does not exceed 80 percent of the area median income.

Eligible homes must be insured, owner-occupied residences, and property taxes must be current or in payment plans. Homes in foreclosure are not considered.

For more information, contact the City of Toledo’s Department of Neighborhoods at 419-245-1400.