Fairfield Villages seeks grant for youth

Fairfield Village Council April 2 approved a proposal to allow president Andy Ellard to try to get grant money for a youth group to do tasks for elderly neighborhood residents.

Norma Sain, representing Court Street Village Nonprofit, said her organization had reviewed Ellard's plans and agreed to act as a fiduciary for the grant as well as program manager. She said the youth involved must be at least 16.

According to Ellard, the program would require about $8,000 in grant money. If funded, neighborhood youth needing work would be linked to the community's elderly who need work done.

"It's a great way to support kids in our neighborhood. When old people know who the young people are it makes for a safer and friendlier place," Ellard said.

Judy Hovey, beautification committee chairperson, said plans are progressing for a community art garden on Seventh Street.

"Even if we don't get the Keep Genesee County Beautiful grant, the first phase of the project could be completed," Hovey said.

Hovey distributed an updated map from the Land Bank identifying properties as either good, fair, poor or in need of demolition. She said Land Bank personnel would attend a future meeting to provide funding options for rehabilitating houses.

Ellard reported members of the crime watch helped identify a scrap metal thief stealing siding from a home in the area.

In other matters, the group appointed Gary West to coordinate the neighborhood cleanup and set June 25 as the unity picnic date.

The next meeting will be held at 1 p.m. May 7 at the Court Street Village Neighborhood House, 727 East St.

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