Manatee Grant Program Spruces Neighborhoods

By Nicholas Azzara, The Bradenton Herald, Fla.

Jan. 12–BRADENTON — Joe Robideau and his wife have lived in O’Ryan Village for a decade, but their villa didn’t feel like home sweet home until some much-needed community landscaping was done with the help of Manatee County’s Neighborhood Enhancement Program.

Robideau, who moved here from Philadelphia, is president of the O’Ryan Village Property Association, and with the support of his neighbors, he applied for funding through the county’s Neighborhood Enhancement Grant program in 2005. For the past six years, Manatee has awarded more than $209,000 to 123 neighborhood associations across the county. Last year, 25 associations were awarded $55,234 for landscaping, lighting, tree removal, professional services and supplies.

After a thorough review by the county, O’Ryan Village won one of several grants awarded and contracted the work to beautify the complex. New lights illuminate the entrance, and O’Ryan Village signs are surrounded by shrubs and native plants. More of the same improvements are planned for this spring, thanks to grant money.

Kathleen Thompson, the Manatee planning manager who heads the enhancement program, said the program becomes more successful with each passing year.

“More people apply and new developments apply every year,” Thompson said. “They can apply every year as long as the project is completed within 12 months.”

This year, applications are due May 2. If awarded the grant, an association may receive up to $2,500. The county money must be matched by the neighborhood association in cash, in-kind services or donated labor. Each project must be completed within a year or the neighborhood forfeits the county’s share. At the end of the project, the county reimburses the association based on receipts.

County Commissioner Ron Getman said the money has gone to many different neighborhoods.

“The grant program has been especially successful in less affluent neighborhoods,” he said.

At O’Ryan Village, the residents have taken advantage for years.

“We were very happy with (the first year’s work), so we came back with shrubbery and a new sign on each side of the entrance (in 2006),” Robideau said. “It was very successful.”

The families on Tidy Island used the grant money to have harmful Brazilian pepper trees removed from mangroves. Pride Park, Peridia Golf and Country Club and Wares Creek residents won grants for more visible signs leading to their communities.

If a neighborhood would find it difficult to raise $2,500 up front for the work, Getman said there are other ways to use the program.

“If the money is not there, they can pay in sweat equity,” he said.

At Tidy Island, the program addressed trash trees.

“We had probably between 200 and 300 yards of pepper trees removed,” after an environmental group signed off on the work, said Bob McGinley, manager of Tidy Island Condominium Association. “Without matching funds, it probably wouldn’t have gotten done.”

Thompson and other county staff will host two informational meetings later this month to explain the application process and to answer questions. All associations that apply are strongly encouraged to attend one of the meetings.

“It’s a wonderful program as far as I’m concerned,” Robideau said. “We’ve practically done everything we can, but if we can think of something else, we’ll apply for it again next year.”

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Nicholas Azzara, county government reporter, can be reached at nazzara@HeraldToday.com [mailto:nazzara@HeraldToday.com] and 745-7081.

Two grant orientation meetings will be held later this month. County staff will be available to answer questions and explain the application process. Attendance is encouraged. The Neighborhood Enhancement Grant programs will be held:

–Jan. 29, 6-7 p.m.

South Manatee County Library

6081 26th St. W., Bradenton

–Jan. 30, 6-7 p.m.

Braden River Library

4915 53rd Ave. E., Bradenton

For more information, call (941) 749-3070.

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Copyright (c) 2007, The Bradenton Herald, Fla.

Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Business News.

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