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Hello supporters of HOCN!
Here's our monthly e-news updating you on what's been happening at Heart of the City Neighborhoods, Inc.!
Hoyt
Grants Development
 Sam Hoyt's priority for economic development, his
passion for historic architecture, and his experience in the West Side of
Buffalo, has allowed Heart
of the City Neighborhoods, Inc. to
thrive as an organization. Hoyt
recognizes our efforts to better the lives of individuals and strengthen the
community, which is proven through his actions. Providing an $11,000 grant to HOCN, Hoyt’s contribution will
further the revitalization and improvement throughout the community.
Whitney
Place Property Initiative
 Heart of the City Neighborhoods (HOCN) is yet again
undertaking a bold and ambitious approach to fighting blight and abandoned homes
within its service area. Beginning March of 2010, HOCN will launch the Whitney
Place Properties Initiative (WPPI) in an effort to reclaim this once vibrant
street.
WPPI is a block–by-block
approach that involves the acquisition, rehabilitation and resale of six vacant
homes. Once this is complete, these newly renovated, energy-efficient houses
will be sold to income-qualified
first time homebuyers.
By employing a block-by-block strategy, HOCN
believes they can make a real difference in improving whole neighborhoods, not
just one or two homes.
Currently, development is focused on
Whitney Place, between Hudson and Maryland. Funding has been awarded, and contracts have been executed, ultimately
providing renovated homes for income eligible buyers.
This initiative will restore life back to
once vibrant homes, and as a result will have many long-term positive effects
on the new homeowners and on the neighborhoods. Further, recycled materials and energy efficient devices
will be implemented in the total gut rehab project to offer safe, healthy, and
environmentally responsible housing. Darlie Al-Haqq, Housing Development
Specialist, excitedly discusses the progress, “We should be ready to go in the
beginning of March…it’s a great time for new development.”
Strategy Pays Off
 Deserted,
neglected and destroyed homes are at epidemic proportions in the City of
Buffalo. No where is this more evident than on the Lower West Side. Because of
this, HOCN has devised a strategic plan, based upon a needs assessment with
community stakeholders, to improve housing opportunities and quality of life to
the members of the community. Goals, for instance, include assisting projects
that will improve the visual image of the neighborhood, reducing substandard
housing units, fostering anti-crime initiatives, and increasing community
involvement. To assist in the implementation of this plan New York State Division of Housing and Community
Renewal has granted the Strategic Plan Completion Award to HOCN in the
amount of $5,000. This award,
received with gratitude and appreciation, will allow HOCN to continue in their
assiduous efforts across the Lower West Side.
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