Getting Started

 

Recent News

‘HAVE YOU RENAISSANCED TODAY’

Sullivan Renaissance Beautification Grants Awarded | Mar. 28, 2008

GREEN IS AN EVOLUTION, NOT A REVOLUTION

Builder ‘demystifies green building’ at seminar | Mar. 25, 2008

‘RURAL LIFE IN THE CATSKILLS’

Forum set for Friday, March 28th at Cooperative Extension | Mar. 21, 2008

Photo Galleries

Photo OneSpring Forum
Sullivan Renaissance Grant Program is now in its eighth season

Photo OneSolar Renaissance
Sullivan Renaissance partners with NYSERDA

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Working With Your Municipality

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Sullivan Renaissance has a solid track record of success. The benefits of beautification and its impact on communities are apparent and can be seen throughout Sullivan County. Residents have a better attitude about their communities, more businesses want to locate on renovated main streets, and more visitors come to our hamlets and villages. These changes improve the quality of life and increase the tax base. Beautification promotes economic development.

The Sullivan Renaissance program continues to grow and evolve. As we do, we want to learn new ways to cooperate with municipalities in Sullivan County.

Communication

  • Meet with your municipality to begin dialogue. Have similar dialogues with planning boards and code enforcement officers.
  • Many municipalities know where eyesores and safety hazards are located.
  • Officials may be able to identify key groups and organizations to assist.
  • Working with non-profit groups can open grant opportunities for a town.
  • A banner (with contact info) at the worksite would encourage participation.
  • Appoint liaison with municipality officials.

Labor & Services

  • Some towns provide assistance to groups
  • They may provide access to a free water supply for the watering of flowers.
  • Engage highway department in litter cleanings and mowing as needed.
  • May provide mulching program.
  • May support continued “Spring Clean-up” for large household trash items.
  • May help to arrange work crews, plants and other support from prisons, drug rehabs and other institutions.

Financial Asstance

  • Some towns put line items in their budgets for Renaissance groups
  • Grant-writing services
  • Extend insurance coverage to parks, hanging baskets and public spaces

Ordinances & Enforcement

  • Towns with adopt-a-road programs have cleaner roads, particularly when they are enforced. New adopters need to be found when old ones are not maintaining their stretch of roadway.
  • Ask if there is a landscaping element to zoning ordinances (see maintenance clause in universal code).
  • Explore if there are ordinances for maintenance of property and removal of unsafe and unsightly buildings.
  • See if there are programs for individuals unable to clean-up their property (senior citizens, the disabled)
  • Work with code enforcement to cut down on future problems – Renaissance groups could support stronger enforcement