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North Middletown Slated to Receive $525,000 from State Neighborhood Preservation program       
Written by Administrator    
Tuesday, 13 November 2007
 
MIDDLETOWN - Middletown is slated to receive up to $525,000 in grant monies through the state Neighborhood Preservation program to preserve the character of North Middletown, announced Mayor Gerard P. Scharfenberger.

"This grant offers us a remarkable opportunity to focus on reinforcing the character and vitality of North Middletown," said Mayor Gerard P. Scharfenberger. "We are looking forward to working with the community to find tangible ways to breathe new life into the neighborhood and its business district."

This year Middletown will receive a $125,000 grant from the state Department of Community Affairs through the Neighborhood Preservation program. Middletown will use the funds to begin to rehabilitate existing homes, revitalize the neighborhood's business district and improve recreation facilities such as the Tonya KellerBayshore Recreation Center. Meanwhile, plans will be developed with input from the neighborhood to determine what kinds of functional improvements and aesthetic enhancements should be made over the next five years, said Township Planner Anthony Mercantante.

With a five-year preservation plan in place, the state would be prepared to commit up to $100,000 per year for a five-year period for neighborhood preservation activities in North Middletown, and certain matching funds will be provided by the Township.  Strong and continuing participation by neighborhood residents will be essential to the program's success.

The Neighborhood Preservation Program (NPP) provides a multi-year financial and technical commitment to meet articulated goals of neighborhood residents and local officials.  The targeted area within North Middletown  The North Middletown will be provided with financial and technical assistance for housing rehabilitation, code enforcement, public improvements and services, self-help activities, and support for neighborhood organizations. neighborhood last participated in the NPP program in 1990. 

 

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