Amherst Residents to Benefit from Neighbourhood Improvement Initiative
Families living in the residential area surrounding downtown Amherst are getting help to fix up the exterior of their homes and revitalize their community.
MLA Terry Farrell, on behalf of Joanne Bernard, the minister responsible for Housing Nova Scotia, announced today, May 27, that more than 100 residential properties in downtown Amherst may be eligible for grants to improve curbside appeal and make minor repairs as part of the Neighbourhood Improvement Initiative.
"The significance of a vibrant downtown has become increasingly linked to the health of not only the economy, but the people in the community," said Mr. Farrell. "This program helps homeowners to be part of the improvements and aligns nicely with the vision for the revitalization of the area."
Homes, bordered by Rambler Street, Crescent Avenue, Copp Avenue and Laplanche Street, may be eligible for grants of up to $3,000 for projects such as landscaping, exterior painting and some repairs. Landlords may also qualify for $2,000 grants per unit, which they have to match.
The improvements will complement work being done by the Town of Amherst.
The town has also undertaken an initiative to shape its future and has engaged more than 200 residents who identified revitalization of the downtown as their number one priority. Implementation of the Centre First: Downtown Amherst Action Strategy resulted in almost $3 million in public space investments throughout the downtown. Recently, the town announced that the 8,200 square-foot Confederation Memorial Building, the former town hall, is being repurposed as an innovation centre for local businesses and community groups.
"This Neighbourhood Improvement Initiative will complement the downtown revitalization work these past five years resulting from the Centre First: Downtown Amherst Action Strategy," said Town of Amherst Deputy Mayor Terry Rhindress. "This program allows residents to take part in the work and make Amherst an appealing place to both reside and visit."
"It's so wonderful that the people who live in this area can be part of the revitalization," said Molly Little, community resident. "I live in the downtown and am excited to see it continue to flourish."
Applications will be delivered during the next few weeks to homes in the area or can be found at www.housingns.ca.
The Neighbourhood Improvement Initiative is designed to foster healthy, vibrant and diverse communities. Housing Nova Scotia supports a mix of income levels, housing types and tenure to ensure Nova Scotians can find the housing choice that is right for them.