Dates to Remember
Mark Your Calendar:
- April 12th-April 24th, Small Electronics Collection at City Hall, Max Bus Depot and Herrick Library. Contact Mary Ann Hensley at 355-1335 for more information.
- April 13th - Gang Symposium, 10:00 a.m. - Noon, City Hall
- April 22nd - Ourstreet Committee Meeting, 4:00 p.m., City Hall
- April 24th - Groove Walk, 9 p.m. - 1 a.m., downtown Holland
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Gang Symposium
The
Holland Gang Reduction Committee will host their annual "Gang Symposium" on
Tuesday, April 13th, at City Hall council chambers from 10:00 a.m.
to noon.
They will present updates
on the Holland Area Gang Activity and Suppression efforts through the Holland
Police dept. and Ottawa
County sheriff dept.
There will also be reports on the past year's activities from the Prevention and Intervention
work-groups.
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Greetings!
This month's newsletter is focused on getting out of the house and into the community. We have information on the upcoming Gang Symposium, joining a neighborhood watch, green gardening tips and sprucing up your home through the Neighborhood Impact Program. As always, if you ever have a question or concern regarding your home or neighborhood, please feel free to give us a call.
Sincerely,
Catie Hauch
Ourstreet Project Assistant
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Neighborhood Impact Program
What is NIP? Thanks to the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis "Neighborhood Impact Program", the City of Holland and Macatawa Bank are able to provide up to $10,000 rehabilitation assistance to homeowners in the Ourstreet Target Area provided they meet the program requirements.
What are some of the requirements*?- Homes must be in the Ourstreet target area and be owner occupied.
- Homeowners have lived in their home for 6 months or more.
- Applicant's household income does not exceed 80% of area median income.
- Homeowners will contribute a 25% match of the total project cost.
- Funding is on a first come, first served basis.
What are examples of eligible improvements*?- Structural alterations and reconstruction - repair or replacement of structural damage such as chimney or foundation repair and repairs due to termite damage and/or treat for termites and other infestations.
- Elimination of health and safety hazards.
- Recondition or replacement of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, electrical or plumbing -includes connection to public water/sewer systems and installation of new plumbing fixtures.
- Energy conservation improvements - includes installation of double-pane windows, roofing, gutters, downspouts, caulking, insulated exterior doors and weather stripping, attic and wall insulation, etc.
- Improvements for easier accessibility to the handicapped - includes remodeling kitchens and bathrooms for wheelchair access, lowering kitchen cabinets, installing wider doors and exterior ramps, etc.
- Eligible rehab includes the repair or replacement of the following: Roof, gutters, siding, HVAC (heater, air conditioner, water heater), exterior paint, insulation, drywall and interior paint necessary (i.e., grab bars, ramp), windows, exterior doors, plumbing and electrical work needed for habitability or code compliance.
*A complete list of requirements and eligible projects can be found on the application. For more information or to apply, please contact Sue Harder at 616-355-3133.
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Five Tips for a Green Yard
In honor of Earth Day's 40th anniversary on April 22nd, here are a few tips for creating an environmentally friendly, affordable yard.
#1: Make Your Own Compost: Composting is an easy way to make your own fertilizer and mulch for your yard, while reducing your weekly curbside garbage output. Find a suitable location in your yard and begin adding biodegradable materials. After time, you will have a rich, nutritious mulch for your plants. A great article and detailed instructions for creating a compost pile can be found here.
#2 Collect Rain Water: Instead of turning on a hose to water your yard, install a rain barrel to collect the water. These easy to make devises attach to your down spout and save money on watering through the summer by recycling the rain. The City of Holland does have an ordinance against standing water stating that water cannot stand stagnant for more than 7 consecutive days. Using the water from your rain barrel several times a week will help to ensure you are not in violation of the ordinance.
#3 Cut Down on Chemicals: Pesticides and fertilizers go into the ground and can affect your neighbors, children and wildlife. To control pests, try putting up bird houses, feeders and bat boxes to attract animals that eat harmful insects. Instead of using pesticides to treat plants, try making your own natural solutions. Did you know diluted dish soap makes a great treatment for spot disease on roses?
#4 Use Native Plants: Plants that are native to the area grow easily and require less water than exotic species. They provide food sources and shelter for local wildlife. For a list of native plants to this region, follow this link.
#5 Try Solar Power: Many different types of out door lighting are now powered by the sun. Using solar powered lights such as flood lights, landscaping lights and door lights can save money on your electricity, as well as, uses a sustainable energy source.
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Join a Neighborhood Watch
We need to work together to create a safe community for our families. Organizing a Neighborhood Watch block club is one way to get to know your neighbors and improve your neighborhood. As an organized block, you can voice neighborhood concerns and use group power to influence city government and services. Neighbors can also work together on fun activities such as block parties and holiday events. Neighborhood Watch is:- A successful way to prevent crime as neighbors build true community - neighbor looking out for neighbor
- A fun way to get to know those living on your block
- A way to make a great impact on the community
The City of Holland uses the help of Neighborhood Representatives to organize each block. A Neighborhood Representative's responsibilities are:- Communication - Neighborhood Representatives are considered
the eyes and ears of their community. They are the keys to establishing
communication between the Police Department and their neighborhood, and they
must also obtain feedback from and for their neighborhood.
- Gather & Disseminate Information - Neighborhood
Representatives will need to direct residents to the appropriate city services
when necessary. They will also need to know the needs of their community so that
they can channel these needs into workshops.
- Building a better Neighborhood - Neighborhood
Representatives will be instrumental in becoming involved and identify their
community needs.
We are currently looking for more Neighborhood Representatives throughout the City. If you would like to learn more about being a block captain, please contact Janie Briones at 616-355-3127 or at j.briones@cityofholland.com
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