By BOB SHRALUKA
WZBD.com
One new Decatur program has jumped to a solid start while a longtime program has done the same.
Mayor Dan Rickord told city council at its recent meeting that 21 applications have been approved for the city’s new beautification program recently unveiled by the Mayor’s Youth Council.
Those 21 applicants will use a total of $10,159 to be provided by the city.
In all, $15,000 in city monies were placed into a city fund to spur the first-time program.
The program works like the city’s facade and 50/50 sidewalk programs. A resident applies for a grant, details its proposed project and the cost, and, if approved, sees the city match the amount projected.
The maximum amount awarded is $500, or $750 if submitted with an immediate neighbor’s request.
Projects approved are “all over the city,” the mayor noted, and include such projects are painting, new railings, mulching, etc.
City council administers the program and has final say on all matters. The youth council looked over the applications and made recommendations.
“It was a great project for the kids,” Rickord added, noting that the program “was well received.”
SIDEWALKS: Meanwhile, 18 applications for the 50-50 sidewalk program have been approved.
The applicants will receive approximately $34,000 of the $50,000 annually set aside for the program which has been a city staple for some 10 years.
Operations Manager Jeremy Gilbert said it is hoped that work on the new sidewalks can begin around May 20.
“Hopefully, some neighbors will see it (the work) and want to do the same thing,” Rickord said.
