Paint/Plant/Pave Program (PPP) Blighted or broken-down elements on the façade of a house create a syndrome referred to as “The Broken Window Syndrome”. The concept refers to the negative impact that comes from an area that has a cluster, or ever a few houses, with broken windows, peeling or worn paint, dead landscaping and other blighting conditions. As properties deteriorate, neighborhood pride dissolves and more people let their properties fall into disarray. Property values then decline. Sometimes the lack of funds, especially for seniors, is a major cause of the lack of maintenance. The PPP Program allows the City to provide assistance to owner-occupants of single family homes to help spruce up the front of their homes. The program can be custom designed to address the issues specific to east Sunrise but in general have the following guidelines: The main areas of improvement include:
• Painting – House, eaves, fascia board, architectural elements • Plant – Limited landscape, irrigation, pruning and replanting • Pave – Driveway improvements compatible with the area
The program can include the following efforts: • Promote the Program – A local community sponsor is found to help promote the program. Local press is invited to promote the program and the City can inform residents in water bills or other mechanisms that reach homeowners. • Who Qualifies? – A decision on which homes qualify depend on the goals and the issues to be addressed as well as the amount of funding available for the program. Generally, it is for owner-occupants not renters, however in some cases, the City may permit a landlord to participate unless there are multiple code violations and there is reason to believe there is lack of care on the owner’s part. • Program Costs – The amount of funds can range from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars per home. Generally, a guideline is between $ 500 - $ 2,500 depending on the program allowances and home value. Sometimes the homeowner must provide a match that would reduce the City’s portion of assistance or would increase the amount of funds available. Other times, and in cases where the homeowner doesn’t have the cash to match, they can provide in-kind services or sweat equity in the form of labor. • Look for Sponsors – A local home improvement center should be identified to provide materials at cost or below cost. • Look for Technical Volunteers – The City can identify a pool of builders or subcontractors to provide man hours to “oversee” the work to be done. • Labor Force – Local volunteers combined with stipends paid to workers generally meet the labor requirements. Neighborhood Ambassadors play a large role in this effort. • Location of Program – The most effective approach is to target one neighborhood at a time where the results can be clearly and immediately seen for instant results. A small neighborhood block gathering can be held to showcase the improvements when done, then move on to the next neighborhood. • Who Maintains the Improvements? – Maintenance of the improvements is mandatory and owners are required to sign a document saying they will maintain the improvements for a period of years.
In summary, the program can be created to address the issues specific to east Sunrise.
84 | EAST SUNRISE IMPROVEMENTS MASTER PLAN
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