Niagara Falls Community Development welcomes everyone to check out two unique events this Sunday, July 27. Both are on Whitney Avenue from 1 to 3 pm, just a few blocks from each other. Both are examples of how thinking differently can help improve a neighborhood.
Make Your Own Park Day
Sunday, July 27 1-3 pm
Corner of Whitney Avenue & 18th Street
Earlier this year, our department demolished the former Whitney Avenue Apartments. It was blighted and beyond realistic repair. It sent a negative message to anyone who passed by. It might as well had a sign that said “This area is unsafe” in 20 foot letters on the roof. Such an eye sore is unfair to the neighbors. The building needed to go.
A few weeks ago, we were contacted by Sarina Deacon via Face Book. She lives in the neighborhood and suggested a park for the Whitney Apartments lot. It was a great idea and we are running with it. Niagara Falls Community Development is partnering with ReNU Niagara, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Niagara and the Niagara Liberty Partnership to create “Make Your Own Park” Day. It is a family friendly event featuring summer games like Kan Jam, outdoor chess and checkers and ladder ball. We will also have sustainability stations for children to make their own environment-friendly crafts to take home.
Niagara Falls Community Development and its partners believe that innovation is mobile and new ideas need to be continually tried and improved upon. To us, that is what “Living NF” everyday means. We started with “Sunday in the PARK-ing Lot” in June. “Make Your Own Park” Day is keeping the momentum going. If you have some free time on Sunday, please stop by.
Deal Realty Open House
Sunday, July 27 1-3 pm
2215 Whitney Avenue
Not too long ago, 2215 Whitney Avenue was a vacant, city owned house getting closer to demolition with every passing today. Then the Isaiah 61 Project partnered with Niagara Falls Community Development, Orleans/Niagara BOCES, the John R. Oishei Foundation, Deal Realty, and many others. Today 2215 Whitney Avenue is a fully renovated home that also provided on the job training to over 60 Niagara Falls residents.
This is more than a before and after project; it is a true transformation. Today, the house is ready for a new homeowner and a fresh start. Deal Realty is hosting the first open house at 2215 Whitney Avenue on Sunday. The Isaiah 61 Project is already working on more houses, training more students and helping more people get back to work. The house at 2215 Whitney Avenue will always be special to us because it was first. We welcome the community to celebrate this accomplishment with all of the many project partners. Hope to see you there.
Bad attitude trying to upgrade a declining city.
This area, is highly populated with young families. How wonderful that the parents can bring their children to the “new park.” Maybe the young parents can unite, and find other ways to improve this neighborhood, for the betterment of their families!
Let them WALK to the park at 19th and Elmwood that NOBODY ever uses. That’s just what this run down city needs is tax money spent a a USELESS park!!!
Agree 100%