HARTFORD, Conn. (WTIC Radio)—Sixteen new community beautification projects are underway in the city of Hartford with a total of about $35,000 in grant funding through the Love Your Block Hartford Program.
The Love Your Block (LYB) Program brings together city leaders and residents to revitalize forgotten and vacant spots in the city.
According to the city's Director of Community Engagement Janice Castle, the program first began with a two-year grant meant to address those vacant spaces.
"The first year, folks were a bit skeptical about what we can do. The grant awards were a thousand dollars to do these projects. We had five projects that first year," Castle said.
Since then, the program has blossomed, she said. Now in its third year, with funding from the Hartford Foundation of Public Giving, a total of sixteen projects are being funded with grants ranging from $1,262.31 to $5,713. Most grants were awarded $2,500.
Community gardens, street murals, a composting site, gathering spaces and clean-up programs are just some of the projects that are being funded this year.
All the projects are spearheaded by city residents, Castle said. Residents work with their neighbors to come up with these ideas and to see them come to fruition, she explained.
"I'm really excited because all I keep thinking about is where do we go from here. How many more projects can we do?" Castle said. "It's really great when you can get people really invigorated and excited about doing things in their community."
Additional information about the LYB Program can be found on the city's website.
