Colfax Road residents have a meeting to discuss ways in which they would like to improve their block

Over several months, BBC has embarked on a comprehensive strategy to improve all facets of three blocks of the Central, Kinsman, and Garden Valley neighborhoods. At the completion of the program, which is funded by the City of Cleveland, each area will serve as the “Model Block” that exemplifies its respective neighborhood.

The three areas that have been designated as Model Blocks are Fuller and Easton Avenues, between East 93rd Street and Kingsbury Boulevard in the Union-Miles Statistical Planning Area; East 71st and 73rd Streets, between Cedar and Central Avenues in the Fairfax Statistical Planning Area; and Colfax Road, between East 68th and East 75th Streets in the Kinsman Statistical Planning Area.

Volunteers from Circleville, Ohio give a week of service to Colfax residents, replacing eight porches and performing light painting

A two-prong approach to neighborhood revitalization, the Model Block strategy first emphasizes the comprehensive physical enhancement of area housing and streetscape by building upon successful anchor projects and area assets. To achieve this, special home improvement programs and services will be available exclusively to eligible residents of the three Model Blocks through BBC and other local agencies. The strategy also intends to address the vacant and abandoned properties in each block either through rehabilitation or demolition.  For a listing of renovated housing available for purchase, please click here.

Secondly, the Model Block program aims to strengthen the fabric of the community and foster pride for each area. BBC staff and area leaders have been active in helping organize residents and hold community meetings for them to make plans for their block, apply for various home repair and improvement programs, partake in the creation of an official street club, apply for available grant funding, and plan future events for their block. Special guest speakers are ocassionally invited to discuss a particular topic or theme.

Neighbors on East 73rd Street get together to discuss abandoned structures, which lead to their demolition shortly after

Over the course of one year, accomplishments in the three Model Blocks have been substantial. More than forty residents representing about fifty homes on Colfax Road attended one or more monthly meetings. Colfax residents secured several small grants from Neighborhood Connections for security cameras to be positioned on their street and a $3,000 Cityworks grant for a community clean-up to take place. Volunteers from Crossroads Church in Circleville, Ohio and the Lighthouse, Inc./Heaventrain also performed a week of service repairing and replacing eight porches for residents at no charge.  A community garden was also established on Colfax Road.  Residents unified to lure capital improvements, including the resurfacing of their street.  A group of members of the block participated in a three-session block watch training provided by the City of Cleveland Police Department.

Residents of East 73rd Street successfully lobbied for the demolition of five longstanding abandoned homes that were the source of criminal activity. It is currently planning for the grassroots reuse of the new vacant land. The group, guided by staff of the Cleveland Central Weed & Seed, also elected officers and is in the process of becoming a formal block club. It held a block party to acquaint neighbors and introduce them to public officials and community leaders, who were also invited to attend.

City Year paints a house for a homeowner on Easton Avenue

BBC has helped establish a core group of engaged Fuller Avenue residents and have worked with them to identify priorities and have begun to make progress on these items.  Many residents of Fuller and Easton Avenues have performed home repairs and improvements on the exteriors of their homes.

For more information about BBC’s Model Blocks or to become involved, please call (216) 341-1455.