New Curb Appeal program from the City of Fort Wayne aims to support neighborhood revitalization

A new program aimed at supporting neighborhood revitalization was recently announced by the City of Fort Wayne’s Community Development Division. 

Curb Appeal is meant to incentivize property owners to repair or enhance their property’s exterior appearance. The pilot program will provide matching funds to residents who meet eligibility requirements through reimbursement on a first-come, first-serve basis. 

According to the City’s press release, this program intends to improve the appearance and value of housing within neighborhoods that have recently been involved in developing a neighborhood plan in partnership with the Community Development Division and the Neighborhood Planning and Activation Workgroup. Additionally, the City says the program will encourage further investment in projects and promote safe housing.

“Neighborhoods are the backbone of our community,” says Mayor Tom Henry in the City of Fort Wayne’s press release. “It’s critical that we continue to find new ways to make a positive difference to ensure our neighborhoods remain strong and vibrant.”

As the name suggests, the Curb Appeal program applies to projects that up the curb appeal of a home or neighborhood. Projects must be visible from the sidewalk or street right of way of the same address in which the property is located. 

Eligible projects include:

• tree or shrub removal, maintenance or installation; 
• exterior washing or painting of the primary building; 
• tuckpointing, masonry repair, or reconstruction of the primary building and existing masonry walls; 
• repair, reconstruction, removal or installation of fencing, private walks, or driveways/driveway aprons. 
• Soil, mulch, sod, landscape stone, landscape fabric, edging, pavers, or other ground cover
• Flowers, shrubs, bushes, trees, or other vegetation (must be perennial plants)

A full list of eligible projects is available online. The Community Development Division says other projects which enhance curb appeal may be eligible upon review.

The program allows residents to apply as a single residence or apply with a neighboring property. Single applications can be reimbursed for up to $2,500, and neighboring properties can be reimbursed up to $4,000 for each property. Participants in the Curb Appeal program must provide a minimum of 20 percent matching funds.

Funds are available to residentially used single-family (1-4 attached units) owner-occupied or renter-occupied property, and the owner or tenant(s) must have an annual household income of less than $100,000. Income verification will be required.

Program availability is for owners of residential properties within eligible neighborhoods. These neighborhoods were selected because they recently were involved in developing a neighborhood plan in partnership with the Community Development Division and the Neighborhood Planning and Activation Workgroup.

A list of neighborhoods eligible to apply for the Curb Appeal pilot program.Applications will be available starting April 10. For more information visit: https://www.fwcommunitydevelopment.org/curb-appeal-fort-wayne.