The CAP program was created to help homeowners with projects that improved the street view exterior appearance of their dwelling in the Museum District. Successful applicants received up to 75% reimbursement for the total cost of their improvements. (Submitted photo)

NORWICH – In 2021 Friends of the Museum District, in conjunction with generous local foundations, announced the creation of a Curb Appeal Grant Program (CAP).

These foundations collectively allocated more than $200,000 over the past two years in order to support property owners within the targeted area.

The program was created to help homeowners with projects that improved the street view exterior appearance of their dwelling. Successful applicants received up to 75 percent reimbursement for the total cost of their improvements, with the maximum grant amount being capped at $18,000.

Since its inception, the CAP program has assisted a total of ten property owners thus far, and another 15 homeowners are working to complete their projects in the near future.

The program specifically encompassed the area in close proximity to the main corridor of the newly refurbished Museum District. Included were: Rexford Street (North Broad intersection to River Street), State Street (Rexford to Mitchell Street intersection) and Silver Street (Berry Street to Gold Street intersection).

Many other additional improvements which have taken place within the Museum District resulted from the generosity of the same local foundations, with planning and execution administered by the Friends of the Museum District. Visitors to the area can now enjoy new sidewalks, way finding signage, landscaping improvements and decorative lighting which is aesthetically pleasing but also adds extra security along the entire corridor.

These improvements, along with the major facelift that was completed on the façade of the Northeast Classic Car Museum and numerous upgrades in and around the Chenango County Historical Society & Museum give the entire District a new and unique look and feel.

All funding for the Curb Appeal Program within the Museum District has now been allocated and Friends of the Museum District, along with all the homeowners who have been or will be assisted are incredibly thankful to the local foundations for their generosity.

Without their willingness to assist, the enhancements to the area would not have been possible.

- Information from Pegi LoPresti, CAP Coordinator