NEIGHBORHOOD INVESTMENT PROGRAM - It is one of the core functions of local government to provide and maintain a functionally sound infrastructure system. It is the City’s responsibility to invest in our community to protect the integrity of our neighborhoods. To do otherwise, or to neglect the infrastructure – sanitary sewer lines, storm water facilities, street paving, lighting and signage will lead to neighborhood blight, depressed property values, a reduction in the quality of life for residents and higher costs when improvements are eventually undertaken.

The objective of the Neighborhood Investment Program is to systematically upgrade the City infrastructure, an area at a time in our older, established neighborhoods before deterioration begins. We will do so by identifying the program areas, taking a comprehensive assessment of existing conditions including input from property owners and residents, determining needs and developing a work plan, funding sources and a timeline.

The impact of a public/private partnership, where property owners work with the City – the City upgrading and improving public facilities and the residents continuing to maintain, or improve, their properties, will result in maximized property values and a high quality of life in our neighborhoods.

· Block 1 - Neighborhood bound by: E. State St., Boyd Drive, Highland Road & N. Buhl Farm Drive

· Block 2 - Rombold Road Area: Including Rombold Road, Haywood St., Mary St., Paul St., Madison St., Carolyn St., Stafford St. & Delaware St.

Block 1 - Neighborhood bound by: E. State St., Boyd Drive, Highland Road
& N. Buhl Farm Drive

PROJECT UPDATE - January 4, 2010
From: Gary P. Hinkson, City Manager
January 4, 2010

This letter is to provide updated information regarding the Neighborhood Investment Program in the area bounded by East State Street, North Buhl Farm Drive, Highland Road and Boyd Drive. Since the last update in early November, the contractor has completed all the infrastructure work, including paving and stormwater facilities, on both Cohassett Drive and Lyle Drive. The areas disturbed by construction activities have been graded and seeded and the contractor will return in the spring to complete final restoration work.

During this year work will be done on the remaining streets within the target area, beginning this spring. Also in 2010, new street signs will be installed.

Finally, I would like to remind residents and property owners in this area of the availability of special financing terms for home and property improvements through a program the City has developed with both First National Bank and Huntington Bank. More information about these programs can be obtained at local bank branches, on the City website (www.hermitage.net), or by contacting Jeremy Coxe, Community Planner, at 724-981-0800 or jcoxe@hermitage.net.

Again, thank you for your patience and cooperation. Please contact me (ghinkson@hermitage.net) or Jeremy Coxe (jcoxe@hermitage.net) via e-mail or at 724-981-0800 with questions or comments.

Again, thank you for your patience and cooperation.

2008 - 2010 Work Program
Neighborhood included bounded by:
Highland Road (North), N. Buhl Farm Drive (East), State Street (South) & Boyd Drive (West)

Including:
· North Buhl Farm Drive (sidewalk project scheduled for 2010)
· Theota Drive (complete 2008)
· Lyle Drive (complete 2009)
· Cohasset Drive (complete 2009)
· North Crescent Drive (complete 2008)
· Todd Avenue (complete 2008)
· North Oakdale Avenue (2010)
· Westerman Drive
· Woodside Drive (2010)
· Pine Tree Lane
· Richmond Drive (2010)
· Highland Road (sidewalk & stormwater project complete 2009)
· Boyd Drive
· Kimberly Street

Back to Top

Block 2 - Rombold Road Area: Including Rombold Road, Haywood St., Mary St., Paul St., Madison St., Carolyn St., Stafford St. & Delaware St.

PROJECT UPDATE - October 13, 2009


From: Gary P. Hinkson, City Manager
October 13, 2009

The purpose of this letter is to update you on the status of the City’s Neighborhood Investment Program that will be implemented in your area of the City. Many of you attended the meeting at the Municipal Building on September 22nd where this City initiative was explained. It is my intention to provide to you, either electronically through the City web site at www.hermitage.net or, if you do not have internet access, you can request an individual progress letter by contacting Beth Lewis of my office with your name and address. For now and through the fall and winter, because no construction will be occurring as design and bid documents are being completed, I will update you only as new information becomes available. Once construction begins next spring I will provide you with more frequent, even monthly, updates. However, please feel free to communicate with me anytime if a concern or question comes up. I can be reached at ghinkson@hermitage.net or 724-981-0800.

As I stated previously, now is the time that engineering and design work is being completed. Many of the people attending the meeting offered input that is being addressed as design moves forward. Over the next few months some property owners will be approached by City representatives to provide easements that are necessary for the City to pipe open ditches or replace old pipe and install new catch basins for storm water management. One new development is that the City has authorized Penn Power to install two additional street lights along Rombold Road, one near Mary Street and one at Paul Street. We are looking into other potential locations.

Also, the City has a housing rehabilitation program available which provides funding for owner occupied single family homes who meet program guidelines. In addition, the City has developed a program with First National Bank and Huntington Bank to make available special financing terms for home and property improvements to those who do not qualify for the City program. For more information on either program contact Jeremy Coxe, Community Planner, at 724-981-0800 or jcoxe@hermitage.net.

The City is looking forward to working with all of the residents as we make a major investment in the infrastructure in this neighborhood. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

Back to Top

RESOURCES FOR RESIDENTS & PROPERTY OWNERS

Financing / Home Improvement Opportunities:  The City has partnered with two local banks to offer interested homeowners in the targeted area special incentives for home improvement loans. First National Bank of Pennsylvania and Huntington National Bank are participating in this program and the information on each of these offerings is included in your packet. If you are interested in either of these programs, please visit a local FNB or Huntington Bank branch for more details.

In addition to these two loan opportunities, the City offers its existing Housing Rehabilitation Program to all qualified homeowners in the City. This program, in conjunction with the Lawrence County Lead Hazard Control Partnership, offers conditional grants to income-qualified homeowners in the City for rehabilitation of owner-occupied households.

· City Informational Flyers - City Information, Police, Burning Regulations, Street Addressing

· Hermitage Housing Rehabilitation Program

· Lawrence County Partnership - Lead Hazard Reduction Program

Back to Top
 

City of Hermitage, 800 North Hermitage Road, Hermitage, Pennsylvania 16148
Phone: 724-981-0800. Fax: 724-981-2008. www.hermitage.net
All listings and artwork are Copyright © 2010 by City of Hermitage or links. Disclaimer