Occasional flurries aside, we really are knocking on spring's door.
We want to help you fix your sidewalk before full-on, walking-to-the-park season begins.
What does that mean? There's money for you.
The Sidewalk Repair Incentive program developed for property owners in the German Village Historic District interested in doing sidewalk repairs has its next application deadline approaching May 1.
Applications can be obtained in the German Village Society offices, 588 Third St., or online at germanvillage.com/sidewalks.
And, thanks to our partnership with Columbia Gas, whose Public Utilities Commission of Ohio agreement with the Society includes investment in sidewalk repair, you might qualify for two buckets of money.
If you're in this summer's gas line upgrade route (see the full list at: https://germanvillage.com/2018-german-village-columbia-gas-planned-work-routes-schedules/), then you qualify for Columbia Gas' investment and for ours.
Although sidewalks are considered a public thoroughfare, the repair and maintenance is the responsibility of the property owner.
That's a piece of education we're leading -- and we need your help to spread the word. You own the property? The sidewalk needs to be maintained by you or your renter.
The cost of repairing a brick sidewalk in German Village can run in excess of $2,000, making such repairs cost prohibitive for some homeowners.
In an effort to facilitate the repair and maintenance of sidewalks, the German Village Society has launched a Sidewalk Repair Incentive program.
This program is designed to provide financial and technical assistance to homeowners embarking on sidewalk repairs. Here is a brief overview of the program:
* Both members and non-members of the German Village Society can apply. Renters are encouraged to share information about the program with their landlords who can then apply.
* The repairs made must comply with design guidelines and do require a Certificate of Appropriateness from the German Village Commission. However, staff approval is available meaning a short seven to 10 day turn around for your certificate of appropriateness.
* German Village Society members are eligible for an award of 50 percent of actual repair costs (up to $500) for brick-to-brick repairs, or 50 percent of actual repair costs (up to $700) for concrete-to-brick conversion.
Nonmembers are eligible for repair costs up to $200 for brick-to-brick repairs, and $400 for concrete to brick repairs. Those repairing concrete sidewalks with concrete are not eligible to apply.
* All applications submitted are subject to review by the German Village Society's Historic Preservation Advocate and the volunteer led Brick Sidewalks Committee.
Location, pedestrian traffic and degree of deterioration will determine the applicant's eligibility to receive sidewalk repair funding.
The Sidewalk Repair Incentive program is currently funded at $20,000, thanks to investment by the Society Board of Trustees, Josie & Ned Merkle and the United Way Neighborhood Partnership Grant.
In its 2015 Strategic Plan, the German Village Society determined the community has a very strong interest in improving village sidewalks, many of which have experienced deterioration because of weather, use, tree growth, etc.
Many sidewalks are in excellent condition and easily accommodate strollers, wheelchairs, pups and pedestrians.
Some, however, pose quite a challenge to traverse safely. Modeled after successful sidewalk repair programs in other historic districts nationwide, the German Village Sidewalk Repair Incentive is designed to provide needed assistance to homeowners.
Sidewalk improvements will enhance safety and quality of life for both residents and visitors.
For those interested in doing their own repairs in lieu of a contractor, the German Village Society offers helpful information.
Learn more online at germanvillage.com under the 'For Residents' tab at the top of the page or call GVS Historic Preservation Advocate Nancy Kotting at 614-221-8888.
German Village Society Historic Preservation Advocate Nancy Kotting submitted the Village Notebook column.