February 25, 2015 – Battle Creek, Michigan – The Calhoun County Land Bank Authority (CCLBA) announced a new program designed to support innovative community groups and organizations in fundraising efforts by mowing and maintaining vacant properties owned by the CCLBA.
The Neighborhood Mow and Maintenance Program provides opportunities for groups to earn funds for neighborhood organizations, youth group activities, non-profits events, and other community efforts. “By agreeing to mow and maintain 20 vacant properties once every three weeks during the mowing season from late April through October, participating groups would earn a seasonal stipend of $3,000,” said CCLBA Board Chair and County Treasurer, Christine Schauer. “This program is very successful in other communities and we wanted to introduce it to groups and organizations that may have projects to fund. The program helps build and strengthen partnerships within neighborhoods, and could also serve as a catalyst for other initiatives,” continued Schauer.
Groups are required to provide their own equipment, tools, fuel and supplies. For most properties, lawn mowers and weed trimmers would be sufficient, although rakes, yard waste bags and shovels would be handy. Gloves, goggles, appropriate footwear and other safety measures are recommended and are the responsibility of the group.
Applications and more information are available by contacting the CCLBA by calling 269-781-0777 or email at landbank@calhouncountymi.gov. The deadline to apply for the 2015 season is March 20, 2015. Groups must have liability insurance and a group bank account; payments will not be made to individuals.
The CCLBA works to support local neighborhood and business district revitalization by acquiring, holding, and disposing of blighted properties in Calhoun County; much of this work is done through creative partnerships such as those encouraged by the Neighborhood Mow & Maintenance program.