Contact:  Regina Venettozzi

           EANNACE ANNOUNCES AWARD OF GRANT TO ROME

Oneida County Executive Ralph J. Eannace Jr. announced today that a Press Conference will be held on April 28^th, 2000 in front of the Rome Chamber of Commerce in the City of Rome. The Chamber is located at 139 West Dominick Street next to the former "American Corner Deli". Eannace will announce one of the successful applicants to the Neighborhood Empowerment Works – NEW Neighborhoods Program. 
The conference will take place at 11AM.

Project Description:

Rome Clean & Green, an initiative of the Rome Area Chamber of Commerce, will utilize funding to complete Phase II of their "entrances to the city" revitalization project. The project goal is to reestablish pride by involving the city’s residents in making all of Rome more business, customer and visitor friendly. The area selected for Phase II of the beautification project is the East Rome neighborhood. The targeted area will include improvements along E. Dominick Street from the intersection of Erie & Black River Boulevards to the traffic light at the entrance to Route 365. In a strong partnership with the East Rome Family Merchants and the Rome Area Chamber of Commerce, Rome Clean & Green and the City of Rome plan improved lighting and landscaping, placement of new trash receptacles and installation of ornamental plant/banner hangers.

The East Rome Family Merchants Association has accepted responsibility for the design, construction, placement and maintenance of the planter/banner poles. They will purchase the banners and take responsibility for the watering of the plants, as needed.

Outline of work is as follows:

• Lead-time for construction of the trash receptacles is 12 weeks. Installation will be scheduled by the City of Rome or by area contractors. The receptacles will coordinate with those used in Phase I of the beautification project, and will be ordered from Victor Stanley, Inc.
  
  Lead-time for the planter/banner poles is 4-6 weeks and the pole contractor will perform installation. The planters and/or banners will be planted, watered and maintained by the east Rome Family Merchants or adopted by organizations in agreement with Rome Clean & Green. The poles will be ordered from an iron dealer from the neighborhood such as Raulli’s Iron Works, Inc. or other local dealer.

• The Rome Clean & Green organization will work with the departments of the City of Rome to improve lighting and landscaping in areas requiring improvement including what is known as "Columbus Park at the intersection off Black River Boulevard and E. Dominick Street.

• Proposed Project Completion date is July 4, 2000.