What our neighbors say about UNPA …


"… The words thank you seem inadequate when it comes to expressing my deep appreciation for the UNPA grant which facilitated my ability to move into the home of my dreams. That sounds a bit like a cliché, however, it is true. In determining the location of where I planned to purchase a home, I did a lot of driving around and a lot of thinking. Ultimately, my plan to move there was one based on thoughtful decision-making as well as emotion. The absolute charm of the historic neighborhood homes and pleasant winding roads, gave me a feeling of serenity, eventually leading me to know I was making a wise choice. When I first saw the home, immediately I experienced that ‘in love’ feeling. However, I was not fully prepared financially for the down payment. Accepting me as a candidate for a grant made the difference! For that, I am most grateful.

What else attracts me about the area? I am enjoying the diversity of people, the Co-op, the ethnic restaurants, and, of course, the energy of neighbors like you, committed to improving the quality of life for all the residents. In time, I hope my busy schedule allows me to become more actively involved in a capacity that will make a difference.

Thanks again for the grant and the warm welcome to a wonderful Syracuse neighborhood! I am happy to be home."

K. Degree

"… We are very excited to return to Syracuse, our hometown. For the last 3 years, we have worked and attended graduate school at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. We now return to Syracuse. We know the university neighborhood very well. My fiancé grew up on Concord Place. Her family still lives there and we have a large extended family (including four nieces and one nephew) living in the neighborhood. Both she and I attended school at Levy and Nottingham and have many friends in the area. We both love the university neighborhood and are very excited to start our own family together in such a great community. After time spent living elsewhere, we have grown more appreciative of the neighborhood and its unique offerings. From the Westcott Cinema to the Syracuse Food Cooperative, to the variety of restaurants and shops, the neighborhood has a great deal to offer. In particular, we enjoy and value the diversity of the neighborhood. There is no doubt that a great strength of the community as a whole is based in this diversity."

E. Weissman

"… As a buyer moving into the area with a restricted income, the UNPA program was a welcomed and nice surprise. Beyond the beneficial financial help, the desire to ‘preserve’ the ‘neighborhood’ was a deep attraction and has proved to be a true advantage. Living in a community in which members actively are engaged in its preservation and continuity is truly a draw to making a home here."

D. Martinez

"When we purchased our home on the 700 Block of Sumner Avenue almost three years ago, it was owned by an absentee landlord that rented to five students by the room. It had been a rental for many years and was desparately in need of repairs. Since purchasing with the help of an UNPA grant, we have been working to turn this house into a home. The neighbors are absolutely wonderful and as full of life as we expected for people that choose to live so close to a major University. We attend the neighborhood social events and have had dinner with our neighbors several times. In short, we are thankful for the UNPA program which has allowed us to make our first home purchase in such a living and wonderful neighborhood. We hope to stay here for a long time and become more and more involved in the community groups to help make the neighborhood attractive for others and to continue to preserve the character and liveability of the area."

K. Kuehner

" Just wanted to let you know I am finally settled into my new home and have had only good experiences so far. First day several neighbors came over to introduce themselves. They always wave to me and have really made me fell welcomed. Being able to walk to the shops on Westcott Street and the Food Coop is, in my opinion, an advantage. I am happy in my new neighborhood. Thank you again for the UNPA grant that helped me make this move possible."

A. Fernandez

"Thank you for your encouragement. I will be able to purchase the home on the 200 Block of Fellows Avenue with the help of your program. My daughter and I are very excited about moving into the University Neighborhood. Last weekend we went to some yard sales, met neighbors gardening, enjoyed pizza on Westcott Street, found the library, and enjoyed Barry Park."

J. Kelly

"Over the last nine years, we have lived in the University area. Our daughter attended Ed Smith School. Some people speak disparagingly of Syracuse, but I believe the heart of the City is the people. We have found a spirit of energy and optimism and diversity in the University area, people who believe in making this a better city. We have been a part of this community as students, teachers, coaches, and renters. With you help we will be homeowners too. Nothing makes us happier than being surrounded by people we know are interested in making the world a better place."

T. Mosier

"Indeed, yours was the first of the warm, welcoming messages that so encouraged us about moving here. Now we’re settling in and wanted to say a special thank you to you and UNPA for your help. We’re loving the neighborhood and the neighbers, as you predicted. I am eager to volunteer where I can."

D. Murray

"Some of the benefits of living in the University Neighborhood — The comfortable feeling of a village within a city. The variety of architecture in the neighborhood. The safe feeling of neighborhood. I also like that the neighborhood seems to "lean left" and is concerned about their environment and recycling."

S. Davies