|
A BIT OF AMERICANA RIGHT HERE IN
THIS NEIGHBORHOOD …
During this past summer, you may have noticed a house on the corner
of Buckingham Avenue and Meadowbrook Drive being disassembled and wondered
what was going on. With the 172-page Lustron Manual in hand, Susan Germain
and several of her friends carefully took this unique c. 1949 house
apart. Susan plans to reassemble the house, perhaps as a camp on a lot
in the country. Right now, Germain says, "I am the caretaker."
The house, a Lustron House, is considered a collector’s item. Experts
regard the inexpensive well-engineered "rodent proof, fireproof,
lightning proof, and rustproof houses" as prototypes of today’s
modulars. Lustron kits were sold to local dealers and arrived at the
building site the way this one left, on a flatbed trailer with the first
parts ready to unload first. Most had two bedrooms and a built-in dishwasher/clothes
washer as well as a bookcase, a china cabinet, seven closets, a built-in
furnace, sliding doors, overhead storage cabinets – all on one
floor. It was considered the perfect starter home for GI’s returning
from World War II. The company planned to produce 40,000 a year, 2500
were sold. Only 2,000 are still standing, seven in the Syracuse area.
In addition to this one in the University Neighborhood, Susan found
them in Westvale, North Syracuse, Lyncourt, and near Le Moyne College.
"People’s response while we were working was wonderful", says
Susan. "We averaged about 100 visitors a day." The most persistent
question: "What’s special about this house?" "Neighbors
bought us pizza and sat down and talked. It made us feel we were doing
the right thing."
— Excerpts from article written by Dick Case, Post Standard Columnist,
Sunday, September 21, 2003.
NEIGHBORS RECLAIM SYRACUSE, ONE LOT AT A TIME
…
The City of Syracuse neighborhood vacant lot involves neighbors buying
the lot next door (measuring 40′ x 100′ or less) for $500 from the City.
For more information, contact Caty Easterly at Home Headquarters, 474-1939
x238 or City of Syracuse Real Estate Department, 448-8293.
BUYING YOUR FIRST HOME? KNOW THE FACTS …
Buying a home is an exciting event in your life, but it is not without
risks. If you don’t understand all of the terms of your loan agreement,
including interest rates, fees and penalties, you risk not being able
to afford your monthly payments. And this can lead to losing your home.
So ask the right questions. Shop around and compare the terms. Don’t
borrow more than you can afford. Never sign documents that you don’t
understand. Consider getting an attorney. If you have any questions
about getting a loan to buy a home, contact the NY State Banking Department
at 1-800-334-3360, or visit their website at www.banking.state.ny.us.
NEIGHBORHOOD CLEANLINESS CONCERNS …
In an effort to keep up the quality of life in this neighborhood, it’s
important that we all work together. Whether you are a landlord, a permanent
resident or a student, cleanliness and beautification should be a concern
for all. The following suggestions are presented by Carmen Harlow, Deputy
Commissioner Syracuse City Department of Public Works, not only to benefit
our health and well-being, but also to avoid unnecessary citation. Don’t
put out excessive trash receptacles or early set-outs. Keep all trash
receptacles (including blue bins) as far away from public view as possible.
Remove all trash receptacles (including blue bins) after pick-up as
soon as possible. "As a former S.U. student athlete who lived on
Ackerman Avenue, and now as a commissioner of public works, I understand
the importance of strong relationships with City services," says
Harlow. Contact Carmen Harlow at 448-8519 for more information.
ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY-COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP …
The University-Community Partnership was created in Summer 1999 as a
way for Syracuse University, its neighbors, and the City of Syracuse
to collaborate to improve the overall quality of life for those residing
in the neighborhoods near the campus. Representatives from SU, the SUNY
College of Environmental Science & Forestry, the City of Syracuse,
and numerous neighborhood associations (including UNPA) developed an
implementation team in addition to the partnership. When neighborhood
residents report quality of life issues to SU administrators and the
City of Syracuse, a team (or subcommittee) of people from SU and the
surrounding community forms to address those issues and find solutions.
For information about the University-Community Partnership Forum or
Code Enforcement subcommittees, contact the SU Office of Government
and Community Relations, 443-3919. For information about the Neighborhood
Safety Patrol subcommittee, contact the SU Department of Public Safety,
443-2224.
OFF CAMPUS STUDENTS FACE TOUGHER LAW ENFORCEMENT …
"This is a residential area where families live, too", said
Syracuse Police Sgt. Thomas Connellan. "If anything interrupts
the quality of life for people, something needs to be done about it."
Last year, police instituted a zero tolerance policy for open containers
which will continue until the parties calm down and the number of arrests
decline. If that happens, Lt. Joe Cecile of the Syracuse Police Department
says that the police would consider going back to a policy of giving
students warnings. Police have increased patrols all around the university,
and if students are arrested off-campus, they will have to deal with
both the City of Syracuse and the SU judicial system.
WESTCOTT CINEMA PROJECTS ART FILMS WITH A MESSAGE
…
Nat Tobin, owner of the Westcott Cinema, likes to welcome his audience
to each showing. He often introduces himself to the crowd and provides
a brief synopsis of the film they came to see. The Westcott Cinema passes
up popular movies in favor of independent art films with a message.
Tobin takes pride in projecting quality films that make the audience
think. "I personally believe in the product we show", says
Tobin. The advantages of the Westcott Cinema seem endless, especially
due to its prime location in the middle of Westcott Street next to Alto
Cinco’s, Dorian’s and Munjed’s restaurants. "Westcott is a vibrant
area conducive to the kinds of films we show here," says Tobin.
The Cinema first opened in 1928. It was originally built for both films
and plays, and was once owned by Syracuse Stage. There was even a brief
time during the 1950’s when the theater specialized in pornographic
films. It has the largest movie screen in Syracuse outside of the Landmark
Theatre, and the projector makes the film appear brighter and colorful.
And, if the warm atmosphere, location, and excellent movies doesn’t
win you over, at least you can tell people you’ve been to one of Syracuse’s
oldest porn theaters. Curious? Call 479-9911.
HUD HELPS TEACHERS & OFFICERS BUY HOMES …
The U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD)
wants to make American communities stronger. The Teacher Next Door and
Officer Next Door programs are designed to further this goal by encouraging
teachers and officers to buy discounted HUD-homes in low and moderate
income neighborhoods. To participate in the program, you must be "employed
full-time by a public school, private school, or federal, state, county
or municipal educational agency as a state-certified classroom teacher
or administrator in grades K-12" or a "full-time, sworn law
enforcement officer who is "employed full-time by a Federal, state,
county or municipal government; or a public or private college or university".
You do not have to be first-time homebuyer to participate. You cannot
own any other home at the time you close on your TND/OND home. You must
agree to live in the HUD home as your only residence for 3 years after
you move into it. The benefit for the teacher or officer is that a selected
bidder may purchase the property at a 50% discount from the list price.
For example, if a HUD home is listed for $100,000, a teacher can buy
it for $50,000. To make the HUD home even more affordable, you can use
the FHA’s 203(k) mortgage program with a downpayment of only $100. You
may finance all closing costs or UNPA can assist you with closing costs.
Since these homes are located in HUD Revitalization areas, there may
be additional assistance from state and local government sources. For
more information on this program, visit www.hud.gov
or contact HUD at 1(800)569-4287. For a list of homes for sale in the
13210 area, visit www.firstpreston.com.
IF YOUR HOME NEEDS REPAIRS …
If your needs repairs, you may want to consider refinancing your current
mortgage under the FHA 203(k) mortgage program. This program allows
you to finance both the purchase of the home and the cost of needed
repairs. You have the benefit of one loan for both costs and one monthly
payment. Discuss this financing option with your lender. Buyer beware,
it is important to investigate all of your options, some lenders would
not consider this program because of the amount of "paperwork".
For more information about the FHA 203(k) program and to locate a 203(k)
lender in Syracuse, visit www.fhainfo.com/fha203k.htm.
BUYING A HOME? WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW …
Before you start, there are many laws that protect
you from scams, unnecessary expenses, and discrimination the process
of home buying.
Know your rights. Find out how much mortgage you can afford. You can
save yourself a lot of wheel-spinning if you take a minute to figure
out how much mortgage you can afford. Create your "wishlist".
Focus on the features you want in a home: 2 bedroom or 3? 1 bath or
2? Garage or no garage? Knowing what you are looking for will help you
focus your search, and it will help your real estate broker too.
Find a real estate broker. You want to start searching for a broker
as soon as you decide to buy a home. Talk to several and find someone
you think you will be comfortable working closely with. Ask your friends
and relatives who they used and what their experiences were, or drive
through neighborhoods you like and note the names of brokers on "for
sale" signs.
Investigate mortgages and homebuying programs. Many different kinds
of mortgages are available to you. Read about them, and make sure you
understand the pros and cons of each. Shop around, you will be surprised
at your options.
Now you really begin house hunting. Your real estate broker will be
able to find listings for you based on your wishlist. But don’t stop
there, do some of your own looking, and then ask your broker to show
you the house. Drive around neighborhoods that interest you. Go to open
houses. Try everything. Take a homebuyer education course that will
tell you everything you need to know about the homebuying process from
Home Headquarters Inc, Syracuse. Call 474-1939 for more information
or visit www.homehq.org.
SO YOU NEED TO FIND A REAL ESTATE AGENT …
There’s a common saying in the real estate industry
regarding the vast number of agents in the business: "If you don’t
have any friends who are agents, then you probably don’t have any friends
at all." With so many agents out there, how can you make an intelligent
decision? While there’s an exception to every rule, and every marketplace
has its own nuances (especially the University Neighborhood), here are
some rules to apply when you want the best representation to protect
your interests:
• Demand Experience – while there are brand new agents with
good intentions why trust one of the largest investments you’ll every
buy or sell to someone without experience.
• Look for Commitment – while there are a large number of
part time and recreational salespeople, no matter how long they have
been in real estate, a lack of commitment makes it impossible for them
to keep up with the vast changes in the law, marketing and business
practices that are occurring in the profession today.
• Consider Education – in many states, the requirements for
real estate licensing are substantially less than those for cutting
hair. A GRI designation means that a broker completed the 15, 8-hour
modules and passed examinations to earn accreditation with the National
Association of Realtors.
• Conduct Interviews – before you hire an agent to help you
buy or sell a home, you should interview at least 3 agents in person.
The interview itself does not need to be a formal one, but simply an
opportunity for you to meet the candidate and explain your needs, and
to determine whether or not you would be comfortable working with them.
LEAD HURTS KIDS…
Did you know that any home, apartment, school or day care facility built
before 1978 could be a source of lead poisoning for your child?
For more information, call 1-800-424-LEAD.
REAL ESTATE ALERT – CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR LAW
Effective March 6, 2003, a functioning carbon monoxide detector
must be installed in every one and two family house, coop, or condo
offered for sale. The new law does not apply to New York City.
HOME EQUITY PROTECTION PROGRAM
In July 2002, Congressman Walsh and Syracuse Neighborhood Initiative
officials announced the creation of the Home Equity Protection (HEP)
program, designed to encourage greater investment and home ownership
in the City of Syracuse.
HEP is administered by Equity Headquarters, a subsidiary of Home Headquarters.
According to the Equity Headquarters web site, HEP provides financial
protection to homeowners in the event that home prices decline in their
neighborhood (defined by zip code) between the time they purchase the
protection and the time they sell their home.
After a three year period from purchasing the plan, if a homeowner sells
his/her home and home prices have dropped in the neighborhood, HEP pays
down the mortgage or pays the homeowner directly in an amount defined
as the percentage decrease in price times the Protected Value of the
home.
For example: A homeowner purchases Home Equity Protection for a $60,000
home. The cost of the plan is a one-time 1.5% fee based on the Protected
Value of the home. (Protected Value is defined as the current market
value of the home, some portion thereof, or the anticipated value after
improvements.) In this case, the fee for the plan is $900 (1.5% of $60,000).
After three years, if the homeowner sells his/her house and prices have
dropped in the neighborhood zip code by 20%, HEP would pay $12,000 (20%
of $60,000) to the homeowner, no matter what price the home sold for.
HEP is available to one and two family, owner-occupied homes in any
neighborhood within the City of Syracuse. The program is funded through
a $5 million federal grant secured by Congressman Walsh in FY 2002.
For more information about the HEP program, visit the Equity Headquarters
web site at www.equityhq.org
or call (315) 474-1939, ext. 248.
RESIDENT FINALLY FEELS "AT HOME"
As an army brat, growing up meant never staying in one place too long.
In fact, my stint in Syracuse has been the longest I have ever lived
in one place. I moved to Syracuse in 1992 to attend college at the State
University of New York, College of Environmental Science and Forestry.
More than ten years later, I still live in the neighborhood, now as
a homeowner rather than a student renter.
After graduating in 1995 with a Bachelors degree in environmental studies,
I remained in Syracuse to pursue a graduate degree at SUNY-ESF and the
Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University.
While in grad school, I met my husband Brian, an employee of Syracuse
University. With both of us closely tied to the University, when we
decided to purchase our first house, the natural choice was to stay
in the University Neighborhood.
In 1999, I obtained a job with the City of Syracuse, Department of Community
Development. For nearly three years, I worked as a planner for the City’s
Eastside neighborhoods as well as managing several programs funded through
Federal grants. In May 2002, I switched roles and joined Crucible Materials
Corporation as an Environmental Specialist.
I have stayed in the University area and Syracuse so long because I
like the people, the look and feel of the neighborhood, the proximity
of businesses and other amenities, but most importantly, I feel at home.
From someone who has lived in many places, that says a lot.
Donia Zilles
UNPA Vice President – President Elect
MAYOR ANNOUNCES EMPLOYEE MORTGAGE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
"We want to encourage people to live in the City," says Mayor
Driscoll. All City employees are eligible for this City-sponsored mortgage
assistance program. This program provides opportunities for first time
homebuyers in the City as well as current homeowners who want to buy
in the City. As an added incentive, UNPA can supplement this program
with our mortgage assistance program. The first 100 City employees to
participate in this program will also be guaranteed a slot in the Home
Headquarters’ Home Equity Protection Program that would protect the
market value of your home. Attorneys, Bond Schoeneck & King, agreed
to give City employees deep discounts on closing costs and even waive
them altogether. For further information about the "Home Assist"
program, contact Catherine Faulkner at KeyBank, 385-0000.
KEEPING THE ‘TOWN’ IN COLLEGE TOWN
Bob Karrow, a technical writer who has always lived in college towns,
maintains a web site devoted solely to the topic of College Town issues.
He believes that through creative university and neighborhood partnerships,
college and university communities can work together to keep the ‘town’
in college town. For more information, please visit the web site: www.users.muohio.edu/karrowrs/College/index.html.
OHA CHIEF WANTS TO GIVE THE PAST A NEW
PRESENCE
Paul Pflanz, the new Director of the Onondaga Historical Association,
wants to illustrate life in Syracuse from as many perspectives as possible.
Pflanz would like to get family photos of Syracuse’s ethnic communities
and incorporate them into the OHA collection. "We haven’t been
a destination for people leaving family albums," Planz says, "I
want images from everybody." If you have pictures to share and
stories to tell, contact the Onondaga Historical Association at 428-1864.
HEARD IT THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE
If you hear of a house coming up for sale, or if you hear of someone
who wishes to live in, and buy a home in, the university neighborhood,
by all means call UNPA at 476-5228. We will network with real estate
agents and share information about what help is available from UNPA
and other organizations.
UNPA’s goal is promotion of owner occupancy. At this time, most "mint
condition" houses in our neighborhood are selling very well. The
challenge now, as when UNPA was formed in 1990, is bring back into owner
occupancy some of the houses that have been rental properties. We are
particularly interested in hearing from rental property owners who are
ready to sell a house in the area. There are several blocks in the area
that will benefit from the return of two or three homes to owner occupancy.
With that change, they can join may other blocks that have the balance
of families and students that many of us appreciate about the neighborhood.
We look forward to hearing from you.
FREE ENERGY AUDITS AVAILABLE…
Free Energy Audits are available to University Neighbors through Entherm.
Entherm is a local weatherization company that performs home energy
audits under the New York State Energy Star Program. In addition to
climbing in and out of attics, certified energy auditors can help homeowners
prioritize their home improvement needs. Low 5% loans are also available
through this program to finance energy-related work using Fannie Mae
and NYSERDA funding. Grants are also available for people whose household
income is 60% of the NYS Median Income. Eligible energy saving measures
includes: insulation, ventilation, high efficiency heating systems,
energy star appliances, windows and doors, etc.
Bill Meadows, a certified energy auditor of Entherm, resides at 1155
Lancaster Avenue. He and his wife, Jacqueline are UNPA recipients who
welcome this opportunity to give back to our community by performing
energy audits for neighborhood families at no change (thereby saving
you about $107). If you are interested in this program, please contact
Bill at 420-2210.
WESTCOTT COMMUNITY CENTER
PRESENTS…
FIFTH ANNUAL UNIVERSITY NEIGHBORS LECTURE SERIES
The University Neighbors Lecture Series committee is excited to announce
its fifth season. Over $10,000 has been raised through the lecture series
to date. "The lecture series enhances the ability of the Center
to provide community programing for the 25,000 people that pass through
the Center’s doors," says Steve Susman, Executive Director of the
WCC.
Proceeds from the lecture series have been used to help purchase a video/data
projector. The after school program was enhanced by funds raised through
the lecture series. Improvements were made to the front lobby and landscaping
plans are in progress. An annual event, the 2003-2004 series covers
a range of topics from the community affairs to politics. Keeping with
our theme of University Neighbors, all of the presenters are from the
University neighborhood.
We encourage people to come and meet their neighbors. We welcome people
from outside the neighborhood to come and hear the presenters; join
us in dialogue and share refreshments after each presentation. Please
visit the Westcott
Community Center web site at www.westcottcc.org
for more information and a full listing of topics and presenters.
GOVERNMENT AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS EVENTS CALENDAR…
For current happenings in and around the community, visit the website
of Syracuse University’s Office of Government and Community Relations.
In the "Events" section of the site, you will find a calendar
of events that may be of interest to you. To learn more about SU’s
Office of Government and Community Relations, visit their website at
http://govt-comm.syr.edu
or call 443-3919.
TALK TO A LAWYER FREE…
Come in and "chat" with a lawyer and ask questions anonymously
and confidentially without cost or legal obligation to hire the consulting
lawyer. The "Talk to a Lawyer" program is held every Thursday,
7-8PM, at the Westcott Community Center, 826 Euclid Avenue. Consulting
lawyers are members of the Onondaga Bar Association. 117 people have
already sought free legal advice through this program. Topics range
from divorce to landlord-tenant issues. For more information, please
call 478-8634.
|
