Residential Demolition Program Making a Difference

October 5, 2016 Leave a comment


Residential Demolition Program Making a Difference, Now Available for Commercial Buildings

(October 4, 2016) – Burt County has seen the demolition of ten abandoned or neglected houses since the start of Burt County Economic Development’s Residential Demolition Program, which began in May of this year. Over $32,000 has been paid out to both individuals and city governments who have been approved and completed their demolition. There are still funds available to fund more tear-downs.

In a 2014 County-wide Housing Study completed by Hanna: Keelan Associates, it was noted that 38 structures were rated “dilapidated” or not cost effective to be rehabilitated, and should be demolished. The Residential Demolition Program, funded by a $75,000 grant from the Donald E. Nielsen Foundation, addresses this need. The program funds 50% of the cost of demolishing these houses.

“The goal is to improve the quality of life for families that live nearby. It enhances the appearance of the neighborhoods and opens up lots for potential new housing development,” said Patty Plugge, Executive Director of Burt County Economic Development Corporation.

Funding is still available for additional demolitions. The grant is available for all properties within the city limits of the five Burt County communities.

Initially only available for residential projects, the Nielsen Foundation granted an additional $125,000 for commercial building demolition projects. Applicants can receive up to 50% of the total demo cost, with a maximum of $15,000 per application. The first round of commercial demolitions will run from October 1 – October 31st.

“Several communities had asked about using the initial funds for commercial demo. The need was definitely there, and luckily the Nielsen Foundation saw the benefit of the additional funding,” said Plugge.

Complete detail of the Demolition Guidelines and Application for Residential or Commercial Properties are available at www.burtcoedc.com, or can be obtained at each of the city/village offices.

Photo Courtesy of Patty Plugge/BCEDC

Photo Courtesy of Patty Plugge/BCEDC

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Public Attends Open House for Remodeled Lyons Community Center

October 2, 2015 Leave a comment


The Lyons Mayor and City Council opened the doors for the public to view the newly remodeled Lyons Community Center on Sunday.

The building, constructed in 1964, has been maintained over the years, but with changing times, the mayor and council felt it was time to remodel the building in order to keep up with the times.

“With the building of the new pool and now remodeling the community center, Lyons is a community that is thriving,” stated Lyons Mayor Andy Fuston.

Upon entering the building, one will become keenly aware of how much effort was put into redoing the center, from top to bottom. It doesn’t remotely resemble the former interior at all. There is new flooring, new windows, lighting, a drop down video screen, a portable stage and, of course, new paint on the walls. There are also new bathrooms, much roomier than the previous ones.

To achieve such a goal takes money, of course, and a great deal of it. Fortunately, grants were obtained to assist the city in alleviating costs.

Mike Heavrin, the Lyons Library Director, is also a grant writer for the city. “We can’t thank him enough for the time and effort he put into writing the grants for the city,” Mayor Fuston said.

The city was fortunate to receive assistance from three different entities. The Nielsen Foundation provided a grant for $125,000, the Nebraska Civic, Lorraine Glissman of Lyons wished the city $170,000 and Community Center Financing Fund put the city over the top with a grant of $375,000. After the project was completed, the total cost was around $900,000, with the city only putting in approximately $200,000.

The Mayor and Council are very proud of the project and what it will mean to the community. “We’ve taken that jewel, polished it up and put it back on the crown,” stated Mayor Fuston.

One feature the Mayor spoke of was the decal on the right wall upon entering the community center and what it says: You can design and create, and build the most wonderful place in the world, but it takes people to make the dream a reality-Walt Disney.

“I wanted something that summed up what Lyons is all about,” said Mayor Andy Fuston.

Contact the Lyons City Office for details on renting the newly remodeled facility.

The decal that says what Lyons is all about. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

The decal that says what Lyons is all about. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

The open house for the remodeled community center in Lyons. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

The open house for the remodeled community center in Lyons. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

The new windows at the Lyons Community Center. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

The new windows at the Lyons Community Center. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

The windows, with shades that go up and down with a push of a button. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

The windows, with shades that go up and down with a push of a button. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Lyons Mayor Andy Fuston addresses the crowd at the open house for the remodeled community center. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Lyons Mayor Andy Fuston addresses the crowd at the open house for the remodeled community center. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Those in attendance listen to the mayor's speech at the open house for the community center. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and chief, Kat Country Hub.

Those in attendance listen to the mayor’s speech at the open house for the community center. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and chief, Kat Country Hub.

Those that oversaw the remodeling project are, back from left: Council member Kyle Brink, former Council member Roger Andersen, Lyons Library Director and Grant Writer for the city, Mike Heavrin. Front row, from left: Cem Mock, Nielsen Foundation President, Mayor Andy Fuston, Council member Charlie Wheaton and Council member Allen Steinmeyer. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Those that oversaw the remodeling project are, back from left: Council member Kyle Brink, former Council member Roger Andersen, Lyons Library Director and Grant Writer for the city, Mike Heavrin. Front row, from left: Cem Mock, Nielsen Foundation President, Mayor Andy Fuston, Council member Charlie Wheaton and Council member Allen Steinmeyer. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

A plaque in the entry way listing those that oversaw the process of the remodeling project. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

A plaque in the entry way listing those that oversaw the process of the remodeling project. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Plaques in the entry way recognizing the Nielsen Center and Glissman's for their contributions to the community center. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Plaques in the entry way recognizing the Nielsen Center and Glissman’s for their contributions to the community center. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

 

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