Bright Blocks
Love where you live.
A Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative of The Southside Preservation and Enhancement Alliance, Inc.
What is Bright Blocks?
Bright Blocks is a pilot neighborhood revitalization program focused on improving Huntington’s Southside one block at a time through visible exterior improvements, neighborhood pride, and community investment.
Inspired by the successful Oswego Renaissance Association model in Oswego, New York, Bright Blocks is designed to encourage residents, property owners, volunteers, and community partners to work together to create meaningful, visible change throughout the Southside.
The goal is to create momentum that encourages additional neighborhood investment, beautification, and long-term community pride.
How Does the Program Work?
Bright Blocks utilizes small matching grants to help homeowners complete visible exterior improvement projects.
Projects are intended to:
• Improve curb appeal
• Encourage neighborhood pride
• Support property stabilization
• Create visible block-by-block transformation
• Strengthen community investment
The program focuses on concentrated improvements within a specific target area to maximize visual impact and long-term momentum.
Eligible Improvement Projects May Include:
• Exterior painting• Porch repair
• Soffit or trim repair
• Exterior lighting improvements
• Landscaping and cleanup
• General curb appeal improvements
• Other approved exterior enhancement projects
All projects must be visible from the street. Interior and backyard-only projects are not eligible.
Pilot Target Area
The initial Bright Blocks pilot area will focus on:
9th Avenue between 1st Street and 4th Street
The pilot area approach allows Bright Blocks to focus resources, build measurable results, and create a repeatable model for future expansion throughout the Southside.
Who is Eligible?
• Participants must live within the designated target area
• Applicants must be owner-occupants
• Rental properties and tenants are not eligible during the pilot phase
• There are currently no income restrictions
Grant Structure
Bright Blocks is a matching grant program.
• Homeowners may request between $100 and $1,000 per property
• Approved grant reimbursements will be distributed after project completion and verification
• Homeowners will typically have 60–90 days to complete approved projects
• Additional project guidelines and application details will be announced soon
Public Information Meeting
Residents, property owners, volunteers, donors, and community supporters are invited to attend our public information meeting to learn more about the Bright Blocks initiative.
Thursday, May 21
6:00 PM
Phil Cline Family YMCA Center
Located inside the former Huntington High School
Questions or Get Involved
Bright Blocks is currently seeking:
• Homeowner participants
• Volunteers
• Community partners
• Sponsors and donors
• Block leaders
For general questions and homeowner participation:
southsidebrightblocks@gmail.com
For sponsorship and funding inquiries:
Parker Ward
304-633-2511
Follow Bright Blocks and The Southside Preservation and Enhancement Alliance for future updates, announcements, and application information.
Love Where You Live.