CHARLOTTE, N.C. — People in the Revolution Park neighborhood are seeking solutions to make their community a better place.
They’re making improvements through Charlotte’s neighborhood matching grants. The program allows residents to use city dollars for neighborhood improvements. Organizers shared with WCNC Charlotte that they won a $22,000 grant to install a large sign on Remount Road and upgrade existing signage.
The neighborhood is just west of South End, but some homeowners think it doesn't get the recognition it deserves.
"We do need all the same things other neighborhoods get and I think having something you can focus on that is ‘Revolution Park’ will help," homeowner and builder Ryan Faircloth said.
Now, people will be able to recognize Revolution Park much easier thanks to the giant letters spelling, "Revolution" on Remount Road.
Community leader Hunter Moll hopes the area gets more visibility. He said the goal is to, "put it on the map so people would recognize it and enjoy all the things the neighborhood has to offer."
The city of Charlotte awards matching grants to communities that raise money or submit volunteer hours for improving their neighborhoods. The city's website says the goal of the grants is to renew neighborhood pride and create close-knit communities.
Faircloth thinks it’s a great start.
"We don’t have protected bike lanes, [they need to] cut our grass on the sidewalks," Faircloth said. "But, I think the signs are already looking great and in general we’re already on the uptrend, so happy with that."
The program allows communities to decide how to best spend the money on things like curb appeal, community gardens, and events. All plans must be submitted for city approval.
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