Neighborhood Grants
Fifth Grant being pursued to install Veteran Memorial at Capistrano and Sonoma Drives. Email and survey was sent seeking community input. December 2019
Fourth Neighborhood Grant approved for the creation of a new wildlife habitat along Capistrano Drive!
BEFORE
The Neighborhood Initiative Grant Advisory Committee (NIGAC) approved our fourth grant application for the creation of a new wildlife habitat! To receive funding, applications must have a total score of 65 or higher. Mission Estates’ grant application received the highest score of the twelve grants that were submitted at 85.8 points! We also received kudos from one of the committee members for taking on this worthwhile environmental project. The Chair of the NIGAC also recognized Mission Estates as having a well written application! Great job everyone!
The Sarasota County Commission will meet in June 2017 to give final approval for our grant application. Work on the grant must be completed within one year from that date. Work on the project will likely commence some time in the late summer or early fall.
We would like to recognize and congratulate all the members of the ad-hoc committee listed below, for their hard work and support! We would also like to thank the members of this community who supported the grant project or who helped in any way to provide ideas or suggestions. Thank you!!
Murray and Sharon Smith, Dick Calo, Craig Jacobson, Susan and Don Christner, Madeleine and Bob Havlick, Dave Rosen, Kathy Becker, Holly Bucciarelli
The Sarasota County Commission will meet in June 2017 to give final approval for our grant application. Work on the grant must be completed within one year from that date. Work on the project will likely commence some time in the late summer or early fall.
We would like to recognize and congratulate all the members of the ad-hoc committee listed below, for their hard work and support! We would also like to thank the members of this community who supported the grant project or who helped in any way to provide ideas or suggestions. Thank you!!
Murray and Sharon Smith, Dick Calo, Craig Jacobson, Susan and Don Christner, Madeleine and Bob Havlick, Dave Rosen, Kathy Becker, Holly Bucciarelli
Third Neighborhood Grant Approved!
At the July 8, 2015 BOD meeting, a motion was passed to apply for a third Sarasota County Neighborhood Grant. This grant would be utilized for upgrades to the entrance of Mission Estates. The Grant application was completed and submitted October 13, 2015. The Neighborhood Initiative Grant Advisory Committee, (NIGAC) met December 1, 2015 to review and score the Grant applications. The grant application was approved by the NIGAC with an overall score of 84, making it the second highest score of the eight grants reviewed. On January 26, 2016 the Board of County Commissioners approved the grant application for Mission Estates HOA, Inc in the amount of $8,280.81. We would like to thank those residents who showed their support for this project and those that also volunteered to help. Ninety-Three percent of members are in support of this project and 28% of community members have volunteered to help with the implementation. Permit applications were submitted January 27, 2016. The entire project took about 8 weeks to complete. Final inspections by the County were completed April 14, 2016 and an invoice and supporting documentation were submitted to the County April 15, 2016. Mission Estates was reimbursed the full amount applied for, $8,280.81, on May 10, 2016.
Mission Estates Volunteers who helped with planting March 17, 2016.
A BIG THANK YOU to the twenty three residents who volunteered to assist with the planting of the Crown of Thorn plants. Left to right: Tony Battarino, Madeleine Havlick, Linda Falco, Bobbie Walck, Bob Havlick, Ben Cannon, Murray Smith, Sharon Smith, Barbara Von Papen, Char DeMoss, David Rosen, Kadyn Floyd, Craig Jacobson, Erene Romanski, Dana Webber, Pat Webber, Dennis Bucciarelli, Richard Calo, Richard, Holly Bucciarelli and Don Christner. The BOD would like to thank all volunteers for supporting the project to enhance our front entrance and for their service to our community! MANY THANKS!!!
A BIG THANK YOU to the twenty three residents who volunteered to assist with the planting of the Crown of Thorn plants. Left to right: Tony Battarino, Madeleine Havlick, Linda Falco, Bobbie Walck, Bob Havlick, Ben Cannon, Murray Smith, Sharon Smith, Barbara Von Papen, Char DeMoss, David Rosen, Kadyn Floyd, Craig Jacobson, Erene Romanski, Dana Webber, Pat Webber, Dennis Bucciarelli, Richard Calo, Richard, Holly Bucciarelli and Don Christner. The BOD would like to thank all volunteers for supporting the project to enhance our front entrance and for their service to our community! MANY THANKS!!!
Mission Estates Volunteers who helped with mulching on March 24, 2016
A BIG THANK YOU to the twenty residents who volunteered to assist with the mulching of the newly planted Florida friendly plants. Left to right: Gary Potter, Hank Sauer, Linda Falco, Alan Battishill, Bobbie Walck, Wilbur Bernstein, Holly Bucciarelli Wayne Lawerence, Karen Shireman, Susan Christner, Don Christner, Jim Shireman, Dick Calo, Char DeMoss, Twylla Gulley, David Rosen Murray Smith and Sharon Smith. The BOD would like to thank all volunteers for supporting the project to enhance our front entrance and for their service to our community! MANY THANKS!!!
A BIG THANK YOU to the twenty residents who volunteered to assist with the mulching of the newly planted Florida friendly plants. Left to right: Gary Potter, Hank Sauer, Linda Falco, Alan Battishill, Bobbie Walck, Wilbur Bernstein, Holly Bucciarelli Wayne Lawerence, Karen Shireman, Susan Christner, Don Christner, Jim Shireman, Dick Calo, Char DeMoss, Twylla Gulley, David Rosen Murray Smith and Sharon Smith. The BOD would like to thank all volunteers for supporting the project to enhance our front entrance and for their service to our community! MANY THANKS!!!
Improvements to our entrance landscape and irrigation system using Florida Yard and Neighborhood principles was done in partnership with Sarasota County Neighborhood Grant Program. The project was completed Arpil 15, 2016. Reimbursement for the full amount of the Grant agreement was received on May 10, 2016
2014 & 2015 Completed Neighborhood Grant Projects
A discussion at the March 24th BOD meeting led to a motion to apply for a Neighborhood Grant from Sarasota County, for lake bank restoration of pond # 1. Due to the scope of the restoration project, the BOD determined that the lake bank restoration of Pond 1 would be completed in two phases, allowing for the best use of Neighborhood Grant funding. After attending a mandatory workshop, the Neighborhood Grant Application for Phase I was completed and submitted April 28, 2014 with greater than half of residents in support of the Boards decision. On May 30th, the Neighborhood Initiative Grant Advisory Committee, (NIGAC), awarded Mission Estates a score of 86 points, which was the second highest score, (by only 1 point), of all grants submitted. Then, on July 9, 2014, Sarasota County Commissioners officially approved Mission Estates HOA to receive a Neighborhood Grant in the amount of $9,628.93. On June 25, 2015 Sarasota County reimbursed Mission Estates HOA, Inc. $9,628.93 under the Neighborhood Grant Program. The Neighborhood Grant Program is one of the strategic initiatives adopted by the Sarasota County Commission to help residents enhance their neighborhoods' character, value, safety, health and infrastructure. If you would like to view more information on the Neighborhood Grant Program click here.
At the August 14, 2014 BOD meeting, the Board of Directors made a motion to proceed with Phase I of the project. Land shore Enterprises, LLC was awarded the contract to survey pond 1 and restore the East bank at a cost of $17,888.00, which was the lowest of three bids.
A second Neighborhood Grant Application for Phase II was completed and submitted September 2014. On December 5th, 2014, the Neighborhood Initiative Grant Advisory Committee, (NIGAC), awarded Mission Estates a score of 82.8 points, which was the highest score of all grants submitted. Then, on January 28, 2015, Sarasota County Commissioners officially approved Mission Estates HOA to receive a Neighborhood Grant in the amount of $10,000! On June 1, 2015 Sarasota County reimbursed Mission Estates HOA, Inc. $10,000 under the Neighborhood Grant Program. If you would like to view the Sarasota County Commissioners Board Meeting regarding the approval of Neighborhood Grants, click here. The Grant money will allow restoration of the West Shoreline of Pond 1. As part of the Neighborhood Grant process a number of residents agreed to volunteer 1 hour of their time which helps to meet Grant requirements.
If you would like to view the Mission Estates Grant Application for Phase I, click here. If you would like to view the Mission Estates Grant Application for Phase II, click here. Conditions of the Grant require applicants to accept the contractor with the lowest bid. If you would like more information on the Erosion Restoration Agreement for Phase I, click here. More information on the Erosion Restoration Agreement for Phase II can be viewed by clicking here.
As part of the restoration process, a survey was completed the week of August 25, 2014.
Additionally, as part of the Neighborhood Grant, over 1400 plants were installed along the shoreline, (water-side), in pond #2. The planting of aquatic plants along the waters edge will reduce the wave action and help to minimize further erosion as well as help to stabilize and protect the installed geo-tubes. Planting Florida native vegetation in our ponds will also improve the quality of our watershed, provide a better habitat for wildlife and fish and create a more aesthetically pleasing environment for our community. Planting in pond #2 was completed on September 11, 2014. If you would like more information on the agreement to plant Florida native vegetation in our ponds, click here.
As part of the Grant Application, a number of residents have pledged volunteer hours in an effort to reduce our dollar-for-dollar match of the Neighborhood Grant. Volunteers have replaced storm drain markers that were either faded or missing. Volunteers have also pledged to monitor the condition of the ponds and shoreline weekly. All residents can help protect our water quality by keeping grass clippings off of the streets and out of the gutters and storm drains. Also keeping a fertilizer free zone along pond banks will help minimize pollution and nutrients from entering the ponds through run-off.
When applying for Neighborhood Grant money, points are awarded based on answers to questions and the support of Community Members. Community support, by members of the Association, is vital to the success of the Neighborhood Grant. Currently, 80% of Mission Estates Members support the Neighborhood Grant and Pond Restoration Project! For more information on how you can be a good steward of the environment click on the links below:
* The Neighborhood Environmental Stewardship Team, or NEST, promotes neighborhood involvement in environmentally friendly projects to protect and restore our shared water resources. The NEST program operates at the neighborhood-level to improve watershed-scale resources, and no matter where you are in Sarasota County, you are in one of the County's watersheds. NEST projects focus on both education and hands-on activities like storm drain marking, neighborhood cleanup, watershed friendly landscaping, pond, lake, and bay shoreline restoration, and water body monitoring. In addition, the NEST program assists participating groups with the resources needed to complete projects. Currently the NEST program has over 15 participating sites that are improving five Sarasota County watersheds.
LED lighting at entrance
A discussion at the April 30, 2014 BOD meeting took place regarding updating the entrance lighting to more energy efficient LED bulbs. The change included new wire in conduit with all bulbs being 120 volt LED lights. A motion was made to engage Smart World Solutions to install new lighting at the entrance to our community. The work has been completed.
At the August 14, 2014 BOD meeting, the Board of Directors made a motion to proceed with Phase I of the project. Land shore Enterprises, LLC was awarded the contract to survey pond 1 and restore the East bank at a cost of $17,888.00, which was the lowest of three bids.
A second Neighborhood Grant Application for Phase II was completed and submitted September 2014. On December 5th, 2014, the Neighborhood Initiative Grant Advisory Committee, (NIGAC), awarded Mission Estates a score of 82.8 points, which was the highest score of all grants submitted. Then, on January 28, 2015, Sarasota County Commissioners officially approved Mission Estates HOA to receive a Neighborhood Grant in the amount of $10,000! On June 1, 2015 Sarasota County reimbursed Mission Estates HOA, Inc. $10,000 under the Neighborhood Grant Program. If you would like to view the Sarasota County Commissioners Board Meeting regarding the approval of Neighborhood Grants, click here. The Grant money will allow restoration of the West Shoreline of Pond 1. As part of the Neighborhood Grant process a number of residents agreed to volunteer 1 hour of their time which helps to meet Grant requirements.
If you would like to view the Mission Estates Grant Application for Phase I, click here. If you would like to view the Mission Estates Grant Application for Phase II, click here. Conditions of the Grant require applicants to accept the contractor with the lowest bid. If you would like more information on the Erosion Restoration Agreement for Phase I, click here. More information on the Erosion Restoration Agreement for Phase II can be viewed by clicking here.
As part of the restoration process, a survey was completed the week of August 25, 2014.
Additionally, as part of the Neighborhood Grant, over 1400 plants were installed along the shoreline, (water-side), in pond #2. The planting of aquatic plants along the waters edge will reduce the wave action and help to minimize further erosion as well as help to stabilize and protect the installed geo-tubes. Planting Florida native vegetation in our ponds will also improve the quality of our watershed, provide a better habitat for wildlife and fish and create a more aesthetically pleasing environment for our community. Planting in pond #2 was completed on September 11, 2014. If you would like more information on the agreement to plant Florida native vegetation in our ponds, click here.
As part of the Grant Application, a number of residents have pledged volunteer hours in an effort to reduce our dollar-for-dollar match of the Neighborhood Grant. Volunteers have replaced storm drain markers that were either faded or missing. Volunteers have also pledged to monitor the condition of the ponds and shoreline weekly. All residents can help protect our water quality by keeping grass clippings off of the streets and out of the gutters and storm drains. Also keeping a fertilizer free zone along pond banks will help minimize pollution and nutrients from entering the ponds through run-off.
When applying for Neighborhood Grant money, points are awarded based on answers to questions and the support of Community Members. Community support, by members of the Association, is vital to the success of the Neighborhood Grant. Currently, 80% of Mission Estates Members support the Neighborhood Grant and Pond Restoration Project! For more information on how you can be a good steward of the environment click on the links below:
- Rain Gardens
- Floating Aquatic Plant Islands - Great Volunteer Opportunity!!
- Fertilizer and Landscape Management Code
- Neighborhood Environmental Stewardship Team *
- Neighborhood Environmental Stewardship Team Brochure
- Living on the Waters Edge - guide to low maintenance landscaping along stormwater ponds
* The Neighborhood Environmental Stewardship Team, or NEST, promotes neighborhood involvement in environmentally friendly projects to protect and restore our shared water resources. The NEST program operates at the neighborhood-level to improve watershed-scale resources, and no matter where you are in Sarasota County, you are in one of the County's watersheds. NEST projects focus on both education and hands-on activities like storm drain marking, neighborhood cleanup, watershed friendly landscaping, pond, lake, and bay shoreline restoration, and water body monitoring. In addition, the NEST program assists participating groups with the resources needed to complete projects. Currently the NEST program has over 15 participating sites that are improving five Sarasota County watersheds.
LED lighting at entrance
A discussion at the April 30, 2014 BOD meeting took place regarding updating the entrance lighting to more energy efficient LED bulbs. The change included new wire in conduit with all bulbs being 120 volt LED lights. A motion was made to engage Smart World Solutions to install new lighting at the entrance to our community. The work has been completed.