Even though it’s only March, the city is talking about Christmas! They recently received notice that they will be receiving a grant that will be used to upgrade their holiday lighting display. The grant of $121,350.00 will be received through the Northeast Ohio Public Energy Council (NOPEC) Energized Community (NEC) Grant Program.
According to NOPEC officials, “the NOPEC Energized Community (NEC) Grant Program provides grants to NOPEC member communities for energy-related projects. Established by NOPEC Inc. and NextEra Energy, the primary goal of providing funds is to help communities implement energy savings or energy infrastructure measures. Grants can be used for government facilities, residents, or businesses. Here are examples of projects that can be funded with your community’s NEC Grant dollars: LED signs, Traffic signal upgrades, Insulation, Energy-efficient windows, Solar-powered LED stop signs, Energy-efficient air conditioner, Electrical upgrades, Generators, LED lighting upgrades.”
This is the second time in two years that city will reap the benefit from NOPEC grant programs. Last year the city partially funded improvements to the City Green’s electrical improvements. Last year, Council approved the bid for the improvements of D. E. Williams Electric, Incorporated for a bid not to exceed $166,020. The city hired an electrical engineer, who designed the electrical improvements with the goal of savings and improved safety. The funding for the city green project that the city received totals $125,000, which will be used to upgrade the electrical system on the green, which has been problematic for many years, according to North Royalton Community Development Director, Tom Jordan. Mayor Bob Stefanik is pleased with the grant. “Definitely the Green is going to be rewired, especially around the sidewalks, which has been a problem. Over the years it’s been added to and we’ve been putting band-aids on. We want to once and for all address the issues,” according to Stefanik. Jordan said that the project also entails the installation of some energy efficient lighting and a timer system.
“Everything went out to bid, the bid was awarded and when the weather breaks, the work will start,” said Stefanik. He hopes to see the work completed in order to be set for the activities that will take place on the green this summer.
The holiday lights were targeted, due to the fact that the ones being used were old and utilized a large amount of electricity. Stefanik said that Community Development Director Tom Jordan has reached out to several lighting companies who have their own consultant/designers to see what they can offer. The hope is to have a new display in place for this year’s lighting ceremony and Christmas parade, which will take place on Sunday, December 1.
By GLORIA PLEVA KACIK
Contributing Writer