POLAND VILLAGE — The close of business on Feb. 27 is the official deadline for this year’s historic grant applications.

The grants help village homeowners restore and maintain the historic charm of their homes and properties. According to Village Councilwoman Laurie LaPlante, the grants are for those who own residential homes and property that is at least 125 years old. Grants can go as high as $5,000 per parcel to fund exterior improvements that “enhance or restore the timeless charm of the community’s oldest residences.”

“Preserving our local heritage, the grant is specifically earmarked for exterior projects that enhance or restore the property’s historic character,” LaPlante said.

She said approved “improvements” include, but are not limited to, structural and cosmetic, such as exterior painting, carpentry repairs and architectural elements (shutters, finials, railings). For lighting and grounds, approved projects include exterior lighting, permanent landscaping, walkways, patios and fencing.

“All proposed work must maintain the structure’s historic appearance and remain consistent with the unique aesthetics of the Poland Village community,” LaPlante said.

The historic preservation grant program began when the Poland Preservation Society Inc. was formed in 1996 in order to preserve several buildings in the village. The buildings were preserved and the society still had funds left over. In 2024, the balance was more than $211,000.

It was decided to offer grants to historic home owners in the village to help preserve them, but a problem arose. The society could not give the funds to a private property owner.

The problem was solved when the society partnered with the Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley. Since grants can’t be made from the fund to individuals, the Community Foundation partnered with the Village of Poland to accomplish these investments in historic homes.

The Village’s Architectural Review Board checks the applications to ensure they follow the criteria and are eligible. The final stage is when a grant recipient or recipients are chosen. The recipient will then have to sign a grant agreement and document the work being done, set up a time period and handle any followup information requested.

Grant funds not used, or not used according to the requirements, are returned to the fund.

LaPlante said grant applications can be dropped off at Poland Village Hall by the Feb. 27 deadline. At least one grant will be issued and the recipient will be notified by April 30.

“Our historic homes are the heartbeat of Poland Village,” LaPlante said. “This grant is a commitment to ensuring that our architectural legacy remains vibrant and well-preserved for generations to come.”

Homeowners interested in applying can download the full application and operating guidelines by visiting the Poland Village website at www.polandvillage.org/home. Attendance at a future Architectural Review Board meeting where completed packets are reviewed is mandatory.

Contact Poland Village Hall, 308 S. Main St., at 330-757-2112 for further information.