BEST wishes all of you and your loved ones a Happy Holiday Season!
We would also like to congratulate Julie and David Clemente, owners of 313 Parade Street, on receiving BEST's inaugural MOST IMPROVED EXTERIOR AWARD! This year, the Clementes made major exterior improvements to the residential building at 313 Parade. BEST's Board and staff presented them with an award to recognize their hard work at our November Board meeting.
If you would like to nominate a property owner in the East Bayfront (must be located within the boundaries of East Front Street to the north side of E. 6th Street, and the east side of State Street to the west side of the Bayfront Parkway) for making major improvements to the exterior of their residential property, please contact BEST. We plan to create an online submission form shortly into the new year, but until then you can email any staff member at BEST with your nomination. Please include the name of the property owner, the address you are nominating, and a brief statement as to why you believe the property is the most improved exterior in the neighborhood.
BEST plans to award two Most Improved Exterior Awards each year--one in the spring and one in the fall. Winners will receive a plaque, and their photos will be added to our "Wall of Neighborhood Heroes" in the BEST offices.
Also, if you are looking to make exterior, street-facing improvements to your home, ECGRA Renaissance Block grants are still available but are restricted to those properties from East Front Street to the north side of E. 6th Street, and Holland Street to the west side of Wallace Street. Forms are available on our website if you click here. Please remember to secure at least two estimates for the work that you would like to have completed. Completed application forms can be dropped off or mailed to the BEST office at 231 Parade Street, Erie, PA 16507, or emailed to koconnell@besterie.org. The application deadline is May 31, 2026.
