Ed Smith interviewed Jeff Holdwsorth, the President of the Corn Hill Neighbors Association.
-Jeff explained the history of the organization and how it was started in the 1960s in response to the city of Rochester tearing down old houses and buildings that had fallen into disrepair.
-Jeff said that Corn Hill is the oldest residential neighborhood in the city of Rochester and the residents there have always had a strong sense of pride about the neighborhood.
-They wanted to preserve the history of the community by making sure the old houses and buildings would be maintained.
-Jeff talked about the growth of the community over the last 20 years with the development of the waterfront side by the Genesee River. There is a river trail for people to walk on and a river boat ride.
-The Neighbors Association is designed to help residents find contractors that can repair old houses and provide financial resources for the repairs. They have a revolving loan fund.
-The organization does this by partnering with other local nonprofits like Landmark Society which helped them get historic designation for the area. Jeff said that has opened up grant money.
-They also hold events like the Corn Hill Holiday of Homes Tour and the Corn Hill Arts Festival to raise money.
-Jeff talked about how the festival started in the 1960s by a group of artists that wanted to support the community.
-They continue to promote local and regional artists. In particular with their Emerging Artist Expo. Artists apply to be a part of it and they have a group of experienced artists that review applications and then announce who will be featured at the festival each year.
-This year, the artist who created the poster for the festival just happened to be an emerging artist a few years ago when she was in school.
-Jeff gave a preview of the festival, some of the musical acts and the new activities for kids.
-He said that some of the proceeds are donating to other nonprofits like the Volunteers of America and a local community child care center.
-He encouraged people to come and enjoy the neighborhood at the festival or with the free concert series that they will be doing in July and August.