A new charitable fund has been established at the Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation to support and sustain the vibrant, community-driven beautification efforts that have transformed the City of Olean over the past decade.
The Beautiful Olean Fund, created by members of the Oelan Beautification Committee and initially funded by SolEpoxy, will provide ongoing support for the maintenance and enhancement of public gardens and streetscape features throughout the city. The Olean Beautification Committee will serve as the fund advisors and may recommend grants that help maintain and improve the gardens and green spaces that now define much of Olean’s downtown corridor.
Olean’s revitalizations began in earnest in October 2013 with the acceptance of a $6.5 million Federal TIGER grant, followed by an $865,000 New York State Grant for Green Initiatives. These investments funded the transformative North Union Streetscape Project, also known as Walkable Olean, completed in 2016. The project introduced 59 gardens, a planted median, three roundabouts and two islands – effectively reshaping the city’s downtown walkability and aesthetics.
The city’s commitment to revitalization continued with the opening of Lincoln Square and additional plantings in Lincoln Park in 2019. Walkable Olean II connected North Union Street to Olean General Hospital in 2021, adding more gardens along Main Street. Improvements on East State Street and South Union Street have continued the trend, bringing more green infrastructure and gardens to key corridors, largely supported by grant funding.
Despite these large investments, by 2017 there was growing concern about garden upkeep. Mayor William Aiello responded by forming the Olean Beautification Committee – comprised of citizens with a shared passion for gardening and community aesthetics.
Since its formation, the committee has helped guide the city’s garden initiatives, offering input on everything from plant selections to infrastructure enhancements, such as the hanging flower baskets now seen along the median.
Jeff Belt, CEO of SolEpoxy, offered his support for the initiative.
“SolEpoxy has co-invested with the City of Olean and the Olean Beautification Committee because we know there is a tremendous return on investment in landscaping and flowers. According to the National Association of Realtors, landscape beautification improves property values by 5% to 15%, and in our downtown, people love our linear botanical gardens.”
While the City of Olean provides vital support – including purchasing flowers and soil, deploying and storing planters and baskets and maintaining the median – the gardens flourish thanks to the work of over 30 dedicated volunteers. These individuals and businesses handle planting, watering, weeding, trimming and seasonal preparations, playing an essential role in the city’s vibrant appearance.
The Beautiful Olean Fund aims to enhance this public-private partnership, providing a reliable source of funding to assist with garden upkeep, purchase of materials and support long-term planning and beautification projects.
“We are proud to support the efforts of the Olean Beautification Committee through the establishment of the Beautiful Olean Fund,” said CRCF Executive Director Kirk Windus. “This fund is a perfect example of how philanthropy can strengthen community pride and sustain the hard work of volunteers who make Olean a more beautiful place to live, work and visit.”
Donations to the Beautiful Olean Fund can be made at CRCF, 301 North Union Street, or online at cattfoundation.org.
Established in 1994, CRCF is growing good by connecting donors to the causes they care about most in the region. Grants from the Foundation support many areas, including education, scholarships, health care, the arts, community development, human service, and youth development. To learn more, call (716) 301-CRCF (2723), email [email protected], or visit online at www.cattfoundation.org. CRCF is also on Facebook (facebook.com/cattfoundation) and Twitter (@CattFoundation).
