Urban Neighborhoods Alliance announces events, new program

Opening the ToolBox

A new initiative launched this month by UNA is aimed at helping homeowners with home-repair projects.

Dubbed the ToolBox, the initiative is a tool-lending library through which members can borrow power tools. According to a UNA news release, ToolBox membership costs $25 a year for residents of the neighborhoods served by UNA, and discounts apply depending on specific location.

There are seven tools now available through the ToolBox: a power washer, a chain saw, a circular saw, a jig saw, a pole saw, hedge trimmers and electric loppers. The tools can be viewed online at www.unaonline.org.

Additional tools will be added as funds become available.

In addition to membership dues, UNA is accepting donations for the program.

A 41-page home maintenance guide is included with membership. Applications for the tool-lending library are available 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays and 1–4 p.m. on Fridays at UNA’s office, 304 W. McDaniel St.

Landlord basics

UNA will present its sixth annual landlord-training workshop 8 a.m.–4 p.m. March 15 in the City Utilities training center auditorium, 301 E. Central St. The event will include a panel discussion on the best practices for resident screening, city codes and the nuisance ordinance, as well as a presentation on how drug demands in neighborhoods affect rental property. Making rental property safer for tenants also will be addressed during the workshop.

According to a separate release, the workshop is designed for landlords, whether they own single-family homes or multifamily units. Preregistration for the event is $30 and ends March 10, at which time the fee will increase to $40.

Sponsors for the event include the Springfield Police Department, the Springfield Apartment & Housing Association and City Utilities.

Additional information is available at www.unaonline.org.

Neighborhood input

UNA is hosting a town hall meeting 7–8:30 p.m. Feb. 26 at Big Momma’s Coffee House, 217 E. Commercial St., to give center city residents the opportunity to provide input regarding the characteristics they’d like to see in Springfield’s next city manager.

City Manager Bob Cumley is set to retire June 1. A citizens search committee is meeting with city employees and civic and neighborhood groups to gather feedback for the search process. Citizens also may fill out an online survey at www.springfieldmo.gov/home/.

Information about the Feb. 26 meeting is available by calling UNA at (417) 865-4774.