The North Side Neighborhood Association has devised an extensive agenda for 2008, and the work will start with some old-fashioned back-breaking tasks.

The group met this week and agreed to work toward a number of goals, including:

Twenty or more fire hydrants will be scraped and painted on North Side. The work may begin this spring.

Two to three privately owned homes will be scrapped and painted in 2008 as part of a neighborhood rejuvenation plan.

With the help of the city, the association is working to have two and perhaps three blighted houses demolished on the North Side.

The association, again with city help, is eyeing a property at the corner of Harriott and Hone for a children's Victorian-style garden. The Garden Club is helping to design the garden.

"The property is due for a demolition project and we hope it will happen in 2008," said Venice Lewis, president of the neighborhood group. "Once we choose a garden design, the children of Oil City will build it."

The organization's second annual anti-drug rally is set for Saturday, May 17, at the Central Avenue Plaza. Students from all area high schools will be invited to participate.

The North Side Neighborhood Association will continue to work closely with similar groups on the South Side and in Siverly in 2008, said Lewis.

"We are on track for our mission and one of the reasons is getting the other associations up and running. We have a sense of purpose, direction and confidence that our goals will be reached," Lewis said.

The next meeting, open free to the public, will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 5, at Calvary Temple Church on Harriott Avenue.