NCD Week raises awareness of residents and elected officials to the benefits provided to the community through the CDBG programs.  It also affords the opportunity to thank our congressional delegation for championing the program and to urge their support for continued funding.

 

Jacksonville residents have benefitted from many projects and services funded with federal grant dollars, including new streets and sidewalks, water and sewer lines, shelters for the homeless, new parks and housing repairs.

 

Since 1975, the City of Jacksonville has received more than $373 million in CDBG funds that have been used to develop and implement a wide-range of programs directed toward neighborhood revitalization, economic development and improving community services.

 

In fiscal year 2011-12 alone, CDBG funds, in combination with other public and private funding sources, provided for repairs to 81 homes, water and sewer line connection assistance to 69 households, demolition and clearance of 577 unsafe structures, support services to 281 small businesses, and public services that benefited more than 30,200 residents.  The CDBG program provided funds for 19 public improvement projects during this period, including 10 projects completed and 9 others underway; and infrastructure improvements for Atlantic Beach Donner Park Improvements, public services for Jacksonville Beach and Neptune Beach. 

 

The Housing and Community Development Division of the City’s Neighborhoods Department, administrators of CDBG funds, has planned eleven activities showcasing some of the critically needed programs and services provided through CDBG and to recognize the significant role these programs play in improving the quality of life for the citizens of Jacksonville.

                                                                                                

 

The Johnson Family YMCA will officially unveil its new state-of-the-art, outdoor fitness zone which features 16 pieces of wellness equipment and a walking trail – all out in the open air. The fitness zone was made possible in part through funding from KaBoom! and the CDBG program.  $159,579 in CDBG funds were used to construct the outdoor walking trail and fitness stations to promote health and physical wellness for residents. The walking trail and wellness equipment will be open to the community.  The Mayor’s Office will present a proclamation designating April 1 – 6, 2013 as National Community Development Week in Jacksonville.  Federal and local officials will acknowledge NCD Week and contributions of the CDBG Program to the City of Jacksonville. 

 

$21,613 was used for a computer literacy and training program to assist 250 public housing and Section 8 participants to help them achieve self-sufficiency goals in education, employment, financial literacy and homeownership. The Brentwood Lake Neighborhood Network Center will be hosting an Easter Egg Hunt for the children located in the Brentwood Lakes community.

 

Beaver Street Villas Phase I & II: $617,357 will be used to stabilize a vacant three-story building located at the northwest corner of Broad and Beaver Street. This will include interior demolition and stabilization of the building, abatement of asbestos and lead removal, demolition of existing wood structure and masonry wall, installation concrete foundation, steel framing, installation new steel columns and beams, installation steel bracing and install slabs for 2nd and 3rd floors.  CDBG funds will provide 16 mixed-use permanent housing units for homeless veterans with commercial and program space constructed by ACON Construction Company.  A Section 3 Job Fair will be held.

$58,492.41 will be used to provide administrative and activity costs such as social, cultural, educational, recreational and informational activities for 12,500 seniors to remain independent, while increasing their overall quality of life.  SPOA will host their Safety and Security Seminar at Lane Wiley Senior Center.

 

$40,000 will be used to provide administrative services and activities for 125 low and moderate income, at-risk youth.  Join us for a performance by the “The Bridge House of Dance.”

 

$25,873 will be used for a literacy coordinator to provide literacy skills to 75 homeless and other adults who are currently without a high school diploma or certificate.  Community Connections will spotlight several programs including Bow-Wow You’re Wow!

 

$7,268,790.36 has been invested in the rehabilitation or redevelopment of the housing stock within our neighborhoods is critical to the preservation of our communities.  Join us for a bus tour to highlight nine affordable housing projects such as owner occupied rehabilitation, new construction, and rehabilitation of single & multi-family units.  The preservation efforts were made possible through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), State Housing Initiatives Partnership program (SHIP), and Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) grants.   Space is limited, so please preregister to attend this tour by contacting Susan Livingston at (904) 255-8226 no later than Tuesday April 3, 2 p.m.

Parks and Recreation: $316,893 was used to improve the Springfield Confederate Park playground that includes non-traditional playground equipment, a swing set, playground surfacing, park lighting, basketball court resurfacing, landscaping, fencing, benches, pavilions, parking lot striping, trash receptacles, water fountains, sidewalks, signage, and protective screening to separate the playground area from the dog park. The playground serves approximately 100 children per day by providing recreational opportunities in the Urban Core neighborhood.  Mayor Alvin Brown, city officials and residents will hold a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to celebrate the opening of Confederate Park Playground.

Catholic Charities Bureau received $1,005,418 in Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) funds to provide rent, mortgage and utility assistance and support services to prevent homelessness to over 1,000 persons who are infected with HIV/AIDS.  Staff will tour the facility.

 

 The theme of this year’s event is “Living Free: Removing Barriers.” Workshops will be provided for both citizens and industry professionals, such as homebuilders, realtors, property managers and homeowners. All workshops will be presented by attorneys and other experts in the field of fair housing and disabilities. Citizen workshops include the elements of a housing complaint, reasonable accommodations/modifications, landlord/tenant issues and code enforcement. Professional workshops will focus on trends in design and construction, barriers to accessible housing and visitability. Registration is required. Please email JHRCrsvp@coj.net or call (904) 630-1212, ext. 3020 to register. Requests for special needs must be received by Thursday, April 4. The event and parking is free and a continental breakfast and lunch program is provided. Childcare for ages 4 to 12 is also available at no charge.