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Neighborhood Relations

This specialized program began in 1994 focusing on a "grass roots" approach to assisting neighborhood leaders to find solutions to issues in their neighborhood.  Neighborhood leaders work with the Neighborhood Relations staff to develop Revitalization Plans focusing on safety, housing, transportation, infrastructure improvements, social, educational and recreational activities. United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds are utilized in assisting the neighborhoods to achieve their revitalization goals focusing on capital and infrastructure improvements, public service programs and activities, and code enforcement.

Five neighborhoods are designated to utilize CDBG funds:

• Charleston Park
• Page Park

   

• Palmona Park

   

• Pine Manor

   

• Suncoast Estates

   

• Harlem Heights

*Harlem Heights developed a non-profit organization, Harlem Heights Improvement Association, Inc., whose mission is to work towards the overall social, economic, and physical improvement of the neighborhood. The association made tremendous strides in improving the quality of life for residents by working closely with the Lee County Department of Human Services' Neighborhood Building Program since 1990. CDBG funds were utilized for infrastructure improvements, including the demolition and rehabilitation of blighted properties, construction of sidewalks and storm water drainage, installation of speed humps and a pedestrian bridge; and for public services, including an after school program, an emergency food bank, a Senior Friendship Center, a Resident Coordinator and operating expenses for Joe’s Outreach Center. Harlem Heights Improvement Association, Inc. has notably grown in strength and has established great community partnerships to assist them in continuing their mission. In September 2009, Harlem Heights was the first neighborhood to graduate from the program.

Expenditures of CDBG funds in Fiscal Year 2011-2012

In Fiscal Year 12 (Oct. 2011-Sept. 2012), $504,102 was spent on Infrastructure Projects; $184,135 was spent on Public Services; and $60,297 was spent on Code Enforcement in the five designated neighborhoods. Neighborhood Associations/Task Forces determine how their CDBG funds are expended to meet the needs of the neighborhoods with guidance by Neighborhood Relations staff.   

Public Service

Each of the neighborhoods utilizes CDBG funds to operate neighborhood centers. The neighborhood centers provide a safe environment for educational, recreational, and social activities for people of all ages as well as providing social services, direct assistance for food, and information and referral.

CDBG funds support Resident Coordinators who maintain the operation of the neighborhood centers. Resident Coordinators assist the neighborhoods by working directly with residents, neighborhood leaders, and providers to meet the neighborhood revitalization goals. Additionally, they coordinate neighborhood activities, link people to appropriate community resources, organize neighborhood programs at the neighborhood center, recruit volunteers, and organize fundraising events.

Public safety remains a major concern for the neighborhoods. Page Park and Palmona Park use CDBG funds for Community Directed Policing.     

A variety of community awareness events promoting ownership, unity, and education continue to take place in the neighborhoods and are coordinated by neighborhood leaders with assistance by the Neighborhood Relations staff.

Examples of Neighborhood Events:

Partnerships continue to flourish with a number of not-for-profit agencies such as the United Way, Children's Advocacy Center, Goodwill Industries, Senior Friendship Centers, the Lee County Library system, Friendship Volunteer Center, Lee County Fire Department, Lee County Health Department, and Healthy Start, as well as faith based organizations, businesses, and civic groups.