Title
Neighborhood Planning Program Selection (B)
This item involves selection of two neighborhood associations to participate in the City's Neighborhood Planning Program (NPP). The NPP involves the City's Neighborhood Planning Coordinator and other City staff working with selected neighborhood associations to identify the neighborhood's strengths, weaknesses, and goals; and to develop an action plan. The City Commission allocates $15,000 per neighborhood for improvements and beautification projects in NPP neighborhoods.
Explanation
Since 1998, the City has selected 17 neighborhood associations to participate in the NPP. The program has assisted those neighborhood associations in identifying the neighborhoods' strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. The NPP has also assisted the neighborhoods in identifying, prioritizing, and implementing potential projects and solutions. Examples of projects completed through the NPP include (but are not limited to) landscaping public areas, installing neighborhood identification signs, installing bus shelters, and installing park equipment.
On May 30, 2008, applications for inclusion in the NPP were mailed or emailed to each registered neighborhood association that is not currently participating, or had not previously participated, in the program. The deadline to complete and return the applications was August 1, 2008.
Five neighborhood associations representing the Northwood, Fifth Avenue, Woodland Terrace, Turkey Creek Forest, and Hidden Lake neighborhoods completed and returned the application.
All the applications were strong, but based on analysis of several criteria detailed in The NPP Guidelines and Procedures; the neighborhoods were ranked as follows:
1. Northwood
2. Fifth Avenue
3. Woodland Terrace
4. Turkey Creek Forest; and
5. Hidden Lake
Program guidelines allow selection of up to two neighborhoods. Currently, there is sufficient funding available to add two neighborhoods to the NPP. Prior to the current fiscal year (2008-09), the City Commission allocated $30,000 per year to choose two neighborhoods per year to participate in the NPP. Since only one neighborhood was added in FY 2007-08, $15,000 remains available. In addition, the City Commission allocated $15,000 in FY 2008-09 for a neighborhood.
Since funding is available for two neighborhoods, and staff feels that the two highest scoring neighborhoods, Northwood and Fifth Avenue, can be successful participants in the NPP, staff recommends that the Northwood and Fifth Avenue neighborhoods be added to the Neighborhood Planning Program
Northwood has an active, well-organized neighborhood association that meets regularly and has previously initiated several successful neighborhood projects. Northwood is a diverse neighborhood of mostly modest single-family homes. The neighborhood contains many opportunities to improve infrastructure and public safety. Staff and the neighborhood association have identified several potential projects for which NPP funds could be used. Inclusion in the NPP would enhance the association's efforts to beautify and improve their neighborhood.
Fifth Avenue has an enthusiastic and organizing neighborhood association that meets regularly and has been actively involved with a number of City departments including the CRA, GPD, and Housing. The association has identified a number of beautification projects to improve the neighborhood. Additionally, the neighborhood's location within the Fifth Avenue/Pleasant Street Redevelopment District provides an avenue for collaboration between the Fifth Avenue Neighborhood Association, the CRA and the Neighborhood Planning Program.
Fiscal Note
There is funding available in the NPP budget to fund two neighborhoods in FY 2008-09.
Account #123-790-N118-5150-4110 contains $15,000 allocated for a NPP neighborhood. That account was established in FY 2007-08 as a multi-year account, but was not used since only one application was received for that application round. Account #123-790-N119-5150-4110 contains $15,000 allocated for a NPP neighborhood in FY 2008-09.
Recommendation
The City Commission select the Northwood and the Fifth Avenue neighborhoods for inclusion in the Neighborhood Planning Program, and authorize the use of $15,000 for each neighborhood.
Alternative Recommendation
The City Commission select only one neighborhood or do not expand the Neighborhood Planning Program this year.