Title
Neighborhood Planning Program Update (B)
Explanation
The City of Gainesville Neighborhood Planning Program is a collaborative process between the City and the people that live and work in the neighborhoods. The Neighborhood Planning Coordinator helps designated neighborhoods to set and meet goals, address needs, and implement projects. To be eligible for the program, neighborhood organizations (usually formal associations or crime watch groups) must apply for designation and be registered with the City. The City Commission ultimately decides which neighborhoods will participate in the program.
Since 1998, the City Commission has designated twelve neighborhoods for participation in the Program. The City Commission allocated $15,000 for each neighborhood to implement the Program and for physical improvement projects located on City right-of-way or on City-owned property.
For the next cycle, the City has received applications from four (4) neighborhoods. Two (2) applications from the Stephen Foster and Pine Park Neighborhoods appear to meet all the relevant criteria. Funding to cover the cost of adding these two (2) neighborhoods to the Neighborhood Planning Program has already been budgeted. Planning staff recommends adding the Stephen Foster and Pine Park Neighborhoods to the Neighborhood Planning Program.
Fiscal Note
Funding was provided in the FY 04-05 budget for $15,000 grants for two neighborhoods.
Recommendation
Staff to the City Commission: 1) hear a presentation from staff regarding the Neighborhood Planning Program; and 2) add the Stephen Foster and Pine Park Neighborhoods to the Neighborhood Planning Program.