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HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 7728 INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 772a To the Mayor and Members of the City Council June 1, 1993 Subject: MODEL BLOCKS PROJECTS On the City Council Agenda for June 1, 1993 is an agenda item approving the reallocation of $524,000 for the Eastwood Model Blocks Project. This report has been prepared to give the City Council background information on the existing and proposed Model Blocks Projects. THE E4STWOOD MODEL BL The Eastwood Model Blocks Project is the City's initial effort to restore distressed or near- distressed neighborhoods back to a healthy and viable state through a comprehensive project.This comprehensive approach will address the areas of housing,human services,infrastructure, crime, education, and social services through extensive collaboration with the project residents and non- city organizations. The Eastwood Model Blocks Project area is a near4stressed neighborhood which encompasses ten residential blocks: the 4200 to 4400 blocks of Carol, Crenshaw, Bertha/Fitzhugh, and the 2700 block of Edgewood Terrace. The 1990 Census data shows the population in the census tracts, (which includes the Eastwood Model Blocks Project area), is more than 95 percent minority. The data also indicates that the median household income in those tracts is less than 60 percent of the median household income for the City as a whole. Essentially, this means that the income is roughly $16,000 per household. Anticipated Accomplishments. It is anticipated that the Eastwood Model Blocks Project will enable area residents to become empowered and to take greater responsibility for the development of their neighborhood through their active participation. In learning to organize, access resources, and to solve community problems, residents of the project area will contribute significantly to the overall well being of their community. The City also believes that the outward appearance of the project area will improve dramatically, since code violations will be addressed by the City's housing rehabilitation programs and by residential development programs specifically designed for the project area. Results and Timetable. The completion of the Eastwood Model Blocks Project will leave the project area with both tangible and intangible results. The tangible results will be in the form of visible and measurable improvements to homes and existing infrastructure in the community. Currently, there are six (6) Urban Homestead properties in the Eastwood Model Block area. The Housing and Human Services Department expects approximately seventy-three (73) homeowners will take advantage of the City's rehabilitation loan program to provide home improvements and W bring bnj;seq im 00� to code. OFFICIAL 0EC-O'b­1 CITY SECRETARY R WORTH, TEX. ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH,TEXAS INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 7728 To the Mayor and Members of the City Council June 1, 1993 Page 2 of 3 Subject: MODEL BLOCKS PROJECTS With respect to infrastructure improvements, the Housing and Human Services Department has authorized the City's Department of Engineering to expend $48,400 to do design work for street repair and reconstruction. Five major streets in the area will undergo total reconstruction. There will also be repairs to water lines,sewer lines,gas lines and sidewalks. Additional street lighting, will be provided along with the installation of new fire hydrants. Community Development Block Grant and HOME monies will be used to fund this project. The intangible results of the Eastwood Model Blocks Project will be demonstrated by the increased ability of the community to organize, access resources and solve existing problems. An indication of the increased empowerment of Eastwood residents is reflected in the neighborhood's recent establishment of a crime watch program, formation of block steering committees, and in the selection of block captains. The City believes the successful completion of housing and infrastructure repairs, and the important cooperation and trust between the community, local government,private industry, and area social service providers will serve as a positive model to other neighborhoods in need of revitalization efforts. We anticipate a spin-off 00o. effect where the positive aspects of the Eastwood Model Blocks Project will gradually spread to the surrounding areas. Recently,Eastwood residents met with staff to discuss and list major neighborhood issues. Along with crime, housing repairs and street reconstruction were listed as high priority issues. It is anticipated that housing repairs will begin in June 1993. Furthermore, the residents were also advised that street construction and reconstruction would begin in January, 1994. During the interim supportive activities such as providing technical assistance for the establishment of a neighborhood association and neighborhood crime watch programs would continue to be provided. This project is funded with Community Development Block Grant funds and HOME funds. Currently, $1.2 million is budgeted. OTHER MODEL BLOCK PROJECTS: Presently the City of Fort Worth is in the planning stages in order to implement a new model blocks project in the Near Southeast area. The Near Southeast Model Blocks Project will be funded with a'combination of Community Development Block Grant,HOME,and HOPE 3 funds. I RECORD CITY SECRETARY F, pip griT;1, TEX ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH,TEXAS INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No.- 7728 To the Mayor and Members of the City Council June 1, 1993 x S Subject: Page 3 of 3 MODEL BLOCK PROJECTS As with the Eastwood Model Blocks Project, the City will structure a revitalization program in the Near Southeast Model Block Project area that will take a holistic and comprehensive approach to address the areas of housing, human services, infrastructure, crime, education, and social services. The program will be a collaborative effort involving the City, project area residents, and non-city organizations. The proposed project will be budgeted at$1.2 million and the monies will be appropriated from CDBG, HOW, and HOPE 3 grant funds. City Council will be kept informed of the progress of the Model Blocks Projects. if you would like further Information please contact Assistant City Manager Libby Watson, at 871-6140. 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