by David Chapman
Staff Writer
U.S. Rep. Ander Crenshaw and several City officials were in attendance Monday during a Mayoral Proclamation marking this week as National Community Development Week.
The annual campaign emphasizes the programs benefiting from the Community Development Block Grant program, a federal grant awarded to the City through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
“For many years, our major focus has been on housing and ensuring that we have safe, sanitary housing for residents across the country,” said Rosyln Phillips, director of recreation and community services. “But, we also recognize the need for the support services that are provided by the other agencies that we partner with.”
Phillips read a proclamation on behalf of Mayor John Peyton that announced the week-long celebration and lauded the CDBG program for the community improvement it provides.
In conjunction with other public and private funding, CDBG funding in 2006-07 provided the following: repairs for 123 homes, water and sewer line connection assistance to 107 homes, demolition and clearance of 282 unsafe structures, support for 322 small businesses, public services that benefited 263,129 citizens and 16 public improvement projects.
Phillips also thanked the efforts of Crenshaw and U.S. Rep Corrine Brown for helping secure the funds.
“This is a community where I was born and my family has lived for three generations,” said Crenshaw. “One of the most rewarding parts of the job is to see firsthand where the money that we (Crenshaw and Brown) try to bring from Washington (D.C) goes to people in our local community.”
Other speakers included Community Development Division Chief Ken Pinnix, Clara White Executive Director Ju’Coby Pittman-Peele, Brown aide Ken Johnson, and City Housing & Neighborhoods Director Wight Gregor.
Since 1975, the City of Jacksonville has received over $341 million in CDBG funds, used to develop and implement programs directed toward neighborhood revitalization, economic development and improving community services.
Though non-profits are feeling the economic crunch with local government budget cuts, local leaders are grateful for the dollars provided through the CDBG program and the efforts by government leaders in securing the area’s share of federal dollars.
“I’d just like to thank you and say keep the money coming and we’ll continue to provide the services,” said Pittman-Peele. “I’m not speaking for just the Clara White Mission. I’m speaking for all the non-profits that do a wonderful job in this community so government doesn’t have to do it.”
Week of events
Here’s a look at some of the planned local events taking place as part of National Community Development Week.
Tuesday
Jacksonville Chamber Foundation, Inc. Small Business Service Center, 5000-3 Norwood Ave., 11:30 a.m. — An economic development activity, Community Development Block Grant staff will have a walkthrough of the facility with an orientation for new clients and staff. Center staff and benefits are provided by CDBG funds, with staff providing technical assistance to low and moderate income people looking to start or expand their business in communities.
Wednesday
Jim Fortuna Senior Center, 11751 McCormick Rd., 1 p.m. — Funded by federal and local funds, the center provides care to low and moderate income elderly residents in the Arlington community. CDBG funds are used for development, construction and rehabilitation of many of the area’s senior and community centers.
Thursday
Jacksonville Housing Authority, 1085 Golfair Blvd. 4 p.m. — The Family Self Sufficiency Program, used to support families with rental assistance to help them become economically independent, will have an orientation with information about the program, requirements and community partnerships.
Friday
Boys and Girls Club/YET Center Grand Opening, 555 West 25th Street, 11 a.m. — Jacksonville Jaguars Owners Wayne and Delores Barr Weaver and City officials will be on hand for the Grand Opening of the NFL Youth Education Town facility, a multi-million dollar project funded in part by CDBG funds.