Middletown Forum : Community Development Tools for Middletown

Community Development Tools for Middletown : we cant even maintain the status...

Sat, 01 Jul 2017 08:55:20 +0000

Author: spiderjohn
Subject: 6483
Posted: Jul 01 2017 at 8:55am

we cant even maintain the status quo
we deserve better swohio
former downtown is swarming with police while people are overdosing on every other corner
rough night for emt and junkies last night

at least Gracies and the wine bar are rocking!

Community Development Tools for Middletown : Mr. Adkins recently offered comments...

Sat, 01 Jul 2017 04:31:59 +0000

Author: Analytical
Subject: 6483
Posted: Jul 01 2017 at 4:31am

Mr. Adkins recently offered comments regarding the inability of Habitat for Humanity to undertake projects of any kind within the City of Middletown in recent years. By comparison, why is it that Habitat for Humanity has had such a significant presence in the City of Hamilton during the same time frame?

Immediately following are two examples of Hamilton's success:

1) Third Ward Community Develpment Program -- This fiscal year the City of Hamilton has allocated $140,000 of HUD Home Investment Partnerships (HOME) Program funding to support affordable housing development endeavors. Similar capital resources were made to Habitat for Humanity for similar projects in the past.

2) Habitat for Humanity Re-Store -- In the City of Hamilton a Re-Store facility is located at 896 Fairview Avenue. A summary of the Re-Store initiative is as follows:

ABOUT THE RESTORE

The purpose of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cincinnati’s ReStores is to help provide funding for our organization’s mission of helping to alleviate poverty housing in our area. The stores do this by selling donated new and used appliances, furniture, cabinets, building products and household items to the general public. While it is not the only source of funding for the organization, the profit from these stores has allowed us to help serve more families in the Greater Cincinnati area.

The success of the ReStores has been made possible by the generous donations of individuals and companies throughout our area. Without their continued support and generosity, our stores would not have been able to help those in need to the extent that they have. By providing free pick up service, the stores are also an outlet for our donors to be able to recycle and repurpose items that may have otherwise gone to our local landfills. Since these items are donated to us, we are able to provide our donors with a charitable gift receipt.

The ReStores have become an important part in Habitat’s mission to build homes, communities…and hope.

Community Development Tools for Middletown : I still believe that residents...

Fri, 30 Jun 2017 15:05:23 +0000

Author: Analytical
Subject: 6483
Posted: Jun 30 2017 at 3:05pm

I still believe that residents of Middletown deserve high-impact, cost-effective, long-lasting results from the city's Community Revitalization and Economic Development Departments? Being the cynic that you are, I deduct that your agenda is to maintain the status quo in Middletown? May I suggest that you spend a few minutes and contemplate the sampling of these success stories of other communities as well as funding sources available to leverage HUD and other taxpayers dollars here.

Sadly, you seem to be oblivious to the stalled downtown projects, multi-millions of taxpayers funds spent thus far, the ultra negative impact of older neighborhood residential demolitions, etc. Never once have you offered any solutions (programmatic or otherwise) to help Middletown rise up from the current malaise. It would appear that you and MiddleiMom have much in common.

Community Development Tools for Middletown : I guess Nelson Self wants a gold...

Fri, 30 Jun 2017 13:23:54 +0000

Author: swohio75
Subject: 6483
Posted: Jun 30 2017 at 1:23pm

I guess Nelson Self wants a gold star...

Community Development Tools for Middletown : City of Pawtucket, RI -- Citizens...

Fri, 30 Jun 2017 12:55:18 +0000

Author: Analytical
Subject: 6483
Posted: Jun 30 2017 at 12:55pm

City of Pawtucket, RI -- Citizens Participation Process for CDBG and Other Grants

A Model for Mr. Adkins and City Staff to Consider?

From 1972 through 1978 I worked for the Pawtucket, RI Redevelopment and Planning Department first as an Associate Planner and later as the Chief of Renewal Planning. During my tenure, I found that this community truly welcomed citizens participation in their then $6,000,000 plus HUD Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program.

Immediately following is the latest version of the Citizens Participation Plan for this community It truly is a model for Mr. Adkins and Community Revitalization Staff to consider and emulate in the City of Middletown.

4. Summary of citizen participation process and consultation processIn order to ensure maximum participation from the citizens of Pawtucket

The Consolidated Planningprocess included public meetings, and consultations with key sub-populations. In addition toconsultations the City held (3) public meetings. An additional public meeting was held before the CityCouncil on Wednesday, April 19, 2017 where the public could comment on the plan. The city alsoassisted various applicants with technical assistance in preparing applications for funding requests.

Monday, January 16, 2017 General Newspaper Notice/Email Meeting Invitation to non-profits,community groups and City Councilors

Tuesday, January 31, 2017 CDBG Public Meeting to Explain Grant ProcessReview Performance 2015-2016 (CAPER) Presentation of 1 yr. Con-PlanNeeds/Explanation CDBG/ESG/HOME ProgramsBlackstone Valley Visitor Center Theatre,175 Main Street, Pawtucket, RI - 6 p.m.Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2017

General Newspaper Notice/Applications Available/Applicationsemailed to City Council membersFebruary 1-27, 2017 On-call technical assistance meetings with applicants to assist with granteligibility and preparationMonday, February 27, 2017 Applications Due Date 4 P.M.February 28 – March 7, 2017

Review of all submitted applications for eligibility/status of currentCDBG grant if previously funded.March 1, 2017 Email list of all applications received sent to Mayor and City Council inadvance of public hearingsTuesday, March 7, 2017 CDBG Public Service Application Public HearingBlackstone Valley Visitor Center Theatre,175 Main Street, Pawtucket, RI - 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.Thursday, March 9, 2017

CDBG Activities/HOME Housing Applications Public HearingBlackstone Valley Visitor Center Theatre,175 Main Street, Pawtucket, RI - 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.Wednesday, April 19, 2017

Present application to City CouncilTuesday, April 25, 2017 Ad in The Pawtucket Times, announcing the availability of the AnnualAction Plan and requesting comments on the proposed funding planuntil May 25, 2017.All meeting locations were accessible to persons with disabilities and all meeting notices includedinformation about how to request accommodation such as a translator or other assistance.

Community Development Tools for Middletown : MiddieMom -I've researched...

Fri, 30 Jun 2017 11:56:38 +0000

Author: Analytical
Subject: 6483
Posted: Jun 30 2017 at 11:56am

MiddieMom -

I've researched your MUSA posts and didn't find any suggestions as to how the City of Middletown may bolster the lagging local housing market, downtown, job creation, etc. In addition, in response to your laudatory comments regarding so many wonderful improvements in the city, I found no cited project examples that you've inferred.

You're now well known as someone who posts derogatory (and inaccurate) comments about me and others. You're also the supreme cheerleader of community betterment deals, etc. promulgated by current city senior staff. In response, when it comes to you, I believe that "truth is only in the eyes of the beholder." I would also observe that "ignorance is bliss."

Community Development Tools for Middletown : Many municipalities throughout...

Fri, 30 Jun 2017 11:48:27 +0000

Author: Analytical
Subject: 6483
Posted: Jun 30 2017 at 11:48am

Many municipalities throughout the U.S. have sponsored positive marketing events to promote "June is National Home Ownership Month." Maybe, just maybe, beginning next year, the City of Middletown will help to sponsor noteworthy activities in conjunction with local housing industry partners to emphasize the city as being a strategically located, affordable housing alternative within Cincinnati-Dayton corridor??

Community Development Tools for Middletown : Wow, Doug really got under the...

Mon, 26 Jun 2017 16:45:32 +0000

Author: middiemom
Subject: 6483
Posted: Jun 26 2017 at 4:45pm

Wow, Doug really got under the skin of Nelson. You were let go for a reason, Nelson. Do us on this site and yourself a favor and just let it go. You are almost as bad as disenfranchised Hillary voters with your wild conspiracy theories. Doug and Middletown are moving forward, why can't you?

Community Development Tools for Middletown : OCTOBER 17, 2016Homeownership...

Mon, 26 Jun 2017 16:45:09 +0000

Author: Analytical
Subject: 6483
Posted: Jun 26 2017 at 4:45pm

OCTOBER 17, 2016

Homeownership with Habitat for Humanity of Springfield, Missouri:

Habitat for Humanity helps individuals and families achieve strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter. As active participants in building a better future for themselves and their families, qualified Habitat homebuyers are evaluated on three initial criteria prior to applying for the Habitat for Humnity homebuying program.

3 Criteria for Habitat Homebuying Program:

In Need of Better Housing: potential homebuyers might be dealing with poorly made, unhealthy or inadequate housing; unaffordable rent; homes inaccessible for their disabilities or damaged by natural disasters; or have other shelter needs.
Willing to Partner with Habitat: Habitat homebuyers put in 250-350 hours of sweat equity helping build their home and the homes of others in the program. This also includes the Tools for Life homeowner education series focused on personal finance, home maintenance, and other homeownership topics.
Ability to Pay an Affordable Mortgage: Habitat offers homebuyers an affordable mortgage. Their mortgage payments cycle back into the community to build and repair more affordable homes.

If you or someone you know is interested in owning a home with Habitat for Humanity, please contact Nancy Williams, partner services director at 417-829-4001 x 105.

Home Preservation and Repair Programs

The Home Preservation and Repair Programs help low-income homeowners in Greene County, Missouri restore and maintain their homes. Habitat partners with homeowners to alleviate critical health and safety issues and complete needed home improvement projects. Programs include A Brush with Kindness, Critical Home Repair, and Creating Healthy Homes.

How it Works

Habitat is currently accepting applications for exterior repair and preservation work. These projects could include but are not limited to the repair, replacement, or upgrade of:

Roofs
Mechanical systems
Insulation
Windows and Exterior Doors
Gutters
Siding
Steps, Ramps, Porches, Decks and Retaining Walls
Walkways and Driveways
Landscaping
Brush and trash removal

Habitat serves as the general contractor and may complete repair projects using staff and volunteers or hire subcontractors, depending on the nature of the repairs and type of funding available.

Residents accepted into the A Brush with Kindness or Critical Home Repair programs that use staff and volunteers to conduct the repairs may receive an affordable, no-interest loan for the cost of materials, and labor will be at no cost in most cases.

A good deal for you, your community and the environment.

The Habitat for Humanity ReStore is a nonprofit home improvement store and donation center that sells new and gently used furniture, appliances, home accessories, building materials and more to the public at a fraction of the retail price.

The ReStore is independently owned and operated by Habitat for Humanity of Springfield, MO. Proceeds are used to help build strength, stability, self-reliance and shelter in local communities and around the world.

Shop:

Part home improvement store, part homegoods store, part resale store, the ReStore has a wide selection that changes often. Whether you are a do-it-yourselfer, homeowner, renter, landlord, contractor, interior designer, environmentalist or treasure hunter, make Habitat for Humanity ReStore your first stop when shopping for your next home improvement, renovation or DIY project. The ReStore is open to the public to shop our ever changing inventory! Learn more »

Donate:

Habitat ReStore accepts new and gently used appliances, furniture, building materials, household goods and more from individuals and companies. Drop off your donation at our ReStore or schedule a free donation pick-up service. Learn more »

Volunteer:

From customer service to donation coordination, there’s a multitude of volunteer opportunities geared toward individual interests and skills at the ReStore. Volunteers provide support to keep operating costs as low as possible, maximizing the amount of money that goes directly to benefit your community. Learn more »

ReStore Insider Discounts and News

Join the Dream Builders e-newsletter list here for first-alert sales notifications, news updates, and exclusive coupons.

Neighborhood Revitalization

Neighborhood Revitalization (NR) is an approach to serve more families by responding to community goals with a variety of products, services and partnerships that enable residents to revive their neighborhoods and enhance their quality of life.

NR will help serve more families in Greene County, Missouri with an expanded array of products, services and partnerships. Habitat will respond to community priorities and work hand-in-hand with residents to revive their neighborhood and enhance their quality of life. NR is more than just a new Habitat product. This is a holistic approach to creating change in our neighborhoods that have the greatest need for stability. This means joining residents, nonprofits, businesses and local government to discover what is needed most in a neighborhood, and helping to implement a shared vision of revitalization.

Creating Greater Impact

Habitat’s mission is to create successful homeownership by partnering hardworking families in need with the community to build and repair homes, making them healthier and more affordable. While new home construction and home repair remains at the core of what we do, we cannot transform neighborhoods through construction alone. By launching NR, we are able to work more intensively within a neighborhood to meet resident needs and aspirations, ultimately improving the quality of life for not only residents of these neighborhoods, but for the city as a whole.Habitat is just one spoke in the wheel that will assist in the efforts to revitalize a neighborhood.

Habitat will improve the lives of families through:

Home Construction
Address the need to create new affordable homeownership opportunities in the focus area of Woodland Heights.
Home Preservation & Repair
Alleviate critical health and safety issues and complete needed home improvement projects.

Community partners will improve the lives of families through:

Establishing community goals and developing a strategic planing outlining methods of revitalization.

Learn more about Neighborhood Revitalization in our targeted area of Woodland Heights in Springfield’s Zone 1. Visit the Woodland Heights Neighborhood Facebook page or visit their website.

Community Development Tools for Middletown : City Manager Greg Burris - Springfield,...

Mon, 26 Jun 2017 16:04:16 +0000

Author: Analytical
Subject: 6483
Posted: Jun 26 2017 at 4:04pm

City Manager Greg Burris - Springfield, Missouri "Zone Blitz" initiative promotes community unity

What began 18 months ago as a look at crime statistics, has turned into a multi-pronged initiative that City leaders believe has the ability to unite Springfieldians in a common crusade to improve quality of life through the simple act of neighbors helping neighbors.

In early 2015, City staff were reviewing crime data, when they wondered what it might look like to review additional information from various focus areas, such as health indicators, median household income, voting patterns, and unemployment, and map those in a similar way that the police department does for crime. The results were compelling enough to interest everyone from church pastors to daycare workers.

“The 20 heat maps we created from the data we collected gave us insights into the challenges and opportunities we face, and eventually became the fuel for what has evolved into one of Springfield’s most comprehensive and collaborative efforts to initiate positive change,” said City Manager Greg Burris.

The effort is called the Community Listen Zone Blitz and involves nearly 200 community partner organizations and 300 volunteers. And it’s just now really getting started.

After creating the heat maps, the City of Springfield teamed up in May 2015 with an initial group of 40 community partner organizations, such as Springfield Public Schools, health care systems, banking institutions, nonprofits and members of the faith community to hear directly from residents what they liked best about their neighborhoods and what they most wanted to change within their neighborhoods.

The three-week tour took place in nine Zone 1 neighborhoods at local elementary schools. This opened up a dialogue that identified the top three concerns to be: 1) chronic nuisance properties, 2) sidewalks and infrastructure and 3) public safety.

After the listening meetings, the City immediately began work on the top three areas of concern identified by Zone 1 neighbors.

“As talks continued, and as more and more people saw the heat maps, additional partners signed on, and we began to uncover creative additional ways we can all work together. The top three concerns became the top nine concerns, as we ultimately reached consensus on the things that we thought were critical to improving the overall Zone 1 community. In essence: to make life in Zone 1, and eventually all of Springfield, better,” said Cora Scott, Director of Public Information & Civic Engagement. “Residents in these neighborhoods knew what needed to be done and agreed to help be a major part of the process.”

Eleven “topic teams” were created and only met a couple of times to brainstorm and set a strategy. The work of nine of those teams corresponded to focus areas identified through various types of research and meetings and an additional two teams focused on communication and civic engagement.
Word spread about the focus areas the teams were trying to address, and soon City staff and Zone 1 Councilwoman Phyllis Ferguson were invited to speak “in neighborhoods, at churches and schools and civic clubs, and to meet with individuals representing about any type of group you can think of,” Scott said.

“Everyone from high school students to retired folks came to Cora and me with great ideas to make Springfield better. And by connecting these individuals and groups and responding to challenges identified by all concerned, a roster of projects emerged,” Burris explained.

The original discussion reviewing crime data, ultimately led to a list of public safety projects included as part of the Blitz. As of the official launch July 11, 2016, there were 60 Zone Blitz projects that have either been completed, are in the planning phase, are about to start, or are currently underway.

At Monday’s official launch, the City’s Director of Workforce Development, Mary Ann Rojas, announced that Springfield has been awarded a $129,000 grant from the State Department of Workforce Development for a pre-apprenticeship program to offer on-the-job, “earning while learning” training and that the Workforce Investment Board recently approved opening a Zone 1 Job Center. Zone Blitz partner CoxHealth worked with Rojas to find a location on the first floor of Cox Medical Tower.

The list of partners also continues to grow. Today, nearly 200 partners have committed, some of which are fully engaged in Zone Blitz projects and others who are waiting in the wings to see where they are needed or how they can help.

The focus areas include: chronic nuisance properties, housing,digital divide, (inequality with regard to access to, use of, or impact of information and communication technologies) infrastructure and transportation,jobs and economic development, food access,public safety,health care and wellness.
Another trend the City’s heat maps revealed was significantly higher rates of poverty in northwest Springfield, exceeding the city’s 25.6 percent overall poverty rate. The Community Foundation of the Ozarks stepped forward to launch a $1.3 million privately funded program, called The Northwest Project, to take place in conjunction with the Zone Blitz at a community hub called The Fairbanks in Zone 1’s Grant Beach Neighborhood.

Bridget Dierks, CFO’s grant program officer, said she hopes the five-year project will become a transformative model for the community, where immediate needs are addressed, but also families will be helped to achieve their own dreams for success.

“I’m proud of my fellow north side neighbors, who work so hard to make Springfield’s north side a great place to live,” said Zone 1 Councilwoman Phyllis Ferguson. “I’m proud of my City Council colleagues who have shown support for this initiative because they know what it means for the entire community – not just Zone 1.”

Ferguson said Craig Fishel, a Councilman from Springfield’s Zone 4, where many of Springfield’s most affluent residents are located, has been particularly helpful after attending all nine listening sessions in 2015.

“Instead of ignoring the challenges that residents face in other parts of the City, Craig has instead chosen to learn all that he can about those challenges and has worked to bring organizations and people together from across the city,” said Ferguson.

Burris said that the response from the faith community has been “incredible” and is encouraged by an effort he and Scott have started to bring vastly different church congregations together to help work on the common vision.

“The Zone Blitz will be an 18-month project that will attempt to ‘move the needle’ on poverty within our community. To attack a challenge that is this complex and multifaceted, it can only work if every sector of our community gets involved – it only works as a barn raising,” Burris said. “For example, bringing diverse partners within our faith-based sector together to address a unifying challenge of poverty has the potential to be a ‘healing moment’ within our community. We’re more alike than different, and every faith-based organization has this in their mission.”

A project list and “menu of opportunities" for partners is beginning to take shape and is available online atspringfieldmo.gov/zoneblitz.

Later this summer, individuals and organizations will be able to sign up for specific volunteer opportunities through a centralized, online volunteer service coordinating participant needs and reducing the overlap of services. Drury University’s Community Outreach and Leadership Development Office is managing the online component, in coordination with The Northwest Project.

Ferguson said she is most proud of the City staff and community partners who work so well together, despite busy schedules and sometimes what seem to be competing interests.

“The focus areas we identified are not necessarily easy to address: a communities health and wellness; easy access to healthy foods; a safe place to lay our heads at night; miles of roadways and infrastructure to maintain; good, steady jobs; public safety; those slumlords who don’t take care of their properties and then take advantage of people who cannot afford to make waves or move somewhere else. In north Springfield, however, we are get-it-done type of people. And we have challenged ourselves, challenged our community – and I promise you, that we will GET. IT. DONE,” she said.

For more information, contact Cora Scott, Director of Public Information & Civic Engagement at 417-864-1009 or visit springfieldmo.gov/zoneblitz.