- May 1, 2024
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Money is available from HUD each year for community development
Wayne Grant
News Editor
Residents in the North Beach Street area may be getting some improvements to their neighborhood park after learning about federal money that’s available.
The funds, called Community Development Block Grants, are available each year from the Housing and Urban Development Department for an area of the city where census figures show there is low to moderate income. The same map is used each year until updated by new Census figures.
The money can also be spent on ADA improvements in any part of the city, and also for nonprofit groups that help those in need. For example, last year, some of the money was spent on ADA sidewalks at the Sports Complex, and the rest went to service agencies.
When Terry Mercer and Juliann Blanford found out they live in the designated area, they decided they should look around the neighborhood for needed improvements.
“We walked around and looked for ideas,” Mercer said. “We knocked on doors and asked people for suggestions.”
At the April 23 meeting of the Neighborhood Improvement Advisory Board, they made their case. The board recommends how the money should be spent to the City Commission, which makes the final decision.
Mercer and Blanford discussed upgraded lighting, sidewalks and improvements to a pocket park on the river at the end of Melrose Avenue.
The uneven, dirt parking area at the park should be improved, they said.
“It’s difficult with a stroller or wheelchair,” Blanford said.
Also for the park, they suggested a sign, general cleaning, a playground and a floating kayak launch.
The board members welcomed the input.
“I’d like to see a good amount go to people in the community,” said Matthew Shapiro. “It’s good to see people come with a plan of action.”
Board suggests money allocations
At the next board meeting on May 6, the Board voted on their recommendations. If approved by the City Commission, the following groups will receive money.
Great Kids Explorer Club, $5,250; Halifax Urban Ministries, $5,600; and Coalition for the Homeless, $3,500. The Ormond Beach Housing Authority requested money in their ongoing need to repair roofs on their units, and will receive $15,650. Each of these groups made a pitch to the board for funds.
The board also recommended two ADA kayak/canoe launches at Central Park at a cost of $60,000, one on Hammock Lane, and the other at Hand Avenue. While not in the designated area, they are allowed for the grant because they are ADA.
The kayak/canoe launches can be used by anyone, as well as those with disabilities.
Neighborhood improvements planned
The park at Melrose Avenue could get $35,000, including an ADA canoe/kayak launch. A concrete parking area is included for ADA parking, with a sidewalk leading down to the water and ramp to the launch. The rest of the parking area would be paved with crushed coquina. Also included in the plans are a picnic table and a park identification sign.
Sidewalks, lighting upgrades and tree planting are also recommended by the board in the neighborhood, but are designated for future years.
The two residents feel that the board listened and responded to their requests.
“We’re very happy,” Blanford said.
In future years, she would like to see tree planting, to replace dying oaks; decorative lighting; and signs; and wider sidewalks. She would like to see improvements made each year.
“In 30 years, we could be one of those sweet little boutique cities,” she said.
The suggestions from the board will be considered by the City Commission at a future meeting. . Next year, another allotment of money will be distributed.
Area eligible for funds
The area available for funds comprises the area east of the railroad tracks from Division Avenue north to Wilmette Avenue. West of the tracks, it goes from West Granada Boulevard north to U.S. 1, bounded on the west by Nova Road. It also covers an area from Hand Avenue north to Tomoka Avenue in the area west of South Nova Road.
