CONSOLIDATED PLAN & STRATEGY 5-YEAR ... - City of Lakeland

Summary of Citizens Comments or Views
During the January 25, 2010 Public Meeting, there were fifty two persons in
attendance. Handouts were distributed with information on the past year’s
performance and projected activities for 2009-2010. Those in attendance to respond
to the public were City Commissioners, City Manager, Assistant City Manager,
Community Development Asst. Director and other Department Staff.
Staff received comments regarding the history of CDBG and how the efforts of the
grants are not visible in the community. Citizen stated this seems to be a nationwide
problem with CDBG. Staff needs to concentrate efforts on seeking additional funds to
complement the CDBG and HOME funds. It was explained that each opportunity
available; Staff applies for other grants such as NSP, CDBG-R and NSP2.
A local general contractor commented on the City’s policy to hire local contractor
and vendors. The City Manager explained that the City’s purchasing division is
exploring this concept already.
And a concerned citizen requested that a sidewalk be installed for youth walking to
school and several blighted structures in the neighborhood be torn down. These
concerns will be forwarded to the proper departments within the City.
Local parents stressed the need for a tutoring service in a distressed neighborhood to
be expanded. It was expressed that the City is seeking new funding sources for
human needs in local communities. A citizen inquired on how to obtain information
on NSP homes. The process was explained by Staff.
Efforts made to Broaden Public Participation
The Neighborhood Services Division Staff attends and participates in different forums
throughout the year. This informal method allows the staff to inform the public and
organizations of our mission. The Staff participated in such activities as
Neighborhood Leadership Summit, Public Works Week celebration, and Foreclosure
workshop. Some of those planning partners include neighborhood associations,
nonprofit organizations, residents, and representatives of health and human services
agencies, businesses, nonprofit developers, local lenders, Community
Redevelopment Agencies (CRA) and for-profit affiliates. Planning presentations to
local groups were performed, and public meetings were held to obtain input from all
sectors of the community.
Currently, there are no local newspapers for the African American or Hispanic
neighborhoods. Staff contacted the neighborhood organizations and the local
housing authority non-profit agency to present the plan, but did not receive
responses. Staff attends various meetings and service providers’ activities to hear
the needs and views of the community.
Written Explanation of Comments
All Comments were accepted and directed to the relevant city departments to be
addresses. All comments relative to the One Year Action Plan were incorporated in
the document.
3-5 Year Strategic Plan 13