Tower Grove Neighborhoods CDC Releases 2014 Activities to Improve Southwest Garden, Tower Grove South and Shaw
Tower Grove Neighborhoods Community Development Corporation was recently awarded a HUD grant administered by the Community Development Administration of Saint Louis City. The money was allocated from Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to complete a series of activities aimed to improve the neighborhoods of Shaw, Tower Grove South and Southwest Garden. Over the next few days and weeks, we will update our website and social media with topics of interest, upcoming meeting dates, opportunities to provide leadership in specific objectives and other ways to get involved. We will also reach out to neighborhood leaders, block captains and local businesses. Please help us spread the word and volunteer to help! Please contact Ella Gross at Ella@towergrovecdc.org to volunteer. Tower Grove Neighborhoods CDC is committed to making the neighborhoods we service the best places to live in Saint Louis.
Below are the CDBG activities we will complete in 2014:
1. Neighborhood Ownership Model (NOM)
- Set up a preliminary team of neighbors who will set preliminary goals for reducing crime/addressing safety
- Assist neighbors in completing a safety assessment
- Prepare a written neighborhood ownership plan
- Assist in implementing neighborhood ownership plan by leveraging government partners
2. Better Block Program
- Assemble a planning committee of residents and businesses
- Attract and coordinate resident volunteers for the event
- Work with property owner to allow access to vacant spaces for the event
- Promote and coordinate the event
3. Neighborhood Beautification Program
- Design and implement an educational neighborhood beautification workshop for residents
- Implement quarterly CDA approved beautification projects with resident volunteers: neighborhood entrances, commercial areas, community gardens…etc.
4. Energy Conservation Program
- Enhance the culture of sustainability by building relationships, encouraging sustainable practices, and creating measurable change through educational a work shop or energy conservation program
5. Landlord (Rental) Training Program
- seven (2-hour sessions) – Design an implement programs on tenant selection, leases (and other important documents); recommend property management practices; and maintenance among others.
- Two (5-hour sessions) – Design and implement programs on nuisance prevention and abatement and the eviction process