VOLUME 1: ISSUE 2
in thiS ISSUE
PLEASE DISPLAY THROUGH JUNE 2017
Cleve Powell shares some of Arlington’s hidden gems
CommUniverCity provides training to neighborhood leaders
Contents
9 Neighbor to
Neighbor
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4 Letter from the Mayor 5 Gear Up for Summer Fun with JaxParks 6 Share Your
Square
10 More Pet Adoption Support Coming Grant expands animal behavior and volunteer programs, and helps improve adoption numbers with increased community involvement and visibility
11 CommUniverCity Training neighborhood leaders
11 Online Resources 7 National Community Development Week
Recognizing the contributions and successful outcomes of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program
8 Around Town: Greater Arlington / Beaches 2 OUR JAX MAGAZINE
12 Neighborhood
Coordinators
14 Build a Better World This Summer at Your Library 15 Neighborhood Notes • •
Foreclosure Property Registry: Protecting neighborhoods from becoming blighted Fair Housing: Ensuring human rights and fair housing for all citizens of Jacksonville
Neighborhood Services Office 214 N. HOGAN ST., 5TH FLOOR JACKSONVILLE, FL 32202 (904) 255-8250 STEPHANIE BURCH Director of Neighborhoods stephanieb@coj.net
Get Help City Customer Service (904) 630-CITY (2489) Neighborhoods Department (904) 255- 7200 Housing and Community Development (904) 255-8200
LISA RANSOM Neighborhood Services Manager lransom@coj.net
Head Start to Home Ownership (H2H) (904) 255-8231
DAN DURBEC Environmental Programs Coordinator ddurbec@coj.net
Jacksonville Housing Authority (904) 630-3810
MICHELLE GODWIN-WARE Neighborhood Coordinator for Districts 4 and 6 michellegw@coj.net AMY HAYS HOLLIMAN Neighborhood Coordinator for Districts 1 and 5 aholliman@coj.net ROSEMARY WESOLOWSKI Neighborhood Coordinator for Districts 2 and 3 rosemary@coj.net SHAUN RYCROFT City Planner srycroft@coj.net
Jacksonville Human Rights Commission (904) 630-4911 Disabled Services (904) 630-4940 JSO (Non-Emergency) (904) 630-0500 JFRD (Non-Emergency) (904) 630-0434
OUR JAX MAGAZINE 3
Letter from the Mayor
THE VALUE OF PREPARATION Dear Citizens,
Last year, our city experienced the value of being prepared. Hurricane Matthew was described by National Weather Service meteorologists as a “once in a century storm.” The storm set new records and presented tremendous challenges for Jacksonville families and businesses. Many citizens experienced significant damage and disruption to their daily lives. In response to those challenges, I saw great collaboration - people helping neighbors clear debris from their homes, cut trees that had fallen in yards, and share water and food supplies with those in need. Shelter locations provided refuge and support to persons with special needs. There were countless stories of citizens sharing inspiring experiences about those who offered their homes as havens for those evacuating from the path of the storm. I am always amazed by the generosity and volunteerism displayed by the people of this city. We are a resilient city full of resilient people. Our city’s success was due to our preparation. The hard work and planning conducted prior to the storm allowed 4 OUR JAX MAGAZINE
our emergency personnel to respond to the threat quickly and effectively. I encourage you and your families to do the same. Be JaxReady. Every year, the City of Jacksonville publishes an Emergency Preparedness Guide at the start of Hurricane Season. This guide provides an overview of various emergency scenarios, along with tips and step-by-step instructions for being prepared. Knowing what to do before, during, and after an emergency is critical. Seconds count when safety is at-risk. Copies of the 2017 City of Jacksonville Emergency Preparedness Guide are available at various locations throughout the city. You can download a digital version at www.JaxReady.com, and are encouraged to download the JaxReady app to your mobile device for up-to-date information straight from the Emergency Operations Center. Sincerely,
Mayor Lenny Curry
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JaxParks is preparing for an action packed and busy summer season! The Rec N Roll outdoor program will kick-off June 12th in 19 parks throughout the city. The program will include six full day sites and 13 parttime sites. Participants will enjoy crafts, games, recreational sports and more! Summer camp programming will take place June 19th - July 28th. The themes for the three summer camp sessions are We’re Going on an Adventure, Space and Full STEAM Ahead. Activities will include field trips to the Jacksonville Zoo, Fort Caroline/Kingsley Plantation, Adventure Landing and the MOSH Planetarium. Registration for summer camp begins at noon on Tuesday, May 19th.
The JaxParks pool season begins Memorial Day weekend and concludes Labor Day weekend. Pools will open daily beginning Saturday, June 3rd. Time at the pool offers family fun, exercise and a great way to keep cool during the hot summer months. This year’s aquatics program includes swim lessons and competitive swim team activities. JaxParks is also offering three sessions of Ocean Camp at Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park which will feature surfing, beach sports, arts and crafts, nature hikes and guest speakers. Three JaxParks tennis facilities will host tennis camp providing children a great opportunity to learn tennis basics, or if they already play, to improve existing skills. Summer Night Lights (SNL) will take place on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights throughout the summer, offering alternative weekend activities for teens. Visit www.JaxParks.com for more information on these and more exciting summer opportunities. OUR JAX MAGAZINE 5
THE CITY OF JACKSONVILLE CELEBRATES
NATIONAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Week A tour, grand openings and a poster contest are only a few of the activities and events that took place during National Community Development (NCD) Week (April 17 - 22) as the City of Jacksonville joined communities throughout the nation to celebrate the observance recognizing the contributions and successful outcomes of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. CDBG is a federal formula entitlement grant awarded annually to the City through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. NCD Week is observed to raise awareness about the benefits provided to the community through various CDBG programs.
C
In celebration of National Community Development (NCD) Week, local youth from The Bridge of Northeast Florida, Inc. participated in a What Community Development Means to Me poster contest. 6 OUR JAX MAGAZINE
Since 1975, the City of Jacksonville has received more than $393 million in CDBG funds that have been used to develop and implement a wide-range of programs directed toward neighborhood revitalization, economic development and improving community services. Throughout the years, the Jacksonville community has benefited from many projects and services funded with federal grant dollars including new streets, sidewalks, water and sewer lines, parks, housing repairs and more. Throughout the week, citizens along with federal, state and local leaders toured housing development projects and visited improvement and economic development project sites to learn more about how the CDBG and HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME) funds have a positive impact on the quality of life of low and moderate citizens living in the Jacksonville community. Events included the grand opening of the Beaver Street Veterans Villas Permanent Housing complex where CDBG funds were used to update and improve a vacant threestory building now known as the Beaver Street Veterans Villas. The updates to the new Clara White Mission facility will provide 16 mixed use permanent housing units for homeless veterans, as well as commercial and program space. There was also a grand opening for Gateway Community Service’s new outpatient and administrative building where CDBG funds were used to improve the building that provides adult residential treatment, and adolescent outpatient treatment for 2,000 low to moderate income clients.
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SHARE YOUR
SQUARE
Jacksonville is BIG. It’s the largest city in the continental U.S., covering 840 square miles, which means there are many hidden gems like the ones you see here. Can you identify these locations? Better yet, share your own! Tell us what you love most about where you live, work, or play by posting your photos on social media with the hashtag #ShareYourSquare.
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Please visit www.coj.net/ourjaxmagazine for the locations of the Share Your Square photos featured above. OUR JAX MAGAZINE 7
Around Town: GREATER ARLINGTON / BEACHES Attractive neighborhoods, beloved parks, and stunning waterways all around are what Dr. Ramsey Salem highlights as the physical features distinguishing Jacksonville’s Greater Arlington / Beaches Planning District 2, which includes the area bounded by the St. Johns River to the north and west; the Intracoastal Waterway, Church Road and the Atlantic Beach Municipal boundary to the east; and Beach Boulevard to the south.
neighborhood, Dr. Salem settled in the Greater Arlington / Beaches area 38 years ago after military service. His dentistry practice has taken him to the city’s Northside, and his children now live on the Southside, so Dr. Salem has a comprehensive view of Jacksonville. He finds people here to be friendly across the board, but he especially appreciates the collaborative spirit of the civic activists in his CPAC.
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“Water surrounds us on the west, east and north,” said Dr. Salem, Chair of the We all want what District 2 Citizens Planning Advisory Committee (CPAC). is best for our “Hanna Park and the many community and are other parks next to the St. Johns River are beautiful. willing to work to In addition, there are many beautiful neighborhoods that end. throughout the CPAC area, and we are working to keep them beautiful.” “We have a dedicated A Jacksonville native who group of neighborhood grew up in the Riverside representatives who really / Avondale / Murray Hill care,” Dr. Salem said. “The
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8 OUR JAX MAGAZINE
whole CPAC seems to work together in harmony. We all want what is best for our community and are willing to work to that end.” Dr. Salem says CPACs put politics and hidden agendas aside by working in a nonpartisan and transparent fashion to improve neighborhoods for all residents. “A CPAC volunteer is empowered to try to make a difference in the community by asking questions, making suggestions and working together. The most rewarding thing about my involvement is that my voice is heard and there are other members who want the same safe, beautiful neighborhoods.” For more information, please visit www.coj.net/cpacs, call the Neighborhood Services Office at (904) 255-8250, or email Neighborhood Coordinator Rosemary Wesolowski at rosemary@coj.net.
NEIGHBOR TO NEIGHBOR GREATER ARLINGTON/BEACHES SPOTLIGHT: CLEVE POWELL Entertainment hIDDEN TREASURES parks The monthly Classic Car Show at Regency Square Mall. These shows are family friendly and showcase some of the first automobiles made. The annual Butterfly Festival at Tree Hill is another family friendly event that features nature and the natural beauty of Arlington.
Arts & Culture
The granite tribute to F. W. Bruce in Bruce Park (Arlington Road and Rogero Road). This tribute is special. It recognizes my grandfather F.W. Bruce; Mr. Bruce donated the land for the purpose of a park many years ago. Also, the Mayport Lighthouse may not be considered public art, but to many, the lighthouse is a work of beauty and is admired.
All of the old historic homes built on beautiful oak hammock land; many of which have amazing views of the St. Johns River. Another special treasure is the Fort Caroline Creek Bed Indian Mound. There is a rich Native American history in the Fort Caroline area. Luckily, the Fort Caroline National Memorial and Timucuan Preserve Visitor Center are part of the National Parks System, thus saving all the land for future generations to enjoy and learn what role our city played in the development of our country.
Tree Hill. I grew up in the home that still stands at the top of the hill (on Lone Star Road) in front of the park. The trees, hills and creeks are reminiscent of how Arlington looked before the Mathews Bridge was completed and the mid-century development boom occurred in Arlington. The Jacksonville Arboretum (off Monument Road) is also a treasure because many of the nature trails are handicap assessable, thus allowing me to enjoy traversing nature in my wheelchair. I also enjoy visiting the Lions Club Park (off University Blvd. N) for its amazing views of the St. Johns River.
Landmarks
Many peole know about Anna Kingsley, but most don’t know she’s buried in the Sammis/ Clifton Cemetery. Located near the Sammis House which belonged to Mary Kingsley Sammis (Anna’s daughter), this home and cemetery contain a lot of early Arlington History. OUR JAX MAGAZINE 9
ACPS Awarded $200,000 National PetCo Foundation Grant Never stray from hope is the message Animal Care and Protective Services (ACPS) seeks to convey each day as it serves citizens with animal control, veterinary services, pet adoptions and more. With a mission to save the lives of all adoptable animals in the community, ACPS receives approximately 12,000 animals on average per year.
and volunteer programs, and help improve adoption numbers with increased community involvement and visibility.
Thanks to a Lifesaving Impact Grant awarded by the Petco Foundation, ACPS will be able to facilitate even more pet adoptions. The grant will provide ACPS with $200,000 over two years to expand animal behavior
“It is an honor to be recognized by the Petco Foundation for the work we do to support citizens and communities,” said ACPS Chief Devron Cody. “I look forward to these funds helping us improve outreach and services to communities and neighborhoods.” Citizens can visit adoptable animals at ACPS (2020 Forest St. - 32204) Tuesdays - Saturdays, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. To view available animals online, visit www. coj.net/adoptablepets.
2016 ACPS by the Numbers
Total Intake
Total Adoptions
Transferred to other agencies and placement partners
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Animals fostered 10 OUR JAX MAGAZINE
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5,873
21,631
Surgeries performed
Citizens Engaged by phone and in person
In early 2016, Mayor Curry re-established the Neighborhoods Department with the aim to make it easier for residents to connect with City Hall about neighborhood concerns. The Neighborhood Services Office is responsible for implementing the Mayor’s vision for community revitalization through special programming. The Neighborhoods Services Office (NSO) will launch the CommUniverCity Training program this year with sessions planned for Summer 2017 and Fall 2017. The purpose of the CommUniverCity is to provide leadership development training to neighborhood and community leaders so they can learn skills to help establish and maintain successful neighborhood organizations.
• How to start a Neighborhood Association and Neighborhood Watch Program • How to become a 501C3 • How to become a CPAC Member. • City Resources • Public Speaking/How to run a meeting • Zoning/Code Compliance/630-CITY • Attend a City Council Meeting • How to create a flyer • Neighborhood networking Upon graduation from CommUniverCity, neighborhood leaders will be empowered to lead and collaborate with neighbors to produce positive change in their communities.
This year’s theme is Training Neighborhood Leaders / Renewing Your Neighborhood. This training program will be funded through the City of Jacksonville’s Foreclosure Property Registry Fund. The multi-week curriculum for CommUniverCity will include the following topics: • How to invest in your community
ONLINE RESOURCES Did you know that you can access your waste collection schedule online? Among the top calls to 630-CITY are requests for the dates of recycle, bulk, garbage and yard waste collection. You can easily look up this information using the online tool at coj.net/ swschedule. For additional details about recycling guidelines and bulk collection schedules, download the Solid Waste Collection Quick Reference Guide at www. coj.net/swguide. OUR JAX MAGAZINE 11
It s a Beautiful Da ’
As neighborhood coordinators, Amy Holliman, Rosemary Wesolowski and Michelle Godwin lead the City’s six Citizens Planning Advisory Committees (CPACs). The three coordinators work with the CPAC chairs, who are community members, to plan meetings and manage communications; regularly share important City news and information with CPAC members and neighborhoods; and assist citizens with neighborhood concerns or complaints among several other responsibilities.
CPAC Districts Map
CPACs were established in 1993 by former mayor Ed Austin with the purpose to maintain open and effective lines of communication between Jacksonville residents, businesses, neighborhoods, community organizations, educational institutions and government. Input from CPACs is used to amend and update various elements of the City of Jacksonville Comprehensive Plan, and in the development of other social and economic 12 OUR JAX MAGAZINE
Rosemary Wesolowski, Amy Holliman and Michelle Godwin lead the city’s Citizens Planning Advisory Committees (CPACs)
programs. According to Michelle, “It’s crucial that community members attend and participate in CPAC meetings. They are the best source of information because these neighborhoods are where they live, work and play.” CPAC district boundaries correspond to
ay to be a Neighbor • Urban Core (District 1), • Greater Arlington/Beaches (District 2) • Southeast (District 3) • Southwest (District 4) • Northwest (District 5) • North (District 6) Each coordinator staffs two districts: Amy, Urban Core and Northwest; Rosemary, Greater Arlington/ Beaches and Southeast; and Michelle, Southwest and North. While Amy, Rosemary, and Michelle highlighted several benefits of CPAC participation, including comradery, emphasis was placed on members’ access to information about City initiatives, like the Neighborhood Matching Grants program and CommUniverCity. The Neighborhoods Matching Grants program offers 501(c)3 neighborhood associations, civic organizations, and community groups located in Duval County the opportunity to receive up to $5,000 for projects that foster relationships, enhance communities and promote healthier neighborhoods. Amy said she enjoys using her knowledge to help her members earn funding. She shared, “I look forward to using my grant experience to help with our renewed Neighborhood Matching Grant Program. I can’t wait to see what our neighborhoods can do.” In addition to the reinstated neighborhood grants program, the trio plays a critical role in executing
the revitalized CommUniverCity, a training program that assists neighborhood and community leaders by teaching skills to help establish and maintain successful neighborhood organizations. “It is exciting that we are able to bring back these vital programs to inform, share and communicate with the residents in our beautiful city,” Rosemary said.
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It is exciting that we are able to bring back these vital programs to inform, share and communicate with the residents in our beautiful city.
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the six planning districts:
Citizens of any neighborhood within a planning district are encouraged to attend their CPAC meeting to offer ideas or information regarding their community; receive information about neighborhood programs; and learn about the issues that affect their lives. Meetings are held monthly at various locations. For more information about meeting locations, times, and dates; becoming a member; or programs, contact the Neighborhood Services Office at NeighborhoodServices@coj. net or (904) 255-8250. OUR JAX MAGAZINE 13
BUILD A BETTER WORLD THIS SUMMER AT YOUR LIBRARY Give your kids an EPIC summer and keep them busy and learning when you take part in summer learning activities - all free at Jacksonville Public Library. Summer learning may seem like a ton of fun - and it is - but it serves a much more important purpose. Studies prove that students can lose up to two months of skills over summer break, something that is commonly referred to as the “summer slide.” Summer learning is designed to help kids avoid summer slide; it ensures they are engaged, entertained, reading, and using critical thinking skills so they are better prepared to start school in the fall. What’s more, there’s something for every age - even adults can participate! The Jacksonville Public Library Summer Learning program runs through June and July. The program provides a reading challenge and age appropriate activities. Children from birth to five years of age will talk, sing, read, write, play, and enjoy fun story times that build vocabulary and comprehension, enhancing early literacy skills. School aged kids can take part in balloon art, magic, jazz, STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) activities, Zumba, and Zoofari. Teens can explore special effects, building bots, improvisation, Spy vs. Spy, Dumbledore’s army program, and other cool topics. Teens can also delve into a six-week video challenge. Activities for adults include author talks, programs about elder care, Sister Cities and more. 14 OUR JAX MAGAZINE
SUMMER LEARNING SIGN-UP BEGINS JUNE 1 In addition to two months full of activities, you’ll want to sign up for the Reading Challenge too. Children are asked to read 10 books, teens to read three books, and adults to read five books by July 31. It’s fun to track your reading online, where you can also earn and collect digital badges. There are sign-up prizes, weekly prizes, and a free book for those who finish their goal, while supplies last. Don’t miss the Summer Learning kickoff parties at the branches June 5 – 9. And new this year, everyone who signs up for Summer Learning will receive a free Summer Happenings coloring book. Sign up for Summer Learning beginning June 1. Find details about tracking your reading along with program dates, times and locations at www.jaxpubliclibary. org/summer beginning June 1. You may also visit any Jacksonville Public Library location for more information.
Neighborhood Notes FORECLOSURE PROPERTY REGISTRY The Foreclosure Property Registry was established in 2010 to limit and reduce the deterioration of property located within the City of Jacksonville caused by foreclosure, and create a mechanism to protect neighborhoods from becoming blighted through the lack of adequate maintenance of homes going through the foreclosure process. In 2015 the law was amended to require mortgagees (banks/lending institutions) to register all properties whose mortgages are in default or foreclosure, and pay registration fees. The funds collected through the foreclosure registry are deposited into a special account in the Neighborhoods Department. They are dedicated to the cost of developing community revitalization projects, and protection against and removal of blight due to real property deterioration. The funds are allocated to projects based on a three tier policy. The first tier focuses on
reaching homeowners trying to navigate the foreclosure process and provides funding for foreclosure intervention and foreclosure counseling programs. The second tier addresses neighborhoods by providing funds to address blight caused by vacant and abandoned homes, as well as assistance in the creation of affordable housing. The third tier addresses the greater Jacksonville community through the rebirth of the CommUniverCity training program, Neighborhood Matching Grant program and funding for the publication of the Our Jax magazine. The Neighborhoods Department is excited to bring you these programs and looks forward to your feedback. If you have any questions regarding the Foreclosure Property Registry contact: Caleena Shirley Housing Property Administrator Phone: (904) 255-8283 Email: cshirley@coj.net
FAIR HOUSING The purpose of Fair Housing initiatives is to eliminate housing discrimination, promote economic opportunity, and achieve diverse, inclusive communities by means of the enforcement, administration, development, and public understanding of federal fair housing policies and laws. Fair Housing policies protect people from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, and familial status. In addition, housing providers that receive HUD funding, have loans insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), as well as lenders
insured by FHA, may be subject to HUD program regulations intended to ensure equal access of LGBT persons. The Neighborhoods Department, Housing and Community Development Division has partnered with the Human Rights Commission to make a collaborative effort to ensure Human Rights and Fair Housing for all citizens of Jacksonville. Do you feel you are a victim of discrimination? Visit us at www.coj.net/Departments/ Neighborhoods/Housing-andCommunity-Development/Fair-Housing to learn more. OUR JAX MAGAZINE 15
one CITY. one JACKSONVILLE. "
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