City puts capital projects in residents’ hands

City puts capital projects in residents’ hands When residents of South Middle River expressed concern about the safety and appearance of their neighborhood, their local government in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., offered a solution through its Neighborhood Capital Improvement Program (NCIP). Funded with the city’s general funds, NCIP provides money for neighborhood capital improvements and ensures that residents are partners in change.

South Middle River is home to 4,000 families in North Fort Lauderdale. By 1996, traffic had become a major concern in the neighborhood. In particular, at a nearby high school, students were crossing four lanes of traffic without the aid of signals; and the absence of turn lanes and signage had resulted in numerous automobile accidents.

That year, the neighborhood association solicited NCIP for an improvement project that would: * provide and increase pedestrian safety; * improve drainage to prevent flooding; * calm traffic; and * beautify the neighborhood.

Administered by Neighborhood Services, under the city’s Economic Development Division, NCIP provided $31,049 for the South Middle River project. In return, the program required the neighborhood association to match the funds with cash, sweat equity, materials and/or other contributions.

The neighborhood obtained a Community Development Block Grant of $29,235 and fulfilled the remainder of the match provision with commitments for materials and labor. Then, meeting with city staff, association members outlined the project’s scope; allocated resources; and set a timeline.

Using the combined project funds, the city hired an architect and contractor for the South Middle River project.

Beginning in fall 1997, the neighborhood association: * excavated and replaced existing asphalt; * reduced a four-lane corridor to two lanes; * removed catch basins; * constructed new swale areas and upgraded existing ones; * constructed a sidewalk; and * relocated traffic signs for better visibility.

It also planted 50 trees and installed signage at the neighborhood’s entrance.

The project, which cost $60,284, was completed in January 1999. During its course, NCIP provided services including civil and traffic engineering, surveys, inspections, and structural and landscape support.

In addition to contributing to the South Middle River project, NCIP supported 16 other neighborhood improvement projects this year, awarding $266,000 in grants. Based on the program’s accomplishments, Fort Lauderdale is seeking to renew it for 1999-2000. According to the city, 27 neighborhoods have submitted applications for next year’s program.