Recap: January 31 Strategic Advisory Group Meeting
Core topic: Emerging Goals and Strategies – Neighborhood and People
Present: Rhae Parkes (EJP), Kathy Carton (EJP), Michael Kimmey (LRK), Wendy Wheller (Purpose Built Communities), Clay Rivers (Washington Shores NA), Stephanie Neves (City of Orlando), Sandy Hostetter (Lift Orlando), Natalie Lovero (Lift Orlando), Keyania Johnson (Lift Orlando), Sherry Magee (KPMG), Bettye Williams (Lake Mann Estates NA), Bernadette Davis (Lake Lorna Doone NA), Timothy Ayers (West Lakes Partnership), Tangia Smikle (Lake Lorna Doone Neighborhood), Vivian Bryant (Orlando Housing Authority), Dr. Bridget Williams (Orange County Public Schools), Eligio Santana (Lake Mann Homes Representative), Cecelia Davis (Lorna Doone Apartments Representative) Joe DeJesus (Orlando Housing Authority), Bertha Smith (Orlando Housing Authority), Gloria Hall (Lorna Doone Apartments Representative), Katie Douglas (Lorna Doone Apartments RA President)
Sherry Magee opened the meeting and asked EJP their opinion on the expected changes due to the new administration and they expect certain items in the NOFO to change that give points for racial equity and environmental justice would be eliminated (that it was during the 2016-2020 administration). They have seen a draft budget from HUD and there is funding for Choice which makes them hopeful that the program will continue.
Rhae Parkes, introduced the Emerging Strategies document which contains the People and Neighborhood strategies and explained that the Housing Strategies document is still being drafted.
Kathy Carton and Michael Kimmey reviewed the strategies (see the attached document) and the following are points of feedback and comments from the group:
There was a request to define the term “road diet” which was explained to be a planning term referring to making changes that help to slow down the traffic on a street such as reducing the number of lanes and adding green space.
On Goal 2.4 to “Create a safe and connected community” Items (B) & (C) were big concerns for residents – B. Ensure that street frontage of industrial properties are attractive and does not cause any nuisance to residential properties. C. Address proliferator of illegal Airbnb and/or rooming houses.
Streetlights are needed, especially in the neighborhood surrounding the stadium. And members agreed that there is a need to be more pedestrian friendly.
There was also a lot of interest in a satellite location at Lake Mann Homes as 3.4 A iii. Work with Boys and Girls Club to maximize the number of Lake Mann Homes parents that engage in programming they are developing for parents. Emergency childcare assistance – used example of woman dying and leaving four children with elderly grandparents.
Potentially partnering with CTE and GED program and housing it onsite at Lake Mann Homes to encourage technical certifications, encouraging completion of studies and the potential for residents to earn more income.
A committee member asked how formal the partnerships need to be to submit the plan. Partnership letters are not necessary for the final Transformation Plan, however we do want to identify actual partners before September and how they can be funded. Partners will be required to submit a formal commitment letter when we apply for the Implementation grant.
Lift assuring all early learning centers are following standard curriculum, giving center tools – an opportunity for expansion is critical. Informed residents there are 19 centers under the umbrella so far.
There was a question about why there was no mention of the West Lakes Partnership in the plan and an expressed concern that the black history would be erased. The planning team clarified that these are only the Neighborhood and People Strategies and they are future oriented. In the draft plan there will be a section devoted to “Community Context” – which is a layout of the work done to date in the community, spotlighting West Lakes Partnership and others. West Lakes Partnership will also be listed as a partner in the Housing strategies that are still being drafted.
Lighting at Lake Lorna Doone has been an ongoing need.
Lighting in field across from The Heart / Jones High School – local league South Central Tigers practice in the field with parents’ car headlight to light the area.
Darkness on Carter Street is a major concern.
One member expressed that there was work proposed in the community without asking residents and they are sometimes informed about projects happening but their opinions aren’t considered.
Other members agree that residents sometimes feel their voices are not being heard and that they have been clear about the needs in their community but it seems like they are often told it can’t be done or other parties are blamed for the inability to fix it.
Preservation of History – buildings built before 1950’s are being destroyed.
Demolition of Lake Mann Homes / Lorna Doone Housing, there is a requirement to memorialize the properties, and this could be an opportunity for the mural project for the Early Action Activity.
Upcoming Meetings: Lift Orlando Community Meeting on 2/26 at the Heart
Choice Community meeting Draft Plan Presentation – Date and Location TBD (late April). There will be a big communications effort and outreach to the community to make sure everyone is aware of this meeting.
Talks of arranging a virtual or in-person meeting for SAG to review what’s being presented in April to the community.
Neighborhood Association presidents need to be added to meeting invites and approached one on one to share with their neighborhoods about the Choice meetings.