FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Karen Hawes, Lee County Human Services
              (239) 652-7930

NEIGHBORHOOD BUILDING UPDATES

Fort Myers, FL (April 8, 2004) Lee County Human Services coordinates the Neighborhood Building Program, which attempts to improve specified neighborhood districts by developing effective, cost efficient, holistic neighborhood revitalization strategies designed to provide decent, affordable housing, a suitable living environment and expanded economic opportunities. Below is a current status of projects:

Charleston Park

• An off-street parking lot and multi-purpose recreational structure to be located in the County Park adjacent to the Community Center have been bid. Construction contract is scheduled to be awarded by April, 2004.

• Proposed sidewalk and storm drainage contracts have been awarded. Construction is scheduled to be completed by Summer, 2004.

• The Boys & Girls Club received a 30-passenger van in February for club use. A drama club has also been formed.

• Dottie Conner is the new Bookmobile representative for Charleston Park.

• Charleston Park Day is scheduled for Saturday, April 24. Victory March will begin at 10:00 a.m.

• Participation in Keep Lee County Beautiful will take place on Saturday, April 17.

Dunbar

• The FY 03/04 sidewalk and storm water drainage project is under construction along portions of Dora and South Streets. Construction is scheduled to be completed by April, 2004.

Page Park

• The FY 03/04 sidewalk and storm water drainage construction project has been awarded. Construction is scheduled for portions of South and Center Roads.

• Construction contracts for a covered patio area, small storage building, roof repairs and septic system improvements for the Community Club Building located along Center Road have been awarded. Construction is scheduled to begin April, 2004.

Harlem Heights

• Plans for the construction of a community center on a parcel of donated land along Hagie Drive are in the initial stages of development.

• Proposed sidewalk and storm drainage contracts have been awarded. Construction is scheduled to be completed by Summer, 2004.

• The Annual Harlem Heights Festival is scheduled for Saturday, May 1.

Pine Manor

• Proposed sidewalk and storm drainage contracts have been awarded. Construction is scheduled to be completed by Summer, 2004.

• Renovation of an existing structure to be used for a community center along with related site improvements has been completed. Grand Opening was held January 17, 2004.

• Two vacant lots are in the process of being acquired subject to special approval and inclusion in the existing community center site.

• Participation in the Keep Lee County Beautiful Trash Bash is scheduled for Saturday, April 17.

Suncoast Estates

• Proposed neighborhood improvement projects include the installation of seven bus shelters and acquisition of a site for a community center.

Palmona Park

• Plans for drainage improvements along designated streets have been finalized. Construction of the project is to begin by April, 2004.

• Construction of five bus shelters along existing Lee Tran routes has been approved.

In General………..

• Neighborhood newsletters and event photos are available on Human Services' web site. Go to http://dhs.lee-county.com and from the Neighborhood Building header follow the link to Neighborhood Districts. Placing your cursor on each neighborhood at the top of the page will open up a link to Community News/Photos.