TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) – Major improvements are coming to the Greater Bond Community in Tallahassee after a 6.4 million dollar project was approved Thursday.
New life is coming to a neighborhood with residents who have been fighting to see it transform.
"This conversation is not just about infrastructure and building up it's about equity. Tallahassee is a city divided, where we know one side of the city has something the other side hasn't," said President of Bond Neighborhood Association Talethia Edwards.
The CRA is investing in The Bond Community, on the south side of Tallahassee, for the first time.
Commissioner Curtis Richardson said crime in this area was a catalyst for the three-year project.
"Crime had hit an all time high in the Bond Community. It's one of our areas where this is the most criminal activity. But yet, we've done some things already focusing on that neighborhood," said Commissioner Richardson.
The project is called the Greater Bond Neighbored First Plan.
The project was actually created by people who live in this neighborhood and say they want to see changes made for themselves, their children and future generations.
It has four areas of focus: beautification, economic development, land use and crime prevention.
"Lots of activity will be going on over the next several years to transform those neighborhoods that have been neglected for years in our community," said Commissioner Richardson.
In Thursday's meeting, city commissioners unanimously voted to approve $500,000 to start initial phases of the plans.
Commissioner Richardson said the Frenchtown neighborhood plans to request funding from the CRA early next year.
The CRA is also working with the Providence and South City neighborhoods.
