TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — Seeing less crime, safer streets, and new growth that's what we all want in our neighborhoods.
Tallahassee's Bond community is working with city leaders to make it a reality.
The first part of a multi-year project is set to kick off.
"We can bring value back to this neighborhood and we can increase our property value. We can attract others who will want to come and live over here. We can drive our streets and they're safe. That's my hope for this area," said Talethia Edwards.
Talethia Edwards has lived in the Bond neighborhood for twelve years. She's hoping the crime trend in the area will reverse.
"Right now we have a lot of loitering, we still have drug use. We have people hanging out, those transient people who don't live in the neighborhood but are bringing crime," said Edwards.
That's why she and others are collaborating with Tallahassee leaders to make the neighborhood safer for their families.
"Everybody wants a safe, healthy place to live; and of course, I want that, too," said Edwards.
That's the goal of the Greater Bond Neighborhood First Plan.
In December, the CRA board, which includes Tallahassee Commissioners, approved six million dollars to revitalize the neighborhood.
Two key elements kicking off the project are improvements to the neighborhood's Speed Spencer Stephens Park as well as creating a connection between the bond area and Wahnish Way on Tallahassee's southside.
"Connecting them to more trails, and amenities and more parks we think is going to be a really great benefit and added enhancement to this neighborhood," said
Ashley Edwards, Parks, Recreation & Neighborhood Affairs Director.
And while not all the plans have been finalized the CRA is using the first 500 thousand dollars to knock out the things that those living here are requesting.
"What I'm most excited about is the residential facade grant. That it going to be an immediate added value to the houses that are here," said Edwards.
"It'll cover things like painting, windows, shutters, repairs to porches and landscaping. So, all in all, it's an effort to help beautify the neighborhood," said Ashley Edwards.
With a focus on what neighbors here asked for beautification, new growth and neighborhood safety.
The pilot project will connect the Bond neighborhood down to the coast at the St. Marks Trail as well as to FAMU Way on the southside of Tallahassee.
City leaders say they're hoping to start construction this summer.
