Harlem Heights - Infrastructure

Between October 1, 1990 and September 30, 2001 a total of $3,476,144 has been spend within Harlem Heights for various project improvements. Of the total expenditures, 73.4% has been spent for capital infrastructure projects, 11.3% for affordable housing activities and 15.3% for public services.

The following is a brief description of completed projects: Sidewalk construction has resulted in the completion of 6,157 linear feet of sidewalks located along various streets within Harlem Heights. Sidewalks benefit area residents through improved pedestrian safety especially for school aged children. In addition, the sidewalks serve as a catalyst for improved community appearance and neighborhood pride as well as a stimulus for housing renovation within the affected areas. Storm water drainage facilities have been constructed in conjunction with sidewalks and in the area primarily north of Gladiolus Drive in order to improve storm water runoff within the area. Infrastructure improvements related to water, sanitary sewer, and street construction in Harlem Heights directly served approximately twenty-five (25) existing dwelling units. The project also provided access to vacant parcels, which were further, developed to provide approximately 25 to 30 additional lots for new affordable housing construction by Habitat For Humanity and the Lee County Housing Development Corporation. The street improvements and associated water, sanitary sewer, sidewalk and storm drainage improvements benefited the entire community and served as a basis for stabilizing the neighborhood for the development of decent housing and a suitable living environment principally for low and very low-income persons. The Gladiolus Drive Redevelopment Project in Harlem Heights is a cooperative effort between Habitat For Humanity and the Harlem Heights Improvement Association to redevelop a blighted commercial area located along Gladiolus Drive. A portion of the cost to purchase the site, which contained two outdated grocery stores and two bars, was provided through the County funded Neighborhood District Program. The result of this project will be to eliminate a substantial blighting influence within the community and establish a mutual plan of action and coordination between the Harlem Heights Improvement Association and Habitat For Humanity. An activity building was constructed in Harlem Heights in the County Park and adjacent to a ball field and other surrounding playground and recreational facilities. The building provides space for after school and summer organized recreational programs, small group neighborhood activities and rest room facilities for ball field, basketball, playground and other park users. The activity building benefits the community in general through expanded recreational programs and enables the existing recreational facilities to be better utilized through an organized approach to providing neighborhood recreational programs. Affordable housing activities within Harlem Heights resulted in acquisition of vacant land, clearing of title and site improvements for new single-family housing construction. The activities included rezoning and court action and occurred in areas primarily adjacent to infrastructure improvements completed during the previous fiscal years. The activities were designed to expand the amount of land available for affordable housing within the neighborhood. Public service activities within Harlem Heights facilitate the Neighborhood Building Program and include planning for the delivery of social services within the neighborhood. An independent contractor provided assistance to the Harlem Heights Neighborhood Improvement Association in fulfilling their role as a 501 (c) (3) organization and in negotiations with Habitat For Humanity, the Harlem Heights Foundation and other coordinating activities in regard to the Gladiolus Drive Redevelopment Project. The benefit derived from these activities is the transition of the Harlem Heights Improvement Association from a limited role in the neighborhood involvement to a major role in community leadership.

Community Calendar    Community News/ Photos
Demographics    Infrastructure    Map    Social Progress

©2005 Lee County Official Website
County Government Information: (239) 533-2737
www.lee-county.com

home