Return to archives page, or What's New page, or

HUD GRANT TERMS AND CONDITIONS SIGNED

   The "terms and conditions" governing the implementation of the Partnership Agreement between the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Forest park Southeast neighborhood, the City of St. Louis, and Washington University was signed March 19, 1996, and made effective February 2, 1996. The agreement provides for the establishment of a new neighborhood center for revitalization. Working closely with community based organizations in the FPSE neighborhood, the City and the member institutions of the Washington university Medical Center have pledged major funds and resources to more than match HUD's grant of $2.4 million over five years.

   Numerous meetings with neighborhood organizations led to the final choice of activities necessary for successful revitalization in Forest Park Southeast. Based on these, the Agreement with HUD includes five primary goals:

Maximize home ownership while improving the neighborhood housing stock as feasible.
  We intend to preserve the current resident mix while substantially increasing the number of homeowners and the supply of suitable ownership units. We will help current residents interested in home ownership qualify for home loans so they can move from rental units to ownership. Another priority is assisting current homeowners with needed repairs and upgrading. Individuals with low and moderate incomes are the primary focus of this goal.

Strengthen rental housing in quality and management.
   Neighborhood landlords will be offered professional assistance in managing and marketing their properties, as well as financial assistance to improve them.

Increase neighborhood security.
   We will offer the ability to greatly enhance residents' awareness, organization and communication on their residential blocks and will supplement current police activity in a variety of ways.

Improve residents' quality of life through enhanced social and medical services.
   With assistance form the George Warren Brown School of Social Work at Washington University and support form any funds the FPSE neighborhood and University may raise, we will build upon and expand the positive network of social and medical serves already existing in the neighborhood. Employment training and opportunities are included in this goal.

Improve the physical condition of the neighborhood.
  The focus will be improvement of the streets, curbs, sidewalks, lighting, landscaping and beautification of public spaces, funded under City General Revenue at the request of the alderman from the 17th Ward.
   Implementation began in the early months of 1996, with the formation and concentrated planning efforts of a Community Advisory Group Composed of leaders form all geographical and organizational sectors of Forest Park Southeast.

Return to archives page, or What's New page, or

FPSE Community Council home.