So what? What real difference
have we made for the people who live and work
here?
Consider the following:
Our first house in this
community appraised for $70,000. Today, our
homes are appraising at $130,000 and above.
The increase of nearly forty-three percent has
resulted in higher property values for homeowners
near our projects and for the community as a
whole. Imagine if every house in our community
increased in value by $30,000–the collective
home value in our community would be over $70
million more than it is today! Imagine what
that would do for residents of this community,
not to mention the City
of Jacksonville.
When we first began
our work here, no comprehensive plan governed
the development of this community. By working
with the City of Jacksonville, we have facilitated
the adoption of a Neighborhood Action Plan that
has made our community a priority for future
public investment. Over the last 8 years
alone, we have secured commitments for over
$1.5 million in public investment. We have leveraged that with over 6 million in private funding
Most import, however,
is the way that community pride has grown. Just
look at what we have done to transform individual
properties in our neighborhood.
The North Point Town Center (at the intersection of Myrtle
Avenue at Moncrief Road) is intended to be a 10,000 square foot retail /office
building that affords jobs and services in a low to moderate community. It will replace an overgrown/
vacant/abandoned property with a modern green/ Earth friendly structure. 50% of the building is currently planned as
office space with the remaining being used for a host of other potential users,
including a credit union.
Grand Park Manor is intended to be a 19
unit subdivision that will begin the community transformation on the western
periphery of our boundaries. We plan for an attractive
mix of split-level models, ranch, style homes, and houses with garages, all
with prices affordable to working families. Grand Park
Manor will transform one of the most visible corners of our community from
vacant overgrown land to a small, close-knit community for new homeowners.
NJCDC
will continue to develop in-fill homes throughout the community,