ROME, GA – Listening and Learning.

That’s the first step in the Choice Neighborhoods Initiative revitalization project for East Rome — and it will directly involve those people living in the area, two paid ambassadors and local area youth.

“We’d love to be able to hire one John Graham Homes resident and one resident of larger East Rome as part of our team,” Adam Rosa, of the Chicago-based urban planning firm Camiros, told Rome city commissioners Monday night.

Continue to read the article from the Rome News-Tribune here

ROME, GA – In September 2019, the Northwest Georgia Housing Authority in partnership with the City of Rome was one of four applicants to receive $1,250,000 in Choice Neighborhood Planning Grants.

At the end of 2019 during the Holidays, Camiros was selected as the Planning Coordinator to lead this planning effort. The grant will be used to create a plan that seeks to transform the greater Maple Avenue corridor neighborhood into one of choice.

For more information, please read this article from the Rome News-Tribune from September 2019 that first reported Rome’s historic award.

HUNTINGTON, WV — A development firm is being sought for several projects within Huntington’s Fairfield neighborhood, the first of which could bring a highly requested grocery store as well as apartments to the former Northcott Court property.

The projects are part of a draft Fairfield Innovation Plan, which is described as a road map to revitalization of the former Northcott Court property and the enhancement of the surrounding neighborhood. The projects, to be completed in three phases, would help re-establish Fairfield as a “vibrant and resilient community of opportunity and choice,” according to the plan.

Read more from the Herald-Dispatch

HUNTSVILLE, AL – The announcement didn’t come gradually or with the drama that accompanied the rollout of the top four teams participating in the college football playoff, but for the city’s civic leaders the news was just as exciting and filled with suspense for the future.

Huntsville is one of four cities nationwide to receive a Choice Neighborhood Planning grant. The Rocket City joined Rome, Ga.; Trenton, N.J.; and Omaha, Neb.; in receiving the award.

The cities were notified in September and Huntsville officials unveiled plans Thursday on how the $1.3 million grant will be used.

“We’ll renovate west of downtown and around Butler Terrace,’’ said Scott Erwin, the city interim director of community development.

Plans call for new affordable housing, commercial opportunities and entertainment options.

Erwin said the blueprints are designed to renovate “distressed public housing’’ and improve blight in a one-mile radius around Butler Terrace, which was built in the early 1950s. The area is from Bob Wallace and Memorial Parkway west to Triana Boulevard and I-565.

Read more at Huntsville Business Journal