In an effort to update community leaders on recent progress made through programs and services in the Southwest area, as well as learn about the latest needs and concerns in the neighborhood, Councilman Jimmie L. Williams, III held a Southwest Roundtable in which pastors and other community leaders were in attendance.
“The purpose of this discussion was to gather the leaders from our community so that we can come together as one voice and provide leadership and progress in our Southwest community,” said Councilman Williams, Chair of the South West Advisory Committee.
A number of pastors from various churches in Homestead’s Southwest area were in attendance. Also present were Homestead Chief of Police AL Rolle, Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Assistant Executive Director Elizabeth Mangual and other members of city staff who along with the pastors and Councilman Williams discussed grants, programs and services that are available for residents and businesses in the Southwest.
In the past two years, the CRA has awarded to Southwest residents over $180,000 in residential grants for home and façade renovations, landscaping, and emergency repair. In commercial grants, the CRA awarded $175,000 to various businesses located in Homestead’s Southwest. Additionally, a $1.5 million streetscape and park improvement project is planned to start this fall in the area.
“I organized this roundtable so we could discuss our progress but also brainstorm about ideas as to how we can collaborate to bring down crime and clean up our community so we can keep on moving forward,’ said Councilman Williams. “We want to form a cohesive group with the goal of creating a happy, healthy and safe community.” stated Councilman Williams
