The Levesque Institute at Niagara University has recently established the Niagara Falls Neighborhood Evaluation Committee, which will be dedicated to examining housing market conditions in the midtown area of the city. This committee aims to bring together various organizations that are influential in driving positive change in housing and neighborhood redevelopment.
The founding members of this committee include Niagara Falls Community Development, Niagara Orleans Regional Land Improvement Corp. (NORLIC), Niagara Area Habitat for Humanity, Local Initiatives Support Corp. (LISC), and Niagara University. By collaborating, these organizations hope to collect valuable data that will assist in future development initiatives and policies that aim to revitalize the neighborhood.
Gina Beam, executive director of Niagara Area Habitat for Humanity, emphasizes the importance of collective effort in neighborhood revitalization. She believes that progress in affordable housing and community building can be achieved through the work of this committee. One of the initial steps involves conducting assessments to stabilize neighborhoods. Niagara Area Habitat for Humanity is committed to building and rehabilitating homes to ensure safety and affordability for the residents of Niagara Falls.
LaBella Associates has been awarded the contract to provide critical services for the study. These services will include data collection using GIS mapping and street-level assessments, analysis, community engagement activities, and the establishment of a data management system. Kevin Forma, the director of planning & environmental for the city, expresses the significance of gathering data to assess the health of the housing stock in Niagara Falls. This information will help direct resources towards stabilizing and revitalizing the community.
The study will allow NORLIC to focus its efforts on areas of housing distress within the city. Funding for this evaluation has been provided by Local Initiatives Support Corp. (LISC). Tyra Johnson Hux, WNY operations director of LISC NY, states that understanding the needs of underserved communities is crucial for uplifting them. LISC NY is proud to support the Niagara Falls Evaluation Committee and contribute to the betterment of the community.
For further information about the committee or assessment, contact Karen Kwandrans at 716-286-8559.
Sources:
– The Levesque Institute at Niagara University
– Niagara Falls Community Development
– Niagara Orleans Regional Land Improvement Corp. (NORLIC)
– Niagara Area Habitat for Humanity
– Local Initiatives Support Corp. (LISC)
– LaBella Associates
Definitions:
– GIS (Geographic Information System): A system designed to collect, analyze, and present geographic data.
– Data Management System: A software platform that enables the storage, management, and retrieval of data.