The National Association of Redevelopment and Housing Officials will recognize the city of Phoenix Neighborhood Services Department as a 2004 National Award-of-Merit winner at their annual conference in Detroit, Michigan this summer for its redevelopment accomplishments achieved in the New North Town-Village Center Neighborhood Initiative Area.

The award represents the culmination of numerous projects and economic activities, including the beautifully designed 115,000 square foot Sunnyslope Village Shopping Center, three publicly assisted and three privately financed in-fill developments, two renovation projects, public art and comprehensive streetscape improvements to Central Avenue.

The success of the area is directly attributed to a close partnership between neighborhood residents, the local business community, Sunnyslope Village Revitalization, Inc., and the city. Many city departments, in addition to Neighborhood Services, have contributed to the revitalization of the area. The Neighborhood Services Department shares this award with Street Transportation Department and the Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture.

The revitalization efforts and activities represent a public investment of $2.4 million that leveraged over $15 million in private funds and created more than 150 jobs.

The New North Town Village Center Neighborhood Initiative Area is one of five areas in the city designated as a Neighborhood Initiative Area (NIA). The NIA program focuses city resources in targeted areas for neighborhood revitalization. These resources include code enforcement, blight abatement, housing development, economic development, infrastructure improvements, and training and social programs.

For information about the NIA program, contact the department at 602-525-0474 or log on to www.phoenix.gov/NSD.