Date of release: September 8, 2021
Moving Forward on Neighborhood Redevelopment and Economic Development
Recently, Mayor George Bray and Commissioner Raynarldo Henderson met with the City Manager’s office and several City staff to recap the Southside Rise & Shine Neighborhood Spruce Up initiative and determine next steps in the redevelopment plans. During June and July, the Southside region of neighborhoods was the focus for beautification and community engagement with enhanced city services, neighbor-to-neighbor assistance, and Sunday celebrations.
Mayor George Bray said, “The volunteerism and dedication to this community that I witnessed from so many people embody the spirit of Paducah. I’m humbled by the resounding positive feedback from the neighborhoods and citizens throughout the entire Paducah community and recognize that our combined efforts were critical to Rise & Shine’s success. Now, the hard work of determining our next steps with the redevelopment of the Southside begins.”
Importance of Partnerships: In addition to the support by the residents and businesses, 12 partner organizations assisted through hosting the Sunday celebrations, collecting litter, or providing food and resources. The City sincerely thanks each organization that played a part in the success of Southside Rise & Shine: Bob’s Drive-In Restaurant, Calvary Baptist Church, CFSB, Church of the Living God, Grace Baptist Church, Housing Authority of Paducah, Lotus, Lowe’s Store #2460, McCracken County Cooperative Extension Service, McCracken County Public Library, Ninth Street Church of Christ, and Strengthening Families & Communities.
By the Numbers: A few of the statistics from Southside Rise & Shine are as follows:
- 104 volunteers provided 788 hours of service – an investment of more than $14,000.
- 815 City staff hours were dedicated to the initiative – an investment of approximately $28,000
- 130 tons of garbage were collected – disposal fees totaling $5850
- 60 large dumpsters were emptied – hauling fees totaling $8100
- 1032 tires collected – disposal fees totaling nearly $3000
The total investment in the Southside Rise & Shine initiative is an estimated $60,000. The City will continue to invest in the Southside region of neighborhoods as this is one of the City Commission’s priorities.
Next Steps: The City is exploring two paths forward to enhance this important area of Paducah.
- Economic Development – The economic development path focuses on looking for federal funding to assist with environmental assessments. Also, a focus will be reaching out to developers to explore the Southside’s potential.
- Neighborhood Redevelopment – This path includes working with neighborhoods to create identity through avenues such as signage, public art, and historical markers. Plus, the neighborhood redevelopment path will focus on increasing the volume of safe affordable housing.
Mayor Bray added, “Revitalizing the Southside region of neighborhoods is a long-term commitment by the City and community. Change does not happen overnight, but we can make incremental advancements that will set up the Southside and all of Paducah for success.”
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