A Message from Strong Neighborhoods Initiative

Dear Friends of Strong Neighborhoods, Welcome to the renewed Strong Neighborhoods website. The neighborhoods have been busy this last year building parks, reconstructing streets, rehabilitating housing, conducting cleanups and many, many other projects. However, you would not have known that looking at the website. The site was outdated, with broken links, old information, and a homepage with no useful information. Allow me to introduce to you the new Strong Neighborhoods website, which we hope you will find useful, interesting and current. As with everything on the web these days this is meant to be a work in progress. We welcome your suggestions and feedback. In community spirit, Laura Lam Strong Neighborhoods Initiative Manager

Highlighted Projects

Starbird Youth Center - Blackford Strong Neighborhood

			The new 3,840-square foot Starbird Youth Center replaces the former youth center at Starbird Park and offers more recreational and classroom space for youth programs.  The features of the center include: a computer room, a lounge, a game room, kitchen area and a classroom.  The Center’s design meets green building standards with its recycled materials composite, natural lighting features, and energy efficient heating and cooling system.  The Starbird Youth Center project was identified as the number 2 priority by the Blackford Strong Neighborhood Advisory Committee (NAC) in the Blackford Neighborhood Improvement Plan approved by City Council in 2002. This was a priority for the neighborhood because recreational spaces in the Blackford neighborhood were limited and youth and teens in the area needed places to enjoy after-school and summer recreation programs.  The Starbird Youth Center provides more space for youth, community activities, and programs.  It also enhances Starbird Park with additional recreational opportunities for park users and surrounding communities.  The project began in March of 2006 and was completed in April of 2007.

Washington School Turf Improvements - Washington Strong Neighborhood

	The Washington School Turf improvement project was identified as the number five priority of the Washington Strong Neighborhood plan in 2001 and the Neighborhood Revitalization Plan in 1998.  The joint project, between the San José Unified School District and the City of San José, is a revitalization effort to improve the school’s existing playgrounds as well as create more recreational opportunities for elementary students and families in surrounding downtown neighborhoods during non-school hours. The new 54,028 square feet of synthetic turf replaces an old playing field and irrigation system, saving approximately 1 million gallons of water per year.  The project utilizes recycled material made from 19,162 car tires.  A below ground drainage system is designed to prevent water collection on the turf surface and allows for year-round use.  A ribbon cutting ceremony and celebration was held at the new school playground on March 7, 2007.

Meetings / Events/Employment