July News
Summer is in full bloom at University District CDA. We are excited about our new pilot teen program for girls, Food for Thought. The girls have a voice in planning what life skills and career exploration topics they want to learn about, and every week they learn how to prepare a healthy snack or meal! We’re open to more enrollees for Food for Thought. Our seniors are busy exercising between three different fitness classes as well as enjoying hot lunches and several recreational activities. We’ve even added free van transportation services for seniors who need a lift getting to Gloria J. Parks Community Center.
On the housing side of our agency, we’ve got a lot to offer our community this summer. The Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency has awarded our agency over $700,000 to renovate the former Forbach’s Nursery on 993 Kensington Avenue into a multiple family apartment building with three separate three bedroom units. In July we will be offering home repair services for owner occupied houses through funds from the Federal Home Loan Bank.
Finally I am pleased to announce that we have hired Darren Cotton as our new Director of Community Development and Planning. Darren comes to us with lots of talent, a Masters in Urban Planning from U.B., and experience working at the University of Buffalo Research Institute. Darren’s current assignments are described in the Community News section of this newsletter. I expect our neighborhood will be hearing about more exciting news in the coming year as we seek to be a catalyst for more economic improvements and opportunities for the University District.