THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. As long as you are remembered you will remain in our hearts forever....

The war may be forgotten but the warrior will always be remembered. All gave Some-Some gave All. Rest in peace Sky Soldier.

I was with Bill when he died RIP, Airborne All the Way!

SORRY...POSTED WRONG MESSAGE FIRST TIME
On behalf of all the paratroopers who served with you in the 173rd Airborne Brigade (Separate) and all who followed, we offer our respect and remembrance of your ultimate sacrifice. May you never be forgotten and your family and friends take comfort in your valor in serving.

Mike Switzer
13 hrs
SUMMARY OF WEST TAMPA COMMUNITY MEETING:
Sheila and I attended this afternoon at the Library...and this time there was useful content from 4 sources
***Michael Randolph of the WT Community Development Corp gave an overview of Census Tract 45 demographics (South of Columbus): 4317 population, average age 18, only 54% with HS/GED diploma and 45% below poverty level before N Boulevard Apts were vacated. Also described several successful community initiatives around the country and urged unified efforts.
*****Leroy Moore of the Tampa Housing Authority gave update on the West River "Renaissance." Final demolitions now underway. Construction of 1st "Renaissance" senior high-rise fully funded and planned to start in 3 months, then Bethune building to be renovated. Funding already secured for 4 more low income units with parking garages along Main Street with commercial and office lots to be sold/rented on S side of Main. All schools remain in place but sports fields to be relocated near Boulevard, and city to develop its property where truck yard was A total of 824 units are being vacated/demolished/renovated and replaced by 1200 affordable units, plus up to 200 more market-based privately owned and developed. 2 Large 8-13 story units on the river near Boulevard and a river trail up to Ricks. No change for Columbus Arms & West River Flats. The health/service center will be dispersed in other buildings, and a large run-off pond will be near the sports fields and on DOT property by interstate. Also having to deal with water pollution from former dry cleaning plant on south border. Interstate expressway may create an interchange at boulevard and increased traffic may require a light at Rome & Columbus.
--Good handouts and graphics were provided and I will post the URL when available online.
*****Chloe Coney from NEXT described the DOT process of assessing community needs and interests regarding an expressway and other transportation issues, including bus, rail and even ferries. Will hold more community forums. Secretary of DOT is coming to next CRA meeting in July.
****Joe Robinson of the WT Community Redevelopment Advisory board described it got approved as serving a "Slum and crime" blighted area from Columbus to Kennedy and the River to Armenia, excluding U of Tampa. The CRA gets any increased tax revenues from the area to use for community improvement, per a 5 year plan that has yet to be approved.
As of October it will have received nearly $3 million and so far has approved only replacement of the mural at Salcines Park at the corner of Main and Howard, and a possible cultural festival in the Fall. Next meeting is 4th Tuesday of July. (I will try to attend again)
*******Drew Ware of the Tampa Black Business Investment Board described a grant it has to assist new and existing businesses to start, plan, get financing and grow. Anyone one can apply and aid is not limited to black applicants. Can help with business plan, needs assessment and micro-loans.