UpCounty FNA Program

About the Program

Category: Community and Economic Development (Best in Category)

Year: 2014

Montgomery County’s DHCA Focused Neighborhood Assistance Program (FNA) conducted a countywide, data-driven analysis to identify residential neighborhoods requiring assistance. The program is based on the belief that strong, well-maintained neighborhoods are critical for overall community well-being. Cinnamon Woods (renamed Germantown Park) was selected for targeted reinvestment and comprised the focus neighborhood of the UpCounty FNA Program. The community of 684 attached quadruplex homes was negatively impacted by the economy, which seriously challenged the Home Owners’ Association (HOA) and residents’ ability to maintain their community. Upon initial assessments and ongoing communication with the HOA, four projects were implemented. Project #1, The Exterior Home Improvement Project provided exterior home improvements for 122 CDBG income-eligible homes which contributed to the visual transformation of the community. Project #2, The Public Space Lighting Improvement Project, replaced 70-watt low-functioning sodium pressure street lights with energy efficient LED luminaries and one new electrical service unit. Project #3, The “Green Club and After School,” programs provided enrichment opportunities for neighborhood youth. And, Project #4, The Replacement Reserve Study provided a tool for future sustainability of the community. The projects is public/private community investments that transformed the community image, improved energy efficiency, engaged the community, and improved community safety.