83 RD GRAND CHAPTER MEETING: LEGACY SERVICE PROJECT
behind the declining neighborhoods. In addition, many local businesses closed creating an abundance of vacant com- mercial space in the community. Lim- ited commercial diversity and declining employment opportunities took a major toll on the local economy. Due to a lack of investment, many commercial properties fell into disrepair- creating a greater sense of blight within the community. Despite the poor public perception, the community remains a vital part of Orange County as one of its most cultural diverse areas. Pine Hills also has many neighborhoods with large lot sizes and a stable housing stock. In 2001, the Board of County Commission-
ers designated Pine Hills as one of nine Safe Neighborhoods. As a designated area, Pine Hills received assistance with crime prevention, code enforcement and neighborhood improvements. In 2004, the Pine Hills Community Council, Inc. and Orange County Government com- missioned the Pine Hills Land Analysis and Strategic Plan. The Plan outlined existing land use and socioeconomic patterns and set forth a vision for revital- izing the community. In October 2009, the Orange County Board of Commis- sioners created the Pine Hills Business Redevelopment Task Force to build upon the 2004 efforts. The Task Force released its report in November 2010. The Neighborhood Economic Develop-
ment and Market Analysis of the Pine Hills Area identified key elements for successful redevelopment of the Pine Hills community. Through various county programs and departments, the leadership is actively working to invest in new infrastructure, encouraging property owners to invest in their own properties by remodeling exist- ing structures and improving landscap- ing or redeveloping those property into a traditional business district. With annual reports on the Pine Hills Neighborhood Improvement District documenting the revitalization in prog- ress year over year, the local chapters felt is was important to contribute to the
Publishing achievement for more than 100 years
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