Mid City Times

City Council has chosen the Seminary and Worth Heights neighborhoods to receive a share of an $8 million Neighborhood Improvement Program allocation in 2024. This is the first time that two neighborhoods have been selected for improvements under the program, which was implemented in 2017. The Neighborhood Improvement Program, led by the City of Fort Worth's Neighborhood Services Department, aims to enhance public safety and improve the quality of life in underserved communities.

The selection of these neighborhoods was based on three key categories, and previous program tracts were deemed ineligible for repeat selections. The City Council approved doubling the program's funding from $4 million to $8 million for 2024, with the funds to be split between Seminary and Worth Heights.

Seminary, located in Council District 9, is bordered by James Avenue on the west, West Seminary Drive and West Felix Street on the north, I-35W on the east, and I-20 and Greenbriar Park on the south. District 9 Councilmember Elizabeth Beck expressed her excitement about the selection, stating, "Improvements to infrastructure, neighborhood resources, and safety are vital to revitalizing communities, and these areas are deserving of the funds. I look forward to working with residents in investing in meaningful change to the area."

Worth Heights, situated in Council District 11, is a rectangular-shaped tract bounded by Hemphill Street on the west, West Biddison Street on the north, I-35W on the east, and West Seminary Drive on the south. District 11 Councilmember Jeanette Martinez also welcomed the news, saying, "Not only will this program funding help improve infrastructure within the community, it will also bring in positive development and an awareness of City services that will benefit generations to come."

While the Neighborhood Services Department coordinates the program, it is community-driven, and feedback from local residents and business owners in the target area is crucial to its success. Various city departments, including Code Compliance, Park & Recreation, and Transportation & Public Works, play important roles in making neighborhood improvements.

Community outreach in the Seminary and Worth Heights neighborhoods will commence in January, with the goal of utilizing the allocated resources within two years. The previous seven Neighborhood Improvement areas in Fort Worth include Historic Marine, Las Vegas Trail, Como, Rosemont, Northside, Ash Crescent, and Stop Six.

With the selection of Seminary and Worth Heights, the Neighborhood Improvement Program continues to make significant strides in enhancing communities and improving the lives of residents.

To learn more, click on this link: https://www.fortworthtexas.gov/news/2023/12/neighborhood-improvement