Planning begins for new Covington Neighborhood Summit

Covington's 19 neighborhood associations and roughly 2,000 members have been growing and expanding their reach over recent years.  The groups have been collaborating to make the best use of limited funds that they receive for their neighborhoods.  Rachel Hastings, director of Neighborhood and Housing Initiatives with the Center for Great Neighborhoods, says that more can be done though.

"Folks from all over Covington are looking for ways to come together, celebrate successes, and learn from one another," said Hastings.  The Covington Neighborhood Summit intends to do just that and perhaps a little more.

Early successes from the neighborhood associations include the Covington Resident Handbook that is used heavily by realtors and produces about 10,000 copies every two years.  Their somewhat regular meetings have also led to the cross-pollination of ideas among different neighborhood associations.

"Neighborhood associations will be able to learn how to get new members, learn new leadership practices, and how to make the best use of scarce resources," said Hastings about the opportunities that will be available at the upcoming summit.

The Summit is currently in the planning stages, but is scheduled to take place in mid-January 2010 at the old St. Elizabeth North building.  The first planning meeting is taking place today at 5:30pm with more to come down the road.

"We hope to create a social gathering that is a lot of fun," said Hastings.  "It's all about fostering that great community spirit that exists here in Covington."

Hastings notes that a Facebook Page is currently being developed and that event organizers are working with the Covington Youth Commission to get young people involved in the Summit.  Expected to last about five to six hours, the Summit will be flexible for a variety of work schedules and encourage people to come and go as they are able.

To learn more about the Summit, or to learn how you can get involved with the planning process, contact Rachel Hastings at the Center for Great Neighborhoods at (859) 866-7527.

Writer: Randy A. Simes
Photography by Scott Beseler
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