It's been one year since Covington began implementing its Third Century Strategic Plan, and they're inviting the public to help celebrate their accomplishments.
This Saturday from 8:30 AM to noon at Drees Pavilion in Devou Park, long-time and new citizens will find out what's been working and can give input into new opportunities.
"Implementation has been going quite well," says Rachel Hastings, director of neighborhood housing initiatives for the Center for Great Neighborhoods of Covington. "One of the reasons implementation has been successful is that the planning process focused for the most part on achievable, resident-driven outcomes. Early on, each of the groups focused on some small winnable project so that we could keep momentum going."
Hastings says that the plan’s eight Action Teams have already made a difference through:
- A parking and traffic study of downtown Covington
- 10 new entertainment/retail venues downtown
- A "Paint the Town" project that painted 47 homes
- A new foreclosure prevention program, "Protect My Kentucky Home"
- An increase in the number of mentors for Covington students
- The new Covington Artisan’s Enterprise Center, a focal point for the Covington Arts District
- Funding from the State to cover cost of installing underground utilities along 12th Street as it is widened
Hastings says that the event is open to everyone.
"Everyone is welcome to attend – anyone who lives, works, or plays here in Covington – anyone who cares about the future of our fair city," she says. "The celebration may be especially informative to folks who maybe participated in some of the planning process last year but have lost touch during implementation. Also, folks who are new to town but want to see where the city is headed will enjoy meeting neighbors and finding out about all of the positive things happening in Covington."
Writer: Kevin LeMaster
Source: Rachel Hastings, director of neighborhood housing initiatives, Center for Great Neighborhoods of Covington
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