City-funded projects to aid neighborhoods

The Las Vegas City Council today was to hear a report on 14 city-funded projects designed to improve the quality of life in the city under the Neighborhood Partners Fund program.

The newly created program established by the Neighborhood Services Department helps associations initiate projects and programs that benefit their neighborhoods.

Each eligible neighborhood association receives a grant of up to $5,000 for its project and is expected to match the amount of the grant with in-kind donations and volunteer labor.

"All we ask in return is a little of their time and their commitment for the project," said Councilman Gary Reese, who was behind the move to create Neighborhood Services two years ago.

The grant program is the first in Nevada, according to Lucie Melcert, spokeswoman for Neighborhood Services.

Already six of the 14 projects have been initiated, including one in eastern Las Vegas that allows senior citizens to learn more about technology and the Internet in a new computer lab.

"It really has helped bridge the gap between the generations," said Jerry Kosbab, who runs the Arthur McCants Manor neighborhood computer lab, which received a grant.

A project in the northwest is teaching residents about water conservation through the installation of desert landscaping.

archive