Rubonia residents participate in developing Neighborhood Action Plan
RUBONIA -- Without access to a computer at home, Barry Murray came to the Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church to fill out a Rubonia census survey Thursday.
"I wouldn't have been able to fill it out," the Rubonia resident said. "I need to do it."
On Thursday, Manatee County officials and Rubonia Community Association members helped residents fill out the survey, which is a component of the development of a neighborhood action plan, which could determine Rubonia meets the state definition of a blighted area.
"This survey is part of the process as well as an assessment of the area," said Debbie Deleon, county neighborhood services coordinator. "If they don't provide the information, then how can we show that the area meets eligibility to be considered for federal funds? It's huge on the community.
The community association has stepped up."
As of Thursday, about 90 Rubonia residents have filled out the survey.
Wade Trim consultants of Tampa were hired by Manatee County to develop the Neighborhood Action Plan as a way for Rubonia to become eligible for federal Community Development Block Grant.
Residents in the neighborhood off U.S. 41 between Palmetto and Interstate 275 say Rubonia has long been neglected by the county with its lack of sidewalks and ditches and a shuttered community center.
Mary Brown, chairwoman of the Rubonia Community Association, said she is certain the community really appreciates county personnel helping people fill out the surveys.
"They need to have the input in what is actually happening in Rubonia," Brown said. "I can't do it by myself. The community has to get on board and say they are really interested in what is happening here."
By the end of June, the neighborhood action plan is expected to be approved by the county commission and then submitted to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Rubonia became ineligible for federal community development funds due to the lack of response from Rubonia residents to the 2010 census, as well as increased development of mobile home parks around the Rubonia area.
In the 1990 and the 2000 census, the Rubonia area was eligible for CDBG funding.
In the survey, residents answer a series of questions, including income, and whether they rent or own their home.
Derrick Randall, who grew up in Rubonia, contacted the county to see about finding a way to help residents, who may not have access to the internet or need help filling out the survey.
"The people of Rubonia are really not technical," he said. "It's just been a volunteer system. Everybody seems to really want to work together."
Deleon said the county wants to help in anyway they can.
"Whatever it takes to try to help the neighborhood," she said.
Claire Aronson, Manatee County reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7024. Follow her on Twitter @Claire_Aronson.
This story was originally published April 28, 2016 at 11:22 PM with the headline "Rubonia residents participate in developing Neighborhood Action Plan ."