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San Diego Announces $7.6 Million Community Development Project

Mayor Kevin Faulconer, who frequently touts his focus on the city’s low-income neighborhoods, says he has shifted the use of such money toward infrastructure.

(TNS) — San Diego City Council members are scheduled Tuesday to approve several infrastructure projects they will pay for with Community Development Block Grants — federal money geared for low-income areas.

The $7.6 million in projects includes upgrades to recreation centers, police stations, a municipal pool and a library.

Mayor Kevin Faulconer, who frequently touts his focus on the city’s low-income neighborhoods, stressed Monday that he has shifted use of such money more toward infrastructure.

"This is about using tax dollars smarter so there’s a larger investment in our neighborhoods," Faulconer said. "In my first days in office two years ago we reformed this program, and now it’s paying off in a big way for our local libraries, rec centers and other neighborhood infrastructure."

Before the change, San Diego had been spending about $750,000 per year of its federal block grant money on neighborhood improvements.

Among the upgrades is $500,000 for a new Teen Technology Center at the Valencia Park/Malcolm X Library. The project, which also got a $1 million donation from the Legler Benbough Foundation, will include new computers and a recording studio.

Councilwoman Myrtle Cole, who represents the area, praised the project.

"It will be an opportunity for the next generation to learn in a hands-on interactive atmosphere, and prepare themselves to innovate, create and change future technology," she said.

Other projects funded by the $7.6 million include $5 million for the Park de la Cruz Community Center, $676,000 for the Mid-City and Southeastern police stations, $519,000 for the Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center and Pool, $430,000 for the City Heights Recreation Center and $150,000 for the Neil Good Day Center.

The city will receive about $3.3 million in additional block grant money that is slated primarily for homeless services provided by the San Diego Housing Commission. The rest will be contributions to nonprofit groups such as Meals on Wheels and the Alpha Project.

©2016 The San Diego Union-Tribune Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.