Lakeland CRA begins Restore the Core initiative

Help the Community Redevelopment Agency update the plans for its three core areas by sharing your feedback.

Screen Shot 2019-04-03 at 1.52.46 PM

The CRA’s goal is to spark development through investment in core areas of Lakeland.

Photo via Rut Patel

When it comes to fitness, it all starts with a strong core. The Lakeland Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) is following that strategy with its Restore the Core initiative, which it calls “a commitment to restore, reinvest in, and re-energize the heart of our community.”

Through Restore the Core, the CRA will use feedback from Lakelanders to update the Community Redevelopment Plans for its three districts: Downtown, Dixieland, and Midtown. The latest plans were written as early as 2001. Now, the CRA is looking to discover which community characteristics, concerns, and improvements will guide its investments.

A map of Lakeland showing different colored zones and icons, which represent the districts in the Restore the Core project.

The three CRA districts cover 5,000+ acres, and you can pinpoint spots on the interactive map.

There are several ways to have your say before the first draft plan is written. Take the online survey, drop your feedback in an interactive map, or meet the CRA at in-person events. It all starts with an Open House at the RP Funding Center on Thursday, Nov. 6 from 6 to 9 p.m.

More from LALtoday
We hear readers’ hopes for future Lakeland eateries all the time. Now, we’re compiling them all into a restaurant wishlist to see which foodie dreams come true.
From improving quality of life to wins for local businesses, find out how Lakeland measured up in last year’s rankings.
Avelo Airlines announced plans for two additional aircraft at its Lakeland International Airport base, as well as more flights on its schedule.
Create the city you want to live in by applying to serve in these volunteer roles.
Airbnb released its travel trends predictions for the year — here’s how you can take part, starting in Lakeland.
Has anyone seen Frosty? He was around here somewhere...
From lifting weights and personal training to dance fitness and spin classes — we’ve rounded up 25+ gyms and fitness offerings around Swan City.
We compiled all of the feedback from our Giving Campaign to learn what readers love most and want to see more of in our newsletters. Here’s a peek at what they said.
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
Here’s the deal — the thrift and vintage shopping scene is stellar in Swan City.