Golfair Estates, a new 15-unit affordable housing subdivision spearheaded by the Northwest Jacksonville Community Development Corporation (NJCDC), received 1000 Friends of Florida's 2008 Better Community Award on May 28, 2008. The award esd presented by 1000 Friends President Charles Pattison at the Florida Community Development Association 2008 Annual Training Conference in Jacksonville. "Golfair Estates provides a model for how to integrate affordable housing into an existing community," notes Pattison. Paul Tutwiler, Executive Director of the NJCDC, accepted the award on behalf of Golfair Estates. "NJCDC takes great pleasure in bringing communities into the Twenty-first Century."

The NJCDC worked with area residents to develop the 29th and Chase Neighborhood Action Plan that was adopted by the Jacksonville City Council in 2004. The plan required redevelopment of vacant and condemned properties, uniform building design standards, and parks and recreation. The NJCDC then spearheaded construction of Golfair Estates. This new development replaces an overgrown, trash-filled field and blighted housing that originally had been built as World War II military barracks but were being leased as low-income rental properties.

Once Golfair Estates was constructed, the NJCDC helped establish the Golfair Estates Homeowner's Association, which has hosted a landscaping day and other events. To assist the families with credit repair so they are eligible for first time homebuyer programs, the NJCDC also partners with two non-profit agencies that provide financial counseling to families.

"NJCDC's determination to build environmentally and consumer friendly homes is impressive," said Joni Foster, Executive Director of Jacksonville LISC, who nominated NJCDC for the award. "They care about the homeowner and the community."

Since the construction of Golfair Estates, appraised house values in the area have risen from $70,000 in 2003 to $130,000 in 2008. The overall community has experienced a reduction in crime, and community residents have rehabilitated individual properties near Golfair Estates. The area is also attracting families needing no government subsidies, resulting in a mixed income community. Golfair Estates exceeds local energy standards and is rated as "Energy Star." Each house also has high-speed internet capability.

1000 Friends' Better Community Award is presented annually for plans that have been implemented and projects that are completed that use the principles of smart growth to create livable, vital environments. "Golfair Estates evolved out of a citizen-driven plan, and shows how compatible infill development can help contribute to the revitalization of an existing community," noted Pattison. "We commend the residents of the 29th and Chase Neighborhood and the NJCDC for their vision."

1000 Friends of Florida is also presenting five other awards over the course of 2008. It has been presenting awards for innovative growth management efforts since 1990.