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Gifford Neighborhood Plan Analysis ➢ Summary Generally, Gifford's poor housing problems are located in East Gifford and are, to a large degree, caused by absentee landlords and a relatively low proportion of owner occupied homes. To improve the housing situation, the county must coordinate the COPE and Code Enforcement Programs to encourage better maintenance of residential buildings. Those programs should focus on properties owned by absentee landlords. To encourage home ownership, and improve housing conditions in Gifford, several programs must be coordinated and expanded. Those programs include the SHIP Program, Habitat for Humanity, the CDBG Program, and others. Most of these activities should focus on East Gifford. Neighborhood Commercial Activity Centers In Gifford, successful development and redevelopment must include several components. One of those components, as discussed in the Housing Analysis, is improvement of the housing stock. Another component is renovating commercial establishments. Both of these components are necessary to prevent or reverse neighborhood deterioration. For that reason, the residential and commercial areas of Gifford have a complementary relationship. In Gifford, one component of successful development and redevelopment will be the creation of vital Neighborhood Commercial Activity Centers. Neighborhood Activity Centers can be entertainment centers, schools, business districts, and public parks and plazas. Two areas of Gifford already function as Neighborhood Activity Centers. The primary one is located near the southwest corner of 49th Street and 43`d Avenue. That area contains the Gifford Youth Activity Center, the Gifford Community Center, Gifford Park, and the Gifford Aquatic Center. Other Activity Centers in Gifford are the existing commercial/retail areas along 45th and 43`d Streets near Old Dixie Highway. Those areas contain a small mix of restaurants, bars, bottle clubs, service establishments, convenience stores, and shops. Despite the fact that some of those establishments are currently poorly-maintained and run-down, the 43`d Street and 45th Street Corridors have the potential to be redeveloped as Neighborhood Commercial Activity Centers. These types of neighborhood centers are often community focal points and gathering spots. Frequently, they are the location of a community's significant public buildings, parks, or art. As such, Neighborhood Activity Centers often foster a sense of place and N Community Development Department Indian River County 42 W